Pressurized-Water Reactor and Reactor Vessel
| Pressurized-Water Reactor (PWR) |
| In a typical commercial pressurized light-water reactor (1) the reactor core generates heat, (2) pressurized-water in the primary coolant loop carries the heat to the steam generator, (3) inside the steam generator heat from the primary coolant loop vaporizes the water in a secondary loop producing steam, (4) the steam line directs the steam to the main turbine causing it to turn the turbine generator, which produces electricity. The unused steam is exhausted to the condenser where it is condensed into water. The resulting water is pumped out of the condenser with a series of pumps, reheated, and pumped back to the steam generator. The reactors core contains fuel assemblies which are cooled by water, which is force-circulated by electrically powered pumps. Emergency cooling water is supplied by other pumps, which can be powered by onsite diesel generators. Other safety systems, such as the containment cooling system, also need power. |
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Sources: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
| Reactor Vessel |
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Sources: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
Contact: John Moens
Email: John.Moens@eia.doe.gov
Phone: (202) 287-1976