Nuclear Power Plants
Nuclear power plants are vital in providing energy, powering 1 in 5 homes and businesses in the U.S. At their core, these facilities use uranium, which is mined and processed into fuel rods containing solid ceramic pellets. Through the process of nuclear fission, atoms are split, releasing neutrons and heat. This heat converts water into steam, which spins turbine blades connected to generators, producing electricity. Safety is a key priority, with engineered containment systems, including thick steel and concrete walls to prevent radiation exposure.
Nuclear Power Plants
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Presentation Transcript
Nuclear Power PlantTurbine and Generator Steam Spinning turbine blades and generator Boiling water
Fuel Rods Filled With Pellets Are Grouped Into Fuel Assemblies
Spit atoms Neutrons Uranium atom Nuclear Energy Comes From Fission
Heat Neutrons Splitting Atoms Releases Neutrons, Making Heat
Steam Generator Steam produced Turbine Electricity Heat Heat Produces Steam, Generating Electricity
Controlling the Chain Reaction Fuel Assemblies Control rods Withdraw control rods, reaction increases Insert control rods, reaction decreases
Steam Pressurized Water Reactor
Safety Is Engineered Into Reactor Designs Containment Vessel 1.5-inch thick steel Shield Building Wall 3 foot thick reinforced concrete Dry Well Wall 5 foot thick reinforced concrete Bio Shield 4 foot thick leaded concrete with 1.5-inch thick steel lining inside and out Reactor Vessel 4 to 8 inches thick steel Reactor Fuel Weir Wall 1.5 foot thick concrete
