My Diagram on Nuclear Reactors

In summary, the conversation discusses a diagram created to advocate for the use of nuclear reactors. The diagram shows a simplified schematic of a PWR, with suggestions for improvement such as making the heat exchanger/steam generator and turbines proportionally larger. It is also suggested to use different size arrows in red and blue to indicate output power and to add an ultimate heat sink to the condenser. The conversation also mentions the typical components of a nuclear reactor such as high and low pressure turbines, a condenser, and a generator. These components are located in an auxiliary building attached to the containment building, where the reactor vessel and steam generators are housed.
  • #1
Luke Koebler
1
0
I created a diagram on nuclear reactors to advocate for the use of it. Tell me if you see anything I should change.
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2015-12-10 at 10.06.06 PM.png
    Screen Shot 2015-12-10 at 10.06.06 PM.png
    23.4 KB · Views: 532
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
The diagram provides a simplified schematic of a PWR. The heat exchanger/steam generator could be proportionally larger, and turbines would be also larger.
 
  • #3
The idea in the diagram looks OK.
It might be improved by instead of one small arrow indicating output power,
you could have a few different size different size arrows in red or blue (red+. blue -), to show what is going on overall.
 
  • #4
You may also want to add an ultimate heat sink to the condensor. A large river, the sea or cooling towers are typical.
 
  • #5
There is normally a high pressure turbine and set of low pressure turbines.

Steam goes from the Steam Generator to the HP turbine, and from the HP turbine to the LP turbines. The condenser sits under the low pressure turbines where low pressure steam (or water vapor) is condensed back to liquid to be pumped back to the steam generator.

The turbine shaft is coupled to a generator, and the generator is coupled to the grid via a switch yard where transformers step up the voltage for transmission.

The condenser exchanges heat with a cooling tower, river or lake, i.e., the environment.

The turbines, condenser and generator are located in an auxiliary building which is attached to the containment building. The reactor vessel and steam generators are in the containment building.
 

1. What is a nuclear reactor?

A nuclear reactor is a device that generates electricity by harnessing the energy produced from nuclear reactions. It uses nuclear fuel, such as uranium, to produce heat, which is then used to create steam and power turbines that generate electricity.

2. How does a nuclear reactor work?

A nuclear reactor works by controlling nuclear reactions to produce heat. The nuclear fuel is placed in the reactor core, where it is bombarded by neutrons, causing fission reactions to occur. These reactions release energy in the form of heat, which is used to heat water and produce steam. The steam then drives turbines, which in turn produce electricity.

3. What are the benefits of nuclear reactors?

Nuclear reactors have several benefits, including their ability to generate large amounts of electricity with minimal environmental impact. They do not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases, and they have a small physical footprint compared to other energy sources. Additionally, nuclear energy is considered a reliable and stable source of energy as it is not dependent on weather conditions.

4. What are the risks associated with nuclear reactors?

The main risk associated with nuclear reactors is the potential for accidents or meltdowns, which can release harmful radiation into the environment. However, modern reactors have advanced safety features and regulations in place to prevent these events from occurring. Another concern is the disposal of nuclear waste, which remains radioactive for thousands of years and must be carefully managed.

5. How is nuclear energy regulated?

Nuclear energy is regulated by government agencies, such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the United States. These agencies set safety standards and regulations for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear reactors. They also oversee the handling and disposal of nuclear waste and regularly inspect and monitor nuclear facilities to ensure compliance with regulations.

Similar threads

  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
30
Views
807
Replies
5
Views
657
  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Nuclear Engineering
2
Replies
45
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
847
  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top