Nuclear Power Plant

Two types of nuclear reactors that are widely used -
Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) -

This type of reactor uses regular water as coolant. The coolant (water) is
kept at very high pressure so that it does not boil. The heated water is
transferred through heat exchanger where water from secondary
coolant loop is converted into steam. Thus the secondary loop is
completely free from radioactive stuff. In a PWR, the coolant water itself
acts as a moderator. Due to these advantages, pressurised water
reactors are most commonly used.
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) -

In this type of reactor only one coolant loop is present. The water is
allowed to boil in the reactor. The steam is generated as it heads out of
the reactor and then flows through the steam turbine. One major
disadvantage of a BWR is that, the coolant water comes in direct contact
with fuel rods as well as the turbine. So, there is a possibility that
radioactive material could be placed on the turbine.
Main components of nuclear power plants: Working
i) Moderators
In any chain reaction, the neutrons produced are fast moving
neutrons.
These are less effective in causing fission of U235 and they try
to escape from the reactor.
It is thus implicit that speed of these neutrons must be
reduced if their effectiveness is carrying out fission is to
be increased.
This is done by making these neutrons collide with lighter
nuclei of other materials, which does not absorb these
neutrons but simply scatter them.
Each collision causes loss of energy and thus the speed of
neutrons is reduced. Such a material is call a moderator.
The neutrons thus slowed down are easily captured by the
fuel element at the chain reaction proceeds slowly.
ii) Reflectors
Some of the neutrons produced during fission will be partly
absorbed by the fuel elements, moderator, coolant and other
materials. The remaining neutrons will try to escape from the
reactor and will be lost. Such losses are minimized by
surrounding (lining) the reactor core with a material called a
reflector which will reflect the neutrons back to the core.
They improve the neutron economy.
iii) Shielding
During Nuclear fission particles and neutrons are also
produced. They are harmful to human life. Therefore it is
necessary to shield the reactor with thick layers of lead, or
concrete to protect both the operating personnel as well as
environment from radiation hazards.
iv) Cladding
In order to prevent the contamination of the coolant by
fission products, the fuel element is covered with a protective
coating. This is known as cladding. Control rods are used to
control the reaction to prevent it from becoming violent. They
control the reaction by absorbing neutrons. These rods are
made of boron or cadmium. Whenever the reaction needs to
be stopped, the rods are fully inserted and placed against
their seats and when the reaction is to be started the rods are
pulled out.
v) Coolant The main purpose of the coolant in the reactor is
to transfer the heat produced inside the reactor. The same
heat carried by the coolant is used in the heat exchanger for
further utilization in the power generation. Some of the
desirable properties of good coolant are listed below
1. It must not absorb the neutrons.
2. It must have high chemical and radiation stability
3. It must be non-corrosive.
4. It must have high boiling point (if liquid) and low melting
point (if solid)
5. It must be non-oxidizing and non-toxic. The above-
mentioned properties are essential to keep the reactor
core in safe condition as well as for the better functioning
of the content.
6. It must also have high density, low viscosity, high
conductivity and high specific heat. These properties are
essential for better heat transfer and low pumping power.
The water, heavy water, gas (He, CO2), a metal in liquid
form (Na) and an organic liquid are used as coolants.
The coolant not only carries large amounts of heat from the
core but also keeps the fuel assemblies at a safe
temperature to avoid their melting and destruction.
vi) Nuclear Reactor
A nuclear reactor may be regarded as a substitute for the
boiler fire box of a steam power plant. Heat is produced in
the reactor due to nuclear fission of the fuel U235. The
heat liberated in the reactor is taken up by the coolant
circulating through the core. Hot coolant leaves the
reactor at top and flows into the steam generator (boiler).
Radiation hazards and Shieldings
The reactor is a source of intense radioactivity. These
radiations are very harmful to human life. It requires strong
control to ensure that this radioactivity is not released into
the atmosphere to avoid atmospheric pollution. A thick
concrete shielding and a pressure vessel are provided to
prevent the escape of these radiations to atmosphere.
vii) Steam generator

The steam generator is fed with feed water which is converted
into steam by the heat of the hot coolant. The purpose of the
coolant is to transfer the heat generated in the reactor core
and use it for steam generation. Ordinary water or heavy
water is a common coolant.
viii) Turbine
The steam produced in the steam generator is passed to the
turbine and work is done by the expansion of steam in the
turbine.
ix) Coolant pump and Feed pump

The steam from the turbine flows to the condenser where
cooling water is circulated. Coolant pump and feed pump are
provided to maintain the flow of coolant and feed water
respectively.
Advantages of Nuclear Power Plant
The various advantages of a nuclear power plant are as
follows:
1. Space requirement of a nuclear power plant is less as
compared to other conventional power plants is of equal
size.
2. A nuclear power plant consumes very small quantity of
fuel. Thus fuel transportation cost is less and large fuel
storage facilities are not needed Further the nuclear
power plants will conserve the fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas
etc.) for other energy need.
3. There is increased reliability of operation.
4. Nuclear power plants are not affected by adverse weather
conditions.
5. Nuclear power plants are well suited to meet large power
demands. They give better performance at higher load
5. Nuclear power plants are well suited to meet large power
demands. They give better performance at higher load
factors (80 to 90%).
6. Materials expenditure on metal structures, piping, storage
mechanisms are much lower for a nuclear power plant
than a coal burning power plant.
For example for a 100 MW nuclear power plant the weight of
machines and mechanisms, weight of metal structures,
weight of pipes and fittings and weight of masonry and
bricking up required are nearly 700 tonnes, 900 tonnes, 200
tonnes and 500 tonnes respectively whereas for a 100 MW
coal burning power plant the corresponding value are 2700
tonnes, 1250 tonnes, 300 tonnes and 1500 tonnes
respectively. Further area of construction site required aired
for 100 MW nuclear power plant is 5 hectares whereas was
for a 100 MW coal burning power plant the area of
construction site is nearly 15 hectares. 7. It does not require
large quantity of water.
Disadvantages
1. Initial cost of nuclear power plant is higher as compared to
hydro or steam power plant.
2. Nuclear power plants are not well suited for varying load
conditions.
3. Radioactive wastes if not disposed carefully may have bad
effect on the health of workers and other population. In a
nuclear power plant the major problem faced is the
disposal of highly radioactive waste in form of liquid, solid
and gas without any injury to the atmosphere. The
preservation of waste for a long time creates lot of
difficulties and requires huge capital.
4. Maintenance cost of the plant is high.
5. It requires trained personnel to handle nuclear power
plants.

Nuclear Power Plant

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Nuclear Power Plant

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Two types of nuclear reactors that are widely used -

Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) -

Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) -

vii) Steam generator

ix) Coolant pump and Feed pump

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