The schematic provides an overview of the key stages in power production in a nuclear power plant. The process can be divided into two main parts: the generation of power from nuclear fuel and a water cooling system to prevent a meltdown.
To start, the nuclear reaction takes place inside a containment building in order to prevent the leakage of radioactive material. The process begins when uranium fuel is passed through two generators, producing steam. Next, the steam is forced under pressure down pipes to a turbine, which it spins. This spinning produces power in a generator, which then passes through a transformer, converting it to a voltage suitable for the power grid. Lastly, the power is distributed to local infrastructure, such as residential and commercial buildings.
During the electricity production process, there is a risk that the turbine will overheat, so there is a cooling system included in the design. Firstly, a nearby external water source is connected to the turbine via pipes, allowing cold water to pass around it and keep its temperature within a desirable range. Finally, the steam produced by this cooling is released into the atmosphere though large cooling towers.
The schematic provides an overview of the key stages in
power
production in a nuclear
power
plant. The process can
be divided
into two main parts: the generation of
power
from nuclear fuel and a water
cooling
system to
prevent
a meltdown.
To
start
, the nuclear reaction takes place inside a containment building in order to
prevent
the leakage of radioactive material. The process
begins
when uranium fuel
is passed
through two generators, producing steam.
Next
, the steam
is forced
under pressure down pipes to a turbine, which it spins. This spinning produces
power
in a generator, which then passes through a transformer, converting it to a voltage suitable for the
power
grid.
Lastly
, the
power
is distributed
to local infrastructure, such as residential and commercial buildings.
During the electricity production process, there is a
risk
that the turbine will overheat,
so
there is a
cooling
system included in the design.
Firstly
, a nearby external water source
is connected
to the turbine via pipes, allowing
cold
water to pass around it and
keep
its temperature within a desirable range.
Finally
, the steam produced by this
cooling
is released
into the atmosphere though large
cooling
towers.