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The heat generated in the core is to be removed for being used to heat water to generate steam and eventual generation of electricity. The thermal energy is removed by a liquid coolant that flows throgh pipes in the reactor core. Based on the method used for exatracting fission energy from the core of the reactor, there are two primary types of reactor. They are |
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Boiling - Water Reactor (BWR) |
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In a boiling water reactor, water in pipes circulates inside the core. The water gets heated, generates steam which is then used to drive turbines. As the water enters the core, there is a possibility of its becoming radioactive. Further, in case of a rapture of the pipe due to extreme heat, it could lead to accidents. |
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Pressurized - Water Reactor (PWR) |
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In these reactors water is extracted in two steps. The primary coolant, as in the case of BWR circulates inside the core. However, the water circulates under great pressure so that it does not become steam. The heat is transferred through a heat exchanger to a secondary coolant, which may be used to drive a turbine. As the secondary coolant does not enter the core, it does not become radioactive. |
