Nuclear Power Systems: Basic Information about its Components
A nuclear power plant utilizes the nuclear fission reaction to produce electricity. It uses nuclear reactors and the Rankine cycle to convert water to steam from the heat given out by the reactors. This steam spins a turbine and helps generate electricity. The energy produced by nuclear power systems accounts for over ten percent of the electricity being generated around the world. The biggest producers of nuclear energy at present are France and the United States. Various Elements of Nuclear Power Systems Given below are the components involved in a nuclear power plant along with the manner in which they work together to produce electricity: Nuclear Reactor It is a vital component of a nuclear power system because it has the fuel and is responsible for both the nuclear chain reaction and the waste products generated in the process. Many plants use a radiation counting system to ensure everything is going smoothly inside the nuclear reactor. Furthermore, it provides the ...
