What is nuclear power?

Nuclear electric power generation

Use of thermal energy released by nuclear fission in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. It is very similar to thermal power generation. Only nuclear reactors and steam generators are used instead of thermal power generators, and nuclear fission energy replaces the chemical energy of fossil fuels. Except for boiling water reactors (see light water reactors), other types of power reactors are all heated by the core of the primary coolant. In the steam generator, the heat is transferred to the secondary or tertiary circuit water, and steam is then formed to push the steam. Wheel generator. The boiling water reactor is the coolant of the primary circuit that is turned into a saturated steam of about 70 atmospheres by the core heating, and directly drives the turbine generator after separating the steam and water and drying it.

Nuclear power generation principle The energy of nuclear power generation comes from the fission energy released by the fission reaction of a fissile material (nuclear fuel) in a nuclear reactor. The fission reaction refers to the process in which heavy elements such as *-235, *-239, and *-233 split into two fragments under the action of neutrons, and emit neutrons and a large amount of energy at the same time. In the reaction, the fissile's nuclei undergo fission after absorbing one neutron and release two or three neutrons. If these neutrons are depleted, at least one neutron can cause the fission of another atomic nuclei, allowing fission to proceed spontaneously. This reaction is called a chain fission reaction. The realization of chain reaction is the premise of nuclear power generation.

To produce nuclear energy from a reactor, the following four problems need to be solved: 1 Provide the necessary conditions for the nuclear fission chain reaction so that it can be carried out. 2 The chain reaction must be controlled by people through certain devices. Uncontrolled fission energy can not only be used to generate electricity, but also cause disasters. 3 The energy generated by the fission reaction must be safely removed from the reactor. 4 The neutrons and radioactive materials produced in the fission reaction are harmful to the human body, and they must try to avoid their harm to nuclear power station workers and nearby residents.