boiling water reactor
Definition
Noun: A boiling water reactor is a type of nuclear reactor in which water serves the dual purpose of cooling the reactor core and moderating (slowing down) neutrons to sustain the nuclear fission chain reaction. The defining characteristic is that the water is allowed to boil directly within the reactor vessel, producing steam that is then used to drive a turbine for electricity generation.
Usage
The term is used as a technical noun to describe a specific design of nuclear power plant. - The utility company decided to build a new boiling water reactor to meet the region's energy demands. - Safety protocols for a boiling water reactor differ from those of a pressurized water reactor.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often abbreviated as BWR in technical and industry contexts.
- The engineer specialized in BWR fuel assembly design.
Variants and Related Words
- BWR: The standard acronym for Boiling Water Reactor.
- Light-water reactor (LWR): A broader category of reactors that use ordinary water, which includes both boiling water reactors and pressurized water reactors.
- Pressurized water reactor (PWR): A different common reactor design where the primary coolant water is kept under high pressure to prevent it from boiling within the core.
Synonyms
- BWR (acronym)
Related Phrases
- Reactor vessel: The large steel container that holds the reactor core and coolant in a BWR.
- Steam turbine: The machinery driven by the steam produced in a BWR to generate electricity.
Noun
-
a nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator; the water boils in the reactor core and the steam produced can drive a steam turbine
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