pressurized water reactor
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A pressurized water reactor is a type of nuclear reactor in which water, kept under high pressure to prevent it from boiling, is used as both a coolant to remove heat from the reactor core and a moderator to slow down neutrons. The heat from this primary water loop is transferred to a secondary loop, where it generates steam to drive a turbine for electricity production.
Usage
This term is used specifically in the context of nuclear energy and power generation. - It describes a common design for commercial nuclear power plants. - It is often abbreviated as PWR.
Examples
- The country's newest power station utilizes a pressurized water reactor.
- Safety protocols for a pressurized water reactor are extremely rigorous.
- Compared to other designs, the pressurized water reactor has a distinct containment structure.
Advanced Usage
- The term is used in technical comparisons, such as between a pressurized water reactor (PWR) and a boiling water reactor (BWR).
- It can be part of discussions on nuclear reactor technology, safety, and efficiency.
Variants and Related Words
- PWR: The standard acronym for pressurized water reactor.
- Reactor pressure vessel: The key component that contains the reactor core and the pressurized coolant.
- Primary loop / circuit: The closed system where pressurized water circulates through the reactor core.
- Secondary loop / circuit: The separate system where steam is generated to drive the turbine.
Synonyms
- Light-water reactor (LWR): A broader category of reactors that use ordinary water, which includes both pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors.
Related Phrases
- Nuclear power plant: A facility that houses one or more nuclear reactors, including pressurized water reactors, for generating electricity.
- Coolant and moderator: A phrase describing the dual function of the water in a pressurized water reactor.
Noun
- a nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator; the steam produced can drive a steam turbine