Renewable energies-LEC9

Nuclear power plants
A generating station in which nuclear energy is converted into electrical energy is known as a nuclear power station In nuclear power station, heavy elements such as Uranium (U235) or Thorium (Th232) are subjected to nuclear fission in a special apparatus known as a reactor. The heat energy thus released is utilized in raising steam at high temperature and pressure. The steam runs the steam turbine which converts steam energy into mechanical energy. The turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The most important feature of a nuclear power station is that huge amount of electrical energy can be produced from a relatively small amount of nuclear fuel as compared to other conventional types of power stations.
Working:
? Nuclear power stations work in pretty much the same way as fossil fuel-burning stations, except that a “chain reaction” inside a nuclear reactor makes the heat instead.
? The reactor uses Uranium rods as fuel, and the heat is generated by nuclear fission. Neutrons smash into the nucleus of the uranium atoms, which split roughly in half and release energy in the form of heat.
? Carbon dioxide gas is pumped through the reactor to take the heat away, and the hot gas then heats water to make steam
? The steam drives turbines which drive generators. Modern nuclear power stations use the same type of turbines and generators as conventional power stations.