Nuclear Power Plant Types

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Questions and Answers

Which type of reactor uses light water as a coolant?

Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) (correct)

Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) (correct)

Heavy Water Reactor

Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR)

What percentage of nuclear power plants worldwide are Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) based on their number?

14%

63% (correct)

20%

70%

Which reactor type uses heavy water as both a coolant and moderator?

High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR)

Sodium Fast Breeder Reactor

Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor (GCFR)

CANDU Reactor (correct)

Which of the following reactors is classified as a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)?

Boiling Water Reactor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature that differentiates Gas-Cooled Reactors from Light Water Reactors?

Coolant medium Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reactor has the highest number of installations worldwide?

Pressurized water reactor (PWR) Signup and view all the answers

What coolant is used in pressurized water reactors?

Water Signup and view all the answers

Which reactor type utilizes natural uranium as fuel?

Pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) Signup and view all the answers

What is the operating pressure of the primary circuit in a pressurized water reactor?

15.5 MPa Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the moderator in a nuclear reactor?

To slow down neutrons Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is used as a coolant in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGR)?

Helium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reactors is primarily used in Canada and India?

Pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) Signup and view all the answers

What type of fuel is used in boiling water reactors (BWR)?

Enriched uranium dioxide (UO2) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of the Boiling Water Reactor compared to other types?

Requires less pumping power Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum operating pressure of the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor?

10 MPa Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the RBMK reactor is incorrect?

It requires high enrichment fuel. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the fuel channel design in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors?

It allows for on-line refueling. Signup and view all the answers

Why is saturated steam in the Boiling Water Reactor considered effective for heat removal?

It can carry more thermal energy at lower pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using the Boiling Water Reactor?

Components need to be shielded from radiation. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic features the reactor design used in RBMK reactors?

Channelized large power reactor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fuels is primarily used in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors?

Natural uranium Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nuclear Power Plant Types

Primarily, pressurized water reactors (PWR) dominate nuclear power plants worldwide, accounting for ~70% by number and ~74% by output. Boiling water reactors (BWR) follow, constituting ~14% by number and ~16% by output (data from 2015).

Reactor Types and Characteristics

Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR):
- Coolant: Water (H₂O)
- Fuel: Enriched Uranium Oxide (UO₂)
- Operating Conditions: Primary pressure 15.5 MPa (~320°C), Secondary pressure 7.4 MPa (~290°C), Efficiency ~33%.
- Components: Reactor vessel, steam generator, coolant pump, pressurizer.
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR):
- Coolant: Water (H₂O)
- Fuel: Enriched Uranium Oxide (UO₂)
- Direct cycle, requiring less pressure and thickness in the reactor vessel compared to PWRs.
- Operating conditions: Operating pressure ~7.2 MPa or 900 psi, Tout = 290°C , cf) PWR 15 Mpa.
- Components: Reactor vessel, steam generator, coolant pump, jet pump.
Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR):
- Moderator: Heavy Water (D₂O)
- Fuel: Natural Uranium (no enrichment needed)
- Designed for Canada.
- Features: Larger core, separate moderator and coolant, higher pressure tubes at 10 MPa, 310 °C max.
CANDU: A type of PHWR, known for its on-line refueling capability.
Gas-Cooled Reactor (GCR):
- Coolant: Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
- Fuel: Natural Uranium
- Graphite moderator
- Features: Chemically stable at temperatures below 540°C.
- Notable Type: AGR (Advanced gas-cooled reactor).
Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (AGR):
- Type of Gas-Cooled reactor.
Fast Neutron Reactor (FBR):
- Type of breeder reactor; uses fast neutrons, breeder of fissile plutonium from fertile U isotopes
High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR):
- Features: very high operating temperatures, use helium gas as coolant, graphite moderator
Russian Reactor Designs:
- RBMK: Channeled, graphite-moderated, boiling water reactor, two-loop coolant system, online refueling. Low enrichment requirements (~2% enriched U).
- VVER: A Russian designed pressurized water reactor, with and without containment. VVER 440 (no containment), VVER 1000 (with containment).

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Description

This quiz explores the different types of nuclear power plants, focusing on Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWR). Learn about their characteristics, components, and operational parameters. Test your knowledge on the global distribution and significance of these reactors.