uclear power is a technology which extracts usable energy from atomic nuclei via controlled nuclear reactions – normally atomic fission.
The process takes place in a nuclear-fuelled power plant, where – much like in a fossil-fuelled power plant – water is turned into steam, which drives turbine generators to produce electricity.
The difference between the two power plants is the heat source.
Nuclear power produces electricity by splitting uranium atoms which generate phenomenal heat.
This is called fission.
This heat is used to create the steam which powers the generators.
There is no combustion in a nuclear reactor, just the constant splitting of atoms which produces manageable heat.
Either a pressurised water reactor or boiling water reactor is used, but regardless which type of reactor is used to generate heat, the conditions under which they do are extremely hostile.
This means that the finest Stainless Steel pipes and tubing are required so that they can deal with constantly high pressures and temperatures.
