Keeduveereaktorid

Keeduveereaktorid, also known as boiling water reactors (BWRs), are a type of light-water nuclear reactor used for generating electricity. They are one of the most common types of nuclear reactors worldwide. In a BWR, ordinary water is used as both the coolant and the moderator.

The fundamental principle of a BWR involves heating water in the reactor core to produce steam. This steam then directly drives a turbine, which in turn powers a generator to produce electricity. Unlike other reactor designs, the steam is generated directly within the reactor vessel itself, without the need for a separate steam generator.

The reactor core contains nuclear fuel, typically uranium dioxide pellets encased in zirconium alloy rods. When neutrons strike the uranium atoms, they undergo nuclear fission, releasing a significant amount of heat. This heat boils the surrounding water, creating the steam necessary for power generation. Control rods, made of neutron-absorbing materials, are used to regulate the fission rate and thus control the reactor's power output.

BWRs are designed with inherent safety features. The negative void coefficient means that as the water boils and turns into steam, the moderation decreases, which in turn slows down the fission reaction, acting as a natural safety mechanism. The primary cooling system is also simpler than in some other reactor designs due to the direct steam generation. Regular maintenance and adherence to strict safety protocols are crucial for the safe operation of any nuclear reactor, including BWRs.