Mechanism of Nuclear Power

Generation
• In nuclear power plants, uranium fuel undergoes nuclear
fission and generates an enormous amount of heat. The
heat makes high-temperature and high-pressure steam
that rotates turbines to generate electricity. Japan’s
electric utilities currently operate 52 light water reactors.
• Light Water Reactor (LWR)
LWRs use light water (normal water) as coolant and
moderator.
– Moderator reduces the speed of neutrons produced in nuclear
fission to facilitate further fission reaction and sustain a chain
reaction.
– Coolant removes heat produced during nuclear fission from a
reactor core.
•
• There are two types of LWRs — a boiling water reactor
(BWR) and a pressurized water reactor (PWR). Each
type is adopted in almost equal numbers in Japan.
• (1)Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) The same water loop
serves as a steam source for turbines.
• A reactor pressure vessel is made of steel and fuel
assemblies are installed inside.
• A control rod controls the power of a nuclear reactor. By
inserting control rods, excessive fission is prevented.
• A reactor containment vessel, made of steel,
accommodates a reactor pressure vessel.
• (2)Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) The primary
water loop transmits heat through the tube walls
to the surrounding water of the secondary cooling
system to generate steam and rotate turbines.
• A pressurizer keeps pressure in the primary
cooling system to prevent high-temperature water
from boiling.
• Steam generator: High-temperature water from
the primary cooling system flows through the
inner side of the heat exchanger tubes,
transmitting heat through the tube walls to the
surrounding water of the secondary cooling
system to generate steam.
•
 Solar Power Generation Systems

• Solar modules capture solar energy and generate direct current

(DC) electricity. Inverters (power conditioners) convert DC into AC
(alternating current) to run many common appliances and
equipment.
• Photovoltaic (Solar Cell) Modules A photovoltaic module
transforms solar energy into electricity.
• Inverter (Power Conditioner) The inverter converts DC electricity
generated by the photovoltaic module into AC electricity and
automatically controls the entire system.
• Indoor Distribution Panel The panel delivers appropriate electric
loads to household electrical appliances.
• Watt-Hour Meters The amount of excess electricity sold and
electricity purchased are calculated from the respective watt hour
meters in Japan.