"congress should promote research into the next generation of nuclear plants and encourage...

"Congress should promote research into the next generation of nuclear plants and encourage investment in existing nuclear plants to expand a clean and unlimited source of energy."

- President George W. Bush, Speech at Central Aluminum, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 30, 2003

Nuclear Energy

-the world's largest source of emission-free energy. -nuclear power plants produce no controlled air pollutants, such as sulfur and particulates, or greenhouse gases. - the use of nuclear energy in place of other energy sources helps to keep the air clean, preserve the Earth's climate, avoid ground-level ozone formation and prevent acid rain.”

- Nuclear Energy Institute, November 2003, http://www.nei.org

Source: http://canteach.candu.org/

Pressurized Water Reactor Diagram

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Animated

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Boiling Water Reactor Diagram

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

PWR Diagram w/ 3 Turbines

The Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) Animated

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Reactor Coolant System• The system used to remove

energy from the reactor core and transfer that energy either directly or indirectly to the steam turbine.

• Varies with what kind of reactor is used. PWR versus BWR

Main Steam System

• Works with feedwater system, turbine and condenser

• Carries heat energy to be converted into rotational energy in turbine shaft

• Valves are connected into the main steam pipes: safety relief valves (against overpressure in vessels)

Condensate-Feedwater System