http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/P082_scr.pdfThe generation of electricity by nuclear power plant is described in detail. The nuclear power plant is clearly presented and described with diagrams.https://www.duke-energy.com/about-energy/generating-electricity/nuclear-how.asp

Boiling Water Reactors are known as "BWRs." In BWRs, the water heated by fission actually boils and turns into steam to turn the generator. In both types of plants, the steam is turned back into water and can be used again in the process.Radioactivity must be carefully managed because it can be dangerous if not handled properly. It can damage human cells or cause cancer over time. Since the fission process creates radioactivity, all nuclear power plants have many safety systems that protect workers, the public and the environment. For example, systems allow the fission process to be stopped and the reactor to be shut down quickly. Other systems cool the reactor and carry heat away from it. Barriers keep the radioactivity from escaping into the environment.In reactors, radioactive material is contained inside small ceramic pellets about the size of an adult's finger. They are placed in long metal rods inside a reactor vessel, which is enclosed in a concrete and steel containment building. These buildings have walls three to six feet thick!

What is nuclear power?Nuclear energy is a way of creating heat through the fission process of atoms. All power plants convert heat into electricity using steam. At nuclear power plants, the heat to make the steam is created when atoms split apart -- called fission. (Other types of power plants burn coal or oil for heat to make steam.)It also releases energy in the form of heat. The released neutrons can then repeat the process. This releases even more neutrons and more nuclear energy. The repeating of the process is called a chain reaction. In a nuclear power plant, uranium is the material used in the fission process.

The heat from fission boils water and creates steam to turn a turbine. As the turbine spins, the generator turns and its magnetic field produces electricity. The electricity can then be carried to your home, so you can work on the computer, watch television, play video games, or make toast!The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, also called the "NRC," regulates nuclear power plants. We make sure they are safe for people who work there and live nearby, and for the environment.The NRC also regulates nuclear material that is used in science, medicine and industry. We issue licenses to those who operate power plants or use nuclear material, and we inspect them to make sure they're following our rules.

Nuclear Energy Institute, How Nuclear Reactors Workhttp://www.nei.org/Knowledge-Center/How-Nuclear-Reactors-WorkTwo Types of UraniumNuclear fuel consists of two types of uranium, U-238 and U-235. Most of the uranium in nuclear fuel is U-238, but U-235 splitsor fissionseasily. In U-235 atoms, the nucleus, which is composed of protons and neutrons, is unstable. As the nuclei break up, they release neutrons.When the neutrons hit other uranium atoms, those atoms also split, releasing neutrons of their own, along with heat. These neutrons strike other atoms, splitting them. One fission triggers others, which triggers still more until there is a chain reaction. When that happens, fission becomes self-sustaining.Rods inserted among the tubes holding the uranium fuel control the nuclear reaction. Control rods, inserted or withdrawn to varying degrees, slow or accelerate the reaction.Water separates fuel tubes in the reactor. The heat produced by fission turns this water into steam. The steam drives a turbine, which spins a generator to create electricity.

Nuclear Energy: A Vital Part of Americas Energy PortfolioThe U.S. Department of Energy says America will need 28 percent more electricity by 2040and that means building hundreds of new facilities to generate electric power. Nuclear energy will play a role as the only available 24/7 option for generating large amounts of electricity affordably and reliably without contributing to climate change. With demand for electricity increasing, nuclear energy is an essential part of Americas energy security.Nuclear power is more than just a clean, reliable energy source. It is a powerful economic engine that provides 100,000 high-paying American jobs and $40 billion to $50 billion each year in electricity sales and revenue.Learn about nuclear energy where you live.