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Control Room, Sizewell B Power Station
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Control Room, Sizewell B Power Station
Sizewell B in Suffolk is the UKs only commercial pressurised water reactor (PWR) power station. PWRs constitute a majority of all western nuclear power plants and are one of two types of light water reactor (LWR), the other type being boiling water reactors (BWRs). In a PWR the primary coolant (water) is pumped under high pressure to the reactor core where it is heated by the energy generated by the fission of atoms. The heated water then flows to a steam generator where it transfers its thermal energy to a secondary system where steam is generated and flows to turbines which, in turn, spins an electric generator. In contrast to a boiling water reactor, pressure in the primary coolant loop prevents the water from boiling within the reactor. All LWRs use ordinary light water as both coolant and neutron moderator
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Media ID 6326957
© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Atoms Boiling Coolant Electric Electricity Energy Fission Generator High Pressure Neutron Neutrons Nuclear Nuclear Power Station Pressurised Water Reactor Steam Thermal Energy Sizewell B
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This print showcases the control room of Sizewell B Power Station, located in Suffolk, UK. As the nation's sole commercial pressurized water reactor (PWR) power station, it represents a significant component of Western nuclear power plants. PWRs are one type of light water reactor (LWR), with boiling water reactors (BWRs) being the other variant. Within a PWR system, high-pressure primary coolant (water) is pumped into the reactor core where it absorbs thermal energy generated by atomic fission. This heated water then proceeds to a steam generator, transferring its thermal energy to a secondary system that produces steam. The resulting steam propels turbines connected to electric generators, ultimately generating electricity. Unlike boiling water reactors, the primary coolant loop's pressure prevents boiling within the reactor itself. It is important to note that all LWRs employ ordinary light water as both coolant and neutron moderator. This mesmerizing image captures not only the intricate machinery but also highlights humanity's ability to harness nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The control room serves as an epicenter where skilled operators monitor and regulate this complex process with precision and expertise. Through this photograph from Science Photo Library by OPEN, we gain insight into how science and engineering intertwine harmoniously to produce clean and efficient electricity through nuclear power at Sizewell B Power Station – an impressive feat indeed!
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