A Study of Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract

Nuclear power station, the world is looking for nuclear power generation as the need of electrical power increasing dramatically. The reason behind this is, only small amount of source is more than enough to produce huge amount of power. In nuclear power station, heavy elements such as Uranium (U235) or Thorium (Th232) are subjected in a special apparatus known as reactor. Nuclear fission or nuclear fusions are the methods mainly used here. When any one of the above said process takes place, huge amount of thermal energy generated. This thermal power is used to generate high temperature steam. The steam runs the steam turbine which converts steam energy into mechanical energy. The turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Only difference between thermal and nuclear power station is that nuclear source is used to generate heat. The advantage of this power station is that, only small amount of source is enough compare to thermal power generation. The main disadvantage is that, it is dangerous to human. If any accident takes place then the entire area will be affected. The radiation is more dangerous to human being. The disposal of nuclear waste is difficult process. In nuclear power stations, reactor is placed only below the earth level to avoid radiations.