a nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator; the steam produced can drive a steam turbine
Pressurized Water Reactor. A reactor in which the heat from the nuclear core is transferred to a heat exchanger under constant pressure to achieve a high water temperature without boiling. A secondary circuit produces steam for the generators.
The most recent type of nuclear reactor to be constructed in the UK which uses pressurised water as both the coolant and the moderator.
Pressurised water reactor. In a PWR, heat generated in the nuclear core is removed by water (reactor coolant) circulating at high pressure (2,000 psi = 140 bar) through the primary circuit. The water in the primary circuit both cools and moderates the reactor. Heat is transferred to the secondary system in a heat exchanger, or boiler, thereby generating steam in the secondary system. At the end of 1996, there were 206 PWRs (47% of total nuclear reactors) operating worldwide, with a generation capacity of 194 GWE (55% total nuclear capacity).
Pressurised Water Reactor. A LWR with the coolant under pressure so that boiling does not occur in the core. A heat exchanger transfers the heat to a steam cycle which drives the turbines.
Pressurised water reactor: an LWR in which the moderator/coolant heats a secondary cooling circuit that produces steam for electricity generation.
Pressurized water reactor. A reactor designed in which water flowing through the reactor is heated by nuclear energy but is kept at high pressure to keep the water from boiling. This heated water then transfers its heat to a secondary water system that boils into steam to drive the turbine.
Pressurised water reactor. The most common type of light water reactor (LWR), it uses water at very high pressure in a primary circuit and steam is formed in a secondary circuit.