01 How It Works
A PWR keeps primary coolant water under ~155 bar pressure, preventing it from boiling even at 315°C. This hot water flows through a steam generator, heating a secondary water loop to produce steam that drives the turbine. The two loops never mix, keeping the turbine side free of radioactivity. Control rods made of neutron-absorbing material are inserted or withdrawn to control power output.
02 Pros & Cons
✓ Advantages
- Mature, well-understood technology
- Very stable operation - negative temperature coefficient
- Two-loop design keeps turbine non-radioactive
- Extensive global operational experience
✗ Disadvantages
- High-pressure vessel required - expensive to build
- Loss of pressure = potential loss of cooling
- Requires enriched uranium fuel
- Complex pressuriser system
03 Specifications
THERMAL EFFICIENCY~33%
OPERATING TEMP~315°C
PRESSURE~155 bar
FUELEnriched UO₂ (3–5%)
FUELEnriched UO₂ (3–5%)
COUNTRIESUSA, France, China, Russia, South Korea
04 Did You Know?
France generates 70% of its electricity from PWRs - 56 reactors. The design was originally developed for US Navy submarines.