Utilizing the fission energy: Nuclear Reactor

The main use of Nuclear Fission process is in the nuclear reactors. In the nuclear reactors, the heat energy released is utilized and converted into electrical energy. Nuclear Reactors produce energy through controlled fission chain reaction. The process is explained below.

The diagram given here shows the internal part of the nuclear reactor. Its main constituents are 

1. Containment cell: A cell where the nuclear fuel is kept and is tightly packed with concrete so that no radiations leak out.
2. Fuel rods: Rods which are made up of radioactive metal and act as fuel.
3. Control rods: Rods usually made up of cadmium or hafnium which absorb the excess neutrons thus controlling the chain reaction.
4. Coolant: Usually water. It absorbs the heat liberated and transfers it outside the cell.
5. Condenser: To condense the coolant.
6. Inlet and Outlet pipe: Pipes which runs through the condenser to cool the coolant.
7. Steam Turbine: Turbine used to produce
   electricity from steam.
8. Steam Generator: A big structure inside the containment cell which contains water.

Working: The reaction is started in the reactor. The reaction releases huge amounts of heat and neutrons. The excess neutrons, which are not required for the reaction, is absorbed by the hafnium of cadmium rods.

The heat released now turns the coolant(water) into its vapour state. Now the coolant is polluted because it was in direct contact with the radioactive element. Thus, this coolant is taken into another chamber. The vapour passes through a tube and reaches the steam generator(the chamber) which also contains water. Now the heat is transferred form the coolant to the water which turns into steam. The coolant now condenses and is pumped back near the fuel. The steam passes through another pipe and reaches the Turbine. The turbine thus spins generating electricity. It produces an AC Voltage, either 11kV to 22kV. The steam now leaves the turbine and enters the condenser. The condenser has inlet and outlet pipes which has continuous supply of cold water. This water cools the steam. The condensed water now falls to the bottom of the condenser which has an inlet to the steam chamber and is pumped into it.