Nuclear Power - How it works

Summary

Ontario Power Generation's nuclear stations transform atomic energy into electricity, using uranium pellets as fuel. These stations operate through a controlled fission process facilitated by heavy water as a moderator. The heat generated is used to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, creating electricity. The process is safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly, with minimal emissions.

Takeaways

• ⚡ Ontario Power Generation's nuclear stations convert atomic energy into electricity that powers the province.
• 💡 Nuclear, hydroelectric, and thermal stations share similarities in generating electricity but differ in fuel sources.
• 🔋 OPG’s nuclear stations use uranium, processed into ceramic pellets, to produce energy.
• 🏠 Just eight uranium pellets can power an average house for one year.
• 📦 The uranium pellets are sealed into metal tubes, which are combined to form fuel bundles and inserted into a reactor tank called a calandria.
• 💥 In nuclear fission, uranium atoms split, releasing a large amount of heat energy.
• 🌊 Heavy water, used as a moderator in CANDU reactors, slows down neutrons to sustain the chain reaction.
• 🔥 The heat from the fission process is transferred via heavy water to boilers, where it creates high-pressure steam.
• 🚂 The steam powers turbines that drive generators, converting mechanical energy into electricity.
• 🛡 OPG’s nuclear stations have advanced safety systems to ensure safe, emission-free electricity generation.

Q & A

What is the primary function of Ontario Power Generation's nuclear stations?

The primary function of Ontario Power Generation's nuclear stations is to convert the energy of atoms into a flow of electrons, commonly called electricity, which powers the province.

How do nuclear, hydroelectric, and thermal generating stations differ in terms of electricity generation?

Nuclear, hydroelectric, and thermal generating stations differ in their fuel sources. Nuclear stations use uranium, hydroelectric stations use water, and thermal stations use fossil fuels or biomass.

What type of fuel is used in OPG's nuclear stations?

OPG's nuclear stations use naturally occurring uranium, which is processed into small ceramic pellets that contain a large amount of energy.

How much energy can eight uranium fuel pellets generate?

Eight uranium fuel pellets can generate enough energy to power an average house for one year.

What is a calandria, and what role does it play in a nuclear reactor?

A calandria is a large tank that holds the fuel bundles and is considered the heart of a nuclear reactor. It is where the fission process takes place, releasing heat energy.

What process is used to release heat from uranium atoms in a nuclear reactor?

The process used to release heat from uranium atoms is called fission, where uranium atoms are split, releasing a tremendous amount of heat.

What is a moderator, and why is it necessary in CANDU reactors?

A moderator is a substance used to slow down neutrons so they can effectively split uranium atoms in a chain reaction. In CANDU reactors, heavy water is used as the moderator.

What is heavy water, and how is it different from ordinary water?

Heavy water is a form of water that is 10% heavier than ordinary water because it contains a higher proportion of deuterium, a form of hydrogen.

How does the heat generated in the reactor eventually produce electricity?

The heat generated in the reactor is transferred to boilers, where it turns ordinary water into high-pressure steam. This steam is then used to turn a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.

What are the safety measures in place at OPG’s nuclear stations?

OPG’s nuclear stations have sophisticated safety systems to control, cool, and contain the nuclear process at each step, ensuring safe electricity generation with minimal emissions.