Nuclear Energy Simulator
INTERACTIVE SIMULATOR FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY AND ATOMIC REACTORS. CALCULATE REACTOR EFFICIENCY, ENERGY PRODUCTION AND SAFETY.
Energy output
Thermal Power
Usage coefficient
CO₂ Savings
Nuclear energy
Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions (fission or synthesis of nuclei) and used for producing electrical energy.
Principle of nuclear reactor operation:
- Nuclear fuel (uranium-235) is placed in the active zone.
- Neutrons cause a chain reaction of division
- When splitting, a large amount of heat is released
- HEAT TRANSFERRED BY THE HEAT CARRIER (WATER)
- The pair rotates the turbine connected to the generator
Advantages of nuclear energy:
- High energy density
- Low CO₂ emissions
- Stable work.
- Long fuel service term
- Independence from weather conditions
TYPES OF ATOMIC REACTORS
PWR (Water-Water Reactor)
Examples:Zaporizhzhia NPP, Rivne NPP
Advantages:High safety, stable operation
Disadvantages:Complex construction
BWR (Boiling Water Reactor)
Examples: Fukushima-1, Fukushima-2
Advantages:Simpler construction
Disadvantages:Lower safety
CANDU (Pressurized water reactor)
Examples:Canada, Romania
Advantages:Usage of natural uranium
Disadvantages:High cost of heavy water
Fast reactor
Examples:BN-600, BN-800
Advantages:Usage of processed fuel
Disadvantages:Complex technology
Nuclear reactions physics
Chain reaction:
n + ²³⁵U → ²³⁶U* → ¹⁴¹Ba + ⁹²Kr + 3n + E
where:
- n - neutron
- ²³⁵U - uranium-235
- E - energy (200 MeV)
Reactor criticality:
- Critical: k < 1 (reaction dies out)
- Critical:k = 1 (stable reaction)
- Critical:k > 1 (reaction accelerates)
Safety systems:
- Control Sliders:Neutron absorption
- Emergency system: Fast shutdown
- Protective shell:Protection from releases
- Cooling system:Heat dissipation
Nuclear reactor safety
Safety principles:
- Deep protection:Multi-level safety system
- Physical barriers:Prevention of radionuclide releases
- EMERGENCY SYSTEMS:Automatic shutdown
- Monitoring:Continuous parameter monitoring
Accident types:
- LOCA:Heat loss
- ATWS:Power failure with rejection
- SGTR:Rupture of the boiler
- MSLB:Rupture of the main steam pipe
Safety measures:
- Emergency Core Cooling System
- Emergency Shutdown System
- Accident Localization System
- Radiation monitoring system
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do atomic reactors work?
Atomic reactors use chain fission reaction of uranium-235 nuclei. Neutrons split uranium nuclei, releasing energy and new neutrons to continue the reaction.
Are atomic reactors safe?
Modern nuclear reactors have multi-level safety systems. They are designed to account for all possible accident scenarios and include prevention systems.
What are radioactive wastes?
Radioactive waste are materials containing radioisotopes after use in nuclear reactors. They require special storage and disposal.
How long do nuclear reactors last?
Modern nuclear reactors have a design service life of 40-60 years. After this, modernization can be carried out or the reactor can be taken out of operation.