Reactor Vessel
Heat Exchanger
Turbine
0 RPM
Generator
Nuclear Fission Chain Reaction
→
→
One neutron strikes a U-235 nucleus → nucleus splits → 2-3 neutrons released → chain reaction continues
Energy Transformation Pathway
Nuclear
Energy
Energy
→
Thermal
Energy
Energy
→
Kinetic
Energy
Energy
→
Electrical
Energy
Energy
Thermal Efficiency:
33%
Heat Loss:
67%