What it is for
The heat generated during the transformation of nuclear energy into thermal energy, regardless of it being obtained from uranium or plutonium, can be used to obtain mechanic energy, i.e. to move a machine (e.g. a turbine). The efficiency of this transformation depends on the temperature at which the boiler can operate, i.e. the nuclear reactor. The mechanic energy is then converted into electricity by an alternator connected to a turbine.
Nuclear fuels are used, for example, to produce energy on big ships and submarines. The energy provided by nuclear motors is useful both to move propellers and for the other services on board.
In the past researchers studied the possibility to transform the nuclear energy directly into chemical energy or to use the heat directly for heating purposes or to allow the production of the metal industry. Today such hypotheses have been discarded since they are not economically viable and also for safety reasons. Following that decision, the operating temperature of many nuclear power plants was reduced, thus limiting dangers but also efficiency. After those modifications, a nuclear reactor today supplies heat at a lower temperature as compared to a traditional thermoelectric power plant.
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From the Multimedia section
Facts
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ITER fusion reactor
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Every day the Earth receives enough solar energy to satisfy the global energy need...
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In all electric plants, excluding photovoltaic solar plants, mechanic energy is transformed into electric energy through the same basic procedure...
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The age of coal starts towards the mid 1600s, stimulated by the need for finding an alternative energy source to…
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Every day the Earth receives enough solar energy to satisfy the global energy need. Unfortunately we cannot exploit all this…
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In order to improve supply security, and therefore the diversification of sources to produce electric energy...
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ITER fusion reactor
The reactor that will be able to produce electronuclear energy without risk of explosion or radioactive waste...
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Every day the Earth receives enough solar energy to satisfy the global energy need...
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In all electric plants, excluding photovoltaic solar plants, mechanic energy is transformed into electric energy through the same basic procedure...