Advantages
- PWR reactors are very stable due to their tendency to produce less power as temperatures increase; this makes the reactor easier to operate from a stability standpoint.
- PWR turbine cycle loop is separate from the primary loop, so the water in the secondary loop is not contaminated by radioactive materials.
- PWRs can passively scram the reactor in the event that offsite power is lost to immediately stop the primary nuclear reaction. The control rods are held by electromagnets and fall by gravity when current is lost; full insertion safely shuts down the primary nuclear reaction.
- PWR technology is favoured by nations seeking to develop a nuclear navy, the compact reactors fit well in nuclear submarines and other nuclear ships.
Read more about this topic: Pressurized Water Reactors
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