How can nuclear fission be used to generate electricity?

The nuclear fission process is the bedrock of nuclear power generation. It begins when a heavy, unstable atom, like uranium or plutonium, absorbs a neutron. This addition makes the nucleus so heavy that it becomes unstable and splits into two lighter nuclei, a reaction that releases a significant amount of energy.
This energy release includes energetic neutrons which can further propagate the fission reaction in what's known as a chain reaction. Control rods, made of neutron-absorbing material, are used to manage this chain reaction and keep the energy release at a safe and steady rate. The mastery of initiating and controlling this reaction is essential for safely harnessing nuclear energy for electricity generation.

Once the nuclear fission reaction is underway, thermal energy conversion comes into play. The kinetic energy of the fission fragments heats up the surrounding nuclear fuel material. This heat is then transferred to water in a heat exchanger, also known as a steam generator.

Heat Exchanger Functionality

It’s critical to note that the water in the reactor and the water turned into steam are not the same. The heat exchanger acts as a mediator to prevent the radioactive materials from contaminating the steam. The steam can then be used to generate electricity without carrying radioactivity to places it shouldn't go, balancing energy efficiency with environmental safety.

The generation of electricity via a steam turbine is a multi-step process that closely resembles a conventional steam-powered electrical plant but with a nuclear heat source. The steam produced from the heated water expands rapidly, exerting pressure on the blades of the turbine.

Analogies to Simplify Understanding

To visualize this, imagine blowing air onto a pinwheel—the pinwheel spins as a reaction to the force of the air. Similarly, the steam turbine rotates as the steam pushes against its blades. This rotation is then used to turn a generator, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, providing the electricity we use in our daily lives.

Upon electricity generation, it’s the electricity distribution system's role to deliver this power to end-users. First, transformers step up the voltage for efficient long-distance transmission. High-voltage is preferable for transmission as it reduces energy loss.
Once the electricity reaches consumption areas, other transformers step down the voltage to safer, usable levels for homes and businesses. The infrastructure for distributing electricity includes transmission towers, substations, and various types of cables, organizing a complex network with redundancies to ensure reliable power delivery to consumers.