3 ms·
Normally they do, but when you shut it down you need something to get rid of the decay heat. That's why nuclear power plants have these emergency generators. Th
by jabl 6y ago
Normally they do, but when you shut it down you need something to get rid of the decay heat. That's why nuclear power plants have these emergency generators. Those failed at Fukushima, leading to the meltdown.
Some newer designs opt for passive decay heat removal, eg through convection.
- im3w1l 6y agoWouldn't convection also be impacted if the plant is flooded?
- hansthehorse 6y agoIn American PWR designs decay heat removal post loss of power is accomplished by natural circulation. Height and temperature differences between the steam generators and the reactor vessel produce flow of primary liquid between the two. Heat is rejected via the secondary system. The limiting factor becomes make up water to the secondary side of the steam generators.