- Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs): Reactor core is surrounded by pressurized water (coolant) that helps regulate the reaction. Fuel rods are typically made of enriched uranium (U-235) or other fissile materials.
- Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs): BWR uses a boiling coolant instead of pressurized water. This is simpler and less expensive to build than a PWR, but it’s not as efficient in terms of energy production.
- Gas-cooled Reactors Reactor core is surrounded by a gas (usually carbon dioxide or helium) that helps regulate the reaction. The fuel rods are typically made of enriched U-235 or other fissile materials.
- Liquid-metal Fast Breeder Reactors (LMFBRs): An LMFBR uses liquid metal (typically sodium or lead) as a coolant and moderator instead of water. This design is capable of producing more energy than traditional PWRs.
Designs:
Reactor designs can vary depending on the specific application, location, and desired performance characteristics. Some common reactor designs include:
- Pile Reactors: A simple design where fuel rods are stacked vertically to form a “pile” structure.
- Lattice Reactors: A more complex design where fuel rods are arranged in a lattice pattern to improve neutron interactions.
- Plasma Reactors: A high-temperature design that uses plasma (ionized gas) as the coolant and moderator instead of water.