Nuclear reactors use two types of methods to harness heat
from the fission reaction.
- In a Pressure Water Reactor, heated water (that is radioactive) from the reactor core
is used to boil water from a separate source. The steam rives turbines connected to a
generator to generate electricity.
- In a Boiling Water Reactor, the radioactive water from the reactor core is used to
generate steam, making all parts of the reactor radioactive.
Warm water is cooled in cooling towers.
