- (1) In the reactor core are rods which are enriched in fissile uranium. Here occurs the reaction of nuclear fission. The reaction heats the pressurized water from the primary circuit in which dip the bars. Control rods capture neutrons. More or less lowered, they control a continuous course of the reaction and prevent its runaway. - (2) A heat exchanger produces steam in the secondary circuit.
- (3) The steam turbine rotates. - (4) Water vapor is recondensed in condensing towers.
- (5) The alternating current is produced in a generator. - (6) The water of a river, lake or sea allows the recondensation of the water of the secondary circuit via a heat exchanger.