A pressurized water reactor (PWR) is a type of light-water nuclear reactor. ... The heated, high pressure water then flows to a steam generator, where it transfers its thermal energy to lower pressure water of a secondary system where steam is generated. The steam then drives turbines, which spin an electric generator.

How does a PWR pressurizer work?

A PWR pressurizer provides the surge volume for the reactor coolant system. If reactor coolant system temperature increases, less dense reactor coolant system water surges into the pressurizer, compressing the steam space and increasing the primary pressure.

What fuel does a PWR use?

The PWR uses enriched uranium fuel with a slightly higher enrichment level than in a BWR. This is responsible for a higher power density within the reactor core. As with the BWR, the fuel is introduced into the core in the form of uranium-oxide pellets. A typical PWR will contain 100 tonnes of uranium.