LWR
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Energy
| Stands for | Light-water reactor |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
LWR stands for Light-water reactor, an energy abbreviation.
Nuclear reactor that uses ordinary water as both coolant and neutron moderator, the category that includes pressurized and boiling water reactors and the large majority of the world's nuclear power plants. LWRs require uranium enriched to a few percent uranium-235.
Example: Most advanced fuels under development aim to be compatible with existing LWR fleets.
Usage notes
"Light" water distinguishes ordinary H2O from heavy water, D2O, used in CANDU reactors, which can run on natural uranium. Accident-tolerant fuels with improved cladding are being developed for LWRs after Fukushima. The design's dominance owes much to its naval origins.
Related abbreviations
More energy abbreviations
- LEU – Low-enriched uranium
- LFP – Lithium iron phosphate
- Li-ion – Lithium-ion
- LNG – Liquefied natural gas
- LOCA – Loss-of-coolant accident
- LPG – Liquefied petroleum gas
- MHEV – Mild hybrid electric vehicle
- MOX – Mixed oxide fuel
- MPGe – Miles per gallon equivalent
- MPPT – Maximum power point tracking
- MSR – Molten salt reactor
- NACS – North American Charging Standard