PWR
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Energy
| Stands for | Pressurized water reactor |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
PWR stands for Pressurized water reactor, an energy abbreviation.
Most common type of nuclear power reactor, about two thirds of those operating worldwide. Water kept under high pressure, about 155 times atmospheric pressure, absorbs heat from the core without boiling and transfers it to a separate loop that makes steam for the turbines.
Example: The plant's two PWR units each generate about 1,100 megawatts of electricity.
Usage notes
The design grew out of the US Navy's nuclear submarine program; USS Nautilus put to sea in 1954-1955, and Shippingport in Pennsylvania became the first US commercial nuclear power plant in 1957. Keeping radioactive coolant in a closed primary loop is a key safety feature. The 1979 Three Mile Island accident occurred at a PWR.
Related abbreviations
More energy abbreviations
- PEM – Proton exchange membrane
- PHEV – Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
- PHS – Pumped hydro storage
- PPA – Power purchase agreement
- PTC – Production Tax Credit
- PV – Photovoltaic
- REC – Renewable energy certificate
- RNG – Renewable natural gas
- RPS – Renewable portfolio standard
- RTO – Regional transmission organization
- SAF – Sustainable aviation fuel
- SMR – Small modular reactor