The part of a nuclear power plant that prevents thermal pollution of l...
Introduction:
In a nuclear power plant, thermal pollution refers to the excessive heating of water bodies like lakes or rivers due to the release of heated water from the plant. This increase in water temperature can have detrimental effects on aquatic life. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent thermal pollution to maintain the ecological balance of the surrounding environment.
Cooling Tower:
The part of a nuclear power plant that prevents thermal pollution of lakes or rivers is the cooling tower. The cooling tower is responsible for removing excess heat from the power plant's cooling system by transferring it to the atmosphere. It accomplishes this through the process of evaporation.
How Cooling Towers Work:
1. Heat Exchange: The cooling tower receives hot water from the power plant's cooling system, which contains excess heat.
2. Water Distribution: The hot water is distributed over the fill surfaces of the cooling tower. The fill surfaces provide a large surface area for the water to come into contact with air.
3. Airflow: Air is drawn into the cooling tower through the lower part and flows upward. As the hot water trickles down the fill surfaces, it comes into contact with the incoming air.
4. Evaporation: As the hot water is exposed to the air, a portion of it evaporates, taking away heat in the process. This evaporation causes a cooling effect on the remaining water.
5. Exhaust: The heated air, now saturated with moisture, is expelled from the cooling tower through the top, while the cooled water collects at the bottom and is returned to its source.
Benefits of Cooling Towers:
- Thermal Pollution Prevention: By continuously removing heat from the power plant's cooling system, cooling towers help regulate the temperature of the water bodies where the heated water is discharged. This prevents thermal pollution and minimizes the impact on aquatic ecosystems.
- Energy Efficiency: Cooling towers facilitate the reuse of water within the power plant's cooling system, reducing the need for fresh water intake. This conserves water resources and improves the overall energy efficiency of the plant.
- Cost-effectiveness: Cooling towers are a cost-effective solution for managing the excess heat generated by power plants. They provide an efficient means of heat dissipation without relying on large quantities of water or other resources.
Conclusion:
In a nuclear power plant, the cooling tower plays a vital role in preventing thermal pollution of lakes or rivers. By removing excess heat from the plant's cooling system through evaporation, cooling towers ensure that the discharged water does not excessively raise the temperature of surrounding water bodies. This helps maintain the ecological balance and protect aquatic life in the vicinity of the power plant.
The part of a nuclear power plant that prevents thermal pollution of l...
In a nuclear power plant, the cooling tower is the part that helps to dissipate excess heat and prevent thermal pollution of nearby lakes or rivers. It cools the water that has been used in the plant to absorb heat from the reactor. This cooled water is then returned to the environment at a safer temperature.
- Option A (Reactor) generates heat through nuclear fission but does not control thermal pollution.
- Option B (Coolant/moderator) helps control the temperature and reactions within the reactor but is not responsible for preventing thermal pollution.
- Option D (Control rod) helps control the rate of the nuclear reaction, but it doesn't deal with thermal pollution.
Thus, the correct answer is Option C: Cooling tower.
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