- Nuclear reactor: A device to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction where heat is generated by controlled nuclear fission. With this heat, a coolant is heated as it is pumped through the reactor and thereby removes the energy from the reactor. Heat from nuclear fission is used to raise steam, which runs through turbines, which in turn powers either ship’s propellers or electrical generators.
- Steam turbine that converts the heat contained in steam into mechanical energy.
- Generators which convert kinetic energy supplied by the turbine into electrical energy
- Cooling system that removes heat from the reactor core and transports it to another area of the plant, where the thermal energy can be harnessed to produce electricity or to do other useful work. Typically the hot coolant is used as a heat source for a boiler, and the pressurized steam from that boiler powers one or more steam turbine driven electrical generators.
- Two independent safety valves: to prevent pipes from bursting or the reactor from exploding in the event of an emergency.
- Emergency power supply: to maintain safety in the event of unit shutdown and loss of offsite power.