Full formScience
PWRstands forPressurized Water Reactor
Full Form of PWR
What is PWR?
A Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) is a type of nuclear reactor that uses ordinary water as both coolant and moderator. The water in the primary loop is kept under high pressure to prevent it from boiling, allowing heat transfer to a secondary loop that generates steam to drive turbines. In the Indian context, PWR technology is primarily employed in nuclear-powered submarines and research reactors, such as those operated by the Indian Navy. While India’s civilian nuclear programme predominantly uses Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR), PWRs are studied and deployed for specific defence and maritime applications. The acronym PWR is commonly used in engineering textbooks, nuclear science curricula, and reports by organizations like the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Understanding PWR fundamentals is essential for students appearing in competitive exams like GATE, IES, and BARC recruitment tests, where nuclear reactor types and their working principles are frequently tested. The technology offers high power density and compact design, making it suitable for marine propulsion and stationary power generation.
PWR का फुल फॉर्म
प्रेसराइज़्ड वॉटर रिएक्टर
Example
The INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear submarine, is powered by a compact pressurized water reactor developed by BARC.
PWR — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of PWR?
The full form of PWR is Pressurized Water Reactor, a type of nuclear reactor that uses high-pressure water as coolant and moderator.
Is PWR used in Indian nuclear power plants?
India’s civilian nuclear plants primarily use PHWR technology, but PWRs are used in India’s nuclear submarines and in research facilities like BARC.
What is the difference between PWR and PHWR?
PWR uses ordinary (light) water under pressure as coolant and moderator, while PHWR uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as moderator and coolant, allowing natural uranium fuel.