What is the role of steam generators in a nuclear power plant?

The role of steam generators in a nuclear power plant is to transfer heat from the primary circuit, which contains the reactor coolant, to a secondary water circuit. This process is crucial for generating steam that drives the turbines for electricity production. In a pressurized water reactor (PWR), the primary loop carries hot water heated by the nuclear fission process. The steam generator allows this heat to be efficiently transferred to the secondary loop without direct mixing of the two circuits, thus ensuring that radioactive materials remain contained within the primary loop.

This design of using a heat exchange mechanism prevents contamination of the steam that is eventually used to turn the turbines, making it possible to safely produce steam while maintaining separate systems for coolant and steam production. This is integral to maintaining the safety and efficiency of the overall nuclear power generation process.