Why are nuclear power plantsin a hyperbolic shape?
Why are nuclear power plantsin a hyperbolic shape?
Answer
The cooling towers at most nuclear power plants are shaped like hyperboloids because the wide base promotes thin film evaporation and the narrow point accelerates the laminar flow.
These towers are used to dump excessive heat that cannot convert into electricity due to the thermodynamics laws.
Some nuclear power plants utilize “natural draft” cooling towers in the shape of a hyperboloid, a solid obtained by rotating a hyperbola about its conjugate axis.
The hyperboloid shape of cooling towers helps to cool the working fluid down to a low temperature by releasing vapors into the atmosphere through the opening at the top of the tower.
The shape also helps to facilitate aerodynamic lift and faster and more efficient diffusion into the atmosphere.
