Normal operation
正常狀態(tài)

In operation since the early 1970s, Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant uses six boiling water reactors, which rely on uranium nuclear fission to generate heat. Water surrounding the core boils into steam that drives turbines to generate electricity.
從19世紀70年代投入運行以來，日本福島第一核電站利用六個沸水堆，通過鈾核裂變來產(chǎn)生熱能。核心周圍的水沸騰后變成水蒸氣，推動渦輪從而發(fā)電。

The reactor vessel is surrounded by a thick steel-and-concrete primary containment vessel, equipped with a water reservoir designed to suppress overheating of the vessel.
反應堆由一個鋼與混凝土構成的厚實外殼（第一層安全殼）保護著，另外還配有一個蓄水庫，防止反應堆過熱。

The suppression pool is designed to protect the primary vessel if the core gets too hot. Valves release steam into the pool, where it condenses, relieving dangerous pressure.
當核心過熱時，抑壓池可以起到保護第一層安全殼的作用。這時閥門會打開，水蒸氣就能進入抑壓池內冷凝，減緩壓力過大造成的危險。