Every time I see those towers (in a movie, draw or picture) I instantly recognize it as a nuclear power station. But I’ve never asked why…
Why such a big and specific shaped tower? Is it something exclusive for nuclear power? Do all nuclear stations need those towers, or is it optional? Why that shape? What’s inside?
In: Engineering
They are for cooling by convection. The hot pipes from the plant are in the base of the tower. The bottom of the tower is open, supported above the ground. The air inside heats and rises, pulling in cold air from around the tower base, cooling the pipes. The shape is to make the rising airflow as effective as possible while allowing for a huge, hollow construction.
They’re used on many power plants, not just nuclear.
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