Final answer:
The three main types of boilers are fire-tube, water-tube, and electric boilers. Each type serves different applications and industries, with varying capacities for pressure and water volume. Pressurized water reactors (PWR) in nuclear power plants use a similar principle of heating water to generate steam.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are three main types of boilers, each distinct in its design and operation: Fire-tube boiler: This type consists of a set of tubes through which hot gases from a furnace pass and heat the water surrounding them. It is commonly used for low-pressure steam or hot water production for commercial or industrial uses.
Water-tube boiler: In contrast to fire-tube boilers, water-tube boilers have water flowing inside the tubes and hot gases surrounding them. They are often used in high-pressure applications where large amounts of steam or hot water are required. Electric boiler: Using electricity to generate heat, electric boilers pass an electric current through a conductor to produce thermal energy, which is then transferred to water, producing steam or hot water without the use of fossil fuels.
Each type has its own set of advantages and applications, and the selection depends on specific needs such as pressure, volume, and fuel type. Among the most prominent power generation methods involving boilers are nuclear power plants that typically utilize pressurized water reactors (PWR). In a PWR, water is heated by nuclear fission, and the generated steam drives the turbines to produce electricity.