THERMAL POWER PLANT
THERMAL STEAM POWER PLANT
Thermal Steam Power Plants Electricity generation in thermal power plants if characterized by the main source of generation being firing of coal, gas etc. Steam is produced in a boiler, and it drives a turbine connected to an alternator. Heat energy is converted to electric energy.
Site Selection Availability of Coal (Fuel) Proper arrangement for ash disposal Nature of the land Location from load centre Availability of water Transport facilities Availability of labor
Thermal Power Plant Operation
Energy Conversion Process in Steam Power Plants Chemical Energy is Converted into Thermal Energy by Combustion In Boiler Thermal Energy is Converted into Mechanical Energy In Turbine Thermal Energy Fuel Chemical Energy Mechanical Energy Mechanical Energy is Converted into Electrical Energy In Generator Electrical Energy
Major Parts of Steam Power Plant 1. Boilers 2. Superheater 3. Turbine 4. Condenser 5. Economizer 6. Air preheater 7. Chimney 8. Coal Handling Plant 9. Ash Handling Plant 10. Cooling Tower 11. Alternator
Boiler Purpose: To produce steam under pressure Types: Fire Tube Boiler: Hot gases of combustion are inside the tubes and the tubes are surrounded by water Water Tube Boiler: Water is inside the tube and hot gases are outside the tube One of these are used according to the requirements
Superheater Device used to remove the traces of moisture from saturated steam leaving boiler tubes. It also increase the temperature above saturation temperature
Economizer It absorbs heat from outgoing flue gases and used for raising the temperature of feed water coming from condenser Economizer raises efficiency of boiler by 10 -12 % thus 5 – 15 % of fuel consumption is saved
Air Preheater Air preheater is used to recover heat from flue gases since entire heat can’t be extracted by economizer Boiler Efficiency is increased by 1% if the avg. air temp. is increased by 20°C
Merits of Steam Power Plant Fuel is cheaper Less space is required The initial cost is less Plant can be located near the load center Turbine can work at 25% overload continuously A portion of steam can be used in various industries
Demerits of Steam Power Plant Maintenance and operating costs are high Pollution of atmosphere is one of the major problems Water is required in huge quantity Handling of coal and disposal of ash are difficult tasks It requires long time for installation Efficiency falls quickly below 75%
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