Thermal Power Plant | Working | Advantages and Disadvantages

Thermal Power Plant

The thermal power plant is main source of electric power generation in our country. In this power plant, the heat energy is converted into electric energy. The heat energy generated by burning of fuel mostly coal is used to heat water and generates steam. This generated steam runs turbine and this turbine works as a prime mover, gives mechanical power to the alternator. Thermal power generation requires coal and enough quantity of water for cooling purpose.

Thermal Power Plant Working

The working of thermal power plant starts with the arrival of coal. Coal stored in a coal storage passes to the furnace through the coal handling plant for the generation of heat energy, and the ash resulting from combustion of coal collected at the back of boiler and is removed to the ash storage yard through ash handling equipment. The heat energy generated by the burning of coal is used to heat the water in the boiler and converts it into a wet steam.

This wet steam passes to superheater, where the wet steam changes to superheated steam. When the high pressure and temperature, superheated steam passes through the turbine, it gets expanded and moves the prime mover or turbine. With the turbine, a generator is attached by a shaft, which rotates to generate electricity.

Thermal Power Plant Diagram

Components of Thermal Power Plant

1. Boiler

Boiler is used for producing steam under pressure. Water tube boilers are generally used for this purpose.

2. Super heater

It convert wet steam into superheated steam .Steam is superheated in it before passing from the boiler to the prime movers to attain an increased efficiency.

3. Economiser

In economiser, heat in flue gases is partially used to heat incoming feed water. It makes use of remaining heat of the gases in heating the feed water.

4. Turbine

The function of the turbine is to convert the heat energy of steam into mechanical energy of the shaft. Turbine works as a prime mover for the generator.

5. Condenser

In the condenser, low pressure steam is condensed into water. It condenses steam used by the steam turbine. The condensed steam known as condensate is used as a feed water.

6. Evaporator

Make up water in the raw form is passed through evaporator which hears it to steam and is then condensed back to water, which then enters the feed water system.

7. Alternator

The Alternator is coupled to the turbine The function of the Alternator is to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. After passing through transformer, the electrical output from the alternator is delivered to the Bus-bars.

8. Feed Water Pump

It pumps water in the water tubes of boiler against boiler steam pressure.

9. Air Preheater

In air preheater, heat in flue gases is partially used to heat incoming air.

10. Cooling Tower

It cools the condenser circulating water. Condenser cooling water absorbs heat from steam. This heat is discharged to atmosphere in cooling water.

Salient Features Of Steam Power Plant

The thermal efficiency of power plant is as low as 30%. Overall efficiency of the power station which is the product of Generator efficiency. Turbine efficiency and Boiler efficiency, is 18% to 29%. This low efficiency of the power station is due to

1. Heat lost in condenser.
2. Heat losses at various stages.

The steam power plant for generation of electric power is preferred, where large amount of power is required to be generated (normally in the form of AC at about 11.000 volts) and financial, climatic and geographical conditions do not permit the installation hydroelectric power plant whereas coal is available in plenty.

The Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, with an installed capacity of 4760 MW , is currently the biggest thermal power plant in India and Mejia Thermal Power Station has an installed capacity of 2430 MW which is at durlabhpur, Bankura inn West Bengal.

Advantages of Thermal Power Plant

1. Less space is required as compared to hydro-electric power station
2. Cheaper in initial cost as compared to other power stations. Its cost varies from Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1400 per kW of installed capacity.
3. The fuel used is cheaper.
4. It is possible to install these plants near the load centres.
5. In comparison to diesel power station, the cost of generation is low.

Disadvantages of Thermal Power Plant

1. Higher running cost as compared to hydro electric plants.
2. It creates pollution.
3. Large area is required for disposing off ash.

Selection of Site For Thermal Power Station

1. The steam power stations should be installed at a site preferably near large number of consumers or load centre.
2. Adequate cooling water must be available at the site.
3. The transport cost of the fuel should be less as possible.
4. These must be an proper arrangement for disposing off the ash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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