Thermal Power Plant
- The thermal power plant uses steam to produce electrical power in large amounts.
- Generally this power plant consists of boiler, steam turbine, generator, feed pump and condenser.
- In this type of power plant, chemical energy of fuel is used to convert water into steam in the high pressure boilers.
- This high pressure and high temperature steam is used in a turbine to produce mechanical energy. This energy is finally converted into electrical energy with the help of coupled generator.
- The used steam is collected is in the condenser and converted into water. This water is again fed to the boiler as an input with the help of feed pump.
- The function of various elements of the thermal power plant is as follows:
1. Boiler
2. Steam Turbine
3. Generator
4. Condenser
5. Feed Pump
1. Boiler
Boiler or steam generator is used to generate high pressure and high temperature steam. The input water to the boiler is supplied by feed pump (water pumped from condenser) and if required make up water or extra water is supplied. For better efficiency of power plant, boiler consists of super heater, economiser, preheater, etc.
2. Steam Turbine
It converts high pressure and high temperature steam supplied by the boiler into shaft work (rotation of shaft) and low temperature steam is exhausted to a condenser.
3. Generator
The shaft of steam turbine is coupled to the shaft of generator and the mechanical energy of steam turbine is converted into electrical energy.
4. Condenser
Steam exhausted from steam turbine is collected in the condenser and condensed by using recirculating cooling water. The condensed amount of water is called as condensate.
5. Feed Pump
The collected amount of condensate is again fed back to the boiler with the help of feed pump. This condensate is already a bit hot, hence there is less amount of heat required in the boiler while converting it into the steam.
Advantages of Thermal Power Plant
- Fuels used in the boiler are coal, coke, natural gas, etc. which are cheaper.
- As compared to hydraulic power plant, this power plant requires less amount of space.
- This power plant can be located near the load centre which reduces transmission losses and transmission cost.
- Initial cost of set-up of these type of plants is less as compared to other plants.
Disadvantages of Thermal Power Plant
- The time required for the plant set-up is more.
- Large amount of water is required for the operation.
- The handling of coal and ash is a serious problem.
- The maintenance cost of plant is high.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
Q.1 Explain the working of thermal or steam power plant?
Q.2 Describe thermal or steam power plant?
Q.3 State advantages and disadvantages of thermal or steam power plant?
Q.5 Explain thermal or steam power plant?