2. Content List
• Introduction
• Working Principle
• Components of Steam Power Plant
• Advantages & Disadvantages
Steam Power Plant Figiure
3. Introduction
• A steam power plant converts the chemical energy of the fossil fuel (Coal)
into mechanical energy/electrical energy.
• This is done by raising the steam in the boilers, expanding it through the
turbines and coupling the turbines to the generators which converts
mechanical energy to electrical energy.
• It works on Rankine Cycle
• Purposes of Steam Power Plant
1. to produce electric power
2. to produce steam for industrial processes like textile, food
manufacturers, paper mills etc.
4. Working Principle:
• There are four processes in the Rankine cycle.
• Process 1-2: The working fluid is pumped from low to high pressure. As
the fluid is a liquid at this stage, the pump requires little input energy.
• Process 2-3: The high pressure liquid enters a boiler where it is heated at
constant pressure by an external heat source to become a dry saturated
vapour.
• Process 3-4: The dry saturated vapour expands through a turbine,
generating power. This decreases the temperature and pressure of the
vapour, and some condensation may occur. The output in this process can
be easily calculated using the Enthalpy-entropy chart or the steam tables
• Process 4-1: The wet vapour then enters a condenser where it is
condensed at a constant pressure to become a saturated liquid
7. Advantages of Steam Power Plant
• The fuel used is quite cheap.
• Less initial cost as compared to other generating plants.
• It can be installed at any place respective of the existence of coal. The coal
can be transported to the site of the plant by rail or road.
• It require less space as compared to Hydro power plants.
• Cost of generation is less than that of diesel power plants.
8. Disadvantages of Steam Power Plant
• It pollutes the atmosphere due to production of large amount of smoke
and fumes.
• A large quantity of water is required.
• Maintenance and operating costs are high.
9. Conclusion:
• Steam power plants are located at the water and coal available places.
Steam is utilized to run the turbines, in turn gives the power to generator
and generator produces the electricity, the electricity is utilized for
lighting, running the industries, for lighting of offices, schools, etc. Boiler is
an important component of the power plants, it produces the steam.