The document describes how a coal-fired power plant generates electricity. Coal is mined, transported by train to the plant, and burned in a boiler to produce high-pressure steam. The steam spins a turbine connected to a generator, which produces electricity. The electricity travels through transmission lines and distribution systems to homes and businesses through power poles and substations. The document also discusses issues with efficiency, air pollution, and global warming that coal power generation faces.

1. Electric Power
Generation
EES 205

2. Power Plant

3. How a Power Plant Works

4. Fuel

5. Coal-Burning Power Plant:
Bridgeport Harbor Generating Station

6. Coal Mine

7. Coal Train

8. Coal Pile

9. Coal-Fired Boiler

10. Steam Turbine

11. Electric Generator

12. Electric Generator

13. Plant Output

14. AC Power

15. Voltage and Current

16. Electric Grid

17. Grid = Transmission & Distribution

18. High Voltage Transmission

19. Power Substation

20. Power Pole

21. Kilowatt-Hour Meter
 .

22. End Use
 .

23. Issue #1 - Efficiency

24. Efficiency
Electric Power Out
Efficiency = -----------------------------
Thermal Power In
So, if a power plant releases thermal
energy (by burning coal) at the rate of
1,500 MW and produces 500 MW of
electric power, then
500 MW
Efficiency = ----------------- = 1/3 = 33%
1500 MW

25. Issue #2 – Air Pollution

26. Cap and Trade
•

27. Issue #3 – Global Warming

28. Carbon Capture and Storage

29. Conservation