Power_Generation_by_Thermal_Power_Plant

1. Power Generation by Thermal
Power Plant
Explained with Block Diagram and
Component Functions

2. Objective
• To study and understand how electrical power
is generated in a thermal power plant using
heat energy obtained from fuel combustion.

3. Theory
• A Thermal Power Plant converts the chemical energy of
fuel (coal, oil, or gas) into heat energy, which is then
converted into mechanical and finally electrical energy.
The operation is based on the Rankine Cycle.
• 1. Water is heated in a boiler to form steam.
• 2. High-pressure steam drives a turbine.
• 3. The turbine runs a generator producing electricity.
• 4. The steam is condensed and reused, forming a closed
cycle.

4. Block Diagram of Thermal Power Plant
• Coal/Fuel Supply → Boiler → Superheater →
Steam Turbine → Generator → Electrical
Power Output → Condenser → Feed Water
Pump → Economiser → Boiler

6. Main Components and Their Functions (1/2)
• 1. Coal Storage and Handling Plant – Stores and
supplies coal to the furnace.
• 2. Boiler – Burns fuel to produce steam from water.
• 3. Superheater – Increases the temperature of
generated steam.
• 4. Steam Turbine – Converts steam energy into
mechanical rotation.
• 5. Condenser – Converts exhaust steam from
turbine into water.

7. Main Components and Their Functions (2/2)
• 6. Cooling Tower – Cools condenser water for reuse.
• 7. Feed Water Pump – Circulates water back to the boiler.
• 8. Economiser – Preheats feed water using flue gas heat.
• 9. Air Preheater – Preheats air for combustion.
• 10. Chimney – Releases flue gases safely.
• 11. Generator – Converts mechanical energy to electrical.
• 12. Transformer – Steps up voltage for transmission.

8. Working Principle (Step-by-Step)
• 1. Fuel is burned in the boiler to produce steam.
• 2. High-pressure steam rotates the turbine.
• 3. The turbine drives the generator to produce
electricity.
• 4. Steam is condensed back to water in the
condenser.
• 5. Water is pumped through the economiser to
the boiler, completing the cycle.

9. Advantages
• - Reliable and continuous power generation.
• - High efficiency for large-scale operation.
• - Uses readily available fuels.
• - Simple design and operation.

10. Disadvantages
• - Produces air pollution (CO₂, SO₂, ash).
• - Requires large water supply.
• - High maintenance cost.
• - Low overall efficiency compared to
renewable plants.

11. Applications
• - Base-load power generation.
• - Industrial power supply.
• - Electricity generation for national grids.
• - Backup supply for large facilities.