Thermal power plants generate electricity through a Rankine cycle where water is heated to steam to drive a steam turbine connected to an electrical generator. Key components include a boiler that heats water to steam, a steam turbine that converts the steam's energy to rotate the generator, a condenser that cools the steam back to water, and an alternator that converts the rotational energy to electricity. Air preheaters increase efficiency by transferring heat from flue gases to the air entering the boiler. Forced and induced draft fans control air and flue gas flow through the system.