Thermal power plants generate electricity through a Rankine cycle where water is heated into steam to spin a turbine connected to a generator. Key components include a boiler, steam turbine, condenser, and alternator. In the boiler, coal is burned to heat water and produce high pressure steam. The steam expands through the turbine, spinning its shaft and the attached alternator to produce electricity. It then condenses back into a liquid in the condenser to be returned to the boiler and complete the cycle. Operational parameters like pressure, temperature, and flow rates are monitored in the control room to efficiently operate the plant.