A thermal power plant generates electricity by converting thermal energy from fuel combustion into electrical energy. It operates on the Rankine Cycle, which involves heating water to produce steam, using the steam to drive a turbine, and then condensing the steam back into water.
Key Components and Process:
- Boiler: Fuel, typically coal, natural gas, or oil, is burned in the boiler to generate heat. The heat converts water into high-pressure, high-temperature steam.
- Steam Turbine: The steam is directed at high pressure onto the blades of the turbine, causing it to rotate. This mechanical rotation is used to drive a generator.
- Generator: Connected to the turbine, the generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction.
- Condenser: After passing through the turbine, the steam enters the condenser, where it is cooled using water from a nearby source (like a river or cooling tower) and converted back into liquid water.
- Pump: The condensed water is pumped back to the boiler to repeat the cycle.
Working Principle:
The plant works on the concept of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy. Fuel combustion releases thermal energy, which heats the water. The pressurized steam produced drives the turbine, converting thermal energy into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy spins the generator to produce electricity.
Advantages:
- Reliable and can run continuously.
- High efficiency for large-scale electricity generation.
Limitations:
- Emits greenhouse gases.
- Requires significant water resources for cooling.
- High operational and maintenance costs.
Thermal power plants are widely used but are being gradually replaced by renewable energy sources to reduce environmental impact.