MAYOL, WENDE LYN G.

ME 516ML 10:30-1:30
BSME – 5

Thermal Power Plant also called thermal power station or steam power plant is used to generate
electricity.

How electricity is generated in thermal power plant?

In thermal power plants, the heat energy obtained from the combustion of fuel (coal/natural gas/other
base fuel) is used to convert water into steam. The high temperature and pressure steam are used to
rotate the turbine blade, then the turbine shaft is connected to generator. The generator converts kinetic
energy into electric energy.
Important Terms used in Thermal Power Plant or Steam Power Plant

1. Saturation Temperature – It is the temperature for a corresponding saturation pressure at which

a liquid boil into its vapor phase.
2. Wet Steam or Unsaturated Steam – It is a mixture which contain both water vapor and liquid
water droplets. Most of the best boiler discharge steam containing 3% to 5% wetness. If the
mass of steam contains 5% water, it’s said to be 5% wet and 95% dry.
3. Dry Steam or Saturated Steam – Dry steam is steam that is at the temperature of saturation, but
does not contain water particles in suspension.
4. Superheated Steam – It is an extremely high temperature vapor generated by heating the
saturated steam or wet steam beyond the saturation point.
5. Condensate – a liquid phase produced by the condensation of steam.

How does a coal power plant work?

The coal based thermal power plant comprises of four main working circuits:
1. Coal and ash circuit
2. Air and gas circuit
3. Feed water and steam flow circuit
4. Cooling water circuit