Riya Priyadarshi

Name
22MCE1024
Reg. Number
riyapriyadarshi2610@nitgoa.ac.in
e-mail ID
Assignment No. 01
Submission Date 12 January 2024

Exploring sustainable alternatives to coal

in thermal power stations
INTRODUCTION

India's current energy landscape heavily relies on thermal power stations, primarily fueled
by coal, natural gas, and furnace oil. This conventional approach poses environmental
challenges due to the carbon-intensive nature of these fossil fuels. To address this issue,
exploring alternative fuel sources is essential to diversify the energy mix and reduce
environmental impact. This report outlines various alternative options, recommends one
suitable option, and evaluates its potential environmental benefits.

Alternative Options:
1. Renewable Energy Sources:
(Solar energy powered Rankine cycle using supercritical CO2)

The use of solar energy in combination with the Rankine cycle using supercritical carbon
dioxide (sCO2) as the working fluid represents an innovative and promising approach for
power generation. This system combines the benefits of solar energy, which is clean and
abundant, with the efficiency and advantages of the supercritical CO2 cycle.[1]

2. Nuclear Power:
Nuclear power is low-carbon but comes with concerns regarding safety, radioactive waste
disposal, and public perception .[2]

3. Natural Gas with CCS:

Using natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) reduces emissions but may not
align with global need of minimizing dependence on fossil fuels. [3]

Suggested Alternative: Biomass

Biomass can be a good, versatile and sustainable alternative for thermal power
generation. It is a type of renewable organic source of energy that comes from
pant and animals and can also reduce the harmful impact on environment. [4]
Following are some clarifications how biomass can be utilized in the context of
thermal power generation:
1. Biomass, made from organic materials such as wood, agricultural
residues, or dedicated energy crops, is burned in a boiler.
2. The combustion process releases heat which raise the temperature of
water or another heat transfer fluid circulating within the boiler.
3. The heat generated from biomass combustion is used to produce steam
within the boiler.
4. The produced steam is then expanded in a turbine (pressure is lowered),
following the principles of the Rankine cycle.
5. The expansion of steam causes the turbine blades to rotate which
converts thermal energy into mechanical energy.
6. The rotating turbine is connected to a generator, which converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy.
7. The generated electricity can be supplied to the power grids for
distribution to required places.
[5] [6] [7] [8]

BENEFITS FOR ENVIROMENT

1. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Biomass combustion emits fewer pollutants like sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides compared to coal, contributing to improved air quality.
3. It helps in waste reduction as it utilize agricultural residue and organic
waste for power generation.
 CONCLUSION
The abundant availability of biomass resources, combined with the
environmental benefits of reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality,
makes biomass a suitable alternative. This shift from coal to biomass not only
promotes environmental sustainability but also contributes to rural
development and energy security.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S13594
31106000780
2. https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/good-corporation-bad-
corporation/chapter/appendix-a-nuclear-energy-is-our-best-
alternative-for-clean-affordable-energy-by-emily-campchero/
3. https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s
13705-018-0146-3
4. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/biomass/#:~:text=Bioma
ss%E2%80%94renewable%20energy%20from%20plants%20an
d%20animals&text=Biomass%20is%20used%20for%20heating,
and%20heating%20in%20developing%20countries.
5. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/biomass/#:~:text=Bioma
ss%E2%80%94renewable%20energy%20from%20plants%20an
d%20animals&text=Biomass%20is%20used%20for%20heating,
and%20heating%20in%20developing%20countries.
6. https://youtu.be/uqbdQXvwR-U?si=bPD_u5o1ZHv-adgJ
7. arketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/biomass-power-
generation-market-
248100990.html?gad_source=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpYa6nIvv
gwMV7aZmAh3wkguHEAEYAiABEgJO7_D_BwE
8. https://www.wbdg.org/resources/biomass-electricity-
generation

Course Code: ME251

Course Name: Power Plant Engineering