Power Generation-Steam Power

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Lesson Introduction

Review: Lesson 1

The first Lesson was an Introduction to the principles of Electrical power generation. Here are some points you need to remember from lesson 1.

  • Important electric power generation definitions
  • Different sources of energy
  • electrical energy generation arrangement

Preview: Lesson 2

This Lesson is about Steam Power station. The student/User is expected to understand the following at the end of the lesson.

  • Basics:
  • Arrangements:
  • Cooling:
  • Location:
  • Efficiency:

Definition, advantages & disadvantages.
components that make up a steam power station.
Wet and dry cooling methods.
Factors influencing selection of construction site.
How efficient this power station is.
Course Navigation
Part 1: Steam Power station → Basics


Figure 1:Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant in Bulgaria ( Click on image to view full size image )

Introduction: Steam/Thermal Power station

A steam/thermal power station uses heat energy generated from burning coal to produce electrical energy. This type of power station is widely used arround the world.

This power sattion uses the Rankine cycle. This is the cycle of the steam produced in the boiler, then taken to the Steam turbine(Prime mover). From the turbine the steam is cooled back to water in the Condenser, the resulting water is fed back into the boiler to repeat the cycle all over again.

Because of the aboundance of fuel(Coal), this kind of power station can be used to produce large amounts of electrical energy. In most countries these power stations are used as Base load power stations. This is because, Steam power stations are slow to start and can not be used to cater for peak loads that generally occur for a short duration.

These power stations (Together with Nuclear Power stations) are kept running very close to full efficiency for 24 hours a day(Unless they are being mantained). They have typical life of 30 to 40 years( Although most governments have reduced this number to 35 maximum years).

Pros & Cons: what this power station presents

Advantages Disadvantages
Cheap coal is used Air pollution from smoke fumes
Can be installed anywhere near fuel & water supply Costs more to run compared with other types of power stations
Requires less construction space
Cost for Generation is less


Future generations will have to learn to depend less and less on this type of electricity generating power station, due to a fast increasing depletion of fuels(Coal). As other types of power stations become more efficient it should be possible to completely abandon use ofthis type of power station. That day is probably in a long fore-seable future.
Part 2: Steam Power station → Schematic arrangement
Figure 2:Thermal power station schematic diagram ( Click on image to view full size image )
Stage 1: Coal & Ash handling

This stage is seen as the entrance and exit of fuel( coal )used. The initial handling treatment and storage of coal and the final handling and disposal of Ash.

Coal & Ash Handling (key from figure 2)
*Coal conveyor (14) *Coal hopper (15) *Pulveriser Mill (16) *Ash hopper (18)




Stage 2: Steam Generating Plant

This stage is seen as the energy loss stage. The steam creation by heat accounts for the greater percentage of power station in-efficiency.

Steam Generating (key from figure 2)
*Boiler drum (17) *Superheater (19) *Reheater (21) *Economiser (23)
*preheater(24) *Forced d-fan(20) *Induced d-fan(26) *Chimney(27)





Stage 3 & 4: Steam turbine & Alternator/Generator

This stage is seen as the energy conversion stage. The steam turbine converts steam energy to rotational mechanical energy, while the Alternator/Generator converts rotational mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Energy conversion (key from figure 2)
*Pressure turbines (6; 9 & 11) *Steam govenor (10) *Boiler feed pump (7)
*Generator (5) *Transformer (4) *Pylon (3)





Stage 5: Feed water & Cooling

This stage is seen as the recycling stage. Steam used in boiler chamber is condensed back to water for re-use.

Feed water & Cooling (key from figure 2)
*Cooling tower (1) *Water pump (2) *Condensor (8) *Precipitator (25)


This schematic diagram must be properly understood. it is the basis upon which Steam power station designs are done. the individual power station complexity my differ slightly to the shematic and yet over and above that will use the same principle.


Part 3: Wet cooling

This is the conventional Cooling method used in most Steam power stations. Steam is cooled inside the condenser and is returned to the boiler(Rankine cycyle).

The condensor itself uses cold water and employs the principle of heat exchange. as the cool water is returned to the boiler, the hot water in the condensor is pumped to the cooling tower. Here water is sprayed and thus fall down to the water pond under the cooling tower. As the water falls it is cooled by the natural cold air. The cooled water is pumped back to the condeser, and the cycle is repeatedd. This method wastes a lot of water through evaporation.


Water consumption
≈2.5lt / 1kWh
Part 4A: Indirect Dry Cooling A

The first Indirect Dry cooling method is called Wet cooled condenser.

Here the condenser is still used to cool steam that is pumped back to the boiler. The hot water from the condensor is then pumped to Heat exchangers in the cooling tower and natural ventilation is used to cool the water which can then be pumped back to the condenser. Notice that water consumption here is double that consumed in the direct dry cooling method.


Water consumption
≈0.8lt / 1kWh
Part 5: Location

The following is a list of factors that influence the selection of site for constructing a Steam power station:

1. Supply of fuel:

  • The station must be located close to coal mines to reduce transportation cost of fuel.

2. Availability of water:

  • The station must be located near a river bank or canal for continous water supply.

3. Transportation facilities:

  • The station must be well connected to major transport routes eg Rail or Road.

4. Cost & type of land:

  • The land must have a good bearing capacity for heavy equipment and yet be cheap enough to purchase.

5. Distance from populated areas:

  • The station must be located as far away from populated areas as possible due to air pollution.
Part 7: Example

Add text here!
Part 9: Refferences & Exercise 2

Refferences:

  1. This resource is prepared from Lecture notes by Thuvack.
  2. V.K Mehta & Rohit Mehta :- Principles of Power systems (1st ed.). S.CHAND .ISBN 81-219-2496-0

Execise 2:

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Part 4: Dry cooling

This is the more preffered Cooling method which is now being implemented in most new Steam power stations. Steam is circulated inside a radiator-like heat exchanger and is cooled by the natural cold air blown (naturally or using draught fans) between pipes of the heat exchanger. The cooled/condensed steam is returned to the boiler(Rankine cycyle).

This method greatly decreases water wastages through evaporation by almost 84% of the wet cooling method. It is called Direct dry cooling since the condenser has been eliminated completely. This method is favored where water is scarce.


Water consumption
≈0.4lt / 1kWh
Part 4B: Indirect Dry Cooling B

The second Indirect Dry cooling method is called Jet cooled condenser.

Here the exhaust steam leaving the low-pressure turbine condensed by a jet spray of cold water. the resulting hot water collected is through heat exchangers in the cooling tower. The cooled water is sent back to the boiler. Notice that water consumption is equal to the previous cooling method.


Water consumption
≈0.8lt / 1kWh
Part 6: Efficiency

This type of power station has very high energy losses due to great heat loss in the boiler and condensor. the following equation is used to calculate power station efficiency:

Thermal efficiency = \frac{Mechnical_.energy_to_.turbineshaft}{Heat_.of_.coal_.combustion}

the above can be re-written as follows:

{\eta}_{thermal} = \frac{Mechnical_.energy}{Heat_.of_.coal}

The above generally works out to ±30% for steam power stations.

you can further calculate overall efficiency as follows:

{\eta}_{overall} = \frac{Heat_.equivelence_.of_.Electric_.power_.output}{Heat_.of_.coal_.used}

the above can be re-written as follows:

{\eta}_{overall} = {\eta}_{Electrical} \times {\eta}_{Thermal}

The above generally works out to ±29% ( 1% loss at the generator ) for steam power stations.
Part 8: Example continued

Add text here!
Part 10: Completion list

Once you finish your Exercises you can post your score here! To post your score just e-mail your course co-ordinator your name and score Click Here.

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