Thermal_Power_Station

Power Sector Overview

  • All India Total Installed Capacity (As on 31.01.2022) - Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

    • Total Installed Capacity: 3,95,075 MW

    • Installed Generation Capacity (Sector Wise):

      • Central Sector: 98,327 MW (24.9%)

      • State Sector: 1,05,314 MW (26.7%)

      • Private Sector: 1,91,434 MW (48.5%)

Fossil Fuel Generation Capacity

  • Installed Generation Capacity (Fuel Wise) as on 31.01.2022:

    • Total Fossil Fuel Capacity: 2,35,929 MW (59.7%)

      • Coal: 2,03,900 MW (51.6%)

      • Lignite: 6,620 MW (1.7%)

      • Gas: 24,900 MW (6.3%)

      • Diesel: 510 MW (0.1%)

Non-Fossil Fuel Generation Capacity

  • Installed Generation Capacity (Fuel Wise): 1,59,146 MW (40.3%)

    • Renewable Energy Sources (RES): 1,52,366 MW (38.5%)

      • Hydro: 46,512 MW (11.8%)

      • Wind: 40,101 MW (10.2%)

      • Solar: 50,304 MW (12.7%)

      • Biomass Power/Cogen: 10,176 MW (2.6%)

      • Waste to Energy: 434 MW (0.1%)

      • Small Hydro Power: 4,840 MW (1.2%)

    • Nuclear Capacity: 6,780 MW (1.7%)

Lignite Characteristics

  • Definition: Lignite is a low rank of coal (brown coal).

    • Formed from compressed peat with a carbon content of 25-35%.

    • Properties: High moisture content, low heating value.

Electric Generating Capacity Projections (India)

  • Projections for installed electric generating capacity with future trends in sources from 2010 to 2050.

    • Comparison and analysis of solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear, and fossil fuels over the years.

Thermal Power Station Overview

  • Definition: A thermal power station converts heat energy from coal combustion into electrical energy (Steam Power Station).

  • Working Principle:

    • Based on the Rankine cycle.

    • Steam generated in the boiler is expanded in a turbine, then condensed and fed back into the boiler.

Components of a Thermal Power Station

  • Major components of the thermal power station include:

    1. Coal and Dust Handling Arrangement

    2. Steam Generating Plant

    3. Steam Turbine

    4. Alternator Generator

    5. Feed Water System

    6. Cooling Arrangement

Coal Handling Processes

  • Coal Delivery: Supplied via rail, road, or river.

  • Unloading: Different equipment included based on delivery method.

  • Preparation: Coal sizing via crushers and breakers.

  • Transfer: Systems used include conveyors and elevators.

Boiler and Steam Generators

  • Defined as apparatus to produce steam for various applications.

  • Types: Water Tube and Fire Tube.

    • Water Tube: More efficient, safer, capable of high pressure.

    • Fire Tube: Compact, lower cost but more likely to explode.

Steam Turbine Types

  • Impulse Turbines: Steam expands in the nozzle, pressure does not change in the blade zone.

  • Reaction Turbines: Steam expands gradually as it moves through blades.

Ash Handling and Disposal

  • Large quantities of ash are produced, typically 10-20% of coal burned.

  • Various systems for handling and disposal include hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical methods.

Environmental Controls

  • Dust and Smoke Removal: Various systems including mechanical and electrical collectors,

    • Aim to prevent pollution and maintain boiler efficiency through effective ash control.