Power Plant Types and Operation
Central Power Plants
Central Base Plants: Designed for continuous electricity supply, typically large thermoelectric, hydroelectric, or nuclear power plants.
Central Point Plants: Meet peak energy demands, supplementing or replacing base load plants during high usage periods.
Central Reserve Plants: Substitute or repair base load plants, ensuring consistent power supply.
Central Pumping Plants: Hydroelectric plants using excess energy to pump water to upper reservoirs, releasing it during peak hours.
Hydroelectric Power Plants
Utilize water’s potential energy to generate electricity. Dams create reservoirs, raising water levels. Water flows through pipes, turning turbines connected to alternators, producing electricity.
Cogeneration Plants
Generate electricity and utilize waste heat for heating, steam, or other thermal needs.
Thermal Power Plants
Produce electricity by burning coal, fuel oil, or natural gas. Coal is pulverized, mixed with air, and burned. Heat converts water to steam, driving turbines and alternators.
Environmental Concerns
- Air Pollution: Fossil fuel combustion releases CO2 and other pollutants, contributing to the greenhouse effect and acid rain.
- Water Pollution: Thermal pollution and water used for cleaning can impact water quality.
- Noise Pollution: Fans and other equipment can create noise disturbances.
Nuclear Reactors
The core of nuclear power plants, facilitating controlled chain reactions to produce thermal energy.
Components
- Reactor Vessel: Contains fuel and neutron source.
- Moderator: Slows neutrons to sustain the reaction (water, heavy water, graphite).
- Control Rods: Absorb neutrons to regulate the reaction rate.
- Coolant: Removes heat and transfers it to generate steam.
Types
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
Uses enriched uranium and water as coolant and moderator. Heat is transferred to a secondary circuit to produce steam.
Boiling Water Reactor (BWP)
Uses enriched uranium and water, with steam generated directly in the reactor.
Operation
Heat from the reactor core is transferred to a coolant, which generates steam to drive turbines and alternators.
Electric Stations
Facilities for processing and distributing electricity, connecting multiple lines. Types include primary interconnection, receiving, and distribution stations.