Electricity is generated in thermal power plants through a process that involves converting the energy stored in fossil fuels (such as coal, natural gas, or oil) into electrical energy. The basic steps in electricity generation at thermal power plants are as follows:
Fuel Combustion: The process begins with the combustion of fossil fuels. The fuel is burned in a combustion chamber, producing high-temperature and high-pressure gases.
Boiler: The heat generated by the combustion is used to convert water into steam. This steam is produced in a boiler, where water is heated to its boiling point, and the resulting steam is at high pressure.
Steam Turbine: The high-pressure steam is directed to a steam turbine. The turbine is a large rotary device with blades attached to a shaft. As the high-pressure steam flows over these blades, it causes the turbine to rotate.
Generator: The rotating turbine is connected to a generator. The generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. As the turbine rotates, it drives the generator's rotor, which is surrounded by a set of stationary coils (stator). The relative motion between the rotor and stator induces an electric current in the coils.
Electricity Generation: The electric current generated in the stator of the generator is an alternating current (AC). This AC electricity is then sent to a transformer to increase the voltage to the required level for efficient transmission.
Transmission: After the voltage is increased, the electricity is sent through transmission lines, which transport the power over long distances from the power plant to the distribution network and eventually to consumers.
Distribution: The electricity reaches a local distribution substation, where the voltage is reduced for safe delivery to homes, businesses, and industries through power lines.
Consumption: The electrical energy is finally consumed when it powers various devices and appliances, providing electricity for lighting, heating, cooling, machinery, and other applications.
It's important to note that thermal power plants are known for their high carbon emissions due to the burning of fossil fuels. As concerns about climate change and environmental impact increase, many countries are transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as renewable energy (e.g., solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal) and nuclear power, which have lower or negligible carbon emissions.