GENERATING STATIONS

Generating Station

Bulk electric power is produced by Special plants known as

Generating station or power plants.

Which are requirements by the generating station during design?

Classification
(1) Steam power stations.
(2) Hydro-electric power stations.
(3) Diesel power station.
(4) Nuclear power stations.
(5) Gas Turbine power stations.
 Steam power station(thermal station)
• A generating station which convert s heat energy of coal combustion into
electric energy is known as a steam power station.
• Basically works on the ranking cycle.
• Steam is produced in the boiler by utilizing the heat of coal combustion.
• Then the steam is expanded in prime mover and is condensed in a
condenser to be fed into boiler again.
• The steam turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical
energy of turbine into electrical energy.
• This type of power station is suitable where coal and water are avilable in
abundance and large amount of electric power is to be generated.
Schematic arrangement of steam power
station
 the whole arrangement can be divided into the following stages .
(1) Coal and ash handling arrangement.
(2) Steam generating plant.
(3) Steam turbine.
(4) Alternator.
(5) Feed water.
(6) Cooling arrangement.
Fig. of schemetic arrangement of steam power
station
(1) Coal and ash handling plant.
• The coal is transported to the power station by road or rail and is stored in
the coal storage plant.
• From the coal storage plant , coal is delivered to the coal handling pland
where it is pulverised.
• The pulverised coal is fed to the boiler by belt conveyors.
• The coal is burnt in the boiler and the ash produced after the complete
combustion of coal ash is removed to the ash handling plant from boiler
surface for proper burning of coal. and then delivered to the ash storage
plant for disposal.

• Example: 20000 tons of coal per month produce 2000 or 3000 tons of ash.
 (2) Steam generating plant
• The steam generating plant consists of a boiler for the production of steam.
(1)Boiler: the heat of combustion of coal in the boiler utilised to convert water into steam at high
tempreture and pressure.
(2)superheater: the steam produced in the boiler is wet and passed through a superheater by the flue
gases on their way to chimney.superheating provides two principal benefits

firstly,the overall efficienc y is increased.

secondly, too much condensation in last stages of turbine is avoided.

(3) Economiser: an economiser is essentially a feedwater heater and device heat from flue gases for
this purpose. The economiser increase the feed water tempreture.
(4) Air preheater : an air preheater increase the tempreture of the air supplied for coal burning by
deriving heat from flue gases. Air preheater increase the tempreture of air used for coal
combustion.
(3) Steam turbine
• The dry and superheated steam from the superheater is fed to the
steam turbine through main valve. The heat energy of steam when
passing over the blades of turbine is converted into mechanical
energy.
(4) Alternator
• The steam turbine is coupled to alternator . the alternator convertes
mechanical energy of turbine into electrical energy. the electrical
output from the alternator is delivered to the bus bars through
transformer, circuit breakers and isolators.
(5) Feed water
• The condensate from the condenser is used as feed water to the
boiler . Some water may be lost in the cycle which is suitable made
up from external source. The feed water on its way to the boiler is
heated by water heaters and economiser . This helps in the
raising the overall efficiency of the plant.
Cooling arrangement
• In order to improve the efficiency of the plant ,the steam exhausted from
the turbine is condensed by means of a condenser. Water is drawn from
a natural source of supply such as a river, canal or lake and is circulated
through the condenser . The circulating water takes up the heat of the
exhausted steam and itself becomes hot.

• This hot water coming out from the condenser is discharge at a

suitable location down the river . In case the unavailability of water
from the source of supply is not assured throughout the year ,cooling
towers are used . During the scarcity of water in the river ,hot water
from the condenser is passed on to the cooling towers where it is
cooled. The cold water from the cooling tower is reused in the
condenser.
 Choice of site for steam power stations.
(1) Supply of fuel: the steam power station should be located near the coal
mines so that transportation cost of fuel is minimum.
(2) Availability of water: as huge amount of water is required for the
condenser, there for ,such a plant should be located at the bank of a river
or near a canal.
(3) Nearness to load centres: in order to reduce the transmission cost, the plant
should be located near the centre of load.
(4) Distance from populated area: An huge amount of coal is burnt in a steam
power station , therefore, smoke and fumes pollute the surrounding area, so
the plant should be located at a considerable distance from the populated
areas.
(5) Transportation Facilities
(6) Cost and type of land: Further extension should be done and heavy
equipments should be withstand
 Efficiency of steam power station
• The overall efficiency of a steam power station is quite low about 29% due mainly to two reasons.
• firstly, a huge amount of heat is lost in the condenser and secondly heat losses occur at various stages
of plant.
<1> Thermal efficiency: The ratio of heat equivalent of mechanical energy transmitted to the turbine
shaft to the heat of combustion of coal is known as thermal efficiency of steam power station.

heat equivalent of mech. energy transmitted to

thermal efficiency = turbine shaft________________________________
heat of coal combustion.

The thermal efficiency of a modern steam power station is about 30%.

(2) overall efficiency : the ratio of heat equivalent of electrical output to the heat of combustion of coal
is known as overall efficiency of steam power station.
heat equivalent of electrical output
Over all efficiency = heat of coal combustion
the overall efficiency of a steam power station is about 29%.
Equipment of steam power station.
• A modern steam power station is highly complex and has numerous
equipment and auxiliaries.
<1> steam generating equipment.
<2> condenser.
<3> prime mover.
<4> water treatment plant.
<5> electrical equipment.
 (1) Steam generating equipment
This in an important part of the steam power plant.it is concerned with the generation of superheated steam
and includes such items as boiler , boiler furnace , superheater, economiser, air preheater and other heat
reclaming devices.
<A> Boiler : A boiler is closed vessel in which water is converted into steam by utilising the heat of the
coal combustion .steam boilers are broadly classified into the following two types:
1-Water tube boilers
2-Fire tube boilers
In a water tube boiler , water flows through the tubes and the hot gases of combustion flow over these tubes.
On the other hand, in a fire tube boiler ,the hot products of combustion pass through the tubes surrounded by
water.
Advantages of water tube: require less space, smaller size of tubes and drum, high woring pressure due to small
drum, less liable to explosion
<B>Boiler furnace : A boiler furnace is a chamber in which fuel is burnt to liberate the heat energy. In
addition , it provides support and enclosure for the combustion equipment i.e. burners..
-> made up of clay , silica, kaolin (property = ?)
(a) Plain refractory wall
(b) hollow refractory walls
(c) Water walls : plain tubes arranged side by side on the inner face of the wall & tubes are connected to upper &
lower headers of the boiler
(1) Steam generating equipment (Continue)
<C> Superheater : A superheater is a device which superheates the steam i.e. it raises the
temperature of steam above boiling point of water . This increase over all efficiency.
(a) Radiant (placed in the furnace between water walls) : Disadvantages are
 Due to high furnace temperature it may get damaged hence carefull design is required
 The temperature of the superheater falls with the increase in the steam output
(b) Convection (placed in boiler tube bank) : Advantage is
 Temperature increases with the increase in the steam output
<D>Economiser : It is a device which heats the feed water on its way to boiler by deriving
heat from the flue gases. This results in raising boiler by deriving heat from the flue gases . this
results in raising boiler efficiency saving in fuel and reduced stresses in the boiler due to
higher tempreture of feed water.
<E>Air pre-heater : The function of an air pre –heater is to extract heat from the flue
gases and give it to the air being supplied to furnace for coal combustion.
(a) Recuperative type (group of steel tubes) : Flue gases are passed through the tubes and air
outside surface & heat is received
(b) Regenerative type (Moving drum made up of corrugated metal) : flue gases flow continuously
one side of the drum and air on other side
(2)Condensers
• A condenser is a device which condenses the steam at the exhaust of turbine. It serves two
important function
Firstly , it creates a very low pressure at the exhaust of turbine ,thus permitting expansion of
the steam in the prime mover to a very low pressure. This helps in converting heat energy
of steam into mechanical energy.
 Secondly, the condensed steam can be used as feed water to the boiler. Types are
(A) Jet Condenser : Cooling water & exhausted steam mixed together. Therfore temp of water and
condensate is same when leaving the condensor.
Advantages : - low initial cost , less floor are is required , less cooling water is required , low
maintainece
Disadvantages : condensate is wasted and high power is required for pumping water
(B) Surface Condenser : Cooling water flows through horizontal tubes enclosed in a cast shell.
Advantages : - condensate can be used as feed water, less pumping is required and creation of
better vacuum at the end of turbine exhaust.
Disadvantages : - high initial cost , require large floor are and high maintenance charges
(3)Prime mover
• The prime mover converts steam energy into mechanical energy. There are two types of steam
prime mover .steam engine and steam turbine.
• A steam turbine has several advantages over a steam engine as a prime mover , high efficiency,
simple construction ,higher speed ,less floor area requirement and maintenance cost.
• There, all modern steam power station employ steam turbine as prime mover. Types are
(A) Impulse turbines : steam expanded completely in the stationary nozzles , the pressure over the
moving blades remain constant
(B) Reaction turbines : the steam is partially expanded in the stationary nozzles, the remaining
expansion takes place during its flow over moving blades.
The result is that the momentum of the steam causes a reaction force on the moving blades
which sets up rotor motion.
(4) Water treatment plant
• Boiler require clean and soft water for longer life and better
efficiency .However ,the source of boiler feed water is generally a
river or lake which may contain suspended and dissolved impurities
, dissolved gases etc.
• There for ,it is very important that water is first purified and
softened by chemical treatment and then delivered to the boiler.
(5) Electrical equipments
(1) Alternator: Each alternator is coupled to a steam turbine and converts mechanical
energy of turbine into electrical energy. The alternator may be hydrogen or air cooled. The
necessary excitation is provided by means of main and pilot exciters directly coupled to
the alternator shaft.
(2) Transformer: A generating station has different types of transformers,
 main step up transformers which step up the generation voltage for transmission of
power.
 Station transformer which are used for general service in the power station.
 Auxiliary transformer which supply to the individual unit-auxiliaries.
(3) Switchgear: It houses such equipment which locates the fault on the
system and isolate the fault part from the healthy section. It contains circuit
breakers , relays , switches and other control devices.
Advantages of steam power station
(1) The fuel is used is quite cheap.
(2) Less initial cost as compared to other generating station.
(3) It requires less space as compared to the hydro-electric power
station.
(4) The cost of generation is lesser than that of the diesel power
station.
(5) It can be installed at any place irrespective of the existence of the
coal or coal easily can be transported to the to the site by rail or
road.
Disadvantages of steam power station
(1) It pollutes the atmosphere due to the production of large amount
of smoke and fumes.
(2) It is costlier in running cost as compared to hydro-electric plant.
 HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER STATION

A generating station which utilizes the

potential energy of water at a high level for
the generation of electrical energy is know as
a hydro-electric power station.
 In hydroelectric power station
potential and kinetic energy of
stored water is converted into
electric energy.

 For hydro power station factors like

rainfall, steam flow available head
and storage facilities are studied.

 25% of electricity generation

capacity in world is provided by
hydel power plant.

 In the countries like Norvey 99%

electricity is produced by
hydelpowerplant.
• Hydro electric power stations are generally located in hilly areas
where dams can be built conveniently and large water reservoirs can
be obtained.

• In this type of power station, water head is created by constructing a

dam across a river or lake. From the dam, water is led to a water
turbine. The water turbine captures the energy in the falling water
and changes the hydraulic energy into mechanical energy at the
turbine shaft. The turbine drives the alternator which converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy.

• Hydro-electric power stations have the added importance for flood

control, storage of water for irrigation and water for drinking
purposes.
Advantages
• It requires no fuel as water is used for the generation of electrical
energy.
• It is neat & clean as no smoke or ash is produced.
• It requires very small running charges because water is the source of
energy which is available free of cost.
• Comparatively simple construction & require less maintenance.
• Does not require long starting time like steam power station
• Hydroelectric Power Station does not "use" water, all of the water is
returned to its source of origin. Such plants sreve many purposes in
addition of generation of electrical energy like help in irrigation &
controlling floods.
• For operation few experienced persons may do job well
Disadvantages
• Like all power plants, hydroelectric plants are very expensive to build,
and must be built to a very high standard. The high cost means that
plants must operate for a long time to become profitable.
• The creation of dams can also create flooding of land, which means
natural environment and the natural habitat of animals, and even
people, may be destroyed.
• It requires high cost of transmission lines as the plant is located in
hilly areas which are quite away from consumers.
• Uncertainity about the availability of huge amount of water due to
dependence on weather conditions
Fig .of schematic arrangement of hydro-
electric power plant.
Schematic arrangement of hydroelectric power station
Schematic arrangement of hydro-electric
power station.
• Although a hydro-electric power station simply involves the conversion of hydraulic energy into electric
energy , yet it embraces many arrangements for proper working and efficiency.
• The dam is constructed across a river or lake and water from the catchment area collects at the back of the
dam to form a reservoir.
• A pressure tunnel is taken off from the reservoir and water brought to the valve house at the start of
penstock.
• The valve house contains main sluice valves and automatic isolating valves . The former controls the water
flow to the power house and the latter cuts off supply of water when the penstock bursts. From the valve
house , water is taken to water turbine converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. The turbine
drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• A surge tank is built just before the valve house and protects the penstock from bursting in case the turbine
gates suddenly close due to electrical load being thrown off. When the gates close ,there is a sudden
stopping of water at the lower end of the penstock and consequently the penstock can burst like a paper log
. the surge tank absorbs this pressure swing by increase in its level of water.
Choice of site for the Hydro-electric power
stations.
(1)Availability of water: Since the primary requirement of a hydro electric power station
is the availability of huge quantity of water, such plant should be built at a place where adequate
water is available at a good head.
(2)Storage of water: There are wide variation in water supply from a river or canal during
the year. This makes it necessary to store water by constructing a dam in order to ensure the
generation of power throughout the year.
(3)Cost and type of land: The land for the construction of plant should be available at a
reasonable price.
(4)Transportation facilities: The site selected for a hydro-electric plant should be
accessible by rail or road so that necessary equipment and machinery could be easily
transported.
Constituents of Hydro-electric plant
(1) Hydraulic structure
• Hydraulic structure in a hydro-electric power station include dam, spilway , headwork,surge
tank, penstock and accessory works.
(1)Dam: A dam is a barrier which stores water and creates water head. Dams are built of
concrete or stone masonary ,earth or rock fill. The type and arrangement depends upon the
topography of the site. A masonry dam may be built in a narrow canyon. An earth dam may
be best suited for a wide valley.
(2)Spillways: There are times when the river flow exceeds the storage capacity of the reservoir
. such a situation arises during heavy rainfall in the catchment area. In order to discharge
the surplus water from the storage reservoir into the river on the down-stream side of the
dam , spillways are used. Spillways are constructed of concrete piers on the top of the dam.
Gates are provided between these piers and surplus water is discharge over the crest of the
dam by opening these gates.
(3) Headworks : The headworks consists of the diversion structure at the head of an intake.
They generally include booms and racks for diverting floating debris, sluices for by-passing
debris and sediments and valves for controlling the flow of water to the turbine.
(4) Surge tank : When closed conduits are used , protection becomes
necessary to limit the normal pressure in the conduit. For this reason ,
closed conduits are always provided with a surge tank. A surge tank is
a small reservoir or tank in which water level rises or falls to reduce
the pressure swings in the conduit. A surge tank is located near the
beginning of the conduit.
(5) Penstocks : Penstocks are open or closed conduits which carry
water to the turbines. They are generally made of reinforced concrete
or steel.
 Automatic butterfly valve (close the water flow through penstocks) , air
valve(maintains the pressure with outside atmosphere) & surge tank are
provided for the protection of penstocks.
(2) Water turbine
• Water turbine are used to convert the energy of falling water into mechanical energy. The
principal types of water turbine are
<1> Impulse turbine.
<2> Reaction turbine.
(1) Impulse turbines: such turbines are used for high
heads . In an Impulse turbines , the entire pressure
of water is converted into kinetic energy in a nozzle
and velocity of the jet drives the wheel .The example
of the type of turbine is the Pelton wheel.
• Reaction turbines: Reaction turbine are used for low and medium
heads. In a reaction turbine , water enters the runner partly with
pressure energy and partly with velocity head.
 Outer rings of stationary guide blades & inner rotary blades forming
the runner.
1) Francis turbine (low to medium head): Water flows radially inwards
and changes to downward direction while passing through runner.
2) Kalpan turbine (low head having large quantity of water): receives
water axially. & changes to run the runner in axial flow direction.
(3) Electrical eqipment
• The electrical equipment of a hydro-electrical power station
includes alternators, transformers , circuit breakers and other
switching and protective devices.
NUCLEAR POWER STATION
• A generating station in which nuclear energy is converted into electrical energy is
known as a nuclear power station.

• In nuclear power station ,heavy elements such as Uranium (U 235) or Thorium

(Th 232) are subjected to nuclear fission in a special apparatus known as a
reactor. The heat energy thus released is utilized in raising steam at high
temperature and pressure .
• The steams runs the steam turbine which converts steam energy into mechanical
energy. The turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy.
• The most important features of a nuclear power station is that huge amount of
electrical energy can be produced from a relatively small amount of nuclear
fuel as compared to other conventional types of power stations.
It has been found that complete fission of 1kg of Uranium can produce as
much energy as can be produced by burning of 4,500 tons of high grade coal.
 Nuclear Fission

• We convert mass into energy by

breaking large atoms (usually
Uranium) into smaller atoms.
Note the increases in binding
energy per nucleon.
A slow moving neutron induces fission in Uranium
235
Expanding Chain Reaction
• The fission reaction produces
more neutrons which can then
induce fission in other Uranium
atoms.
• Mouse Trap Chain Reaction
 Fuel Pellets
• The enriched UF6 is converted
into UO2 which is then made
into fuel pellets.
• The fuel pellets are collected
into long tubes. (~12ft).
• The fuel rods are collected into
bundles (~200 rods per bundle)
• ~175 bundles in the core
The whole arrangement can be divided into the following main stages:

1) Nuclear Reactor
2) Heat Exchanger
3) Steam Turbine
4) Alternator
Fig . of schematic arrangement of Nuclear Power
station.
 Schematic Arrangement
(1)Nuclear reactor: it is an apparatus in which nuclear fuel (U235)is in subjected
to nuclear fission.
 It controls the chain reaction that starts once the fission is done. If the
chain reaction Is not controlled, the result will be an explosion due to the fast
increase in energy released.
A nuclear reactor is a cylindrical stout pressure vessel and houses fuel rods
of uranium ,moderator and control rods shown in fig.
The fuel road constitutes the fission material and release huge amount of
energy when bombarded with slow moving neutrons. The moderator
(Graphite) slows down the neutrons before they bombard the fuel rods. The
control roads are of cadmium or boron and are inserted into the reactor.
When control roads are pushed in deep enough, they absorb most of the fission
neutrons and very few remains for chain reaction, hence stops.
(2)Heat exchanger :the coolant gives up heat to the heat exchanger which is
utilised in raising the steam .after giving up heat ,the coolant(a sodium metal) is
again fed to the reactor.
(3)Steam turbine: the steam produced in the heat exchanger is led to the steam
turbine through a valve . after doing a useful work in the turbine ,the steam is
exhausted to condenser . The condenser condenses the steam which is fed to
the heat exchanger through feed water pump.
(4)Alternator: the steam turbine drives the alternator which converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy. The output from the alternator is
delivered to the bus-bars through transformer ,circuit breakers and isolators.
Selection of Site for Nuclear Power Station
 Availability of water: As sufficient water is required for cooling purposes, the
plant should be located where ample quantity of water is available, e.g. across a
river or by sea-side.
 Adequate arrangement for the Disposal of waste: The waste produced by fission
in a nuclear power station is generally radioactive so it should either be buried in
a deep trench or disposed off in sea quite away from the sea shore to avoid
health hazards.
 Away from populated areas: As there is a danger of presence of radioactivity in
the atmosphere near the plant, the site for a nuclear power plant should be quite
away from the populated areas for health safety. However, as a precautionary
measure, a dome is used in the plant which does not allow the radioactivity to
spread by wind or underground waterways.
 Advantages
(1) The amount of fuel require is quite small . therefore , there is a considerable
saving in the cost of fuel transportation.
(2)A nuclear power plant require less space as compared to another type of same
size.
(3) It has low running charges as a small amount of fuel used for producing bulk
electrical energy.
(4) This type of plant is very economical for producing bulk electric power.
(5)It can be located near the load centers because it does not require large
quantities of water and need not be near coal mines. Therefore ,the cost of
primary distribution is reduced.
(6)There are large deposits of nuclear fuels available all over the world. Therefore,
such plants can ensure continued supply of electrical energy for thousands of
years.
(7) It ensures reliability of operation.
 Disadvantages
(1)The fuel used is expensive and is difficult to recover.
(2) The fission by products are generally radioactive and may cause a dangerous
amount of radioactive pollution.
(3) The erection & commissioning of the plant requires greater technical know- how
!
(4)The disposal of products , which are radioactive ,is a big problem. They have
either to be disposed off in a deep trench or in a sea away from sea-shore.
(5) The capital cost on nuclear plant is very high as compared to the other types of
the plants.
(6)Maintenance charges are high due to lack of standardization. Moreover, high
salaries of specially trained personnel employed to handle the plant further raise
the cost.
(7) Nuclear power plants are not well suited for varying loads as the reactor does
not respond to the load fluctuations efficiently.
DIESEL POWER STATION
• A generating station in which diesel engine is used as the prime mover for the
generation of electrical energy is known as diesel power station.
 Diesel power plants produce power in the range of 2 to 50 MW.

 They are used as standby sets for continuity of supply such as hospitals,
telephone exchanges, radio stations, cinema theatres and industries.

 They are suitable for mobile power generation and widely used in
railways and ships.
 Diesel power station
• A generating station in which diesel engine is used as the prime mover for the
generation of electrical energy is known as diesel power station.
• In a diesel power station, diesel engine is used as the prime mover . The diesel
burns inside the engine and the products of this combustion acts as the
“working fluid” to produce mechanical energy. The diesel engine drives the
alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. As the
generation cost is considerable due to high price of diesel ,therefore , such a
power station are only used to produce small power.
• Although ,steam power stations and hydro-electric plants are invariably used to
generate bulk power at cheaper cost ,yet diesel power stations are finding favour
at places where demand of power is less, sufficient quantity of coal and water is
not available and the transportation facilities are inadequate .These plants are
also used as standby sets for continuity for supply to important point such as
hospitals ,radio stations, cinema houses and telephone exchanges.
 Advantages
• The design and layout of the plants are quite simple
• It occupies less space as the number and size of the auxiliaries is small
• It can be located at any places
• It can be started quickly & can pickup load in a short time.
• There are no standby losses.
• It require less quantity of water for cooling.
• The over all cost is much less then that of steam power station of the same
capacity.
• The thermal efficiency of the plant is higher then that of a steam power
station
• It requires less operating staff
 Disadvantages
• The plant has high running charges as the fuel used is costly.
• The plant does not work satisfactorily under overload conditions for a
longer period.
• The plant can only generate small power .
• The cost of lubrication generally high.
• The maintance charges are generally high.
 Schematic arrangement of diesel power station
• Fuel supply system:- it consists of storage tank, strainers ,fuel transfer pump and all day fuel tank. The fuel oil
is supplied at the plant site by rail or road. This oil is stored in the storage tank. From the storage tank, fuel oil is
passed through strainers to remove suspended impurities. The clean oil is injected into the engine by fuel
injection pump.
• Air intake system:- this system supplies necessary air to the engine for fuel combustion. It consists of pipe for
supply of fresh air to the engine manifold . Filter are provided to remove dust particles from air which may act
as abrasive in the engine cylinder.
• Exhaust system:-this system leads the engine exhaust gas outside the building and discharge in atmosphere a
silencer is usually incorporated in the system to reduce the the noise level.
• Cooling system:- the heat released by the burning of fuel in the engine cylinder is partially converted into work.
The reminder part of the heat passes through the cylinder walls ,piston. rings etc. and may cause damage to
the system . In order to keep the temperature of the engine part within the safe operating limits ,cooling is
provided . The cooling system comprises of a water source , pump and cooling tower . The pump circulate
water through cylinder and its self became hot .the hot water is cooled by cooling towers and is recirculated for
cooling.
• Lubricating system: This system minimizes the wear of rubbing surface of the engine . It comprise of
lubricating oil, filter & oil cooler. The lubricating oil is drawn from the lubricating oil tank by the pump and is
passed through filters to remove impurities . The clean lubricating oil is delivered to the point which required
lubrication .the oil coolers incorporated in the system keep the temperature of the oil low
• Engine starting system:- this is an arrangement to rotate the engine initially , which starting, until firing starts
and until runs with its own power .Small sets are started manually by handles but for larger units, compressed
air is used for starting. In the latter case ,air at high pressure is admitted to a few of the cylinder , making them
to act as reciprocating air motors to turn over the engine shaft .The fuel is admitted to the remaining
cylinders while making the engine to start under its own power.
Layout Of Diesel Power Plant
 Gas Turbine Power Plant
A generating station which employs gas turbine as the
prime mover for the generation of electrical energy is
known as a gas turbine power plant
• In a gas turbine power plant, air is used as the working fluid.
• The air is compressed by the compressor and is led to the combustion
chamber where heat is added to air, thus raising its temperature. Heat is
added to the compressed air either by burning fuel in the chamber or by the
use of air heaters.
 The hot and high pressure air from the combustion chamber is
then passed to the gas turbine where it expands and does the
mechanical work. The gas turbine drives the alternator which
converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• It may be mentioned here that compressor, gas turbine and the alternator are
mounted on the same shaft so that a part of mechanical power of the turbine
can be utilized for the operation of the compressor.
• Gas turbine power plants are being used as standby plants for hydro-electric
stations, as a starting plant for driving auxiliaries in power plants etc.
Advantages
 It is simple in design as compared to steam power station since no boilers and their
auxiliaries are required.
 It is much smaller in size as compared to steam power station of the same capacity.
This is expected since gas turbine power plant does not require boiler, feed water
arrangement etc.
 The initial and operating costs are much lower than that of equivalent steam power
station.
 It requires comparatively less water as no condenser is used.
 The maintenance charges are quite small.
 Gas turbines are much simpler in construction and operation than steam turbines.
 It can be started quickly form cold conditions.
 There are no standby losses. However, in a steam power station, these losses occur
because boiler is kept in operation even when the steam turbine is supplying no
load.
Disadvantages
There is a problem for starting the unit. It is because before starting the
turbine, the compressor has to be operated for which power is required
from some external source. However, once the unit starts, the external
power is not needed as the turbine itself supplies the necessary power
to the compressor.
Since a greater part of power developed by the turbine is used in driving
the compressor, the net output is low.
The overall efficiency of such plants is low (about 20%) because the
exhaust gases from the turbine contain sufficient heat.
The temperature of combustion chamber is quite high (3000oF) so that
its life is comparatively reduced.
Schematic Arrangement of Gas Turbine
Power Plant
(i) Compressor. The compressor used in the plant is generally of rotatory
type. The air at atmospheric pressure is drawn by the compressor via the
filter which removes the dust from air. The rotatory blades of the
compressor push the air between stationary blades to raise its pressure.
Thus air at high pressure is available at the output of the compressor.
(ii) Regenerator. A regenerator is a device which recovers heat from the
exhaust gases of the turbine. The exhaust is passed through the
regenerator before wasting to atmosphere. A regenerator consists of a
nest of tubes contained in a shell. The compressed air from the
compressor passes through the tubes on its way to the combustion
chamber. In this way, compressed air is heated by the hot exhaust gases.
(iii) Combustion chamber. The air at high pressure from the compressor is
led to the combustion chamber via the regenerator. In the combustion
chamber, heat is added to the air by burning oil. The oil is injected
through the burner into the chamber at high pressure to ensure
atomisation of oil and its thorough mixing with air. The result is that the
chamber attains a very high temperature (about 3000oF). The combustion
gases are suitably cooled to 1300oF to 1500oF and then delivered to the gas
turbine.
(iv) Gas turbine. The products of combustion consisting of a mixture of
gases at high temperature and pressure are passed to the gas turbine.
These gases in passing over the turbine blades expand and thus do the
mechanical work. The temperature of the exhaust gases from the
turbine is about 900oF.
(v) Alternator. The gas turbine is coupled to the alternator. The
alternator converts mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical
energy. The output from the alternator is given to the bus-bars through
transformer, circuit breakers and isolators.
(vi) Starting motor. Before starting the turbine, compressor has to be
started. For this purpose,
• an electric motor is mounted on the same shaft as that of the turbine.
The motor is energized by the batteries. Once the unit starts, a part of
mechanical power of the turbine drives the compressor and there is no
need of motor now.
Picture Gallery
Picture Gallery
STEAM POWER STATION
Water Tube Boilers
Fire tube boilers
Hollow refractory walls
Radiant Superheater Convection Superheater
Recuperative type
Air preheater
Regenerative type
Steam turbine
Turbine
FRANCIS TURBINE
KALPAN TURBINE
References
• Power Systems - V.K.MEHTA
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_station
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_plant
• http://www.slideshare.net/BKLR/diesel-power-plant