1.2 Generation Systems - Ee-Pc-201 Unit-1 Part-2
1.2 Generation Systems - Ee-Pc-201 Unit-1 Part-2
CODE: - EE-PC-201
UNIT-1/ PART-2
Fuel combustion:
Stokers: - Machine for feeding coal or other solid fuel into a furnace, usually supporting the fuel
during combustion. A good stoker also supplies air for combustion and regulates the rate of
burning and, in large installations, disposes of the ashes. Use of stokers affords substantial fuel
savings over hand firing. Fuel may be fed into the furnace on a moving chain grate or, for small
units (even some for home heating), by a moving screw. Power for running a stoker is usually
furnished by an electric motor, and control of combustion is achieved by variable speed
or intermittent drive.
The term stoker was originally applied to the man who performed the operation by hand—
e.g., aboard ship.
Fig- Schematic layout of the stoker-boiler under investigation with a deslagger with tub fueled
with water (water trap at the bottom).
Pulverizers: - To efficiently combust coal, it needs to be pulverized into fine particles (100μm)
before being placed in a boiler. A pulverizer (coal pulverizer) is installed for this purpose,
and pulverizes pieces of coal several centimeters in diameter down to fine particles.
Pulverizers are categorized into three main types: crushers, impactors, and grinding mills.
Crushers reduce large, dense materials like rock and stone into gravel or dust. They are primarily
used for size reduction, easy disposal or recycling, and material differentiation.
Pulverized coal power plants are divided into three categories: subcritical pulverized coal
(SubCPC) plants, supercritical pulverized coal (SCPC) plants, and ultra-supercritical pulverized
coal (USCPC) plants.
Fig- pulverizer
Fluidized bed combustion (FBC):- it is a specialized combustion process wherein solid
particulates are suspended in upward jets of air in order to achieve more effective chemical
reaction and heat transfer.
Fluidized bed combustion (FBC) is a technology used in power plants and industrial processes to
burn solid fuels, such as coal, biomass, or waste materials, in a way that is more efficient and
environmentally friendly than traditional combustion methods.
How It Works:
1. Fluidization:
o In FBC, solid fuel particles are introduced into a bed of inert material, like sand or
ash, which is kept in a fluid-like state by forcing air or gas through it from below.
The upward flow of air suspends the solid particles, causing the bed to behave
like a fluid.
2. Combustion Process:
o The fluidized bed creates an environment where the fuel particles mix thoroughly
with oxygen from the air, leading to efficient combustion. The turbulent mixing
within the bed ensures even temperature distribution and improves the reaction
rate.
3. Temperature Control:
o One of the key advantages of FBC is the ability to control combustion
temperatures, typically in the range of 800-900°C (1472-1652°F), which is lower
than in traditional combustion systems. This helps to reduce the formation of
nitrogen oxides (NOx), a significant pollutant.
4. Fuel Flexibility:
o FBC systems can burn a wide range of fuels, including low-grade fuels that might
not burn efficiently in other types of combustion systems. This includes coal with
high ash content, biomass, and various waste materials.
5. Environmental Benefits:
o In addition to reducing NOx emissions, FBC can incorporate sulfur-absorbing
materials (like limestone) into the bed, which reacts with sulfur dioxide (SO2)
produced during combustion to form calcium sulfate, a stable compound that can
be easily removed from the flue gas.
Applications:
FBC is widely used in power plants, especially those focused on renewable energy,
waste-to-energy processes, and industrial heating systems. It is also used in chemical and
process industries where efficient combustion of varied fuel types is essential.
Fluidized bed combustion is recognized for its efficiency, fuel flexibility, and reduced
environmental impact compared to traditional combustion methods.
Super critical boiler:-
A supercritical boiler is a type of steam generator used in power plants that operates at
supercritical pressure levels, which are above the critical point of water. The basic concept of a
supercritical boiler revolves around the way it handles water, steam, and heat to generate
electricity more efficiently than traditional boilers.
Key Concepts:
1. Supercritical Fluid:
o Water reaches its critical point at 22.1 MPa (3,206 psi) and 374°C (705°F). At this
point, water transitions directly from a liquid to a gas without passing through a
distinct boiling phase, creating a supercritical fluid that is neither liquid nor gas
but shares properties of both.
2. Operation Above Critical Pressure:
o Supercritical boilers operate at pressures above 22.1 MPa. In this range, water
does not boil but instead smoothly transitions into steam as it is heated. This
eliminates the distinction between liquid water and steam, allowing for more
efficient heat transfer and higher thermal efficiency.
3. Thermodynamic Efficiency:
o By operating at supercritical pressures and temperatures (often exceeding 500°C
or 932°F), these boilers achieve higher thermal efficiencies. The efficiency of a
supercritical boiler can be over 40%, which is significantly higher than that of
subcritical boilers.
4. No Distinct Phase Change:
o In traditional boilers, water and steam coexist, requiring the management of both
phases within the system. Supercritical boilers, however, avoid this complexity
since there is no distinct phase change from water to steam, leading to more
straightforward and efficient operation.
5. Cycle Efficiency:
o The Rankine cycle, which is the basic thermodynamic cycle for steam power
plants, benefits greatly from supercritical conditions. The higher temperature and
pressure result in improved cycle efficiency, meaning more electricity can be
generated from the same amount of fuel.
6. Materials and Design:
o Supercritical boilers require special materials and design considerations to handle
the high pressures and temperatures. The use of advanced alloys and heat-resistant
materials is essential to ensure the durability and safety of the boiler components.
Advantages:
Higher Efficiency: Supercritical boilers produce more electricity per unit of fuel
compared to subcritical boilers.
Lower Fuel Consumption: Due to higher efficiency, less fuel is needed to generate the
same amount of power, reducing fuel costs and emissions.
Reduced Emissions: The higher efficiency also means fewer greenhouse gases are
emitted per unit of electricity generated.
Applications:
Power Plants: Supercritical boilers are used in large-scale power plants, particularly
those that require high efficiency and low emissions. They are often found in coal-fired
power plants and are increasingly used in combined-cycle gas turbine plants.
CLASSIFICATION OF COAL:-
Coal is classified into different types based on its carbon content, energy content, and the degree
of metamorphism (the process that transforms organic material into coal). The classification of
coal is important for understanding its suitability for various applications, such as electricity
generation, industrial processes, or heating. The primary classifications of coal are:
1. Anthracite:
2. Bituminous:
3. Sub-Bituminous:
4. Lignite:
5. Peat:
Summary:
Each type of coal has specific uses depending on its properties, with higher-rank coals being
more efficient and cleaner-burning than lower-rank coals.
CALORIFIC VALUE:-
The calorific value (CV) of a substance is a measure of the amount of energy or heat released
during the combustion of a specific amount of that substance. It is a crucial indicator of the
energy content of fuels, including coal, natural gas, oil, and biomass.
Key Concepts:
1. Definition:
o The calorific value represents the energy released when a fuel is completely
burned in the presence of oxygen. It is typically expressed in units of energy per
unit mass or volume, such as megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg), kilocalories per
kilogram (kcal/kg), or British Thermal Units per pound (BTU/lb).
2. Higher Calorific Value (HCV) or Gross Calorific Value (GCV):
o HCV or GCV refers to the total amount of heat released when the fuel is burned,
including the heat of condensation of water vapor produced during combustion.
This value assumes that all the water produced by the combustion process is
condensed and that the latent heat of vaporization is recovered.
3. Lower Calorific Value (LCV) or Net Calorific Value (NCV):
o LCV or NCV is the amount of heat released during combustion minus the latent
heat of vaporization of the water vapor produced. This value assumes that the
water remains in the vapor state and does not recover the latent heat. LCV is
typically lower than HCV because it excludes the energy associated with the
condensation of water vapor.
4. Importance:
o The calorific value of a fuel is essential in determining its suitability for specific
applications, such as electricity generation, heating, or industrial processes. Fuels
with higher calorific values are generally more efficient, providing more energy
per unit of fuel.
o Coal: Different types of coal have different calorific values, with anthracite
having the highest and lignite the lowest.
o Natural Gas: Has a high calorific value, making it a preferred fuel for heating
and electricity generation.
o Biomass: Typically has a lower calorific value compared to fossil fuels, but it is
renewable and can be more sustainable.
5. Measurement:
o The calorific value is typically measured using a device called a bomb
calorimeter, where a sample of the fuel is burned in a controlled environment,
and the heat released is measured.
Applications:
Power Generation: The calorific value of coal or other fuels used in power plants
determines the efficiency of electricity production.
Cooking and Heating: Fuels like LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or natural gas are
chosen based on their calorific value to ensure efficient cooking or heating.
Industrial Processes: The energy content of fuels used in industries, such as steelmaking
or cement production, impacts the overall process efficiency.
Understanding the calorific value of a fuel helps in making informed decisions about energy use,
cost, and environmental impact.
SELECTION OF COAL FOR POWER GENERATION:-
The selection of coal for power generation is a critical decision that impacts the efficiency, cost,
and environmental footprint of a power plant. Several factors must be considered to ensure the
chosen coal type meets the technical and economic requirements of the power plant while
minimizing environmental impact.
1. Calorific Value:
o Importance: The calorific value (CV) indicates the energy content of the coal.
Higher calorific value coal provides more energy per unit weight, leading to more
efficient power generation.
o Selection Criteria: Power plants generally prefer coal with a higher calorific
value, such as bituminous or anthracite coal, to maximize energy output and
reduce fuel consumption.
2. Moisture Content:
o Importance: High moisture content reduces the effective calorific value of coal,
as energy is wasted in evaporating the water content.
o Selection Criteria: Coal with low moisture content is preferred for power
generation to improve combustion efficiency and reduce operational costs.
3. Ash Content:
o Importance: Ash is the non-combustible residue left after coal combustion. High
ash content can lead to operational challenges, such as slagging, fouling, and
increased maintenance needs for boilers and ash handling systems.
o Selection Criteria: Low ash content coal is preferred to minimize handling costs,
improve combustion efficiency, and reduce wear and tear on equipment.
4. Sulfur Content:
o Importance: Sulfur in coal contributes to the formation of sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
during combustion, a major air pollutant that can cause acid rain and harm human
health.
o Selection Criteria: Low sulfur coal is preferred to meet environmental
regulations and reduce the need for costly flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems.
Compliance with sulfur emissions standards is a significant factor in coal
selection.
5. Volatile Matter:
o Importance: Volatile matter refers to the components of coal, except for
moisture, that are released as gas or vapor during combustion. It influences the
ignition and burning characteristics of coal.
o Selection Criteria: Coal with an appropriate level of volatile matter is selected
based on the combustion technology used in the power plant. Higher volatile
matter generally leads to easier ignition and more stable combustion.
6. Grindability:
o Importance: Grindability refers to how easily coal can be ground into fine
particles, which is crucial for efficient combustion in pulverized coal-fired boilers.
o Selection Criteria: Coal with a higher grindability index (e.g., Hardgrove
Grindability Index, HGI) is preferred, as it requires less energy to pulverize,
reducing operational costs.
7. Hardness and Size:
o Importance: The hardness and size of coal can affect handling, grinding, and
combustion processes.
o Selection Criteria: Coal that is not too hard and is available in the appropriate
size range is preferred to facilitate efficient handling and milling operations.
8. Cost and Availability:
o Importance: The economic feasibility of a power plant heavily depends on the
cost and availability of coal. Local coal resources can reduce transportation costs,
while imported coal might be more cost-effective depending on quality and
pricing.
o Selection Criteria: Power plants often select coal based on a balance between
cost, quality, and logistical factors, considering both short-term and long-term
supply contracts.
9. Environmental Regulations:
o Importance: Compliance with local and international environmental regulations
regarding emissions, waste disposal, and resource conservation is critical.
o Selection Criteria: Coal with lower sulfur, mercury, and other trace elements is
preferred to minimize environmental impact and avoid penalties associated with
exceeding emission limits.
10. Combustion Technology:
o Importance: The type of combustion technology used (e.g., pulverized coal-
fired, fluidized bed combustion, or integrated gasification combined cycle)
influences the optimal coal type.
o Selection Criteria: Coal selection should align with the specific combustion
technology to ensure efficient and stable operation. For example, fluidized bed
combustion can handle a wider range of coal qualities, including lower-grade
coals.
Summary:
The selection of coal for power generation involves a complex evaluation of factors related to
fuel quality, environmental impact, cost, and operational efficiency. Power plants typically aim
to use coal that provides the best balance of energy content, combustion properties, and
environmental compliance while remaining cost-effective and readily available.
Coal power plants have been a dominant source of electricity generation worldwide for decades.
However, they come with both advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered.
1. Abundant Supply:
o Coal Reserves: Coal is one of the most abundant fossil fuels on the planet, with
large reserves found in many countries. This ensures a stable and long-term
supply for power generation.
2. Reliable and Stable Power Generation:
o Base Load Power: Coal power plants provide consistent and reliable electricity
generation, making them suitable for meeting base load power demands, which
require constant and uninterrupted power supply.
3. Cost-Effective:
o Low Operating Costs: Coal is relatively inexpensive compared to other fossil
fuels, and the costs of operating a coal power plant are relatively low, especially
in regions where coal is readily available.
4. Established Technology:
o Mature Infrastructure: The technology for coal power generation is well-
established, with extensive infrastructure already in place. This includes mining,
transportation, and power plant facilities.
5. Economic Benefits:
o Job Creation: Coal mining and coal power plants provide significant
employment opportunities, especially in regions where coal is a primary resource.
The industry also contributes to local and national economies.
6. Energy Security:
o Domestic Energy Source: In countries with large coal reserves, coal power
plants contribute to energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuels.
1. Environmental Impact:
o Air Pollution: Coal combustion releases a significant amount of air pollutants,
including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and
mercury. These pollutants contribute to smog, acid rain, respiratory problems, and
environmental degradation.
o Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Coal power plants are a major source of carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions, contributing significantly to global climate change and
global warming.
2. Resource Depletion:
o Finite Resource: Despite being abundant, coal is a non-renewable resource,
meaning it will eventually be depleted. Over-reliance on coal could lead to long-
term resource scarcity.
3. Health Risks:
o Health Hazards: The extraction, processing, and combustion of coal pose serious
health risks to workers and nearby communities, including respiratory diseases,
black lung disease, and increased cancer risk.
4. Water Usage:
o High Water Consumption: Coal power plants require large amounts of water for
cooling and steam generation. This can lead to water scarcity in regions with
limited water resources and environmental impacts on local ecosystems.
5. Waste Disposal:
o Coal Ash and Slag: The combustion of coal produces large quantities of coal ash
and slag, which must be managed and disposed of properly. Improper disposal
can lead to soil and water contamination.
6. Technological Obsolescence:
o Transition to Renewables: With the global push towards renewable energy
sources and cleaner technologies, coal power plants face the risk of becoming
obsolete. Investments in coal power infrastructure may become stranded assets as
regulations tighten and renewable energy becomes more cost-competitive.
7. Social and Environmental Justice Issues:
o Community Displacement: Coal mining and power plants can lead to the
displacement of communities, destruction of habitats, and adverse effects on
indigenous populations.
Conclusion:
Coal power plants offer the advantage of reliable, cost-effective electricity generation, but they
come with significant environmental and health drawbacks. As the world moves toward more
sustainable energy sources, the role of coal power is increasingly scrutinized, and many countries
are shifting towards cleaner alternatives to mitigate the adverse impacts of coal.
THERMAL, ELECTRICAL AND OVERALL EFFICIENCY WITH NUMERICAL
PROBLEMS :-
Efficiency in power plants, particularly thermal power plants, is a key concept that measures how
effectively energy is converted from one form to another. The three main types of efficiencies
discussed are thermal efficiency, electrical efficiency, and overall efficiency. Each type plays a
critical role in determining the performance of a power plant.
1. Thermal Efficiency
Thermal efficiency is the ratio of the useful output of a heat engine to the heat input, expressed
as a percentage. It indicates how well the power plant converts the heat from the fuel into useful
work (e.g., mechanical energy or electricity).
Formula:
Example Problem:
Problem: A thermal power plant receives 1,000 MJ of heat energy from burning coal and
produces 350 MJ of work. Calculate the thermal efficiency of the power plant.
Solution:
2. Electrical Efficiency
Electrical efficiency refers to the efficiency of converting mechanical energy from a turbine into
electrical energy using a generator. It is important in understanding how well the generator is
performing.
Formula:
Example Problem:
Problem: A turbine generates 300 MJ of mechanical energy, and the connected generator
produces 270 MJ of electrical energy. Calculate the electrical efficiency.
Solution:
3. Overall Efficiency
Overall efficiency of a power plant is the product of thermal efficiency and electrical efficiency.
It gives a complete picture of the plant's performance from fuel input to electricity output.
Formula:
Example Problem:
Problem: Consider the thermal efficiency of a power plant is 35%, and the electrical efficiency
of the generator is 90%. Calculate the overall efficiency.
Solution:
ηoverall=0.35×0.90=0.315×100%=31.5%
Problem: A power plant burns 2,000 MJ of coal to generate 600 MJ of mechanical energy. The
generator then converts 540 MJ of this mechanical energy into electricity. Calculate:
1. The thermal efficiency of the power plant.
2. The electrical efficiency of the generator.
3. The overall efficiency of the power plant.
Solution:
1. Thermal Efficiency:
2. Electrical Efficiency:
3. Overall Efficiency:
ηoverall =0.30×0.90=0.27×100%=27%
The power plant has a thermal efficiency of 30%, an electrical efficiency of 90%, and an overall
efficiency of 27%.
India is one of the largest producers and consumers of coal in the world, and coal-fired power
plants play a crucial role in its energy sector. Below is a list of some of the important coal power
plants in India, along with their capacities:
Location: Gujarat
Capacity: 4,620 MW
Operator: Adani Power
Remarks: This plant is one of the largest in India and is known for its use of supercritical
technology.
Location: Odisha
Capacity: 3,000 MW (Expansion to 6,000 MW underway)
Operator: NTPC Limited
Remarks: Talcher is one of the oldest and largest coal-fired power plants in India.
Location: Chhattisgarh
Capacity: 2,980 MW
Operator: NTPC Limited
Remarks: Uses supercritical technology and is one of the key power stations in Central
India.
Location: Maharashtra
Capacity: 3,300 MW
Operator: Adani Power
Remarks: This plant uses supercritical boiler technology for high efficiency.
Location: Telangana
Capacity: 2,600 MW
Operator: NTPC Limited
Remarks: One of the largest and oldest plants operated by NTPC.
8. Barauni Thermal Power Station
Location: Bihar
Capacity: 720 MW
Operator: NTPC Limited
Remarks: A critical power station serving the state of Bihar.
Location: Chhattisgarh
Capacity: 2,600 MW
Operator: NTPC Limited
Remarks: This plant is an essential part of the national grid and serves central and
western India.
Location: Maharashtra
Capacity: 2,920 MW
Operator: Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (Mahagenco)
Remarks: This plant is the largest in Maharashtra and a critical power supplier to the
state.
Location: Haryana
Capacity: 1,320 MW
Operator: CLP India
Remarks: A relatively newer plant in North India, providing power to the Haryana
region.
Location: Bihar
Capacity: 2,340 MW
Operator: NTPC Limited
Remarks: A critical power station serving the eastern part of India.
Location: Assam
Capacity: 750 MW
Operator: NTPC Limited
Remarks: The largest thermal power plant in North-East India, crucial for the region’s
power supply.