How does a thermal power station work?
In fossil fuel plants the thermal energy is obtained from the fuel by the process of combustion in a water tube boiler. The boiler converts the water into steam at high pressure, which is conveyed to the steam turbine via steel pipe work. The electricity generated is either exported via cables to the national grid or for local use. The fuel has to be treated and conveyed to the combustor e.g. a coal or oil burner located at the boiler. The water to be converted into steam has to be high quality demineralised water which is produced at a water treatment plant and then conveyed to the boiler via pipes and tanks. The thermal energy which cannot be converted to electrical energy is dissipated to atmosphere via a cooling tower or a river or the sea. The combustion products (gases) are discharged to atmosphere via the chimney. Depending on the fuel used, complex cleaning equipment, e.g. flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) plant may be required. Diagram showing components of a power station To en
