1. Coal Combustion:
- The power station starts by burning coal in a boiler. The heat from combustion turns water in the boiler into high-pressure steam.
2. Steam Turbine:
- The high-pressure steam is directed to a steam turbine. As the steam passes through the turbine blades, it causes them to rotate rapidly.
3. DC Generator:
- The rotating turbine shaft is connected to the rotor of a DC generator. As the rotor spins inside the generator, it induces a DC electric current in the stator windings.
4. Voltage Regulation:
- The voltage of the DC output from the generator is typically very high, and it needs to be regulated before it can be transmitted efficiently. This is done using a series of transformers.
5. Synchronous Generator (Alternator):
- The regulated DC power is fed into the synchronous generator. This device consists of a stationary stator with multiple coils of wire and a rotating rotor with a powerful electromagnet.
- As the electromagnet on the rotor rotates inside the stator, it creates a rotating magnetic field. This rotating magnetic field induces AC electromotive force (EMF) in the stator windings, generating alternating current.
6. Transmission:
- The AC power generated by the synchronous generator is then transmitted through power lines to homes, industries, and businesses.
It's important to note that while a coal-powered power station initially produces DC electricity, the conversion to AC is necessary for efficient transmission and distribution of power. AC is preferred for long-distance transmission due to its ability to be stepped up to extremely high voltages, reducing power losses.
