1. Coal Mining:
- Coal is mined from underground coal mines or open-pit mines.
- The mined coal is then transported to power plants.
2. Coal Preparation:
- The coal is crushed and pulverized into a fine powder to increase its surface area for efficient combustion.
3. Boiler System:
- The pulverized coal is fed into a boiler, where it is mixed with air and burned in a controlled combustion process.
- The combustion generates heat, which converts water in the boiler into steam under high pressure.
4. Steam Turbine:
- The high-pressure steam is directed to a steam turbine.
- As the steam passes through the turbine blades, it causes the blades to rotate at high speed due to the force of the steam.
5. Generator:
- The rotating turbine shaft is connected to a generator.
- As the turbine spins, it generates mechanical energy, which is converted into electrical energy by the generator.
- The generator converts the mechanical energy of the turbine's rotation into alternating current (AC) electricity.
6. Transmission and Distribution:
- The generated electricity is then sent to substations, where it is transformed (increased or decreased) in voltage levels using transformers.
- The electricity is transmitted over power lines to homes, businesses, industries, and other consumers through the power grid.
7. Cooling System:
- During the process, the steam that exits the turbine is condensed back into water in a condenser, which is cooled by a water source such as a river or cooling towers.
- The condensed water is then pumped back into the boiler to repeat the cycle.
8. Emission Control:
- Coal-fired power plants are equipped with emission control systems to reduce pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter from being released into the atmosphere.
- These systems use various technologies like scrubbers and filters to capture and remove harmful emissions.
By burning coal and utilizing the heat generated to drive turbines and generators, coal-fired power plants convert the chemical energy stored in coal into electrical energy that can be transmitted and distributed to consumers. However, it is important to note that coal-fired power generation also has environmental implications, including greenhouse gas emissions and the release of pollutants, making it a subject of ongoing discussions regarding energy sustainability.
