Here's a step-by-step explanation of the process:
1. Fuel Preparation: The fossil fuel is first prepared for combustion. Coal is crushed into a fine powder, while natural gas and oil are already in a gaseous or liquid form.
2. Combustion: The prepared fossil fuel is burned in a boiler with a controlled supply of air. This combustion process releases heat energy.
3. Steam Generation: The heat from combustion turns water in the boiler into steam. The high-pressure steam is then directed to a turbine.
4. Turbine Operation: The high-pressure steam impinges on the blades of the turbine, causing them to rotate. The turbine is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy of the rotating turbine into electrical energy.
5. Cooling and Condensation: After passing through the turbine, the steam is cooled down in a condenser. This process converts the steam back into water, which is then pumped back to the boiler to repeat the cycle.
6. Electricity Transmission: The electrical energy generated by the power station is transmitted to consumers through a grid of power lines.
Fossil fuel power plants also require various auxiliary systems, such as cooling systems to remove excess heat, pollution control systems to minimize emissions, and control systems to regulate the entire process.
It's important to note that fossil fuel power plants emit greenhouse gases and pollutants during the combustion process, contributing to environmental concerns and climate change. As a result, there is an increasing shift towards renewable energy sources and cleaner technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
