Why efficiency in Thermal Power Plant is Low?

Almost 50% of the heat generated is lost at the condenser as heat rejection. It is unavoidable as with
out heat rejection it is not possible to convert heat energy into mechanical energy and drive the
turbine without drop in temperature. Therefore majority of the loss takes place in the condenser.
Thus efficiency of the thermal power plant is between 30-35%.

On What Cycle does Thermal Power Plant operate?

Thermal Power plant works on the principle of Rankine cycle

Why Generation Voltage in Thermal Power Plant is between 11kV to 33kV?

The current carrying conductor cross section depends upon the magnitude of the current it is
carrying and insulation strength of the conductor depends on the maximum voltage it can withstand.
Therefore while designing the generator an optimum value is chosen between the amount of the
current and voltage conductor can withstand.

What are the different circuits in Thermal Power Plant?

Some of the major circuits in the thermal power plant are:

Coal and Ash circuit

Air and gas circuit

Cooling water circuit

Feed water and steam flow circuit

How efficiency of Thermal Plant can be improved?

Some of the methods by which the efficiency of the thermal plant can be improved are:

By increasing the temperature and pressure of the steam entering the turbine

By reducing the pressure in the condenser

By reheating the steam between different stages between the turbine

Advantages and Disadvantages of Thermal Power Plant?

Advantages:

Thermal Power Plants can be operated near the load centers unlike hydro and nuclear
plants

Requires less space compared to hydro plants and cost of construction is less

Running or operating costs are less compared to diesel or gas plants

Can able to handle over load for certain period of time

Disadvantages:

Emits green house gases and causes pollution

Coal and Ash handling requires large area

Efficiency is low

What are the different auxiliary systems in thermal power plant?

Answer: Coal handling and storage, coal pulverizes water treatment plant, steam
boiler, Drought systems, Ash Handling systems, Steam turbine, Circulation water system,
Electrical Systems, Control and Instrumentation, Pollution Control equipment, and Fire
Protection System
What is the purpose of Pulverizes?
Answer: Pulverizers serve two purposes, to dry the coal and to grind the coal. They crush the
coal to size of 74microns
What are different types of Pulverizes?
Answer: Different types of Pulverizers are:

Ball tube mill

Ring roll mill

Hammer mill

Attrition type mill

What are different types of Steam boilers used in Thermal Power Plants?
Answer: Different type of boiler used in thermal power plants are:

Fire tube boiler

Water tube boiler

Natural Circulation boiler

Forced Circulation boiler

Once through boiler

What is the largest pump in the thermal power plant?

Answer: In thermal power plant Boiler Feed Pump (BFP) is the largest pump, it delivers the
water to the boiler.

What is Cavitation and disadvantages of Cavitation?

Answer: The formation of air bubbles and water vapour on the water surface due to the
reduction in the pressure is called "Cavitation". When the pressure on the water reduces below
the saturation pressure corresponding to the temperature of the water, the rapid formation of the
water vapour and air bubbles starts. The bubbles suddenly collapse with the violent action and
this collapsing pressure will be very high. The rapid formation and collapsing of bubbles causes
the pitting of the metal surface. Cavitation also reduces the efficiency of the hydraulic prime
mover causing the honey-combing of runner and blade contours which reduces the power
output.