EE 22401 – GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

EE 22401 – GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION.

UNIT - I POWER GENERATION. Dr.M.John Bosco. 2. EE22401 - GTD.

Conventional Energy Sources. Definition: Conventional energy sources are traditional sources of energy that have been used for a long time. Most of them are non-renewable and exist in limited quantities. Examples Coal, Petroleum (oil), Natural gas, Firewood, Hydropower, Nuclear energy Characteristics Used extensively for many decades, High energy output, Mostly polluting, Limited reserves (except hydropower) Advantages Well-developed technology Reliable and continuous energy supply High efficiency and energy density Easy to store and transport (fossil fuels) Disadvantages Causes air, water, and soil pollution Contributes to climate change (greenhouse gases) Non-renewable resources may get exhausted.

Non-Conventional Energy Sources. Definition: Non-conventional energy sources are newer or alternative sources of energy that are mostly renewable and environmentally friendly. Examples Solar energy, Wind energy, Tidal energy, Geothermal energy, Biogas, Biomass, Wave energy Characteristics Renewable and sustainable, Low environmental impact Advantages Eco-friendly and non-polluting, Renewable and inexhaustible, Reduces dependence on fossil fuels, Useful in remote and rural areas Disadvantages High initial installation cost, Energy output depends on natural conditions (sun, wind, tides), Requires large areas (solar and wind farms), Technology is still developing in some cases.

Generation of Electrical Power. Conventional sources generate electricity mainly by converting carbon into heat into mechanical energy into electrical energy using a generator (alternator)..

Types of Generating Stations. Depending upon the form of energy converted into electrical energy, the generating stations are classified as under : Steam power stations Hydroelectric power stations Diesel power stations Nuclear power stations.

Thermal Power Generation (Coal / Oil / Natural Gas): Principle: Carbon → Heat energy → Mechanical energy → Electrical Energy Working: Fossil fuel (coal/oil/gas) is burned in a boiler to produce heat. Heat converts water into high-pressure steam. Steam rotates a steam turbine. The turbine drives a generator, producing electricity. Steam is cooled in a condenser and recycled..

Factor Importance Availability of Fuel Reduces transport cost and ensures continuous supply Availability of Water Essential for plant cooling and steam generation Land Availability & Topography Sufficient area needed; flat, stable, non-flood-prone Transportation Facilities For fuel, machinery, and material movement Ash Disposal Nearby facilities or land for safe ash management Proximity to Load Centers Reduces transmission losses and cost Environmental Regulations Compliance with pollution norms and EIA clearance Climate and Weather Affects plant cooling and operational stability Manpower Availability Skilled labor for smooth operation Political & Social Conditions Smooth land acquisition, no conflicts, community support.

Thermal Power Plant Cont…. Thermal Power Plant Diagram: Overview, Questions, Easy Tricks ....

Main Units and Layout: Boiler House – Where fuel is burned to produce steam. Turbine Hall – Houses the steam turbine and generator. Cooling System – Includes cooling towers and condensers. Fuel Handling System – Conveyors, crushers, and storage for coal/gas. Ash Handling System – Collects and disposes of ash (in coal plants). Water Treatment Plant – Ensures water used in boilers is clean. Control Room – Central monitoring and operation of the plant. Chimney/Stack – Releases flue gases at a height to disperse pollutants..

Thermal Power Plant Cont…. EE22401 - GTD. Dr.M.John Bosco.

Advantages of Thermal Power Plants Reliable Power Generation Can run continuously and supply base load electricity. Scalable Plants can be built in various capacities to suit demand. Low Initial Cost (Compared to Nuclear/Hydro) Cheaper to construct and set up, especially gas and oil-fired plants. Established Technology Widely used with a well-developed support and maintenance system. Location Flexibility Can be built near fuel sources or load centers. Fuel Availability Coal and natural gas are widely available (though finite). Quick Startup (in Gas Plants) Faster response time to demand compared to hydro or nuclear..

Disadvantages of Thermal Power Plants High Fuel Costs (for oil/gas) Gas and oil-based thermal plants can be expensive to run due to fuel price volatility. Low Efficiency Only about 30–40% of the heat energy is converted into electricity; the rest is lost as waste heat. Water Consumption Large volumes of water are needed for steam generation and cooling, which can strain local water sources. Air Pollution Emissions from burning fossil fuels include CO₂, SO₂, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution. Large Space Requirements Plants and their fuel/ash storage areas take up significant land. Waste Disposal Issues Ash (from coal) and other byproducts need proper disposal and can contaminate soil and water if not managed. Non-renewable Resources Relies heavily on fossil fuels, which are finite and depleting. Long Construction Time (for large plants) Large-scale projects may take several years to build and commission..

Environmental Impacts of Thermal Power Plants 1. Air Pollution Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Causes acid rain and respiratory issues. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Leads to smog and acid rain. Particulate Matter: Can cause serious health problems when inhaled. 2. Water Pollution Thermal Pollution: Discharge of hot water into rivers/lakes harms aquatic life. Contaminated Effluents: Wastewater with chemicals, heavy metals, or ash can pollute water bodies. 3. Soil Degradation Ash and chemical leaks can degrade land and make it infertile. 4. Impact on Biodiversity Deforestation for plant construction and pollution harms local ecosystems and wildlife. 5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Major contributor to climate change due to large CO₂ output..

Thank You. Dr.M.John Bosco. 15. EE22401 - GTD.