1.

power plant

A power plant is an industrial facility that generates electricity from various energy
sources, such as coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, renewable energy sources such as
solar and wind power, and hydropower. Power plants work by converting the energy
in fuel or other energy sources into mechanical energy, which is then used to drive
turbines. The turbines generate electricity, which is then transmitted to consumers
through a power grid.Power plants are essential for modern life, as they provide the
electricity that we need to power our homes, businesses, and industries. Electricity is
used for a wide range of purposes, including lighting, heating and cooling, cooking,
running appliances, and powering transportation and communication systems.

Thermal power plant in India

1. Tata Mundra Ultra Mega Power Plant: Located in Mundra, Gujarat, it is

one of the largest thermal power plants in India.

2. NTPC Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Plant: Situated in Singrauli,

Madhya Pradesh, it is one of the largest power stations in India.

3. Adani Mundra Thermal Power Plant: Also located in Mundra, Gujarat, it

is a significant contributor to the state's power generation.

4. Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) Thermal Power Station: Located in

Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, it's a major lignite-based thermal power plant.

2. Power Scenario in India

Energy scenario in India:
• Diverse Mix: India's energy sources include fossil fuels, renewables, and
nuclear power.
• Renewable Growth: Solar and wind energy are expanding rapidly, with
ambitious capacity targets.
• Energy Access: Efforts are underway to provide energy access to rural areas.
• Efficiency: Energy efficiency programs aim to reduce consumption and
emissions.
• Nuclear Energy: India is increasing its nuclear energy capacity.
• EVs: Electric vehicles are gaining traction to reduce environmental impact.
• Challenges: Balancing energy security, reliability, and environmental
sustainability is an ongoing challenge.
 • International Commitments: India is committed to reducing emissions and
promoting clean energy as part of international agreements.

3. Location of the Power Plant

1. Energy Source Proximity: The closeness to primary energy sources, such as
coal mines, water bodies, or renewable energy sites.
2. Grid and Infrastructure Connectivity: Availability of electrical grids and
transmission infrastructure for efficient energy distribution.
3. Environmental Considerations: Factors related to air quality, water
availability, and ecological impact.
4. Geographical Conditions: Geographic features, including topography,
seismic activity, and weather patterns.
5. Safety and Security: Considerations regarding national security, safety, and
adherence to regulatory requirements.
6. Economic Factors: Cost-related factors such as land prices, labor availability,
and economic viability.
7. Community Engagement and Public Perception: Factors related to
community acceptance, public engagement, and addressing local concerns.

4. Choice of Power Plant

1. Energy Source Availability: The availability of primary energy sources, such
as coal, natural gas, renewables, or nuclear.
2. Environmental Impact: Considerations regarding emissions, water use, and
land requirements.
3. Energy Demand: Matching the power plant's capacity with the local or
regional energy demand.
4. Efficiency and Cost: Evaluating the efficiency and overall cost-effectiveness
of power generation technologies.
5. Technological Maturity: The readiness and maturity of the chosen
technology.
6. Environmental Regulations: Compliance with emissions and environmental
standards.
7. Grid Integration: The power plant's ability to connect and supply power to
the electrical grid efficiently.

5. Classification of Power Plants

1. Classification by Fuel Source:

• Coal-Based Power Plants
• Natural Gas Power Plants
 • Nuclear Power Plants
• Hydropower Plants
• Renewable Energy Power Plants (e.g., Solar, Wind)
2. Classification by Prime Mover:
• Steam Turbine Power Plants
• Gas Turbine Power Plants
• Water Turbine Power Plants
3. Classification by Duty:
• Base Load Power Plants
• Peak Load Power Plants

6. Methods of Load Calculation

1. Historical Data Analysis:
• Analyzing Past Consumption Patterns
• Identifying Peak Loads and Seasonal Variations
2. Demand Forecasting:
• Utilizing Statistical Models
• Incorporating Economic Indicators
• Predicting Future Load Growth
3. Load Profiling:
• Creating Load Profiles
• Analyzing Variations Over Time
4. Engineering Analysis:
• Calculating Loads Based on Equipment Requirements
• Considering Electrical Factors (Voltage, Current, Power Factor)
5. Demand Response:
• Implementing Peak Demand Reduction Strategies
• Utilizing Incentives and Control Systems
6. Simulation Software:
• Using Specialized Modeling and Simulation Tools
• Assessing Electricity Usage in Different Scenarios
7. Thermal Power Plant

Working
A thermal power plant operates by burning a fuel source (typically coal, natural gas,
or oil) to generate intense heat. This heat is used to boil water and produce high-
pressure steam in a boiler. The high-pressure steam is directed at a steam turbine,
which resembles a giant fan. As the steam flows over the turbine's blades, it causes the
turbine to spin, much like the wind turns a windmill. This rotational energy is then used
to drive an electric generator, where coils of wire within a magnetic field generate
electricity. After passing through the turbine, the steam is condensed back into water
in a condenser by releasing heat, and it's ready to be reused. A cooling system keeps
the plant's temperature in check.

Components of Thermal power Plant

1. Boiler:
• Where fuel is combusted to produce high-temperature and high-
pressure steam.
2. Steam Turbine:
• Converts high-pressure steam into mechanical energy to drive the
generator.
3. Generator:
• Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
4. Condenser:
 • Cools and condenses steam back into water for reuse.
5. Cooling System:
• Dissipates excess heat generated during the power generation process.
6. Fuel Handling System:
• Stores, handles, and delivers fuel to the boiler.
7. Auxiliary Systems:
• Support various functions including water treatment, safety, and
instrumentation.

8. Reheating, bleeding, and regeneration

Reheating: Reheating enhances steam turbine efficiency by reintroducing partially
expanded steam to a reheater, raising its temperature and pressure before it enters
the low-pressure turbine. This increases work output and safeguards against
moisture-related turbine issues.
Bleeding: Bleeding is used in multi-pressure steam turbines to optimize
performance. It involves extracting steam at intermediate stages, controlling pressure
differentials, and meeting specific operational requirements.
Regeneration: Regeneration improves efficiency by preheating feedwater with
steam from the turbine's exhaust. This reduces fuel consumption, lowers operational
costs, and is commonly applied in combined heat and power (CHP) plants for
electricity and heat generation.

9. Fuels, types, Merits, Demerits, requirements of a good fuel

Fuels: Fuels are substances that are burned to produce energy through combustion.
They are essential for various applications, including heating, electricity generation,
and transportation.
Types of Fuels:
1. Fossil Fuels: These include coal, oil, and natural gas, which are derived from
ancient organic matter. They have been the primary sources of energy for
many years.
 2. Renewable Fuels: These are derived from sustainable resources, such as
biomass, biofuels (e.g., ethanol and biodiesel), wind, solar, and geothermal
energy.
3. Nuclear Fuels: These are used in nuclear reactors to produce energy through
nuclear fission. Uranium and plutonium are common nuclear fuels.
4. Hydrogen: Hydrogen can be used as a fuel in various forms, such as in fuel
cells or as a carrier for energy storage and transportation.
5. Synthetic Fuels: These are artificially produced fuels, such as synthetic diesel
and synthetic natural gas.
Merits of Fuels:
1. Energy Density: Fuels typically have high energy density, providing a
significant amount of energy per unit of volume or weight.
2. Ease of Transportation: Most fuels are relatively easy to transport and store,
making them practical for various applications.
3. Reliability: Fossil fuels, in particular, have been reliable sources of energy
for many decades.
4. Energy Conversion: Many fuels can be converted into electricity or other
forms of energy through combustion or other processes.
5. Availability: Some fuels, like renewable fuels, are considered sustainable as
they are continuously replenished.
Demerits of Fuels:
1. Environmental Impact: Fossil fuels release greenhouse gases and pollutants
when burned, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
2. Resource Depletion: Fossil fuels are finite resources, and their extraction can
lead to resource depletion.
3. Safety Concerns: Some fuels are flammable and pose safety risks,
particularly in storage, transportation, and handling.
4. Cost: The price of fuels, especially fossil fuels, can be volatile and subject to
market fluctuations.
5. Waste Generation: Nuclear fuels produce radioactive waste that requires
careful management and disposal.
Requirements of a Good Fuel:
1. High Energy Content: A good fuel should have a high energy content per
unit of mass or volume to maximize energy production.
2. Readily Available: Ideally, it should be easily accessible and available in
sufficient quantities.
 3. Combustibility: It should combust easily and sustainably, releasing energy in
a controlled manner.
4. Low Impurities: A good fuel should have minimal impurities to reduce
emissions and minimize residue or waste.
5. Sustainability: In the context of renewable fuels, a good fuel source should
be sustainable, meaning it is continually replenished and doesn't deplete finite
resources.
6. Low Environmental Impact: It should have a low environmental impact in
terms of emissions, pollution, and contribution to climate change.
7. Safety: The fuel should be safe to handle, transport, and store, with minimal
risk of accidents or harmful side effects.

10. properties, flashpoint, fire point, pour point,

1. Flash Point: The flash point of a fuel is the lowest temperature at which it can
vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in the air. Below this temperature, the fuel
won't ignite in the presence of an open flame or spark. It's a crucial safety
parameter for handling and storage.
2. Fire Point: The fire point is the temperature at which the vaporized fuel can
sustain combustion in the presence of an open flame. It is higher than the flash
point and indicates when a fire can be maintained rather than just momentarily
ignited.
3. Pour Point: The pour point is the lowest temperature at which a fuel or oil can
flow or be poured. It is a critical property for transportation and storage, as fuels
that solidify or become highly viscous at low temperatures can cause operational
problems.
4. Octane Number: The octane number is a measure of a fuel's resistance to
knocking or pinging in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine. Higher
octane numbers indicate a greater resistance to engine knocking, allowing for
higher compression ratios and improved engine performance.
5. Cetane Number: The cetane number is a measure of a fuel's ignition quality in
compression-ignition engines (diesel engines). Fuels with higher cetane numbers
ignite more readily, resulting in better combustion and reduced emissions.
6. Calorific Values:
• High Calorific Value (HCV): HCV, also known as the gross calorific value
(GCV), is the total amount of heat energy released when a fuel is completely
burned. It includes the heat released from condensing the water vapor formed
during combustion. HCV is typically used for solid and liquid fuels.
• Low Calorific Value (LCV): LCV, also known as the net calorific value
(NCV), is the heat energy released when a fuel is completely burned, minus
the heat used to vaporize water in the combustion products. LCV is often used
for gaseous fuels like natural gas.

11. Junkers gas calorimeter

Working
A Junkers gas calorimeter determines the heat energy produced by burning a gas, like
natural gas. It does this by igniting the gas in a special burner within a chamber filled
with water, causing the water's temperature to rise. Measuring the change in water
temperature, along with the water's properties, allows for the calculation of the gas's
calorific value, which is essential for optimizing fuel use in industry and setting fair
gas distribution prices. This simple yet effective method provides valuable information
about the energy content of gases

Principle:
• Measures calorific value of gaseous fuel through controlled combustion.
Components:
1. Combustion Chamber:
• Where the test gas is admitted.
2. Ignition:
• Sparks or flames ignite the gas.
3. Water Jacket:
• Surrounds the chamber, absorbing heat.
4. Thermometer:
• Measures temperature change in the water.
5. Stirring Mechanism:
• Ensures even heat distribution for accurate measurements.
12. bomb calorimeter

Working
A bomb calorimeter is a simple yet crucial tool used to measure the heat energy
produced by substances when they burn, like fuels. It involves igniting a sample in a
sealed chamber filled with oxygen, measuring the temperature change of the water
surrounding it, and using this data to calculate the substance's heat energy. This
information is essential for assessing fuel quality, understanding energy content, and
ensuring efficient combustion in industrial processes, playing a vital role in various
scientific and industrial applications.
components of a bomb calorimeter :
1. Bomb:
• Strong, sealed container for holding the sample.
• Typically made of stainless steel.
2. Ignition System:
• Ignites the sample within the bomb.
• Often involves an electrically heated element.
3. Oxygen Supply:
• Provides controlled oxygen for combustion.
• Usually in the form of high-pressure oxygen gas.
4. Calorimeter Vessel:
• Contains the bomb and a heat-absorbing substance (usually water).
• Equipped with a thermometer for temperature measurement.
5. Insulation:
• Surrounds the calorimeter vessel to minimize heat exchange with the
external environment.
Principle: Measures temperature change in a heat-absorbing substance due to sample
combustion.
Equation: Q = mcΔT
Components:
• Q: Heat released during combustion (joules or calories).
• m: Mass of the heat-absorbing substance (grams).
• c: Specific heat capacity of the substance (joules/gram°C or calories/gram°C).
• ΔT: Temperature change during combustion (°C)

TED(21) - 5023C REVISION 2021

MODEL QUESTION PAPER
Power Plant Engineering
Time: 3 Hours Max Marks: 75
I. Answer all the following questions (9 x 1 = 9 Marks)

1 Write the names of any two thermal powerplants in R

M 1.02
India
2 Steam turbines are used to convert U
M 1.03
……………energy into .......... energy
3 What is the function of a Surge tank in a R
M 2.01
hydroelectric power plant.
4 Mention any two advantages of a diesel power plant M2.03 R
5 Expand the term FBR. M 3.06 R
6 Write the fission Reaction of U-235. M 3.02 U
7 Name the act in India for boiler operation. M 4.06 R
8 Mention any two pollutants in air due to combustion R
M 4.01
of fossil fuels.
9 List various greenhouse gases. M 4.02 R

II. Answer any Eight questions from the following (8 x 3= 24 Marks)

Define Octane number and Cetane number. Mention U

1 M 1.04
their significance.
Explain the process of Regeneration in Thermal U
2 M 1.03
power plant.
3 Mention the Properties of a good fuel. M 1.04 R
4 Compare HCV and LCV. M 1.04 U
What are the advantages of combined cycle power R
5 M 2.05
generation.
6 Explain a fission chain with an example. M 3.02 U
List the social and economic issues of Thermal M 4.02 R
7
power plants.
How acid rain is formed? What are its harmful M4.02 U
8
effects?
9 Comment on thermal pollution from power plant. M 4.03 U
Describe the safety measures in a Chemical M 4.05 R
10
Handling system.
 MODULE 1

III. Answer all questions from the following (6x 7 = 42 Marks)

Explain the working of thermal power plant with

1 M 1.03 U
line diagram.
OR
Explain the working of a Bomb Calorimeter with M 1.05 U
2
figure.
Explain the working of a hydroelectric power plant M 2.01 U
3
with general layout.
OR
Explain the working of a closed type Gas turbine
4 M 2.05 U
power plant with neat figure.
5 Describe the applications of diesel power plant. M 2.03 R
OR
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a M 2.03 R
6
diesel power plant?
Explain the main parts of a nuclear reactor with M 3.04 U
7
figure.
OR
List various coolants and their essential qualities for M 3.05 U
8
a nuclear power plant.
9 Explain the characteristic features of a PWR. M 3.06 U
OR
10 Explain FBR with neat figure. M 3.06 U
11 Explain Greenhouse effect. M 4.02 R
OR
12 Describe the safety policies to be observed in power M 4.04 R
plants.

ME DEPARTMENT IPC