A “Thermal power Station” is where the heat energy is converted into electricity. Usually, heat is used for boiling water in a large pressure vessel, which drives a steam turbine linked to an electric generator. The turbine’s low-pressure exhaust goes via a steam condenser before being recycled back to where it was being heated. A Rankine cycle is what this is called. Natural gas may also be burned directly in a gas turbine, which is coupled to a generator. Water power plants (which generate hydroelectricity) are not included in this category since they use a water turbine to transform the potential energy of the water into electricity. 

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Thermal power plants are designed according to the energy sources like fossil fuels, solar energy, biofuels, nuclear and geothermal power, and incineration are all employed. In addition to generating electricity, some thermal power plants are designed to provide heat for industrial applications, district heating, or water desalination.

Impact on Environment

Thermal power plants are considered to emit a large number of gases and waste which is a result of the burning of fossil fuels. While a few energy sources employ solar as well as nuclear energy, still rely significantly upon fossil fuels to operate. Especially carbon dioxide gas which is emitted as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels. It is also a contributor to climate change. The Carbon dioxide is most common gas generated by the power plant, therefore power stations are among the major contributors to rising carbon dioxide concentrations across the world. Another gas which is emitted by power plants is sulfur dioxide which also indirectly affects the atmosphere.

Types of Thermal Power Plants

There are three types of Thermal power plants-

• Steam power generation, 
• Combined cycle power generation, 
• Gas turbine power generation.

Steam Power Electricity Generation

Steam power generation is a way of generating electricity that makes use of the expansion power of steam. Burning heavily crude oil, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), coal, and other sources of heat produce hot and high-pressure steam. This steam rotates the impeller of a turbine, which then powers a generator linked to a turbine, which generates energy. Thermal energy with a low temperature (600°C or below) is used in steam power generation.

Combined Cycle Power Generation

The combined cycle plant seems to be a collection of steam turbines that operate together to transform heat into mechanical energy out of the same heat source. The combined cycle plant is by far the most frequent form of gas turbine which is used to generate energy on land. The combined gas & steam (COGAS) plant, which uses the same idea, is utilized for maritime propulsion. The total efficiency of merging multiple thermodynamic cycles decreases, lowering fuel costs.

Gas Turbine Power Generation

A compressor compresses air in a gas turbine power plant. After that, the pressured air flows into a combustor, where its temperature rises. The gas turbine can be used to pass the increased temperature, and increased pressure gas across. The pressured air in a turbo is quickly expanded, gaining kinetic energy, by using this kinetic energy, same air may do mechanical power to rotate the turbine.

Conclusion 

Thermal power plants are works of art that realize the generation of energy, which is a need in our world. Various considerations on the other hand might work against the environmental sensitivities in the decision-making process for thermal power plants. Almost all the choices on the type (of power plant) and the administration of the thermal power plants are made on the cost basis or the finance basis. As a result, for clearer electricity generation, it is necessary to control the elements influencing decision making, as well as to transform the supportive expenses into investments that may provide returns.