The diagram illustrates the coal-to-electricity generation process, starting with coal extraction and ending with electricity delivery to end consumers.
Overall, the process consists of several stages that convert coal to electricity through a series of physical and chemical changes. The process begins with coal mining and crushing, followed by gasification, cooling, cleaning, and electricity generation in a gas power plant. Notably, waste heat is generated at two stages during the process.
Coal is first extracted from a mine and crushed into smaller pieces with a crusher. The crushed coal is then transported by truck to a gasifier, where it is heated and turned into gas. This gas is then sent to a cooling chamber to cool before proceeding to the cleaning stage.
During the cleaning phase, impurities are removed from the gas while waste heat is released as a byproduct. The cleaned gas is then sent to a gas power plant, where it is used to generate electricity. At this stage, additional waste heat is emitted. Finally, the electricity generated is distributed via power lines to various buildings and facilities for public or industrial use.