The diagram illustrates the process of producing electricity using one type of coal. Overall, the process involves several stages, beginning with mining and crushing the coal, followed by its transformation into gas and heat, and culminating in electricity generation. Waste products are also handled at certain stages.
The process starts with the extraction of coal from a mine, after which the coal is crushed into smaller particles. The crushed coal then undergoes two simultaneous processes: it is cooled and cleaned. While cooling prepares it for further steps, cleaning separates waste heat and other impurities.
In the next stage, the processed coal is sent to a gasifier, which converts it into gas. The gas is transported to a gas power plant, where it is used to generate electricity. Meanwhile, waste heat from earlier stages is also utilized in electricity generation. This ensures optimal energy efficiency throughout the process.
Finally, the generated electricity is distributed to consumers. In addition to producing electricity, the process generates waste heat and waste gas, which are treated or expelled as by-products.