The diagram illustrates the step-by-step process by which thermal power plants convert coal into electricity.
Overall, the process is linear and involves six main stages, beginning with the delivery of coal and culminating in the transmission of generated electricity. The procedure also produces ash as a by-product and incorporates a water purification system to minimize impurities.
In the initial phase, coal is transported via a conveyor belt into a large boiler, where it is burned. The intense heat generated from combustion is used to convert water into high-pressure steam. Meanwhile, the burning process produces ash, which is collected and removed from the system separately.
In the subsequent stage, the high-pressure steam drives a turbine, which is connected to a generator. As the turbine spins, the generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The electricity then passes through a transformer, which increases the voltage to enable efficient transmission over long distances. Additionally, a water purifier is used to treat the water before it enters the boiler, ensuring that impurities do not damage the system or reduce efficiency. Finally, the steam exits through a stack, releasing some emissions into the atmosphere, completing the generation cycle.