The diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity from coal through a series of interconnected stages.
Overall, the procedure consists of nine main steps, beginning with the delivery and crushing of coal and ending with the transmission of electricity to consumers. In addition, while ash produced during combustion is removed for disposal, steam is cooled and recycled back into the system.
At the first stage, coal is transported by a supply conveyor to a pulverizer, where it is ground into fine particles. The powdered coal is then fed into a boiler and burned to produce heat. During this combustion process, ash is created as a waste product and is subsequently transferred to an ash handling system for disposal. Meanwhile, exhaust gases pass through a dust collection system before being released through a stack.
The heat generated in the boiler converts water into high-pressure steam, which is directed towards a turbine. As the steam flows through the turbine, it causes the blades to rotate, thereby driving a generator that produces electricity. The electricity generated is then transmitted to a substation or transformer before being distributed through power lines for public consumption.
After leaving the turbine, the steam enters a condenser, where it is cooled with the aid of a cooling system and converted back into water. Finally, this water is recycled to the boiler so that the process can continue repeatedly.