Study of Thermal

Generation and
Thermal Power
Plants

Sharon Jong, Luna Liao, and Evan Hsu

Yoder International Academy

Physics

Dr. Gupta
Abstract
In the research paper, we will first cover the history of thermal power plants, explaining the
founding of the thermal power plants we see today. Secondly, we will discuss the difference in
fuels when being burned during combustion, how each fuel is prepared and used to produce
different types of thermal power plants, as well as the heat transfer process of flue gasses to
water. Next, as the heat goes up to the boiling point, it turns into steam, creating work on the
turbine rotor and causing it to spin. As it spins, it generates mechanical energy and electricity;
ultimately, delivering the electricity to consumers. Finally, we will cover the environmental
effects of thermal power plants, as each step in the process produces different types of pollution
that deeply influence our daily lives. Finally, the usage of the future of thermal power plants.

1. Introduction:
The use of electricity is an inseparable part of our daily lives. One of the most widely used
methods of meeting energy demand is through thermal power plants. Thermal power plants have
had an important role in global electricity generation for over a century, supporting over 75
percent of the total power generation [6]; thus, building up the fundamental principle of
thermodynamics, converting heat energy derived from burning fuels such as coal into usable
electrical power. Its energy produced can easily be applied to our everyday activities such as
cooking, heating homes, and water heating systems [7]. However, the advancement of thermal
power plants, creating a more efficient lifestyle for us, follows an unrecoverable negative impact
on our environment such as global warming.

2.1 History of Thermal Generation and Thermal Power Plants

In order to understand the history of thermal power plants, we should first begin by looking at
the history of steam engines. Around the 1st century AD, Hero of Alexandria, a Greek
mathematician and engineer, created the first steam powered device. However, it was not until
around the seventeenth century when a more advanced object was developed to use steam in a
more efficient and practical way. In 1698, Thomas Savery, an English inventor and engineer,
created a pump that was not fully automatic yet, but had operated valves through condensing
steam and water from mines. Then, in 1712, Thomas Newcomen, an English inventor, designed
a steam engine that involved a reciprocating system and the technique to separate condensed
steam from water. Later, in 1764, James Watt, a Scottish inventor, mechanical engineer, and
chemist, found that the system created by Newcomen required too much steam and came to the
conclusion that this is the result of a single cylinder design. Therefore, in 1765, Watts designed a
separate condenser in order to reduce the amount of waste created by the steam engine
Newcomen designed. He then further improved his design over the several years by adding solar
planetary gear in 1781, a double piston engine in 1782, a linear motor in 1784, an impeller in
1788, and finally a pressure gauge in 1790. In 1878, electricity began to integrate into daily life,
which led to the establishment of the first power station in London In 1882 [7]. Overall, the
evolution of thermal power plants can be described as a development of technologies and the
desire for a more convenient use of electric power from a central generating station.

2.2 The process of generating electricity

Fuel characteristics
Thermal power plants use coal, LNG (liquefied natural gas), and crude oils inside of boilers to
generate steam at high temperature and pressure.
● LNG is pressurized natural gas cooled to a temperature of -160°C. Because of the low
temperature, it requires special storage tanks and specialized tanker ships. One LNG
tanker (about 90,000-ton capacity) can serve the electricity needs of about 2.1 million
households a month, where each household consumes about 300kWh.
● Coal in power generation is classified as fuel coal. Because the calorific value is low and
the coal is in solid form, combustion, and facilities are required for high efficiency. One
coal carrier vessel (about 85,000 ton capacity) can serve the electricity needs of about
1.05 million households a month. Due to its high nitrogen and sulfur content, it causes a
huge impact on the environment during combustion.
● Crude Oil is transported from oil-producing regions to domestic power stations. Crude oil
is easily transported and has high flexibility in procuring, but it is expensive. One coastal
crude carrier( about 5,000 kL capacity) can serve the electricity needs of about 73,000
households a month.
Fuel comparison

Chart 1: comparisons of various fossil fuels [1]

◎=the best option; ◯=middle; △=the least option

Cost: Coal > LNG > Crude oil

Flexibility of procurement (high storability and low contract term): Crude oil > Coal > LNG
Environmental aspects (environmental damage): LNG > Crude oil > Coal

Preparation
● Coal: During preparation, coal will be ground into a fine powder to increase its surface
area, enhancing combustion efficiency. The fine coal powder is then blown into the
combustion chamber using preheated air. This process ensures that the coal burns more
completely and efficiently, producing higher thermal energy output with lower
emissions.[13]
● LNG: LNG is typically used pre-heated to remove impurities before combustion. Once
purified, it is directly injected into the combustion chamber through specialized burners.
This allows for a controlled and efficient combustion process, maximizing energy release
and minimizing waste.[13]
● Crude oil: Crude oil is heated to reduce its viscosity, which facilitates better atomization.
The heated oil is then sprayed into the combustion chamber through burners. This
atomization process ensures that the oil forms fine droplets, allowing for more efficient
and complete combustion.[13]
Process

Fig. 2 process of thermal energy generation [4]

Burning fuels in combustion creates a significant amount of thermal energy. The burning fuels
produce flue gasses, which contain most of the thermal energy[10]. Afterward, boilers transfer
heat from these flue gasses to water. A heat exchanger can extract a large portion of the thermal
energy in the flue gasses and transfer it to the incoming combustion air [2]; thereby enhancing
the overall efficiency of the system. After extracting heat from flue gasses, the preheated water is
sent to the water wall, which is the tube lining the boiler where heat transfer primarily occurs
through radiation [11]. The water is heated until it reaches its boiling point, initiating the
formation of steam. In a thermal power plant, the process of generating high-pressure steam and
using it to drive turbines is essential for converting thermal energy into mechanical and
subsequently electrical energy. As the water reaches its boiling point and begins to vaporize, it
forms a mixture of steam and water. Through a process called superheating, the steam’s
temperature and pressure are increased to the desired levels, making it suitable for use in the
turbine. As the superheated steam keeps expanding, it imparts kinetic energy to the turbine
blades, causing the rotor blades to spin rapidly. The steam’s expansion and pressure drop across
the turbine stages result in the rotor spinning at high speeds. This mechanical energy is the
primary output of the turbine. As the rotor spins, it generates a rotating magnetic field within the
stator [12]. This magnetic field induces a flow of electric current, producing an alternating
current voltage, which is the electrical output of the generator. [9] After passing through the
turbine, the steam needs to be condensed back into water to complete the cycle. This hot steam is
sent to a steam condenser, where it is cooled down, turning it back into water.[11] The condensed
water is then sent back to the high-pressure vessel to begin the cycle anew. Finally, the electrical
energy generated is transmitted through power lines and distributed to consumers via the
electrical grid, ensuring a continuous supply of electricity to homes and businesses.[10]

Fig. 1 picture of a stator[3]

The stator, which is a part of the generator, works in conjunction with the rotor to convert
mechanical energy to electrical energy. The rotor spins inside the stator.

3 Advantages and disadvantages of thermal power plants

There are several advantages of thermal power plants, one of the primary advantages being the
cheap financial cost. The generation cost of thermal power is relatively low compared to other
sources because of the fuel required to generate the power; thermal power plants mainly use coal,
a substance that can be easily transported, and other fossil fuels as their source of fuel making it
more affordable. Not only does its source of fuel make it a cheap source of electricity, but also
because of its convenience. Unlike other power plants such as hydroelectric power plants,
thermal power plants have a lower startup cost making them a more affordable option because
they require fewer restrictions [8].
Thermal power plants have played a major role in achieving our energy demands; however,
thermal power plants are not perfect, and one of their concerns is their limitation on fuel sources.
Because thermal power plants highly depend on fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal, which
are non-renewable resources, if one day these resources run out, we will have to seek
alternatives. Another disadvantage of thermal power plants is that they are relatively inefficient
compared to other forms of thermal generation, a study shows that only about 30-40% of the
energy in the fuel is converted into electricity which illustrates its low efficiency [5]
However, the most crucial disadvantage of thermal power plants is their impact on the
environment. For thermal power plants to generate electricity it requires the burning of fossil
fuels; thus releasing carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides, and other greenhouse gasses into the
atmosphere as they burn which contributes to problems such as acid rain, and respiratory
problems. Yet, another major contribution to the severity of climate change.

4 Thermal Power Plants Effect on Environment

Air Pollution
● Combustion Emissions: The combustion of fossil fuels in thermal power plants releases a
variety of pollutants into the atmosphere, including:
-Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): A major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming
and climate change.
-Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Produced mainly from burning coal, leading to acid rain,
and damaging ecosystems and structures.
-Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Contribute to smog formation and acid rain, affecting
respiratory health and ecosystems.
-Particulate Matter (PM): Fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs,
causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Water Pollution
● Thermal Pollution: Discharge of heated water used in cooling processes into nearby water
bodies, raising the temperature of these water bodies, which can:
-Affect Aquatic Life: Elevated temperatures reduce oxygen levels in the water,
harming fish and other aquatic organisms.
-Disrupt Ecosystems: Changes in water temperature can disrupt the life cycles of
aquatic species and alter local ecosystems.
Soil and Land Degradation
● Ash Disposal: The combustion of coal produces ash, which needs to be managed and
disposed of:
 -Fly Ash and Bottom Ash: Can contain toxic heavy metals, posing risks to soil
and groundwater pollution if not properly managed.
-Land Use: Large land areas are required for ash ponds and landfills, leading to
habitat destruction and land degradation.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
● CO₂ Emissions: As the primary byproduct of burning fossil fuels, CO₂ significantly
contributes to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.
● Methane (CH₄): Although it’s not a direct emission from combustion, methane leakage
from natural gas extraction and transport can occur, which is a potent greenhouse gas.
Biodiversity Impact
● Habitat Destruction: The construction and operation of thermal power plants can lead to
the destruction of local habitats, affecting biodiversity.
● Wildlife Displacement: Noise, pollution, and habitat alteration can displace local wildlife
populations.

5 Results

Chart 2: Thermal Power Plants Effect on Environment

35% - Air Pollution
25% - Greenhouse Gas Emissions
15% - Water Pollution
15% - Biodiversity Impact
10% - Soil and Land Degradation

6 Discussion
Thermal power plants provide a significant portion of the world's electricity, but their operation
comes with a cost to the environment. Here's a breakdown of the key impacts you mentioned,
along with their relative importance:
● Air Pollution: This is a major concern. Burning fossil fuels in thermal power plants
releases harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
These pollutants contribute to respiratory illnesses, acid rain, and smog.
● Water Pollution: Thermal power plants use large amounts of water for cooling. This
water is often returned to its source at a higher temperature, which can disrupt aquatic
ecosystems. Additionally, coal-fired plants can release pollutants like coal ash into
waterways.
● Soil and Land Degradation: Coal mining for fuel and the disposal of coal ash can
contaminate soil and disrupt ecosystems. Additionally, the construction of power plants
can lead to habitat loss.
● Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Burning fossil fuels is a major source of greenhouse gas
emissions, particularly carbon dioxide. These emissions contribute to climate change,
which has a wide range of environmental and social impacts.
● Biodiversity Impact: All the above-mentioned impacts can have a negative effect on
biodiversity. Air and water pollution can harm plant and animal life, while habitat loss
due to mining and construction can disrupt ecosystems.
It's difficult to say definitively which impact is the most important because they are all
interconnected. However, greenhouse gas emissions are often considered the most critical
long-term threat. Climate change caused by these emissions is a global problem with
far-reaching consequences, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions
to food production.
7 Conclusion:
In this research paper, we have discussed the process of thermal power generation and the
different types of fuels each has its pros and cons when it comes to preparation, the flexibility of
procurement, cost, and environmental aspects. Thermal power plants use water’s high specific
capacity to vaporize liquid into steam by the heat from burning fuels in combustion, the high
pressure of steam moves the turbine’s rotor to generate mechanical energy and electricity.
Thermal power plants have several adverse environmental effects, primarily due to the
combustion of fossil fuels. Air pollution, water pollution, soil and land degradation, greenhouse
gas emissions, and biodiversity impacts are major concerns. Mitigation measures and
transitioning to cleaner energy sources are crucial to minimizing these impacts and promoting
sustainable energy generation. By understanding and addressing these environmental impacts,
the power industry can move towards more sustainable practices while continuing to meet the
global electricity demand.
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