Steam Power Generation
Introductions
This slide show is about how steam is used to drive a turbine to rotate
and thus generate electricity.
We are going to cover three methods of how the water is boiled so
steam produced to drive the turbine:
1. By burning fossil fuels
2. Via nuclear fusion
3. Using geothermal energy
Fossil Fuel Burning
With this method the fuel that is burned (either Coal, Oil or Gas), the
boiler produces steam, which is at high pressure, causes the turbine to
rotate.
The drawbacks with this method is that it produces high amounts of
pollutants, being mainly greenhouse gases and consumes a lot of the
depleting amounts of the global fossil fuels reserves.
This method is being superceded with greener technologies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5cpJwiF0u4
Fossil Fuel Burning Power Station
Nuclear Fusion
This method of steam production is achieved within a nuclear power
station and used the method of using the heat generated via nuclear
reactions to boil the water in the process to produce steam, that in
turn drives the turbines that produce electricity.
This method has become a reliable substitute for fossil fuel burning but
still has drawbacks within safety and environmental concerns.
The method of nuclear fusion still uses elements mined from the
ground and thus also depletes natural finite mineral reserves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UwexvaCMWA
Geothermal Energy
This method uses the heat from within the depths of the planet earths’
crust.
The water is effectively injected downward to the warmer parts of the
ground ranging between 100m to up to 10 000m. Once the water
reaches he hotter depths, it is then projected back up the surface as
steam, which will drive the turbine to produce electricity.
The advantages of this include is tremendous efficiency and it is
renewable. Disadvantage include electricity is still required to move
the water and the depth that may be involved in water movement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H1E-lXQpAs
Geothermal Energy
Steam Power Generation Components
Boiler
This is used to heat water until it is in a gas like state, which is known to be
steam. This is then utilised for the next stage in the power generation
process
.
Turbine
Being the next stage, which receives the freshly generated steam and uses
the force of this to rotate and provides motion to the next mechanical part
of the process.
Generator
a rotating machine that converts mechanical power into electrical power.
The relative motion between a magnetic field and a conductor creates an
electrical current.
Steam Power Generation Components
Transformer
This is an electrical piece of equipment that has 2 interfacing circuits,
that effectively reduce the voltage ratio amount so the electricity in
made usable for use within households.
Condenser
Is used after the steam has been utilised within the power generation
cycle, to convert the exhaust steam back into liquid form so less
volume is taken up in the exhaust process parts.
Safety Considerations
To ensure that any part worked to be worked on is mechanically and
electrically isolated.
Be aware that parts of this use heat and thus could pose a serious
danger to any personnel
Being made up some large machinery, care would need to be taken
when near moving parts of the process
High voltage with generated electricity, especially around the
generator, transformer and switching stations.
Extreme heat and pressures are present, especially within the boiler,
turbine and exhaust gas pipe system.
Maintenance Checks
And water / steam handling pipework for visual physical integrity and
no leaks.
The generator for visual physical integrity and correct electrical
functionality.
The turbine for smooth rotation and possible lubrication.
Boiler for visual physical integrity, pressure checks and exhaust
emissions level.
If presence of any pumps-correct pumping action & no leaks.
A transformer for visual physical integrity of parts.