The power generation of the cycle of these generation plants is the same regardless of how heat is obtained. The higher the temperature difference, the higher the power supply efficiency. Finally, the resulting steam passes through a heat recovery boiler to restart the power cycle.Ī steam power plant cycle's thermal power generation efficiency depends on the temperature difference between the working fluid in the boiler and the cooling water. Next, the generated electricity is supplied to the grid for distribution to consumers. The heat is then used to generate high-pressure steam in a steam turbine, which drives an electrical generator. In a typical thermal power plant, fuel (such as coal or natural gas) is burned in a boiler to produce heat. How Does a Steam Power Plant Work?Ī steam power plant works using a thermodynamic cycle describing the process by which energy is extracted from fuel and converted into electricity. The difference between one type of plant and another is how the heat is obtained.

The most significant variation in the design of thermal power stations is due to the different heat sources: fossil fuel, nuclear energy, or renewable energy, such as solar energy or biomass.Ī thermal power plant is an electric plant that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. After it passes through the turbine, the steam is condensed in a condenser and recycled to where it is heated this is known as a Rankine cycle. Water is heated, turns into steam, and spins a turbine that drives an electrical generator. In most of the world, thermal power plant turbines are steam-driven. A thermal power plant is a power station in which heat energy is converted to electric power.

Steam power plant cycle