Fuel Based Power Stations

Fuel Based Power Stations

Basic Overview

• Fuel based power stations produce electricity by burning fuels such as coal, oil or natural gas.
• The burning process heats water in a boiler, this produces steam which turns a turbine connected to an electric generator.

Advantages

• Powerful and Efficient: Fuel based power stations generate a high amount of energy quickly, capable of powering large cities.
• Reliability: Unlike renewable sources, these stations are not dependent on weather conditions and can provide a steady stream of energy.

Disadvantages

• Environmental Impact: The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
• Finite Resource: Fossil fuels are limited and can’t be replenished once used up, hence they are unsustainable in the long run.

How it Works

• Steam Production: The fuel source is burnt in a furnace to heat water, producing steam.
• Turbine Rotation: The high-pressure steam is used to rotate a turbine.
• Generating Electricity: The turbine is connected to an electric generator. As the turbine spins, so does the generator, creating electricity.

Risks and Safety

• Procedure: Proper safety measures must be ensured throughout the process due to risks of fires or explosions.
• Waste Disposal: Waste from these power stations can be hazardous and need to be properly disposed of to prevent contamination.
• Climate Change: The greenhouse gases emitted contribute to climate change and are a major environmental concern.

Efficiency and Improvements

• Efficiency: Not all the energy from the fuel is converted into useful electrical power; some is wasted as thermal energy.
• Improvements: Enhancing the efficiency of the power stations can be achieved by improving the design of boilers and turbines, or adopting combined cycle systems which use waste heat.