Course 111: How Power Plants Work

Lesson 1 - Steam - The Primary Force

Topics:

Energy conversions; Combustion; Ash and fuel gas removal; Heating air; Boiler design; Water level; Feedwater heaters; Economizers

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the basic concepts involved in converting energy to electricity through a steam power plant.
• Explain why air is important in combustion and describe how air is heated.
• Describe the basic design of a boiler.
• List the methods commonly used to create efficiency in a boiler.

Lesson 2 - How Heat is Converted to Power

Topics:

Turbines; Generators; Using exhausted steam to heat feedwater; Using condensate; Coal handling; Boiler efficiency

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the components of an elementary turbine.
• List the uses of exhaust steam.
• Explain how a vacuum is produced in a boiler system.
• Describe how condensate is formed in a boiler system and how it can be used to create a closed cycle system.
• Explain how boiler efficiency is related to steam temperature and pressure.
• Calculate absolute temperature values using Fahrenheit and Celsius readings.

Lesson 3 - Power Plant Efficiency

Topics:

Thermodynamic efficiency; Pumps; Feedwater and air heating; Superheaters; Circulation problems; Gaining efficiency; Condenser performance

Learning Objectives:

• List the kinds of pumps used in a boiler system and explain the function of each.
• Describe the common processes by which boiler feedwater can be heated, and explain how such processes increase boiler efficiency.
• Explain the process by which air is heated in a boiler system.
• Explain the purpose of a superheater.

Lesson 4 - Handling Water, Fuel, and Wastes

Topics:

Boiler water requirements; Water softening and purification; Water disposal; Fuel wastes; Flue gases; Particulate removal systems

Learning Objectives:

• List the two main uses for water in a power plant.
• Describe the physical and chemical properties of water.
• Explain the past and present methods used to purify water for use in a power plant.
• Explain the common handling procedures for flue gases and solid wastes, and describe the problems involved in disposing of these wastes.
• List some of the ways in which power plant waste problems might be resolved in the future.

Lesson 5 - Power Plant Operation and Control

Topics:

Power plant operating features and controls; Temperature, pressure, and special measurements; Other power sources; Nuclear power

Learning Objectives:

• Give a detailed description of the arrangement of a modern steam generating plant and explain the progression of the steam cycle from one end to the other.
• Compare and contrast the common instruments for measuring temperature.
• Compare and contrast the common instruments for measuring pressure.
• List some of the special measurement devices that are important in a steam generating plant.
• List the alternate power sources described in the Lesson.
• Explain the concept of nuclear power and describe the operation of a nuclear power plant.