Advantages and Disadvantages of Thermal Power Plant | Quick Guide

Before going to discuss the thermal power plant advantages and disadvantages, we have to know some basic of the thermal power plant. Bulk electric power is produced by special plants known as generating stations or power plants. Generating power plant are mainly classified as

1. Thermal power plant
2. hydropower plant
3. Diesel power plant
4. Nuclear power plant

Here we know some basics about the thermal power plant and advantages and disadvantages.

Basic of thermal power plant

A generating station which converts heat energy of coal combustion into electrical energy called thermal power plant. This power plant also referred to as a steam power plant. This power plant basically works on a Rankine cycle. In this power, plant steam is produced in the boiler by utilizing the heat of coal combustion in a chamber. Produced steam is then expanded in the prime mover (here steam turbine). This steam is condensed in a condenser to be fed into the boiler again.

An alternator is attached to the steam turbine. This alternator converts mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical energy. A thermal power plant is suitable at a place where coal and water are easily available to generate a large amount of electricity. Now let see advantages and disadvantages of the thermal power plant.

Advantages of thermal power plant

⇒⇒ The Fuel (coal ) is quite cheap.

⇒⇒ Less initial cost require as compared to other generating stations.

⇒⇒ A thermal power plant can be installed at any place where the existence of coal and water.

⇒⇒ Fuel ( coal ) can be transported to the plant by rail or road.

⇒⇒ It requires less space as compared to the hydroelectric power station.

⇒⇒ Power plant depends on coal, oil or natural gas, which are all steady in supply.

⇒⇒ In this power plant, The cost of generation is lesser than that of the diesel power station.

⇒⇒ Thermal plants are able to respond to the load demand more effectively and support the performance of the electrical grid.

Disadvantages of thermal power plant

⇒⇒ Thermal power plant creates pollution due to large amount of smoke and fumes because of coal combustion.

⇒⇒ A large amount of water source require for condensation of steam.

⇒⇒ Running cost high compared to hydro-power plant.

⇒⇒ Handling of coal and disposal of ash is quite difficult and requires a large area.

⇒⇒ coal is used as fuel which is the exhaustible source.

⇒⇒ Maintenance of steam power plant is complicated.

⇒⇒ Starting time is quite longer than other power plants.

⇒⇒ Efficiency is less around 30-35 %

check out also – Disadvantages of hydroelectric power

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power Plant

Conclusion

At present, the thermal power plant generates 70% electricity of total electricity generation. As we saw some advantages and disadvantages of a thermal power plant, it is clear that the thermal power plant has many advantages but the main disadvantage is the pollution of the atmosphere. The thermal power plant uses coals which produce smoke and fumes. We must try to reduce pollution of the atmosphere as much as possible and go for some renewable source for power generation.

Hope you find what are the advantages and disadvantages of the thermal power plant. if you have any question regarding this comment below, we will try to help you soon.