Chapter 8, Problem 13STP

To determine

The five stages in the production of the electrical energy at a fossil fuel burning power plant.

Answer to Problem 13STP

The five stages in the production of the electrical energy at a fossil fuel burning power plant are Burning, heating, steam generation, mechanical energy conversion from thermal energy and electrical energy from the mechanical energy.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The fossil fuel uses in the production of the electrical energy. The chemical energy of the fuel converts into electrical energy in the power plants.

The fossil fuel provides the chemical energy to heat the working fluid in the power plants. The fossil fuel power plants are also known as thermal power plants as the chemical energy of the fuel converts into thermal energy in the power plants.

The five stages of the production of the electrical energy are following:

• Burning of the fossil fuel
• Heating of the working fluid such as water
• Steam generation and compression
• Conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy by using the prime mover such as turbine.
• The conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy by motors and transformers.

Conclusion:

Thus, the five stages in the production of the electrical energy at a fossil fuel burning power plant are Burning, heating, steam generation, mechanical energy conversion from thermal energy and electrical energy from the mechanical energy.