Power plant engineering

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Cooling tower Nuclear power plant Cofrentes nuclear power plant cooling towers retouched.jpg
Cooling tower Nuclear power plant

Power plant engineering, abbreviated as TPTL, is a branch of the field of energy engineering, and is defined as the engineering and technology required for the production of an electric power station. [1] Technique is focused on power generation for industry and community, not just for household electricity production. This field is a discipline field using the theoretical basis of mechanical engineering and electrical. The engineering aspects of power generation have developed with technology and are becoming more and more complicated. The introduction of nuclear technology and other existing technology advances have made it possible for power to be created in more ways and on a larger scale than was previously possible. Assignment of different types of engineers for the design, construction, and operation of new power plants depending on the type of system being built, such as whether it is fueled by fossil fuels, nuclear, hydropower, or solar power.

Contents

History

Pearl Street Station 1882 PearlStreetStation.jpg
Pearl Street Station 1882

Power plant engineering got its start in the 1800s when small systems were used by individual factories to provide electrical power. Originally the only source of power came from DC, or direct current, systems. [2] While this was suitable for business, electricity was not accessible for most of the public body. During these times, the coal-powered steam engine was costly to run and there was no way for the power to be transmitted over distances. Hydroelectricity was one of the most utilized forms of power generation as water mills could be used to create power to transmit to small towns. [2]

It wasn't until the introduction of AC, or alternating current, power systems that allowed for the creation of power plants as we know them today. AC systems allowed power to be transmitted over larger distances than DC systems allowed and thus, large power stations were able to be created. One of the progenitors of long-distance power-transmission was the Lauffen to Frankfurt power plant which spanned 109 miles. [3] The Lauffen-Frankfurt demonstrated how three-phase power could be effectively applied to transmit power over long distances. [3] [4] Three-phase power had been the progeny of years of research in power distribution and the Lauffen-Frankfurt was the first exhibition to show its future potential.

The engineering knowledge needed to perform these tasks enlists the help of several fields of engineering including mechanical, electrical, nuclear and civil engineers. When power plants were up and coming, engineering tasks needed to create these facilities mainly consisted of mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers. [2] These disciplines allowed for the planning and construction of power plants. But when nuclear power plants were created it introduced nuclear engineers to perform the calculations necessary to maintain safety standards. [5]

Governing principles

First Law of Thermodynamics

In simple terms, the first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed; however, power can be converted from one form of energy to another form of energy. This is especially important in power generation because power production in nearly all types of power plants relies upon the use of a generator. [4] Generators are used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy; for example, wind turbines utilize a large blade connected to a shaft which turns the generator when rotated. The generator then creates electricity due to the interaction of a conductor within a magnetic field. In this case, the mechanical energy generated by the wind is converted, through the generator, into electric energy. Most power plants rely on these conversions to create usable electric power. [6]

Second law of thermodynamics

The second law of thermodynamics conceptualizes that the entropy of a closed system can never decrease. As the law relates to power plants, it dictates that heat is to flow from a body at high temperature to a body at low temperature (the device in which electricity is being generated). [4] This law is particularly pertinent to thermal power plants which derive their energy from the combustion of a fuel source. [1]

Types of power plants

All power plants are created with the same goal: to produce electric power as efficiently as possible. However, as technology has evolved, the sources of energy used in power plants has evolved as well. [1] The introduction of more renewable/sustainable forms of energy has caused an increase in the improvement and creation of certain power plants. [1]

Hydroelectric power plants

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Hydroelectric Dam

Hydroelectric power plants generate power using the force of water to turn generators. They can be categorized into three different types; impoundment, diversion and pumped storage. [7] Impoundment and diversion hydroelectric power plants operate similarly in that each involves creating a barrier to keep water from flowing at an uncontrollable rate, and then controlling the flow rate of water to pass through turbines to create electricity at an ideal level. Hydraulic civil engineers are in charge of calculating flow rates and other volumetric calculations necessary to turn the generators to the electrical engineers specifications. [8] Pumped storage hydroelectric power plants operate in a similar manner but only function at peak hours of power demand. At calm hours the water is pumped uphill, then is released at peak hours to flow from a high to low elevation to turn turbines. [9] The engineering knowledge required to assess the performance of pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants is very similar to that of the impoundment and diversion power plants.

Thermal power plants

Coal being pushed into coal power plant Komatsu bulldozer pushing coal in Power plant Ljubljana (winter 2017).jpg
Coal being pushed into coal power plant

Thermal power plants are split into two different categories; those that create electricity by burning fuel and those that create electricity via prime mover. A common example of a thermal power plant that produces electricity by the consumption of fuel is the nuclear power plant. Nuclear power plants use a nuclear reactor's heat to turn water into steam. [1] This steam is sent through a turbine which is connected to an electric generator to generate electricity. Nuclear power plants account for 20% of America's electricity generation. [10] Another example of a fuel burning power plant is coal power plant. Coal power plants generate 50% of the United States' electricity supply. [10] Coal power plants operate in a manner similar to nuclear power plants in that the heat from the burning coal powers a steam turbine and electric generator. [1] There are several types of engineers that work in a Thermal Power Plant. Mechanical engineers maintain performance of the thermal power plants while keeping the plants in operation. [11] Nuclear engineers generally handle fuel efficiency and disposal of nuclear waste; however, in Nuclear Power Plants they work directly with nuclear equipment. [12] Electrical Engineers deals with the power generating equipment as well as the calculations. [13]

Solar power plants

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Solar field

Solar power plants derive their energy from sunlight, which is made accessible via photovoltaics (PV's). Photovoltaic panels, or solar panels, are constructed using photovoltaic cells which are made of silica materials that release electrons when they are warmed by the thermal energy of the sun. The new flow of electrons generates electricity within the cell. [14] While PV's are an efficient method of producing electricity, they do burn out after a decade and thus, must be replaced; however, their efficiency, cost of operation, and lack of noise/physical pollutants make them one of the cleanest and least expensive forms of energy. [1] Solar power plants require the work of many facets of engineering; electrical engineers are especially crucial in constructing the solar panels and connecting them into a grid, and computer engineers code the cells themselves so that electricity can be effectively and efficiently produced, and civil engineers play the very important role of identifying areas where solar plants are able to collect the most energy. [11]

Wind power plants

Wind power plant Middelgrunden wind farm 2009-07-01 edit filtered.jpg
Wind power plant

Wind power plants, also known as wind turbines, derive their energy from the wind by connecting a generator to the fan blades and using the rotational motion caused by wind to power the generator. [15] Then the generated power is fed back into the power grid. Wind power plants can be implemented on large, open expanses of land or on large bodies of water such as the oceans; they rely on being in areas that experience significant amounts of wind. [1] Technically, wind turbines are a form of solar power in that they rely on pressure differentials caused by uneven heating of the Earth's atmosphere. [15] Wind turbines solicit knowledge from mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers. Knowledge of fluid dynamics from the help of mechanical engineers is crucial in determining the viability of locations for wind turbines. [16] Electrical engineers ensure that power generation and transmission is possible. [13] Civil engineers are important in the construction and utilization of wind turbines. [17]

Education

Power plant engineering covers a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines. The field can solicit information from mechanical, chemical, electrical, nuclear, and civil engineers.

Mechanical

Mechanical engineers work to maintain and control machinery that is used to power the plant. [12] To work in this field, mechanical engineers require a bachelor's degree in Engineering and license passing both the Professional Engineering Exam (PE) and Fundamental Engineering Exam (FE). Mechanical engineers have additional roles that are needed to be considered based on their careers. When working in thermal power plants, mechanical engineers make sure heavy machinery like boilers and turbines, are working in optimal condition and power is continually generated. [12] Mechanical engineers also work with the operations of the plant. In nuclear and hydraulic power plants the engineers work to make sure that heavy machinery is maintained and preventive maintenance is performed.


Electrical

Electrical engineers work with electrical appliances while making sure electronic instruments and appliances are working in company and state level satisfaction. [13] They require licenses passing both the Professional Engineering Exam (PE) and Fundamental Engineering Exam (FE). It is also preferred that they have a bachelor's degree approved by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) and field experience before getting an entry-level position.

Nuclear

Nuclear engineers develop and research methods, machinery and systems concerning radiation and energy in subatomic levels. [12] They require on-site experience and a bachelor's degree in engineering. These engineers work in Nuclear Power plants and require licenses for practice while working in the power plant. They require work experience, passing the Professional Engineering Exam(PE), Fundamental Engineering Exam (FE), and a degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc (ABET) approved school. [12] Nuclear engineers work with the handling of nuclear material and operations of a nuclear power plant. These operations can range from handling of nuclear wastes, nuclear material experiments, and design of nuclear equipment. [18]

Civil

Civil engineers focuses on the power plant's construction, expenses, and building. [19] Civil Engineers require passing the Professional Engineering Exam (PE), Fundamental Engineering Exam (FE), and a degree from an Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) approved school. [19] They work with making sure the structure of the power plant, the location, and the design and safety of the power plant.

Associations

While there are many disparities between the aforementioned engineering disciplines, they all cover material related to heat or electricity transmission. Obtaining a degree from an ABET accredited school in any one of these disciplines is essential to becoming a power plant engineer. [20] There are also many associations which qualified engineers can join, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and the American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE).

Fields

Power plant operation and maintenance consists of optimizing the efficiency and power output of power plants and ensuring long term operation. [21] These power plants are large scale, and used to supply power for communities and industry. Individual household electric power generators are not included. [1]

Power station design consists of the design of new power plant systems. [4] There are many types of power plants, and each type requires specific expertise, as well as interdisciplinary teamwork, to build a modern system. [1]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electricity generation</span> Process of generating electrical power

Electricity generation is the process of generating electric power from sources of primary energy. For utilities in the electric power industry, it is the stage prior to its delivery to end users or its storage, using for example, the pumped-storage method.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy storage</span> Captured energy for later usage

Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time to reduce imbalances between energy demand and energy production. A device that stores energy is generally called an accumulator or battery. Energy comes in multiple forms including radiation, chemical, gravitational potential, electrical potential, electricity, elevated temperature, latent heat and kinetic. Energy storage involves converting energy from forms that are difficult to store to more conveniently or economically storable forms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric generator</span> Device that converts other energy to electrical energy

In electricity generation, a generator is a device that converts motion-based power or fuel-based power into electric power for use in an external circuit. Sources of mechanical energy include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, internal combustion engines, wind turbines and even hand cranks. The first electromagnetic generator, the Faraday disk, was invented in 1831 by British scientist Michael Faraday. Generators provide nearly all the power for electrical grids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Power station</span> Facility generating electric power

A power station, also referred to as a power plant and sometimes generating station or generating plant, is an industrial facility for the generation of electric power. Power stations are generally connected to an electrical grid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pumped-storage hydroelectricity</span> Electric energy storage system

Pumped-storage hydroelectricity (PSH), or pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES), is a type of hydroelectric energy storage used by electric power systems for load balancing. A PHS system stores energy in the form of gravitational potential energy of water, pumped from a lower elevation reservoir to a higher elevation. Low-cost surplus off-peak electric power is typically used to run the pumps. During periods of high electrical demand, the stored water is released through turbines to produce electric power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydroelectricity</span> Electricity generated by hydropower

Hydroelectricity, or hydroelectric power, is electricity generated from hydropower. Hydropower supplies 14% of the world's electricity, almost 4,210 TWh in 2023, which is more than all other renewable sources combined and also more than nuclear power. Hydropower can provide large amounts of low-carbon electricity on demand, making it a key element for creating secure and clean electricity supply systems. A hydroelectric power station that has a dam and reservoir is a flexible source, since the amount of electricity produced can be increased or decreased in seconds or minutes in response to varying electricity demand. Once a hydroelectric complex is constructed, it produces no direct waste, and almost always emits considerably less greenhouse gas than fossil fuel-powered energy plants. However, when constructed in lowland rainforest areas, where part of the forest is inundated, substantial amounts of greenhouse gases may be emitted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy development</span> Methods bringing energy into production

Energy development is the field of activities focused on obtaining sources of energy from natural resources. These activities include the production of renewable, nuclear, and fossil fuel derived sources of energy, and for the recovery and reuse of energy that would otherwise be wasted. Energy conservation and efficiency measures reduce the demand for energy development, and can have benefits to society with improvements to environmental issues.

Electrification is the process of powering by electricity and, in many contexts, the introduction of such power by changing over from an earlier power source. In the context of history of technology and economic development, electrification refers to the build-out of the electricity generation and electric power distribution systems. In the context of sustainable energy, electrification refers to the build-out of super grids with energy storage to accommodate the energy transition to renewable energy and the switch of end-uses to electricity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Environmental impact of electricity generation</span>

Electric power systems consist of generation plants of different energy sources, transmission networks, and distribution lines. Each of these components can have environmental impacts at multiple stages of their development and use including in their construction, during the generation of electricity, and in their decommissioning and disposal. These impacts can be split into operational impacts and construction impacts. All forms of electricity generation have some form of environmental impact, but coal-fired power is the dirtiest. This page is organized by energy source and includes impacts such as water usage, emissions, local pollution, and wildlife displacement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy transformation</span> Process of changing energy

Energy transformation, also known as energy conversion, is the process of changing energy from one form to another. In physics, energy is a quantity that provides the capacity to perform work or moving or provides heat. In addition to being converted, according to the law of conservation of energy, energy is transferable to a different location or object, but it cannot be created or destroyed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grid energy storage</span> Large scale electricity supply management

Grid energy storage is a collection of methods used for energy storage on a large scale within an electrical power grid. Electrical energy is stored during times when electricity is plentiful and inexpensive or when demand is low, and later returned to the grid when demand is high, and electricity prices tend to be higher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peaking power plant</span> Reserved for high demand times

Peaking power plants, also known as peaker plants, and occasionally just "peakers", are power plants that generally run only when there is a high demand, known as peak demand, for electricity. Because they supply power only occasionally, the power supplied commands a much higher price per kilowatt hour than base load power. Peak load power plants are dispatched in combination with base load power plants, which supply a dependable and consistent amount of electricity, to meet the minimum demand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thermal power station</span> Power plant that generates electricity from heat energy

A thermal power station, also known as a thermal power plant is a type of power station in which the heat energy generated from various fuel sources is converted to electrical energy. The heat from the source is converted into mechanical energy using a thermodynamic power cycle. The most common cycle involves a working fluid heated and boiled under high pressure in a pressure vessel to produce high-pressure steam. This high pressure-steam is then directed to a turbine, where it rotates the turbine's blades. The rotating turbine is mechanically connected to an electric generator which converts rotary motion into electricity. Fuels such as natural gas or oil can also be burnt directly in gas turbines, skipping the steam generation step. These plants can be of the open cycle or the more efficient combined cycle type.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Capacity factor</span> Electrical production measure

The net capacity factor is the unitless ratio of actual electrical energy output over a given period of time to the theoretical maximum electrical energy output over that period. The theoretical maximum energy output of a given installation is defined as that due to its continuous operation at full nameplate capacity over the relevant period. The capacity factor can be calculated for any electricity producing installation, such as a fuel consuming power plant or one using renewable energy, such as wind, the sun or hydro-electric installations. The average capacity factor can also be defined for any class of such installations, and can be used to compare different types of electricity production.

A load-following power plant, regarded as producing mid-merit or mid-priced electricity, is a power plant that adjusts its power output as demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day. Load-following plants are typically in between base load and peaking power plants in efficiency, speed of start-up and shut-down, construction cost, cost of electricity and capacity factor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gas-fired power plant</span> One or more generators which convert natural gas into electricity

A gas-fired power plant, sometimes referred to as gas-fired power station, natural gas power plant, or methane gas power plant, is a thermal power station that burns natural gas to generate electricity. Gas-fired power plants generate almost a quarter of world electricity and are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. However, they can provide seasonal, dispatchable energy generation to compensate for variable renewable energy deficits, where hydropower or interconnectors are not available. In the early 2020s batteries became competitive with gas peaker plants.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Variable renewable energy</span> Class of renewable energy sources

Variable renewable energy (VRE) or intermittent renewable energy sources (IRES) are renewable energy sources that are not dispatchable due to their fluctuating nature, such as wind power and solar power, as opposed to controllable renewable energy sources, such as dammed hydroelectricity or bioenergy, or relatively constant sources, such as geothermal power.

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References

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  10. 1 2 "Thermal Power Plant Classification" . Retrieved 2018-04-18.
  11. 1 2 Wagner, Vivian. "Engineers Who Work With Solar". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 "Nuclear Engineers". CollegeGrad. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
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  14. ↑ "Solar Power Has Benefits as a Source of Alternative Energy". 2009-10-09. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
  15. 1 2 "How Do Wind Turbines Work? | Department of Energy". www.energy.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
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  17. ↑ "What does a Civil Engineer Do?". Sokanu. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  18. ↑ "What Nuclear Engineers Do". Bureau of Labor Statistics. April 13, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
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Brighthub Engineering. Retrieved 2018-04-18.

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