Components of Power Plants

Coal Fired/Steam/Thermal Power Station:

Component	Function
Boiler	Generates steam by burning coal, which drives the turbine.
Economizer	Heats the incoming feedwater using hot flue gases.
Superheater	Increases the temperature of steam after it leaves the boiler.
Ash Handling System	Collects and transports ash and other solid residues from the combustion process.
Coal Handling System	Stores and transports coal to the boiler for combustion.
Air Preheater	Heats the incoming combustion air using hot flue gases.
Chimney	Exhausts flue gases and emissions from the power plant.
ID Fan	Induced Draft Fan: Helps create a vacuum in the flue gas system, aiding in the removal of exhaust gases.
FD Fan	Forced Draft Fan: Supplies air to the combustion process in the boiler.
Steam Turbine	Converts high-pressure steam energy into mechanical power to drive the generator.
Condenser	Condenses the steam exiting the turbine back into liquid form.
Cooling Tower	Removes excess heat from the cooling water used in the condensation process.
Alternator	Generates electricity by converting mechanical power from the turbine.
Exciter	Supplies initial electrical current to the rotor of the alternator, enabling it to generate electricity.

   

Hydro Power Station:
 

Component/Structure	Function
Reservoir	Stores water, creating a head (height difference) for potential energy that can be converted into electricity.
Tailrace	Discharges water downstream after it has passed through the turbine, returning it to the natural watercourse.
Spillway	Manages the release of excess water during high flow conditions to prevent dam overtopping and control downstream flow.
Surge Tank	Stabilizes water pressure and flow to prevent water hammer or sudden pressure fluctuations in the penstock.
Forebay	Acts as a small reservoir that regulates the flow of water into the penstock and provides a consistent supply to the turbines.
Turbine	Converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into mechanical energy, which is used to drive the generator.
Dam	Creates an artificial barrier to impound water, forming the reservoir and controlling the flow of water for power generation.
Penstock	Large pipes or conduits that deliver water from the reservoir or forebay to the turbine, maintaining high pressure.
Trash Rack	Prevents debris and large objects from entering the penstock and damaging the turbine.
Turbine House	A building that houses the turbines, generators, and associated equipment.
Alternator	Converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy, generating electricity.

Nuclear Power Station:

Part	Function	Common Material
Reactor Core	Contains nuclear fuel (uranium or plutonium) and controls the nuclear fission process that releases energy.	Fuel rods (uranium or plutonium)
Control Rods	Regulate the rate of nuclear reactions by absorbing neutrons.	Boron or Cadmium
Moderator	Slows down fast neutrons, increasing the probability of fission.	Water (light water reactor), Heavy water (heavy water reactor), Graphite (graphite-moderated reactor)
Coolant	Transfers heat from the reactor core to the steam generator.	Water (light water reactor), Heavy water (heavy water reactor), Sodium (sodium-cooled reactor), Helium (gas-cooled reactor)
Steam Generator	Converts the heat from the reactor into steam.	Alloy 600 or 690 for tubes, carbon steel for shell (in pressurized water reactors)
Turbine	Converts high-pressure steam into mechanical energy.	High-strength steel or titanium
Generator	Converts mechanical energy from the turbine into electricity.	Copper windings, iron core
Condenser	Condenses the steam from the turbine back into water.	Copper or aluminum tubing, steel shell
Primary Containment	Prevents the release of radioactive materials in the event of an accident.	Reinforced concrete, steel, lead, or composite materials
Secondary Containment	Provides an additional layer of protection against radiation releases.	Concrete, steel, or reinforced materials
Control System	Manages and controls the nuclear reaction, safety, and power generation processes.	Digital control systems with specialized software.
Cooling System	Removes excess heat and manages the temperature of various components.	Piping, pumps, heat exchangers, and cooling towers with materials such as steel or copper alloys.
Fuel Handling System	Safely manages the storage, transportation, and handling of nuclear fuel assemblies.	Specialized casks or canisters made of materials designed to prevent radiation leakage.
Emergency Cooling System	Provides cooling in the event of an emergency or shutdown.	Backup pumps, tanks, and piping with materials similar to the primary cooling system.