Reactor is that part of nuclear power plant where nuclear fuel is subjected to nuclear fission and the energy released in the process is utilised to heat the coolant which may in turn generate steam or be used in a gas turbine. The main function of the reactor is to control the emission and absorption of neutrons. A nuclear reactor [...]
In this article we will discuss about the classification and safety of nuclear reactors. Classification of Nuclear Reactors: Nuclear reactors may be classified in several ways i.e., on basis of their applications, type of fission, fuel used, state of fuel, fuel cycle, arrangement of fissile and fertile material, arrangement of fuel and moderator, moderator material, cooling system employed, coolant used [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Characteristics of Water Turbines 2. Governing of Water Turbines 3. Selection. Characteristics of Water Turbines: 1. Head: Reaction turbines of various types can be used for operating heads up to 500 m and Pelton turbines are used for operating heads above 500 m. 2. Specific Speed. 3. Turbine Setting: A Pelton wheel [...]
A hydroelectric plant consists of a reservoir for storage of water, a diversion dam, an intake structure for controlling and regulating the flow of water, a conduit system to carry the water from the intake to the waterwheel, the turbines coupled with generators, the draft tube for conveying water from waterwheel to the tailrace, the tailrace and a power house [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Introduction to Gas Turbine Power Plant 2. Selection of Site for Gas Turbine Power Plant 3. Fuels 4. Operation and Control 5. Combined Steam and Gas Turbine Power Plant 6. Plant Layout 7. Comparison of Gas Turbine Power Plant with Diesel Engine and Steam Power Plants 8. Merits and Demerits of Gas [...]
In this article we will discuss about the elements of a simple gas turbine power plant. A simple gas turbine power plant essentially consists of the reaction type non-condensing turbine, a compressor mounted on the same shaft and coupled to the turbine, the combustion chamber, an alternator coupled to the turbine itself and auxiliaries such as starting motor, auxiliary lubrication [...]
In this article we will discuss about the various methods used for improving the thermal efficiency of a simple gas turbine power plant. The efficiency of a simple gas turbine power plant can be improved by employing regenerator, intercooler and re-heater. Regenerator is usually of shell and tube construction. The exhaust gases are made to flow inside the nest of [...]
The factors to be considered while selecting a site for a steam power plant for economical and efficient generation are: 1. Nearness to the Load Centre 2. Supply of Water 3. Availability of Coal 4. Land Requirement 5. Type of Land 6. Transportation Facilities 7. Labour Supplies 8. Ash Disposal 9. Distance from Populated Area. Factor # 1. Nearness to [...]
Power reactors commonly employed in nuclear power plants are briefly described as follows: 1. Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) 2. Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR ) 3. Gas Cooled Reactor 4. Heavy Water Cooled and Moderated (CANDU TYPE) Reactor 5. Liquid Metal Cooled Reactor 6. Fast Breeder Reactor. 1. Boiling Water Reactor (BWR): This is the simplest type of water reactor. It [...]
There are many ways of classifying water or hydraulic turbines, for example, according to the type of flow of water, according to action of water on moving blades, according to head and quantity of water available, after the name of originator and according to the specific speed of the machine. According to the type of flow of water, the water [...]