THERMAL POWER PLANT
More than 58% of India’s electricity is generated through fossil fuels, and almost 50% is powered by coal. Thermal power plants continue to be the lifeline of India’s industrial growth. It is projected that by 2026-27, India’s power generation installed capacity will be over 620 GW, of which 38% will be from coal.
The large-scale electrification drives, efficient transmission networks, and rising industrial demand has pushed India’s power sector. As a result, the country is the world’s third-largest producer and consumer of electricity. India is also the world’s second-largest coal producer, so the significance of coal-based power generation is here to stay.
Given the promising outlook of India’s energy sector, various domestic and international players have started investing heavily in it. As a result, the power sector saw an FDI inflow of $15.84 last year. Energy projects also account for 24% of the national infrastructure pipeline, which is the highest. Though there is a speedy transition towards renewable energy, thermal power plants are imperative for meeting India’s rising energy needs.
Thermal power plants are highly complex industrial structures and comprise various sub-processes. This includes water treatment, coal handling, fuel handling, feed water systems, cooling water systems, and much more. The majority of these processes are driven through various pumps. The type of pump used will vary as per the size and purpose of the systems.
The primary use of pumps in thermal power plants is for feeding water to the boilers, which is converted into steam and used to rotate the turbine and generate electricity. Once that is done, pumps are again used to cool down the steam and convert it back into water which is then again pumped through the boilers. Smaller, more accurate pumps also push fuel oils into the boilers with the proper pressure set.
Thermal power plants are built with a lifespan of 20-25 years; hence, the equipment used for the plants also needs to be robust enough to last this long. Therefore, pump selection is based on their ability to handle wear and tear, pumping capacity and longevity. In addition, regular maintenance and refurbishment help extend the life of pumps in thermal power plants.
JEE Pumps used in the Thermal Power Plant Sector
Pump Applications in the Thermal Power Plant Sector
BOILER WATER CIRCULATION
A Centrifugal pump is used as a Boiler Circulating Pump which pushes water from the ground level to the top of the boiler. The water is then heated and converted into steam for power generation. This pump works continuously, ensuring proper water pressure.
COOLING WATER SYSTEM
The steam that rotates the turbine is then cooled back to water through a vast cooling water system in a thermal power plant. Large-size pumps are used to flow water through the cooling channels and pipelines in the power plant.
FUEL HANDLING PROCESS
Most thermal power plants use LDO and HFO as fuel additives and coal to heat the boiler and provide better operating temperature control. Fuel pumps and injection pumps are used for their handline and discharge in the boiler.
WASTE WATER TREATMENT
Coal-based power plants generate much wastewater, be it for the coal handling or power generation process. Pumps are used extensively in treating this wastewater and reusing clean water to ensure zero discharge.
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