Lesson 1 - Steam-The Primary Force
Topics:
Energy conversions; Combustion; Ash and fuel gas removal; Heating air; Boiler design; Water level; Feedwater heaters; Economizers
Learning Objectives:
– Describe the basic concepts involved in converting energy to electricity through a steam power plant.– Explain why air is important in combustion and describe how air is heated.
– Describe the basic design of a boiler.
– List the methods commonly used to create efficiency in a boiler.
Lesson 2 - How Heat is Converted to Power
Topics:
Turbines; Generators; Using exhausted steam to heat feedwater; Using condensate; Coal handling; Boiler efficiency
Learning Objectives:
– Describe the components of an elementary turbine.– List the uses of exhaust steam.
– Explain how a vacuum is produced in a boiler system.
– Describe how condensate is formed in a boiler system and how it can be used to create a closed cycle system.
– Explain how boiler efficiency is related to steam temperature and pressure.
– Calculate absolute temperature values using Fahrenheit and Celsius readings.
Lesson 3 - Power Plant Efficiency
Topics:
Thermodynamic efficiency; Pumps; Feedwater and air heating; Superheaters; Circulation problems; Gaining efficiency; Condenser performance
Learning Objectives:
– List the kinds of pumps used in a boiler system and explain the function of each.– Describe the common processes by which boiler feedwater can be heated, and explain how such processes increase boiler efficiency.
– Explain the process by which air is heated in a boiler system.
– Explain the purpose of a superheater.
Lesson 4 - Handling Water, Fuel, and Wastes
Topics:
Boiler water requirements; Water softening and purification; Water disposal; Fuel wastes; Flue gases; Particulate removal systems
Learning Objectives:
– List the two main uses for water in a power plant.– Describe the physical and chemical properties of water.
– Explain the past and present methods used to purify water for use in a power plant.
– Explain the common handling procedures for flue gases and solid wastes, and describe the problems involved in disposing of these wastes.
– List some of the ways in which power plant waste problems might be resolved in the future.
Lesson 5 - Power Plant Operation and Control
Topics:
Power plant operating features and controls; Temperature, pressure, and special measurements; Other power sources; Nuclear power
Learning Objectives:
– Give a detailed description of the arrangement of a modern steam generating plant and explain the progression of the steam cycle from one end to the other.– Compare and contrast the common instruments for measuring temperature.
– Compare and contrast the common instruments for measuring pressure.
– List some of the special measurement devices that are important in a steam generating plant.
– List the alternate power sources described in the Lesson.
– Explain the concept of nuclear power and describe the operation of a nuclear power plant.
