Using Steam in the Power Plant

Lesson 1: Turbines

Topics

What is a Turbine?; Operating Principles; Turbine Classification; Gas Turbines; Condensers; Heat Rejection and Thermal Pollution; Boiler-Turbine-Generator Efficiency; Operating Data on Turbine-Generator Performance; Maintaining a Turbine-Generator System; Condenser Cooling Water Requirements; Cooling Water Systems

Objectives

• Name the five main parts of a steam turbine system and explain the function of each.
• Contrast the operating principle of an impulse turbine and a reaction turbine.
• Define the terms tandem compound and cross compound.
• Explain how a condenser improves turbine efficiency.
• Explain how an overspeed trip is activated.
• List three causes of turbine rotor vibration.
• Name the main cause of bearing failure in a turbine.

Lesson 2: Boiler Instrumentation, Controls, and Safety

Topics

Boiler Instrumentation; Pressure Measurement; Bourdon Tube Gauges; Manometers; Diaphragm and Bellows Gauges; Flowmeters; Temperature Gauges; Gauge Glasses; Combustion Control; Feedwater Control; Safety Devices

Objectives

• Define the term variable.
• Describe the three main classes of boiler instruments.
• List the four variables on which boiler instrumentation usually provides data.
• Name the four common types of pressure gauges, and describe the characteristics and uses of each.
• Name and describe the three types of flowmeters commonly used in power plants.
• Name and describe the four types of temperature gauges commonly used in power plants.
• Describe the uses for gauge glass assemblies in power plant instrumentation.
• Explain the purpose of combustion control systems and describe the three basic kinds.
• Describe the three kinds of feedwater regulators.
• Explain the importance of safety valves and flame safety devices in power plants.

Lesson 3: Electrical Power Fundamentals

Topics

Fundamentals of Electricity; Ohm's Law for DC Circuits; Power in DC Circuits; Theories of Magnetism; Circuit Components; Circuit Types; Generators; Phase Difference; Power Factor; Three-Phase Systems; Transformers; Metering Principles; Instrument Transformers; Electric Distribution Systems and Equipment; Protective Equipment; Distribution Wiring; Substations

Objectives

• Explain the basic principles of electricity and electric power, including the significance of Ohm's Law.
• Identify the parts of an electrical circuit and describe the function of each part.
• Contrast series and parallel circuits.
• Explain the difference between the two main groups of generators and further describe each group in terms of its sources of mechanical power.
• Define phase difference and power factor, and describe a three-phase system.
• Explain the function of a transformer.
• Describe the variety of metering instruments used to measure the value of electric energy.
• Explain the purpose of an electric distribution system, and list the three main kinds.
• Name four kinds of protective equipment used in power systems.

Lesson 4: Electrical Systems Analysis

Topics

Line Diagrams; Electrical Power Billing; Electrical Demand Considerations; Determining Load Factor; Demand Analysis; Manual and Automatic Control; Demand Costs; Power Systems Analysis; Low Power Factor Costs; Causes of Low Power Factor; Power Factor Correction; Capacitors; Synchronous Motors; Transformer Losses; System Voltage Variation and Losses; Maintaining Protective Devices; Maintaining Cable Systems; Maintaining Generators and Motors; Conservation

Objectives

• Explain the purpose of a line diagram.
• List the four kinds of charges normally found on a power bill.
• Define peak demand.
• Calculate a plant's load factor.
• Describe the steps involved in performing demand analysis.
• Calculate demand cost and explain the effect of short demand peaks on billing.
• Define power factor and explain how it is calculated, what causes it to be low, and how it can be improved.
• List the types of power losses that occur in transformers and describe the cause of each.
• Explain how to maintain protective devices, cable systems, and generators and motors.
• Explain the importance of energy conservation in power plants.

Lesson 5: Air-Conditioning Systems

Topics

Temperature and Humidity; Basic Air-Conditioning Cycle; Air-Conditioning Compressors; Condensers; Evaporators; Metering Devices; Accessories; Controls; Absorption Systems; Air-Handling Systems; Maintenance Practices to Improve Efficiency; Air-Handling System Maintenance

Objectives

• Define relative humidity and explain how it is measured.
• Define the terms refrigeration ton and refrigeration effect.
• Name and describe the three common kinds of compressors used in air-conditioning systems.
• Name and describe the three kinds of condensers used in air-conditioning systems.
• List the metering devices used in an air-conditioning system and explain their uses.
• List the accessories and controls that are found in an air-conditioning system and state their purposes.
• Describe the air-handling system and its components.
• Explain how to measure velocity pressure and static pressure.
• Explain several maintenance practices that will improve the efficiency of an air-conditioning system.