In thermal power plants fuel is burnt to produce heat energy which is converted into

The correct answer is Electrical energy.

Key Points

• In thermal power plants, the primary purpose is to convert heat energy, obtained by burning fuel, into electrical energy.
• Heat generated from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, or natural gas) produces steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator to produce electricity.
• The process involves several stages: fuel combustion, heat transfer, steam generation, turbine operation, and electricity generation.
• Thermal power plants are a major contributor to global electricity production, accounting for a significant percentage of total electricity generated worldwide.
• These plants are widely used due to their ability to provide a consistent and reliable power supply, especially for base-load electricity demand.

Additional Information

• Energy Conversion in Thermal Power Plants:
  • The process begins with the chemical energy in the fuel being converted into heat energy through combustion.
  • Heat energy is then used to boil water, generating high-pressure steam.
  • The high-pressure steam spins the turbine, which converts thermal energy into mechanical energy.
  • The generator connected to the turbine converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• Fuels Used:
  • Common fuels include coal, natural gas, oil, and in some cases, biomass.
  • Coal-fired thermal power plants are the most common, but they have significant environmental impacts due to carbon dioxide emissions.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Thermal power plants contribute to air pollution through the release of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
  • Efforts are being made to make these plants more efficient and environmentally friendly, such as adopting carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
• Efficiency:
  • The overall efficiency of thermal power plants typically ranges from 30% to 40%.
  • Combined cycle power plants, which use both gas and steam turbines, can achieve efficiencies of up to 60%.
• Alternatives:
  • Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are being developed to reduce dependence on thermal power plants.
  • These alternatives are more sustainable and have minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuel-based power plants.