In this topic, you study Power plant – Definition, Types & Comparison.
Electric power produced by special plant is called power station. It is also called power plant or generating station. In all power stations electric energy is generated and transmitted with the help of conductors to various consumers. The main fuels used are coal, gas, water, uranium and diesel etc.
Need of Power Plant
These days the dependence on electricity is so much that it has become a part and parcel of our life. The use of electric power for domestic and industrial use is increasing day by day and therefore it is very essential to generate bulk electric power economically.
Types of Power Plants
Depending upon electric energy, the conventional power stations are classified as under:
- Thermal power stations
- Hydro-electric power stations
- Nuclear power stations
- Diesel power stations
Comparison of Different Power Plants
| Particular | Thermal Power Plants | Hydro-Electric Power Plants | Nuclear Power Plants |
| Site | These plants located near the load centers so supply of fuel, water, cost of land should be kept in view. | The site should be available with sufficient area with suitable water head. | These plants are located near the load center. |
| Capital cost | Low than Nuclear Power Plants | Very high (Rs. 3000/kW). | Very high (Rs. 4000/kW) |
| Running cost | Very high as huge amount of coal is required. | Very small as no fuel is
used. |
Low as small quantity of fuel is required. |
| Efficiency | Less than 25%. | High about 35%. | Above 80%. |
| Starting time | It takes time to be put into service. | It can be put into service instantly. | It takes less time than steam power plants. |
| Maintenance cost
|
High | Low
|
Very high as greater technical know-how is needed. |
| Space required | More land area is required | The land requirement for catchment area is very large. | Land area required small as compared to other plants. |