Using Steam in the Power Plant

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Turbines

Topics: Types; Operating principles; Condensers; Heat rejection; Thermal pollution; Boiler, turbine, and generator efficiency

Learning 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.

Chapter 2: Boiler Instrumentation, Controls, and Safety

Topics: Boiler Instrumentation, Controls, and Safety - Pressure, flow, and temperature gauges; Manometers; Water glasses; Combustion and feedwater control; Safety devices

Learning 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.

Chapter 3: Electrical Power Fundamentals

Topics: Power in DC circuits; AC current; Generators; Phase difference; Power factor; Three-phase systems; Transformers; Metering principles

Learning 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

Chapter 4: Electrical Systems Analysis

Topics: Demand considerations, analysis, and cost; Power factor correction; Synchronous motors; Transformer losses; Maintenance

Learning 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.

Chapter 5: Air-Conditioning Systems

Topics: Basic cycle; Compressors; Condensers; Evaporators; Metering devices; Accessories; Controls; Air handling; Maintenance practices

Learning Objectives:

• Define relative humidity and explain how it is measured
• Define the terms refrigeration ton and refrigeration effect
• 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.

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