3. Example of application to the boiler water supply system of a coal-fired power plant

The system used as an example for teaching purposes has the generic characteristics of most coal-fired power plant boiler water supply systems.

Figure 4 shows a simplified diagram of a coal-fired power plant. The combustion of pulverized coal inside the boiler produces steam, which is used to power the various turbine bodies. The energy supplied by the turbine is converted into electricity by the alternator. The electrical energy produced then feeds a withdrawal transformer to supply the power grid. The steam leaving the turbine is sent to the condenser to obtain water in liquid form, which is then sent back to the boiler. The condenser is cooled by the cooling tower, which contains a cold water sprinkler system. Some of the steam is withdrawn to allow reheating...