Fundamentals of Thermal Engineering

Electricity is the lifeblood of modern society, and it is essential for industrial growth and urbanisation to generate it. Using heat to create electricity is an age-old method that continues to account for a significant portion of global electricity use. Thermal power plants employ oil, coal, or liquid natural gas to create electricity by converting water into steam that powers a turbine. It may be put up wherever that fuel and water are readily available. For the production and delivery of electric power, thermal power plants are critical because they can adapt quickly to changes in power demand and employ a variety of strategies to increase output. In every nation, thermal power plants are the primary source of energy. Thermal power plants in India provide more than half of the country’s overall electrical needs. This book starts with a detailed discussion on the fossil fuels, their types, properties, grades as well as various tests to evaluate their calorific values. The efficiency of a fossil fuel ultimately depends on its calorific value. The higher the calorific value of a fossil fuel, the greater is the heat generated as well as the efficiency. It then describes the types of the fossil fuel which would be suitable for steam generation in the boilers. The latter chapters in the books provide a detailed discussion on the process of steam generation in the boilers, the boiler mounting and accessories assisting the process and then the efficiency and the performance of the boilers. The various heat losses during the process of steam generation, the required chimney height, the removal of flue gases etc. have also been discussed in details. The book is an excellent read for any interested layman as well as professionals working in the power generation field to strengthen their fundamentals. This is also suggested for the graduate students aspiring to seek a career in the same field. This book makes an excellent addition to the libraries of the universities for pr