Enel - Visita alle Centrali

Transformer

The power produced by the alternator, before it is grid-injected, reaches the transformer that heightens its voltage, from 20,000 V to 380,000 V, in order to reduce line losses to the maximum extent.

Alternator

In an alternator, the mechanical energy that is transmitted from the turbine is converted into electricity by virtue of a phenomenon known as electromagnetic induction.

Condenser

In a condenser, the steam that leaves the turbine’s low pressure body is cooled until it is liquefied, so that it can be inserted once more into the heat engine cycle by means of suitable feeding pumps.

Steam turbine

The steam generated in the heat engine is conveyed to the turbine and causes it to rotate by releasing kinetic energy. This occurs in three phases, matching the three levels of steam pressure in the turbine bodies of high, medium and low pressure.

Dust collector

A “bag” dust collector , located between the denitrificator and desulphurator, is a device that blocks 99.9% of the dust particles created by combustion

Chimney

It conveys the combustion fumes that have already been treated at elevated heights, thus allowing an adequate dilution.

Desulphator

A desulphator is aimed at reducing the sulphur dioxide that is contained in the combustion gasses before sending them to the chimney.

Denitrificator

A denitrificator, located on the fume circuit outside the steam generator, is used to reduce the nitrogen oxides that are found in the gasses. Its interior is a passageway for the fumes produced by combustion inside the heat engine, to which ammonia is added to obtain a reaction to convert the NOx into molecular nitrogen (usually contained in air) and water.

Feeding pump

A feeding pump is used to assure a water supply to the heat engine, in order to replace the water converted into steam and conveyed to the turbine. The pump sucks in the water that comes from the condenser and sends it to the heat engine.

Steam generator

A steam generator converts the fuel’s chemical energy into thermal energy and sends it to the water, converting it into the steam that is necessary to activate the turbine. The steam is finally re-condensed into water and once more sent into the cycle.

Hydroelectric


	Coal

	Steam generator
	Steam turbines
	Alternator
	Transformer
	Feeding pump
	Denitrificator
	Condenser
	Dust collector
	Desulphurizer
	Chimney

Due to its high availability, secure supply, competitiveness and highly secure handling, transportation and use – it’s nonflammable, and it’s not explosive or polluting for either land or water - coal is the primary fuel for electricity generation in the world and in Europe.
The energy path in a coal fired power station starts in the steam generator area, which contains the burners used for coal combustion.
The high temperature of combustion gasses produces the conversion into steam of the water contained in the pipes of the heat engine. The steam reaches the turbine through thick pipes, and makes it rotate at 3,000 revolutions per minute.
The turbine is connected to an alternator which generates electricity. The fumes, after having emitted their heat to the steam generator, are sent to the chimney following their passage through denitrificators, dust collectors and desulphators, in order to abate, respectively, nitrogen oxides, dust particles and sulphur dioxide. The steam, after having transmitted a large portion of its energy to the turbine, is conveyed to the condenser where it transfers its residual heat to the sea water –with which it never comes in contact– extracted by means of specific pumps. This steam is thus converted into water that is once more transferred by means of pumps to the steam generator in order to start the cycle over. The voltage of the energy produced by the alternator is heightened to 380 kV so that it can be grid-connected.

Worldwide, 39 % of electricity produced comes from coal, whilst in the 27 EU countries it amounts to 33%. For the future, electricity generation from coal is bound to grow strongly, driven primarily by China and India, two very populous countries (together they count nearly 2,5 billion inhabitants) in rapid development and where energy demand has been growing for years at a remarkable pace. Equally remarkable, however, is the technological innovation of the plants, which provides us, today, with a greater efficiency of at least ten points compared to a few years ago, with very low emissions. In particular, investments in "clean coal" technologies made in Italy, today allow Enel to propose next generation plants with standards of environmental excellence among the highest ever. For instance, the 1,980 MW Torrevaldaliga Nord plant, opened in July 2008 in Civitavecchia, is one of the most advanced in the world: coal transport and handling systems are completely sealed (the fuel never comes in contact with the air) and emissions Are reduced up to 88% compared to the previous fluel-oil plant.