Improving Thermal Power Plant Efficiency

Abstract

Energy is the most important requirement for the growth and development of a nation since it is the basic necessity for every sector. The most common form of energy used is electricity. Electricity is the form of energy that is used both commercially and non-commercially. Thus, generation of electricity is the most significant requirement. Thermal electric power generation is one of the major methods for generation of electricity. But generation of electricity is it enough. It has to be done in the most effective and efficient manner. Owing to acute importance of electricity, it is important that it is done in the most efficient manner so that losses are minimized, outputs are maximized, optimum utilization of resources is done and reduction in the overall cost of the power plant can be achieved. Such outputs are even more important in the present era where sustainable development has become the most important requirement. The present research will analyze the factors affecting efficiency of a power plant. The study will further analyze the effect of operational practices & choice of fuel on efficiency of thermal power plant and the technologies available for improving the thermal power plant efficiency. The research will analyze the ways to optimize the thermal power plant through review based and theoretical analysis. The present research will be a review based work wherein an in depth analyses of the existing literature will be done. The conceptual model thus formed from the review will then be verified through qualitative analysis using thematic analysis method. The respondents (N=8) will be acclaimed professors and research associates in the field of thermal energy. Based on the findings from the review and qualitative analysis, conclusion will be drawn and discussion will be presented wherein all the research questions will be answered. Finally, the future prospective based on the present research will be presented.