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Power Plant

Fossil Fuel Power Plant Has Been the Standard Electricity Production for Years

Though unpopular, fossil fuel power plant provide many countries of the world with electricity. These power plant generate electricity through the burning of fossil fuels, such as oil or coal. How the fossil fuel is converted into electricity is a very complicated process.

How Do Fossil Fuels Get Converted into Electricity?

The 1^st step is that the fossil fuel make its way from its source to the plant. Some power plant are purposefully built next to a source of fossil fuel, but many plants need to have their fuel delivered. The fossil fuels can be delivered by trucks, rail, or boats. Often delivery involves a combination of the three. Delivery method for oil are generally the same as coal, with the exception that it can be transported by pipeline.

Once at the power plant, the fossil fuel is burned to generate heat. This heat is used to heat water and create steam. The steam then rises through turbine which transfers the thermal energy of the steam to mechanical energy. These turbine generators are attached to a generator, and the spinning of the turbine leads to the generation of electricity in the generator.

Waste Products of Fossil Fuel Power Plant

This is a streamlined description of how fossil fuel is turned into electricity. There is much more to how coal fired power plant work, however. For starters, there is the issue of waste products.

The wastage from the burning of the fuel is the reason for much of the controversy surrounding fossil fuel power plant. Burning the fossil fuel releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is believed to be a factor in global warming. Additionally, the burning of the coal releases nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide into the air. When these gases mix with the atmosphere, they can cause acid rain.

Another hazard that has rise from Fossil Fuel Power Plant is the effects of particulate matter. Particulate matter, often it simply referred to as particulate, is tiny particles suspended in liquid or air. Previously, particulate was releases when coal is burned. It would hang around in the air and atmosphere, and become inhaled. This was caused to lead to asthma, chronic bronchitis, and airway obstruction. Because of these effects, various types of methods have been developed to reduce particulate.

The End of Fossil Fuel Power Plant?

While fossil fuel power plant have adapted to these changes, their days may be numbered. With the increase use of wind, solar, and nuclear power plant, fossil fuels are being phased out.