How Do Coal Fueled Power Stations Work?

Coal power stations burn coal to heat water into steam. The steam turns a series of turbine generators, which in turn generate electricity. The components of the power station are the firebox, boiler, turbine and condenser.

Firebox

• The firebox contains a fine coal powder made from crushed coal. The powder, combined with hot air, burns hotter than chunks of coal would.

Boiler

• The boiler contains purified water, which is boiled into steam that reaches temperatures of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Turbine

• Steam from the boiler pushes the turbine's blades. The pressure against the blades turn the shaft of the turbine, which connects to the generator. The generator produces power when magnets turned by the turbine shaft spin against wire coils.

Condenser

• The condenser takes the steam from the turbine and cools it so the steam becomes water again. The plant then reuses this water in the boiler.