LAWRENCE KIM N.

SACRISTAN

Oil Power Plants: Transforming Fossil Fuel into Electricity

The utilization of oil as an energy source has been a fundamental aspect of modern society for
decades. From fueling vehicles to powering industries, oil plays a pivotal role in shaping our
global economy and daily lives.
It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of oil energy, covering its origins, extraction
processes, uses, environmental impact, and future prospects.
Oil was the primary fuel source of older steam generating plants. These plants were designed
to burn heavier grades of oil rather than lighter weight heating oils, although they can use
either type. Before the early and mid 1970s oil embargoes, oil was plentiful and cheap. After
the crisis, oil prices skyrocketed and using oil to generate electricity became extremely
expensive. Today, only two percent of the United States' utility net generation comes from
oil-fired plants.
Origins and Extraction:
Oil, also known as petroleum, is a naturally occurring fossil fuel formed from the
decomposition of organic matter over millions of years. It is primarily found in underground
reservoirs, often beneath the seabed or within sedimentary rocks. The extraction of oil
involves drilling wells into these reservoirs and pumping the crude oil to the surface.
Advanced technologies such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and offshore drilling have
revolutionized the oil extraction process, allowing access to previously inaccessible reserves.
Uses and Applications:
Oil serves as a versatile energy source with a wide range of applications across various
sectors. The most prominent use of oil is as a transportation fuel, powering cars, trucks,
airplanes, and ships. Additionally, oil is essential in the manufacturing of numerous products,
including plastics, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and synthetic materials. Moreover, oil plays a
crucial role in generating electricity through power plants equipped with oil-fired turbines.
Fueling the Process:
Oil power plants primarily use heavy fuel oil or refined crude oil as their fuel source. The oil
is stored in large tanks on-site before being transported to the boiler via pumps.
Heat Generation:
The heart of the power plant is the boiler. Here, oil is combusted in a controlled environment,
releasing thermal energy (heat). This heat heats water circulating through tubes within the
boiler, turning it into high-pressure steam.
Steam Power:
The superheated steam is directed towards the steam turbine. As it travels through the
turbine's blades, the steam's pressure and temperature drop significantly, converting thermal
energy into mechanical energy. This rotation of the turbine shaft drives.

Electricity Generation:
LAWRENCE KIM N. SACRISTAN

The turbine shaft is connected to an electric generator. As the shaft rotates, the generator spins
magnets within its core, inducing an electric current. This is the fundamental principle of
electricity generation in oil power plants.
Completing the Cycle:
After passing through the turbine, the steam loses much of its energy and condenses back into
water. This condensate is cooled further in a condenser using a cooling system (e.g., water
from a nearby river or cooling towers). The cooled water is then pumped back to the boiler,
completing the cycle.
Environmental Impact:
Despite its widespread use, oil extraction and consumption pose significant environmental
challenges. The burning of fossil fuels, including oil, releases greenhouse gases such as
carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate
change. Furthermore, oil spills from accidents during extraction, transportation, or storage can
lead to devastating ecological damage, harming marine life and ecosystems.
Future Prospects:
As concerns over climate change intensify, there is growing pressure to transition towards
renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels like oil. Governments,
industries, and consumers are increasingly investing in alternative energy technologies such
as solar, wind, and electric vehicles. However, oil is likely to remain a crucial energy source
in the near future, albeit with efforts to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and explore
cleaner extraction methods.
Additional Notes:
• Modern oil power plants often incorporate flue gas desulfurization systems to remove
harmful sulfur oxides from the emissions.
• Some plants utilize combined cycle technology, where waste heat from the gas
turbine further heats steam in a separate steam turbine, increasing overall efficiency.
• Oil power plants face criticism due to their reliance on fossil fuels and their
contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy sources are increasingly seen as
alternatives for sustainable electricity generation.
Remember: This is a simplified overview. The actual operation of oil power plants can
involve more complex components and processes.
LAWRENCE KIM N. SACRISTAN

Coal-Fired Steam Plants:

Coal-fired steam plants have been instrumental in powering our world for centuries, but their
future remains clouded by environmental concerns and the rise of renewable energy. Let's
delve into the complexities of this technology, exploring its operation, advantages,
disadvantages, and its impact on our planet and health.
Fueling the Furnace:
Coal, a fossil fuel formed from compressed plant matter over millions of years, comes in
various types:
Anthracite: The hardest and cleanest burning, but also the rarest.
Bituminous: The most common type, offering a good balance of energy and cost.
Sub-bituminous: Lower energy density and higher moisture content, requiring more
complex processing.
Lignite: The lowest-grade coal, with high moisture and pollution concerns.
From Mine to Turbine:
Coal mining, the process of extracting the fuel, can be done through surface mining
(removing earth to reach deposits) or underground mining (tunneling into coal seams). Both
methods raise environmental and safety concerns.
Once extracted, coal is transported to the power plant and crushed into fine powder. This
"pulverized coal" is then injected into a furnace, where it burns intensely, heating water in
boiler tubes. The resulting steam, under immense pressure and temperature, spins turbines
connected to generators, producing electricity.
COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS
Reliability: They can operate continuously for extended periods, providing a stable source of
baseload power.
Abundance: Coal reserves are plentiful in many parts of the world, offering energy security.
Cost-effectiveness: They can be cheaper to build and operate compared to some renewable
energy options.
However, their disadvantages are significant:
Emissions: Burning coal releases greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, a major
contributor to climate change.
Air pollution: Emissions also contain harmful pollutants like sulfur oxides and nitrogen
oxides, impacting air quality and human health.
Water pollution: The cooling process can use massive amounts of water and potentially
harm aquatic ecosystems.
Land degradation: Mining and ash disposal can negatively impact land use and ecosystems.

Impact on Our World and Health:

LAWRENCE KIM N. SACRISTAN

The negative environmental and health consequences of coal-fired power plants are widely
recognized. Air pollution from these plants is linked to respiratory problems, heart disease,
and even cancer. Additionally, climate change driven by their emissions poses a significant
threat to our planet's health and stability.
The Looming Shift:
The future of coal-fired power plants is uncertain. With global pressure to reduce carbon
emissions and growing investment in renewable energy sources like solar and wind, their
dominance is gradually fading. Stringent regulations on emissions and the development of
cleaner coal technologies might offer some reprieve, but the long-term trend points towards a
transition away from these plants.
Conclusion:
Coal-fired steam plants have played a crucial role in powering our world's development, but
their environmental and health impacts demand a shift towards cleaner alternatives. While
advancements in technology and regulations might prolong their life span to some extent, the
future of our planet hinges on embracing renewable energy sources for a sustainable and
healthy future.