Generating power plants can be compared on the basis of several parameters. Each of these power plants has its own features, requirements, advantages and disadvantages which are given below.
Nuclear Power Plant
Generating power plants can be compared on the basis of several parameters. Each of these power plants has its own features, requirements, advantages and disadvantages which are given below.
- Site: Located away from densely populated areas to prevent radioactive pollution.
- Initial Cost: Highest due to the significant investment required for building a nuclear reactor.
- Operating Cost: Low, as a small amount of fuel generates a large amount of power.
- Cost of Fuel Transportation: Lower than hydroelectric and diesel power plants.
- Overall Efficiency: More efficient than steam power plants.
- Standby Losses: Less compared to steam power plants.
Steam Power Plant
- Site: Located where coal and water are readily available, with good transportation facilities.
- Initial Cost: Lower than hydro and nuclear power plants.
- Operating Cost: Higher than hydro and nuclear plants due to the high coal requirement.
- Cost of Fuel Transportation: Maximum, as large amounts of coal need to be transported.
- Overall Efficiency: Least efficient, about 25%.
- Standby Losses: More in thermal power plants, as the boiler remains operational even when the turbine is idle.
Hydro Power Plant
- Site: Built in hilly regions where large reservoirs can be created by constructing dams.
- Initial Cost: Very high due to dam construction and excavation work.
- Operating Cost: Nil, as no fuel is required.
- Cost of Fuel Transportation: Nil.
- Overall Efficiency: Most efficient, about 85%.
- Standby Losses: No standby losses.
Photovoltaic Solar Plant
- Site: Installed in locations with ample sunlight.
- Initial Cost: High, due to the cost of solar cells and related equipment.
- Operating Cost: Practically nil, as no fuel is required.
- Cost of Fuel Transportation: Nil.
- Overall Efficiency: Least efficient, about 15%.
- Standby Losses: No standby losses.
Gas & Diesel Power Plant
- Site: Can be set up anywhere, as they require less space and minimal water.
- Initial Cost: Lower than other power plants.
- Operating Cost: Highest, due to the high price of diesel.
- Cost of Fuel Transportation: More than hydro and nuclear, but lower than steam power plants.
- Overall Efficiency: More efficient than steam power plants, around 35%.
- Standby Losses: Less compared to steam power plants.
| Item | Nuclear Power Plant | Steam Power Plant | Hydro Power Plant | Photovoltaic Solar Plant | Gas & Diesel Power Plant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site | Located away from populated areas to avoid radioactive pollution. | Located where coal and water supply is available with transport. | Located in hilly areas where dams can create large reservoirs. | Located where sufficient sunlight is available. | Can be located anywhere; requires less space and water. |
| Initial Cost | Highest due to nuclear reactor investment. | Lower than hydro and nuclear plants. | Very high due to dam construction and excavation. | High due to the cost of solar cells and equipment. | Less compared to other plants. |
| Operating Cost | Low, as a small fuel amount generates large power. | Higher than hydro and nuclear due to coal demand. | Nil. | Practically nil; no fuel required. | Highest among all due to diesel costs. |
| Fuel Transportation Cost | Less than hydro and diesel plants. | Maximum, as coal transport is needed. | Nil. | Nil. | More than hydro and nuclear, but less than steam plants. |
| Overall Efficiency | More efficient than steam plants. | Least efficient, around 25%. | Most efficient, around 85%. | Least efficient, around 15%. | More efficient than steam plants, around 35%. |
| Standby Losses | Low. | Maximum, as the boiler remains running even when idle. | No standby losses. | No standby losses. | Low. |
FAQs on power plants:
1. Where are nuclear power plants typically located?
Nuclear power plants are usually located away from densely populated areas to minimize radioactive pollution risks.
2. What factors influence the site location of steam power plants?
Steam power plants are generally located near abundant water and coal supplies, with adequate transportation facilities for coal delivery.
3. Why are hydroelectric power plants built in hilly areas?
Hydroelectric power plants require large reservoirs, which can be created by constructing dams in hilly areas where flowing water is abundant.
4. Where should photovoltaic solar plants be located for maximum efficiency?
Photovoltaic solar plants should be situated in areas with an ample amount of sunlight to ensure efficient energy generation.
5. What is the preferred site for gas and diesel power plants?
Gas and diesel power plants can be built almost anywhere, as they require less space and only small quantities of water.
6. Which power plant has the highest initial cost?
Nuclear power plants have the highest initial cost due to the large investment required to build the nuclear reactor and related infrastructure.
7. Why is the initial cost of hydroelectric power plants so high?
The initial cost of hydroelectric power plants is high because of the need to construct dams and perform extensive excavation work.
8. What makes the initial cost of photovoltaic solar plants high?
The high cost of solar cells and related equipment makes the initial investment for photovoltaic solar plants relatively expensive.
9. Which power plant has the lowest running costs?
Hydroelectric power plants have zero operating costs, as they do not require fuel to generate electricity.
10. How does the fuel transportation cost vary among power plants?
Fuel transportation costs are highest for steam power plants due to the need to transport large amounts of coal. Nuclear power plants have lower transportation costs, while hydroelectric and solar power plants have none.
11. Which power plant type has the highest efficiency?
Hydroelectric power plants are the most efficient, with an overall efficiency of about 85%.
12. Why are diesel power plants considered less efficient?
Thermal power plant can be consider as least efficient power plant because of waste heat.
Thermal Power Plant Working, Layout and Advantage/Dis-advantage
Hydro Power Plant
Choice of Selection of site of thermal power plant