Requirements of steam power station design

A steam power station must produce electricity reliably, cheaply and safely with least harm to the environment. The essential design requirements are:

1. Site selection: near a fuel source or good rail/road access, large supply of cooling water (river, lake), cheap and firm land with good bearing capacity, space for ash disposal and future extension, nearness to load centre, away from towns (pollution).
2. High efficiency / low fuel cost: high steam pressure and temperature, reheating, regenerative feed heating, economiser and air preheater, good condenser vacuum.
3. Low capital and operating cost: proper unit size, standardised equipment, automation, minimum staff.
4. Reliability and availability: good quality equipment, adequate spare (standby) units, easy maintenance, proper protection.
5. Flexibility: ability to follow load changes, quick start-up, good part-load efficiency.
6. Fuel and ash handling: reliable storage, handling and firing equipment; safe ash disposal.
7. Water treatment: treated make-up water to avoid scale and corrosion in boiler and turbine.
8. Environmental control: ESP/bag filters, flue gas desulphurisation, tall chimney, treatment of waste water, noise control, cooling towers to avoid thermal pollution.
9. Safety: fire protection, safety valves, proper layout and access.
10. Proper layout: short steam and water pipes, logical flow of coal - boiler - turbine - switchyard, space for maintenance cranes.