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Difference between Thermal Power Plant and Hydroelectric Power Plant
An electric power plant, also called generating station, is a setup that is used for generating electrical power. A power plant consists of a number of alternators (AC generators) which are driven by the prime movers such as IC engines, steam turbine, gas turbine, etc.
The energy from some source such as steam, water, burning of fossil fuels, etc. is given to the prime mover, it starts rotating, and in turn rotate the alternator to which it is coupled. The alternator coverts this mechanical energy of rotation of turbine into electrical energy, which is then transmitted for the utilization.
Based on the method used for generating electricity, a number of power plants are available like −
Thermal power plant
Hydroelectric power plant
Gas power plant
Diesel power plant
Nuclear power plant, etc.
In this article, we will provide a comparison of thermal power plant and hydroelectric power plant by considering various parameters such as basic definition, fuel, source of energy, size, efficiency, cost etc. But, before going into differentiation, it is better to know that what a thermal power plant and a hydroelectric power plant are.
What is a Thermal Power Plant?
A thermal power plant, also called steam turbine power plant or coal based power plant, is a power generating station which converts heat energy of burning of coal into electrical energy.
In a thermal power plant, the heat energy is produced by burning of coal. This heat energy is then used to boil water to produce steam. The steam produced spins a steam turbine which drives an alternator and produces electricity.
After one cycle, the steam is condensed and converted into water for reuse and this cycle is repeated again and again for producing electrical energy.
What is a Hydroelectric Power Plant?
A hydroelectric power plant is a type of power generating station which transforms the potential energy of water into electrical energy.
A typical hydroelectric power consists of a dam to store water, a water turbine, an alternator. Water stored in the dam is allowed to fall from a height, the falling water spins the water turbine which in turn drives the alternator and converts the energy of water into electrical energy.
Therefore, in a hydroelectric power plant, the energy required for power generation is obtained from the potential energy of water located at a certain height which is converted into kinetic energy and finally into electrical energy.
Difference between Thermal Power Plant and Hydroelectric Power Plant
Both thermal power plant and hydro power plant are extensively used for producing electricity. However, there are many differences between thermal power plant and hydro power plant that are listed in the following table −
Basis of Difference | Thermal Power Plant | Hydroelectric Power Plant |
|---|---|---|
Definition | A power generating station which converts the heat energy of burning of fossil fuels such as coal into electrical energy is known as thermal power plant. | A power generating station which converts the potential energy of water stored at a height into electrical energy is known as hydroelectric power plant. |
Fuel or source of energy | Thermal power plant uses fossil fuels (mainly coal) to produce heat for the operation. | Hydroelectric power plant uses water as the source of energy. |
Turbine | Steam turbines are used to drive the alternator in a thermal power station. | Water turbines are used to drive the alternators in a hydro power plant. |
Types of turbines | Two types of steam turbines viz. ‘impulse turbine’ and ‘reaction turbine’ are used in thermal power stations. | In hydro power plant, three types of water turbines, i.e. Pelton wheel turbine, Francis turbine and Kaplan turbine, are used. |
Production of steam | Steam is produced in a thermal power plant. | In hydroelectric power, there is no need of conversion of water into steam. |
Type of source of energy | Thermal power plant uses non-renewable sources of energy such as fossil fuels (coal, etc.) for generating electricity. | Hydroelectric power plant uses renewable source of energy (water) for electricity generation. |
Plant site | Thermal power plants are setup at a place where ample supply of water and coal is available and the transportation facilities are adequate. | Hydroelectric power plants are setup where large reservoirs of water can be obtained by constructing a dam such as in hill areas. |
Initial cost | The initial cost of a thermal power plant is relatively low. | Due to construction of dam and excavation work, the initial cost of hydroelectric power station is comparatively high. |
Operating cost | The operating cost of thermal power plant is high because of the need of large amount of coal. | Since no fuel is required, therefore the operating cost of hydroelectric power plant is low. |
| Maintenance cost | The maintenance cost of thermal power plant is high. | Hydroelectric power plant involves very low maintenance cost |
| Starting time | Thermal power station needs long time for starting | Hydroelectric power plants can be started instantly. |
| Standby losses | Thermal power plant has high standby losses because the boiler remains in operation even when turbine is not working. | There is no standby losses in case of hydro power plant. |
| Efficiency | Thermal power plants are less efficient. The overall efficiency of a typical thermal power plant is about 25%. | The efficiency of hydro power plant is very. For a typical hydro power plant, the overall efficiency is about 85%. |
| Transmission cost | The cost of transmission is low because these are located comparatively near the load centers. | As hydro power plants located quite away from the load centers, therefore, the transmission cost is high. |
| Lifespan | The life span of thermal power plants is smaller. | Hydro power plants have longer life span. |
| Size of plant | The size of the thermal power plant is smaller. | Hydro plants require large area for reservoir. Hence their size is large. |
| Cleanliness | In thermal power plant, ash, smoke, etc. produce, hence these are less clean. | The hydroelectric power plants are the most clean power generation stations. |
| Impact on environment | Thermal power plants pollute the environment due to smoke. | Hydro plants also have some impacts on the environment such as the blocking of water affect fishes and other organisms in the water body. |
Conclusion
The major differences between thermal power plant and hydroelectric power plant are highlighted in the above table. The most significant difference is that a thermal power plant uses heat of burning of coal into electricity, while a hydroelectric power plant converts potential energy of stored water at a height into electricity.
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