What are the various factor to be considered while selecting the site for diesel engine power plant
Answers
1. Introduction to Diesel Electric Power Plant 2. Selection of Site for Diesel Electric Power Plant
Introduction to Diesel Electric Power Plant:
Diesel electric power plant is a power plant in which a diesel engine is used as the prime mover for the generation of electrical energy. The diesel engine obtains energy from a liquid fuel usually called the diesel oil and converts it into mechanical energy. An alternator or a dc generator mechanically coupled to the diesel engine converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
It is noteworthy that the main difference between a diesel engine and a steam turbine is that in the first case the chemical energy of combustion is released inside the cylinder whereas in the second case the energy developed during combustion of fuel is first transformed into steam which in turn develops mechanical power in the turbine.
As on July 31, 2010, and as per the Central Electricity Authority the total installed capacity of diesel based power plants in India is 1,199.75 MW. Normally the diesel based power plants are either operated from remote locations or operated to cater peak load demands. Here is some list of presently operating plants.
Selection of Site for Diesel Electric Power Plant:
The following factors should be considered while selecting a site for diesel electric power plant:
I. Distance from the load centre – The site should be as near to the load centre as possible in order to avoid transmission costs and losses.
II. Availability of land – The land should be available at cheap rate to keep the capital cost of the plant to the reasonable one.
III. Availability of fuel – The fuel should be easily available and at reasonable rate.
IV. Availability of transportation facilities – The transportation facilities should be available.
V. Availability of water – Water should be available in sufficient quantity for cooling purposes.
VI. Distance from populated area – The site should be away from thickly populated area because of noise and nuisance caused from exhaust.
VII. Type of land – The land should be of high bearing capacity to withstand the load of the plant and also vibrations transmitted to the foundations from compressors and diesel engines.
Factors while selecting site:
The factors which should be considered while selecting a site for diesel power plant are as follows:
• Transportation facility must be available on that site.
• The land used must be available at relatively cheap rate to keep capital cost of plant to reasonable one.
• On that site, the fuel should be available at reasonable rate and at reasonable time.
• To avoid transmission cost, the last should be near to load center.