Lamont boilers, introduced in 1925, are high-pressure water tube boilers that use forced water circulation. They can generate 45,000 kg/hr of steam at a pressure of 120 bar, which is advantageous for power generation. However, one major drawback of the Lamont boiler is the formation of bubbles in the tubes, which can affect heat transfer and efficiency. Conversely, Benson boilers do not have this drawback, but specific advantages and disadvantages for Benson boilers are not detailed in Source 1 .

The ash handling plant in a thermal power facility comprises systems and processes that manage the removal of ash generated after coal combustion. Key components include conveyor systems for transporting the ash, crushers for breaking down large clumps, and storage silos for holding the ash before disposal or further processing. Proper ash handling is vital to maintain plant cleanliness, operational efficiency, and environmental compliance by preventing air and water pollution .

The economiser and feed water heater play key roles in improving the efficiency of a thermal power plant by preheating the feed water before it enters the boiler. The economiser captures residual heat from the flue gases to raise the temperature of the incoming feed water, thereby reducing the amount of fuel required to convert water to steam in the boiler. Similarly, the feed water heater uses extracted steam from the turbine to heat the feed water, contributing to overall fuel savings and enhancing thermal efficiency .

Air preheaters contribute to overall efficiency enhancements in a thermal power plant's combustion system by capturing waste heat from flue gases and using it to preheat the incoming air used for combustion. This not only ensures better ignition of the fuel, enhancing combustion efficiency, but also reduces the amount of fuel needed to achieve the desired temperature for steam production, thereby improving the plant's overall thermal efficiency .

The draft system is crucial in maintaining the efficiency and safety of a thermal power plant by controlling the movement of air and flue gases through the boiler. It ensures the right quantity of air is available for combustion, supports the removal of combustion gases from the boiler, and contributes to maintaining the furnace at the desired temperature and pressure. Efficient draft systems help maximize combustion efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and prevent accumulation of explosive gases, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the plant .

The turbine and alternator are critical components in the energy conversion process of a thermal power plant. The turbine is driven by high-pressure steam generated in the boiler, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then transferred to the alternator, which converts it into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. The efficiency and effectiveness of this conversion process determine the overall output of the power plant .

The combustion process in a thermal power plant involves mixing pulverized coal with preheated air. This mixture is fed into the boiler, where it is ignited, forming a large fireball at the boiler's center. The preheated air serves to enhance the combustion efficiency by ensuring that the pulverized coal burns more completely and rapidly. The heat generated from this combustion is then radiated and used to convert the water present in the boiler into high-temperature and high-pressure steam, which is essential for driving the turbines of the plant .

High-pressure boilers like the Lamont boiler are important in modern thermal power plants because they can generate steam at much higher temperatures and pressures, which significantly increases the efficiency of the power generation process. By operating at high pressures, these boilers improve the thermodynamic cycle efficiency, leading to better fuel usage and reduced emissions. However, challenges such as bubble formation in water tubes—which can hinder heat transfer—are issues that need to be managed effectively. The Lamont boiler addresses these by using forced circulation to minimize the issue, although it is not entirely eliminated .

Cooling towers and ponds play a crucial role in maintaining operational stability in a thermal power plant by dissipating excess heat from the plant's operations. After the steam has passed through the turbines, it must be condensed back into water to be reused in the feed water and steam circuit. Cooling towers and ponds are employed to lower the temperature of this spent steam by allowing heat to be released into the atmosphere or through evaporative cooling. This ensures that the plant operates efficiently and prevents overheating, which could disrupt operations .

The operation of a thermal power plant involves four main circuits: the fuel and ash circuit, the air and gas circuit, the feed water and steam circuit, and the cooling water circuit. The fuel and ash circuit is responsible for handling the coal before combustion and managing the ash after combustion. The air and gas circuit facilitates combustion by ensuring the right amount and temperature of air is available. The feed water and steam circuit manages the transformation of water into steam, which is crucial for driving the turbine. Lastly, the cooling water circuit helps maintain the operational temperature by extracting heat from the steam after it has been used to turn the turbine, often returning it to water for reuse .