Unlike more technical texts stuffed with formulae and theories, this book explains in plain English how power is created and replaces formulae with everyday examples and easy-to-understand illustrations.

It opens with an explanation of how electricity is generated, then covers the planning and development of electric power stations, emphasizing modern considerations of merchant power plants, repowering, and the growth of gas turbine generation. The "facts" of generation are covered in part two—boilers, turbines, generators, hydro and pumped storage, and "alternative" generations sources, suchs geothermal, tidal, solar, and wind. Maintenance and operations are covered in basic overview format. Finally, environmental considerations—again, an increasing concern in light of deregulation and environmental law—are reviewed.

In addition, the authors cover specific features and fuel-types in nontechnical terms. Industry newcomers will appreciate this clear explanation of how power is created.

Features:

• Nontechnical approach aids those new to the generation business
• Thoroughly covers the operation and maintenance of all plant types
• Discusses the generation industry in light of electric industry deregulation

Contents:

• Introduction
• Electricity
• Planning and development of electric power stations
• Electric power generation
• Maintenance, operation, and transmission and distribution
• Ecological and environmental considerations and safety
• Appendix (net generation from U.S. electric utilities by energy source, census division, and state)