Deep-dive into coal plant thermodynamics and waste management:
– Modern plants achieve 33-45% efficiency (Carnot limit constraints)
– Over half of input energy becomes waste heat
– Single 1000MW facility generates 100,000-300,000 tons ash annually
– Ash stored in massive open lagoons (2-5 km diameter)
– Contains heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, selenium) and naturally occurring radioactive materials
– Minimal regulatory oversight compared to other industrial waste
Technical analysis with EPA data, efficiency calculations, and international comparison (China's ultra-supercritical vs France's phase-out).
Centrale à Charbon : Fonctionnement, Impact et Transition Énergétique
Posted by Which-Willingness559
1 Comment
I would expect a deep dive in thermodynamics to know the difference between the Carnot and Rankine cycles.
Coal can’t be the whole answer, but it can be part of the solution.
Coal Plants also boast:
– Fuel stability and on site storage (often 30-90 days worth)
– Not using the same fuel as your home (sheltering total utility costs from single commodity volatility and availability)
– Lots of inertia for frequency response and control
– Dispatchable power at known costs and long life expectancy of capital investment
– to say that the waste isn’t regulated is a poor comment for the US. Unsure of other areas. CCR, MATS, ELG and many other rules apply in addition to the basic air permits.