Turbines

The cogeneration process is made possible by turbines. Turbines utilize the kinetic energy of fluids (methane/steam) to create electrical energy. They work much in the same way as windmills; fluid flows past a set of blades which spin and generate mechanical work. This mechanical work is used to generate electricity. The Central Power Plant utilitzes 4 steam turbines and 2 gas turbines.

The steam turbines work by directing 400 psig steam from the CPP boilers through a turbine's blades for electric generation. The steam exits at 9 pisg. Gas turbines have been installed in the CPP to enhance electrical generation. These turbines are much similar to jet engines. They use the combustion of methane to turn chemical energy into kinetic energy. The resulting high energy gas from combustion is directed through a turbine's blades for electric generation. The fluid exiting a gas turbine is used by boilers to create steam since it is extremely hot. Once the steam has left the steam turbines, it is directed into the distribution network - the steam tunnels.