The objective of this book is the presentation of a thorough study of stationary power and heating plants, including public service, industrial, and institutional varieties. The needs of the engineering student, the consulting engineer, and the plant operator were equally considered in the preparation of the present book. Fundamentals are emphasized, leaving details and dimensions of equipment for more specialized books and manufacturer's literature. The power plant is emphasized as an integrated assembly. Economics factors are pointed out, but specific costs and prices are avoided as being subject to rapid change. The treatment will give due consideration to recent trends and theories in the field of power generation. Much greater emphasis is placed on the small plant. It will be noted that steam plant equipment is awarded expanded coverage, with the inclusion of a short chapter on the gas turbines. Chapters 1 and 16 include description on nuclear power plant and the true merits by utilizing renewable energies. When used as a college textbook, a full two-semester course may be based on this book. A one-semester course on steam power plants would employ Chapters 1, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 only. Power plant is a subject of great detail. Throughout this book the author has endeavoured to summarize wherever possible, then proceed to the separate explanations, if any, in the belief that this method will be of major benefit both to the student and lecturer. Although 'power plant' book presumes that the reader has actively studied or otherwise become acquainted with the subject of Elementary Heat Power or Applied Thermodynamics, it will be found that more attention has been given to review and explanation of these fundamentals. The book is designed to serve many purposes: It can be used for undergraduate courses in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, graduate courses, intensive short courses, in plant training, self-study, and as a useful reference text for plant engineers and maintenance personnel. Pertinent literature is cited and reference books are listed so the reader can pursue topics in more depth, if he so desires.
