MER Clinic: History of Coal-fired Power Plants for Modeling Purposes

Coal-fired power plants have historically been a very large generator of railroad traffic. However, since they became a dominant source of electricity in the 1882-1900 time frame, they have changed dramatically in architecture and capability. For modeling purposes it is essential to understand the design of coal-fired plants in order to match the plants with the era being modeled. Using extensive photographs and drawings, this clinic looks at power plants in the following eras: pre-1900, 1900-1920, 1920-1945, 1945-1970, 1970-2000, and 2000-present. Issues discussed include transportation, receiving methods, coal yard design, design of the coal-fired power plant, and post-combustion pollution controls.

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