Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel formed from the remains of plants that lived millions of years ago. It is considered continuous in the sense that it is a finite resource and is non-renewable on human timescales. Once coal deposits are mined and used, they cannot be replenished within a relevant timeframe.
Coal power stations burn coal to heat water, creating steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The electricity is then sent through a transformer to increase the voltage for transmission through power lines. The steam is cooled and condensed back into water to be heated again in a continuous cycle.
The advantage of coal is that it is easily mined. Other then that it runs out fast, it burns to C02, there is very little of it, takes really long time to produce and it is hard to convert to energy.
Coal is mined by two methods: surface or 'opencast' mining or underground or 'deep' mining.The choice of mining method largely depends on the geology of the coal deposit. Underground mining currently accounts for a bigger share of world coal production than opencast; although in several important coal producing countries surface mining is more common.
Coal Bunker, Coal scuttle, Coal hod
Bituminous coal, or soft coal
A layer of coal underground is called a coal seam. This seam is a continuous layer or sheet of coal that is buried beneath the surface of the Earth.
Coal extraction involves using machinery such as excavators, draglines, or continuous miners to remove the coal from the lithosphere. The process typically involves drilling into the ground to access the coal seam, then using heavy equipment to remove the overlying rock and expose the coal. Finally, the coal is extracted and transported to the surface for processing.
John R Duda has written: 'Basic estimated capital investment and operating costs for underground bituminous coal mines utilizing a continuous mining system' -- subject(s): Coal mines and mining, Bituminous coal, Costs
Coal power stations burn coal to heat water, creating steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The electricity is then sent through a transformer to increase the voltage for transmission through power lines. The steam is cooled and condensed back into water to be heated again in a continuous cycle.
Coal was a good source of fuel in the 1860's in the US. Large deposits were used for industry then and even today, coal mining continues in places such as West Virginia. In 1860, however, geologists had maps of where they believed that large coal deposits lay deep underground. One line of coal, for example was a continuous line stretching from the middle of Pennsylvania southward to central Alabama. Another large coal field lay beneath the cornfields of Iowa and Illinois.
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The advantage of coal is that it is easily mined. Other then that it runs out fast, it burns to C02, there is very little of it, takes really long time to produce and it is hard to convert to energy.
Coal is mined by two methods: surface or 'opencast' mining or underground or 'deep' mining.The choice of mining method largely depends on the geology of the coal deposit. Underground mining currently accounts for a bigger share of world coal production than opencast; although in several important coal producing countries surface mining is more common.
A continuous miner is used in underground mining to efficiently extract minerals like coal from deposits. It operates by cutting and gathering material in a single, continuous process, which reduces the need for drilling and blasting. This method enhances safety, minimizes labor costs, and increases productivity by allowing for a more streamlined operation. Continuous miners can also operate in environments where traditional mining techniques may be less effective.
Coal is not a suitable automotive fuel as:It is not compatible with internal combustion enginesRequires complex handling and combustion systemsProduces solid wasteHas no distribution system at the user levelContains sulfur compoundsEmits radiationRequires continuous firing - no off on on capacity
Coal energy is abundant and widely available, making it a reliable source of power in many regions. It has a well-established infrastructure for extraction, transportation, and utilization, which supports job creation and economic stability. Additionally, coal-fired power plants can provide a stable and continuous energy supply, contributing to energy security. Lastly, advancements in technology have led to improved efficiency and emissions reductions in coal energy production.
Robert A. Crovellli has written: 'Fractal lognormal percentage assessment of technically recoverable natural gas resources in continuous-type and coal-bed (unconventional) plays, onshore and state waters of the United States' -- subject(s): Statistical methods, Coal, Fractals, Natural gas