Demolition has commenced on a Downriver power plant that has been in operation for a century.
On Friday, March 15, DTE Energy commenced phase one of the demolition process for the Trenton Channel Power Plant by dismantling the two smoke stacks. The next phase, scheduled to commence on May 17, will involve the demolition of the boiler house.
DTE Energy states that the plant pioneered the use of pulverized coal as fuel, a significant improvement over traditional stoker-fired beds of coal. Additionally, it held the distinction of being the world’s first electric power plant to employ electrostatic precipitators.
Check out the video player below to witness the impressive demolition of the smoke stacks.
Terms to know
Let’s start by familiarizing ourselves with some terms before delving into the history of the Trenton Channel Power Plant. I must admit that my knowledge of power plant operations is not as extensive as I would like it to be. However, today presents an opportunity for me to expand my understanding. If you are already well-versed in this subject, I apologize for any repetition. Without further ado, let’s begin our exploration.
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Turbine generators use water, steam, combustion gases, or air, to push a series of blades that are mounted to a rotor shaft. The force on the blades spins the rotor shaft of the generator. The generator converts the mechanical energy of the rotor to electrical energy.
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Pulverized coal is a coal that has been crushed into a fine dust in a grinding mill. It burns very quickly and efficiently.
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Stoker coal is a coal that has been crushed to specific sizes, but is not powdered.
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Electrostatic precipitators use electrical energy to charge particles either positively or negatively and remove them from a gas stream. The charged particles are pulled to collector plates that have an opposite charge. The particles are then either removed dry or washed from the plates with water.
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Turbine generators utilize various mediums such as water, steam, combustion gases, or air to propel a set of blades attached to a rotor shaft. The force exerted on these blades causes the rotor shaft of the generator to spin, consequently converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Pulverized coal refers to coal that has been finely crushed into a dust-like consistency using a grinding mill. This process results in a coal product that burns rapidly and efficiently.
Stoker coal is a form of coal that has been crushed to specific sizes, but it is not in powdered form.
Electrostatic precipitators employ electrical energy to charge particles, either positively or negatively, and eliminate them from a gas stream. These charged particles are attracted to collector plates that possess an opposite charge. Subsequently, the particles can be removed in a dry state or washed away from the plates using water.
History of the Trenton Channel Power Plant
Now let’s delve into the history. The following information is sourced from DTE Energy, while the accompanying images have been provided by the Detroit Historical Society.
The Trenton Channel Power Plant commenced its operations in 1924, equipped with six turbine generators and 13 coal-fired boilers. In 1929, the plant welcomed its sixth and final turbine generator.
DTE Energy highlighted that the plant was a pioneer in utilizing pulverized coal as fuel, a significant departure from the conventional stoker-fired beds of coal. This innovative approach not only enhanced combustion efficiency but also paved the way for the development of new coal preparation technologies.
According to DTE Energy, the plant was the pioneering electric power plant globally that employed electrostatic precipitators to minimize the release of ash particulate emissions into the atmosphere. This groundbreaking technology has since become a standard feature in all subsequent power plant constructions, ensuring effective control of emissions.
In 1950, another plant commenced operations at Trenton Channel, with a physical connection to the existing plant. This new facility featured two turbine generators, which were powered by four boilers. Notably, these boilers operated at higher steam conditions compared to those of the original plant. As a result, the first plant came to be known as the “low side,” while the newer plant acquired the name “high side.” The boilers released gases through two shorter smokestacks.
In 1968, a turbine generator connected to a single boiler was commissioned, marking the introduction of Unit 9. A towering 563-foot smoke stack was constructed for this unit. Shortly afterwards, another identical stack was erected to replace the two shorter stacks on the “high side” plant.
In the mid-1970s, Detroit Edison made the decision to decommission and demolish the “low side” plant while the “high side” plant remained as the final major facility designed and constructed by the company.
In 2022, the Trenton power plant was retired by DTE Energy. As part of a settlement, DTE Energy made the commitment to cease using coal for electricity generation by 2032. Their future plans involve transitioning to cleaner sources like wind, natural gas, and solar power.
