A modern power station contains numerous electrical equipment. However, the most important items are:
(i) Alternators. Each alternator is coupled to a steam turbine and converts mechanical energy of turbine into electrical energy. The alternator may be hydrogen or air cooled. The necessary excitation is provided by means of main and pilot exciters directly coupled to the alternator shaft.
(ii) Transformers. A generation station has different types of transformers, viz.,
(a) main step -up transformers which step-up the generation voltage for transmission of power.
(b) station transformers which are used for general service (e.g., lighting) in the power station.
(c) auxiliary transformers which supply to individual unit-auxiliaries.
(iii)Switchgear. It houses such equipment which locates the fault on the system and isolate the faulty part from the healthy section. It contains circuit breakers, relays, switches and other control devices.

A main switch board is shown below

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