Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Power Plant Operator Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which type of power plant primarily uses steam to drive turbines for

electricity generation?

• Hydro
• Gas
• Coal-fired
• Solar

Rationale: Coal-fired power plants burn coal to produce steam, which

drives turbines to generate electricity.

• What is the main function of a boiler in a power plant?
• Convert electrical energy to mechanical energy 1 / 4

• Generate steam by heating water
• Cool the generator
• Store fuel

Rationale: Boilers heat water to produce high-pressure steam for

driving turbines.

• Which instrument measures the pressure of steam in a boiler?
• Thermometer
• Ammeter
• Pressure gauge
• Flow meter

Rationale: A pressure gauge indicates the internal pressure of the

boiler system.

• What is the primary purpose of a condenser in a steam power plant?
• Increase steam temperature
• Condense exhaust steam back to water
• Measure turbine speed
• Store fuel

Rationale: The condenser converts exhaust steam from the turbine

back into water for reuse.

• Which type of turbine is commonly used in large coal or nuclear power

plants?

• Pelton
• Steam turbine 2 / 4

• Gas turbine
• Wind turbine

Rationale: Steam turbines are used for large-scale power generation in

thermal power plants.

• Which fuel is commonly used in peaking power plants?
• Coal
• Nuclear
• Natural gas
• Hydro

Rationale: Natural gas turbines can start quickly, making them ideal

for peaking power demands.

• What does “load factor” of a power plant indicate?
• Total fuel used
• Actual output compared to maximum possible output
• Boiler efficiency
• Turbine speed

Rationale: Load factor measures how efficiently a plant’s capacity is

used over time.

• What is the typical function of a switchyard in a power plant?
• Burn coal
• Generate steam
• Distribute electricity to the grid
• Control turbine speed 3 / 4

Rationale: Switchyards connect the power plant to the transmission

system.

• Which type of cooling system uses a tower to reject heat to the

atmosphere?

• Direct pond cooling
• River cooling
• Cooling tower system
• Condenser-less system

Rationale: Cooling towers dissipate waste heat from the plant to the

environment.

• Which parameter is critical for boiler safety?
• Fuel type
• Steam pressure and temperature
• Water color
• Generator voltage

Rationale: Maintaining proper pressure and temperature ensures safe

boiler operation.

• What is the primary purpose of a superheater in a steam power

plant?

• Reduce water usage
• Increase fuel efficiency
• Increase steam temperature above saturation
• Condense steam
• / 4