On the 28th of February 2025, IEEE Power and Energy BRAC University student branch chapter visited the 55-megawatt Dhaka Southern Power Plant located in Nawabganj. Accompanied by faculty member Tasfin Mahmud, a group of 40 students embarked on this visit to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of power plant operations. This was part of the chapter’s initiative to expose its students to a real-world industry environment, where students got the chance to explore the intricate details of this Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) based power plant. Thanks to the guidance of the plant officials, the complex processes were made accessible and easy to understand. This visit has enabled students to explore how HFO is used by power plants in depth. 

The 55MW Dhaka Southern Power Plant is one of the leading suppliers of Dhaka’s growing electricity demand, hence ensuring a stable power supply in the country. This power plant is a subsidiary of Doreen Power Generations and Systems Limited and does not directly supply electricity to the national grid. Instead, it operates on a feeder system, which makes the plant unique in its operation. The power plant is connected to four transmission lines, namely Nababganj, Dohar, Zinzira-1, and Zinzira-2. The plant is also equipped with two Auxiliary Transformers (one operational and one on standby), each rated at 11/0.4 kV. These auxiliary transformers are responsible for running essential auxiliary components and ensuring the continuous operation of the plant. 

Upon arrival at the power plant, Shah Mohammad Mahedi Raza, DGM & Plant In-Charge and the Head of Mechanical Department and other officials welcomed the students and expressed their gratitude about the students’ enthusiasm about the visit. Soon after, the students were divided into three teams to ensure a more engaging and interactive experience. Each team under the watchful guidance of an industry professional, they embarked on a journey to unravel the workings of the facility.

Students were introduced to the critical role of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in power generation—drawing a vivid analogy where HFO was likened to oxygen in the human body. HFO undergoes a refining process where temperature control is crucial to ensure efficiency. The explanation compared refining to digestion, cooling to body temperature regulation, and motion to muscular function, helping students better visualize the technical concepts. As we moved deeper into the facility, the discussion shifted to how the system divided and utilized energy, much like the human body processes food and nutrients. The analogy was extended further—just as the body has an excretion system to remove waste, industrial processes have mechanisms for efficient disposal and optimization.

The visit also covered the fuel and lubricant storage area, where HFO is stored to sustain the plant for ten days at full load before moving to the fuel treatment plant, where fuel is refined and reheated to optimize viscosity before entering the engines. At the water processing unit, demineralized water is produced for engine cooling, preventing scaling and corrosion. The fire safety system, including a large water storage tank and fire suppression mechanisms, ensures hazard prevention. The switchgear unit demonstrated power control and distribution, with the transmission unit stepping up electricity to the national grid, likely operating at 33kV. In the control room, operators oversee all plant operations, ensuring efficiency and safety. The visit concluded at the engine area, where three MAN 18V48/60TS engines generate power using HFO, with a 2.8 MW steam generator utilizing waste heat for improved efficiency. The substation then manages the generated power before transmission.

To conclude, the industrial visit to DSPGL Power Plant provided valuable insights into the operational aspects of an HFO-based combined cycle power plant for the visiting group of students. The integration of diesel engines, a steam turbine, and advanced control systems ensures efficient electricity generation and distribution. The plant’s unique feeder system and rigorous fuel and water treatment processes contribute to its reliability and performance in the power generation sector.