key term - Steam turbine

Definition

A steam turbine is a device that converts thermal energy contained in high-pressure steam into mechanical work. It consists of blades mounted on a rotor which spins when steam passes over them at high velocity, generating rotational energy.

Related terms

Thermal power plant: A facility that generates electricity by burning fossil fuels or using nuclear reactions to produce high-pressure steam for driving turbines.

Rankine cycle: The thermodynamic cycle used in most steam power plants, where water is heated and converted into steam to drive the turbine.

Condenser: A device that cools down and condenses the exhaust steam from a turbine back into liquid water for reuse in the system.