At which point in the basic steam cycle is thermal energy transformed into mechanical energy?

At which point in the basic steam cycle is thermal energy transformed into mechanical energy?

• A. Condenser units
• B. High and low pressure turbines
• C. Heat exchangers
• D. Boiler systems

Answer: (B)

In the basic steam cycle, thermal energy is transformed into mechanical energy during the operation of the high and low-pressure turbines. When steam produced in the boiler is directed into these turbines, it expands and creates pressure that pushes against the turbine blades. This action causes the turbines to spin, converting the thermal energy of the steam into mechanical energy, which can be utilized to drive generators or perform mechanical work. The other components play different roles in the steam cycle. For instance, the condenser units primarily serve to condense the steam back into water after it has passed through the turbines, effectively removing heat from the steam without contributing to mechanical energy conversion. Heat exchangers facilitate the transfer of heat within the system but do not convert thermal energy to mechanical energy directly. Boiler systems generate the steam by heating water, but the crucial transformation to mechanical energy occurs in the turbines.

In the basic steam cycle, thermal energy is transformed into mechanical energy during the operation of the high and low-pressure turbines. When steam produced in the boiler is directed into these turbines, it expands and creates pressure that pushes against the turbine blades. This action causes the turbines to spin, converting the thermal energy of the steam into mechanical energy, which can be utilized to drive generators or perform mechanical work.

The other components play different roles in the steam cycle. For instance, the condenser units primarily serve to condense the steam back into water after it has passed through the turbines, effectively removing heat from the steam without contributing to mechanical energy conversion. Heat exchangers facilitate the transfer of heat within the system but do not convert thermal energy to mechanical energy directly. Boiler systems generate the steam by heating water, but the crucial transformation to mechanical energy occurs in the turbines.