| Steam turbine power systems use a medium such as water or another suitable chemical with boiling points and latent heat values appropriate for the operational temperatures of the system. This medium is heated by using directed solar radiation, burning of fossil fuel, nuclear radiation, and/or geothermal energy. Systems can be closed loop, however water based systems may eject the steam byproduct, usually after passing the waste steam through a heat exchanger to the incoming water. The steam builds a pressure that turns a turbine that operates an electromagnetic generator producing electricity. |
A basic diagram of a steam power plant. |
 Source: SDSU |
| A diagram of a Coal based steam turbine power plant. Click on the image to explore the parts of a Pecs Power Company power plant: |
 Source: Pecs Power Company |
Geothermal Steam Power Plants
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