Höyryvoimaloiden

Höyryvoimalat, also known as steam power plants, are facilities that generate electricity by harnessing the thermal energy of steam. The fundamental principle behind their operation involves heating water to produce high-pressure steam. This steam is then directed through a turbine, causing it to rotate. The rotating turbine is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The heat source for generating steam in a höyryvoimala can vary. Traditionally, fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil have been the most common sources. These fuels are combusted in a boiler, and the heat produced is used to boil water. However, with increasing environmental concerns, there is a growing trend towards using renewable energy sources. Nuclear power plants utilize nuclear fission to generate heat, while geothermal power plants tap into the Earth's internal heat. Concentrated solar power (CSP) systems use mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver, heating a fluid that then produces steam.

The steam, after passing through the turbine, is condensed back into water in a condenser, typically by cooling it with a large source of water such as a river, lake, or ocean, or through cooling towers. This condensed water is then pumped back to the boiler to repeat the cycle. The efficiency of a höyryvoimala is influenced by factors such as the temperature and pressure of the steam, as well as the design of the turbine and generator.