Lämpövoimatuotannon

Lämpövoimatuotanto refers to the process of generating electricity from heat. This is typically achieved by heating a working fluid, such as water, to produce steam. The high-pressure steam then drives a turbine, which in turn spins a generator to produce electricity. This fundamental principle is common to many forms of power generation, including fossil fuel power plants, nuclear power plants, and some renewable energy sources.

In thermal power plants, the heat source is usually the combustion of fuels like coal, natural gas, or oil. These fuels are burned in a boiler, transferring their thermal energy to water, converting it into steam. Nuclear power plants utilize nuclear fission to generate heat, which is then used to produce steam. Geothermal power plants harness the Earth's internal heat to create steam directly or indirectly. Solar thermal power plants concentrate sunlight to heat a fluid, which then generates steam.

The efficiency of lämpövoimatuotanto varies significantly depending on the technology and the temperature at which the heat is generated and converted to mechanical energy. Waste heat recovery systems can also be integrated into thermal power plants to improve overall efficiency by capturing and reusing heat that would otherwise be lost. Environmental considerations, such as emissions and waste disposal, are important aspects of lämpövoimatuotanto, particularly for fossil fuel-based plants.