Electrical Power Systems Technology

Electrical Power Production Systems 93

STEAM TURBINES

Steam turbine systems are now used to produce over 80 percent of the

electrical power used in the United States. The force of steam produces a

rotary motion (mechanical energy) in a steam turbine. This mechanical en-

ergy is converted to electrical energy by three-phase generators connected

by a common shaft. Both fossil fuel systems and nuclear fission systems

Figure 4-5. Steam turbine principle of operation