Why do we still use steam as a primary means of producing electricity?

Question

It’s been more than 200 years since the widespread implementation of the steam engine.

Why is this still the most prevalent means of producing electricity? With things like fusion reactors, why is it so hard to convert the thermal energy into electrical energy?

In: 787

Answer 1

Because it’s actually difficult to find a way of turning heat into mechanical movement. One simple way though is to take that heat and add it to a sealed container full of water. When the water boils steam comes out of the water, and the pressure in the container goes up. As you let the pressure out you can run the steam through a turbine, and get mechanical movement that way. The turbine turns, electricity is generated, and boom, you have a power plant.