Steam power plantsOptimal use of steam

Released heat vaporises and superheats water under high pressure. This superheated steam then flows through turbine blade rows that are arranged on a shaft. The steam energy then rotates the turbine shaft. The generator rotor that is connected to the turbine shaft produces electricity in the generator, which is transmitted to consumers via the mains grid. On flowing through the turbine blades the steam expands, i.e. the pressure and temperature reduce until a negative pressure of around 30 millibars is reached. With the help of water that has been cooled in the cooling tower, the steam is then condensed to form water in the condenser. The water-steam cycle is then repeated.