ABSTRACT
This section provides an overview of the steam power cycle. There are noteworthy omissions in the section: site selection; fuel handling; activities related to civil engineering (such as foundations); controls; and nuclear power. Thermal power cycles take many forms, but the majority are fossil steam, nuclear, simple-cycle gas turbine, and combined cycle. Of those listed, conventional coal-fired steam is the predominant power producer—especially in 192developing countries that have indigenous coal or can import coal inexpensively. A typical steam power plant is shown in Figure 9.1.
