Question

In a steam power plant, the working fluid is:

1. oil
2. water
3. diesel
4. natural gas

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : water

Explanation:

Steam power plant:

• A steam engine is a heat engine that continuously converts heat (energy released by burning fuel) into work (shaft work). This conversion is performed in a cycle of processes. In a simple vapour power plant, the working fluid which is water undergoes a change of phase. 
• Heat is transferred to water in the boiler from an external source to raise steam.
• The high pressure, high-temperature steam leaving the boiler expands in a turbine to produce shaft work.
• The steam leaving the turbine condenses into water in the condenser i.e. rejecting heat.
• Then again water is pumped back to the boiler with aid of a pump.
• For each process in the vapour power cycle, it is possible to assume a hypothetical or ideal process that represents the basic intended operation and involves no extraneous effects.
• When all these four processes are ideal, the cycle is an ideal cycle, called the Rankine cycle which is the most suitable steam power plant.