Rankine Cycle

The Rankine cycle is a process used to generate electricity in power plants, especially those burning coal, natural gas, or nuclear fuel. It involves heating a liquid — usually water — until it turns into high-pressure steam. This steam then spins a turbine, which powers a generator to produce electricity. Afterward, the steam is cooled and condensed back into liquid water so the cycle can start again. This cycle efficiently converts heat energy into electrical energy, making it fundamental to most large-scale power production.