What is the purpose of a boiler in a power plant?

The primary purpose of a boiler in a power plant is to generate steam for mechanical work. In many power generation processes, particularly in steam turbine systems, water is heated in the boiler to produce steam. This steam is then directed to the turbines, where it expands and drives the turbine blades to generate mechanical energy, which is subsequently converted into electrical energy.

This generation of steam is crucial because it provides the necessary working fluid to transfer energy from the heat source (typically burning fossil fuels, nuclear reactions, or biomass) into mechanical energy that can be utilized for power generation. The efficiency and design of the boiler can directly influence the overall efficiency of the power plant, making it a vital component in the energy production process.