Introduction
The fundamental process of thermal power plants is based on the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy and, subsequently, into electric power, using steam as the working fluid. According to the U.S. Energy Information System, over 67% of the electrical energy in the United States is generated through thermoelectric power plants, which use the combustion of fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal and petroleum to generate the steam necessary for the process; moreover, thermoelectric power generation accounts for an approximate 80% of all the power generation worldwide. Thus, the electricity consumed in most homes and industries is ...
