A diagram of a typical thermal power station, a type of power plant in which the prime mover is steam driven. Water is heated, turns into steam and spins a steam turbine, which drives an electrical generator. After it passes through the turbine, the steam is condensed in a condenser and recycled to where it was heated; this is known as a Rankine cycle. For a more detailed overview of the process, consult the diagram's description.Diagram: BillC; modifications: MaCRoEco