Which phase is the last phase in the basic steam cycle?

Which phase is the last phase in the basic steam cycle?

• A. Feed Phase
• B. Expansion Phase
• C. Condensation Phase
• D. Startup Phase

Answer: (A)

In a basic steam cycle, the loop is closed by returning the condensed water back to the boiler to be turned into steam again. After steam has expanded to do work (in the turbine) and then cooled and condensed back to liquid in the condenser, that condensate must be pumped back into the boiler as feedwater. This feed phase then completes the cycle and starts it anew, so it sits as the last step before the cycle repeats. The expansion phase is where energy is extracted from the steam, and the condensation phase prepares the steam to be returned as liquid water; startup is only the initial bringing-up of the system, not a repeating step of the cycle.

In a basic steam cycle, the loop is closed by returning the condensed water back to the boiler to be turned into steam again. After steam has expanded to do work (in the turbine) and then cooled and condensed back to liquid in the condenser, that condensate must be pumped back into the boiler as feedwater. This feed phase then completes the cycle and starts it anew, so it sits as the last step before the cycle repeats. The expansion phase is where energy is extracted from the steam, and the condensation phase prepares the steam to be returned as liquid water; startup is only the initial bringing-up of the system, not a repeating step of the cycle.