Energy conversion

Steam engines and turbines convert heat into energy. The heat from the burning fuel goes into the boiling water, its volume in the vapor state increases 1600 times, and the steam pressure creates movement. In reciprocating engines the steam expands in the cylinder and pushes the piston. In steam turbines steam, expands, rotates with blades of the rotor. In both cases, the steam gives up heat energy. Steam engines and turbines are external combustion engines, since heating takes place outside the working chamber, usually by burning fuel. A couple is produced in boilers that are heated by burning oil or coal. In nuclear power plants the heat from nuclear reactions.