Introduction to steam turbines for power plants

The aim of this book is to present important technologies in the design and development of steam turbines for modern power plants, showing state-of-the-art detailed technologies and design methodologies for steam turbine cycles and cycle-design optimization (Part I); steam turbine analysis, measurement, and monitoring for design optimization (Part II); development of materials, blades, and important parts of steam turbines (Part III); and turbine retrofitting, advanced applications in power generation (Part IV). In this chapter, features and roles of steam turbines in power generation and technology trends of steam turbines are presented for the introduction of steam turbines designed for power plants.