A condenser in the context of power plants is a key component of the steam cycle that helps convert the exhaust steam from the turbine back into liquid water for reuse in the steam cycle. The exhaust steam from the turbine is usually at low pressure and temperature, and the condenser provides a means of extracting heat from the steam to convert it back into liquid water.
This process is important for the efficiency of the steam cycle as it reduces the amount of water that needs to be continuously supplied to the cycle. There are two main types of condensers used in power plants: surface condensers and direct contact condensers. In surface condensers, the exhaust steam is condensed by passing it through a series of tubes that are cooled by a separate cooling water stream.
In direct-contact condensers, the exhaust steam comes into direct contact with a stream of cool water, which causes it to condense into liquid water. The condenser is an important component in the steam cycle of power plants, and its efficiency can have a significant impact on the overall efficiency of the power plant.