What is superheated steam?

Superheated steam refers to steam that has been heated to a temperature above its boiling point at a given pressure. By heating steam beyond its saturation temperature while maintaining constant pressure, the steam’s thermal energy increases, making it capable of doing more work when it expands. This characteristic is essential for various applications in engines and turbines, where maximizing efficiency and power output is critical.

The process of superheating is a common practice in thermodynamic cycles, as it allows for an increase in temperature without the formation of water droplets, which can be damaging to equipment. Superheated steam, therefore, enhances the performance of steam systems and is a vital concept in the study of stationary engineering.