How is "superheated steam" defined?

Superheated steam is defined as steam that is heated beyond its saturation temperature. This occurs when water vapor is heated to a temperature higher than that at which it would condense at a given pressure.

In practical terms, superheated steam is achieved by adding heat to steam that is already at its boiling point, thereby increasing its temperature without raising its pressure. This allows superheated steam to carry more energy and entropy than saturated steam, making it more effective for transferring heat in various industrial applications, particularly in turbines and heating processes.

Understanding superheated steam is essential for power engineers, as it affects the efficiency of steam systems and the performance of equipment like turbines. It also plays a critical role in thermodynamic cycles, where superheated steam can help improve overall thermal efficiency.