What is the primary function of feedwater in a steam system?

The primary function of feedwater in a steam system is to supply water to the boiler for steam generation. In steam systems, the boiler requires water as the essential raw material to produce steam, which is then used in various applications such as driving turbines for electricity generation or providing heat for industrial processes. The feedwater must be treated and conditioned to ensure that it is free from impurities that could cause scale or corrosion within the boiler, thus maintaining efficiency and prolonging equipment life.

While other choices touch on aspects pertinent to steam systems, they do not accurately capture the core role of feedwater. Generating electricity, cooling the boiler, or removing impurities from steam are important functions in a broader context, but they are secondary processes that rely on the effective management of feedwater as a fundamental component of steam generation.