What is the primary function of a boiler?

The primary function of a boiler is to generate steam by heating water. This process is essential in various industrial applications, as steam serves as a key energy source for driving turbines, heating processes, or powering machinery. In a boiler, water is heated to its boiling point, creating steam which can then be used in different systems for energy transfer.

Boilers operate under specific conditions to maximize efficiency and ensure safe operation. The generated steam can be utilized in heating systems or in power generation, making boilers critical components in many industries, such as power plants, manufacturing facilities, and heating systems in buildings.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not relate to the primary function of a boiler. Purifying water is typically done through filtration and treatment processes, not with a boiler. Storing renewable energy is associated with technologies like batteries or thermal energy storage, rather than boiler function. Cooling systems are designed to reduce temperature and maintain safety, which is a different operation compared to heating water and generating steam in a boiler.