Abstract: A method of increasing the power generated by a steam turbine includes the step of receiving, at a steam turbine final stage, a steam byproduct with an electrically charged component. An electric field is created immediately proximate to the steam turbine final stage to substantially eliminate the electrically charged component from the steam byproduct and thereby reduce turbulence associated with the steam byproduct.

Abstract: Drops of water in wet steam exiting a steam turbine are electrically charged. When exposed to a sufficiently strong electric field produced by suitably disposed electrodes (34,85), the electrically charged water drops disintegrate into numerous small droplets, which serve as nuclei for internal condensation. Supersaturation of the steam is decreased, thereby decreasing the amount of water in the vapor phase, the condenser pressure, and the turbine backpressure. Electrostatic forces acting upon the charged water droplets decrease turbulence in the wet steam flow, further decreasing backpressure. The result is an increase in energy conversion efficiency and power output at constant fuel rate. A method and device for providing this beneficial result are provided.