What is the term for any process that involves the generation and utilization of steam?

The term that refers to any process involving the generation and utilization of steam is "Steam Cycle." This term encompasses a range of processes where water is heated to create steam, which then drives turbines or does work in various systems. The steam cycle is integral to many power generation methods, particularly in thermal power plants, where the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical work occurs.

In a steam cycle, the core components typically include heating the water, producing steam, expanding that steam through a turbine to generate mechanical energy, and then condensing the steam back into water to be reused. This cyclical process is efficient at converting energy into usable power, which is why it is a foundational concept in power engineering.

The other options do refer to relevant concepts within energy and power generation but do not specifically define the process of generating and utilizing steam. "Power Plant" describes a facility where energy is produced, which may use steam cycles but doesn’t solely focus on the steam aspect. "Thermal System" relates to systems involving heat transfer and energy conversion but is broader and doesn't specifically refer to steam. "Energy Conversion" describes the general process of changing one form of energy into another and is not limited to steam or thermal processes.