Steam

Steam is a gaseous form of water used mainly as a high-temperature working fluid and heat transfer medium. It can be liquefied directly to obtain Water, making it part of one of the game’s most important resource loops. Because it has a higher specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity than Hydrogen Gas, Steam is often used in places where a hot gas is needed above 100°C.

Several buildings and systems interact with Steam directly. A Steam Engine can be powered by Steam at any temperature, which makes it a flexible rocket propulsion option. A Sauna can also use Steam at any temperature. The Steam Turbine converts Steam hotter than 125°C into power, so it is a key way to reclaim energy from overheated industrial setups while also removing heat from the environment.

• Steam can be condensed to produce Water.
• Steam Engines accept Steam at any temperature.
• Saunas accept Steam at any temperature.
• Steam Turbines only generate power from Steam above 125°C.
• In hot environments above 100°C, Steam can serve as a gas heat medium in place of Hydrogen Gas because of its better thermal properties.

In practice, Steam is most valuable when temperature control matters. It can carry heat efficiently through machinery, turbines, and enclosed rooms, and it is especially useful in designs that intentionally heat water into Steam and then recover either power or liquid Water afterward.