What is the name of the simple power plant cycle used in many thermal power systems?

The Rankine Cycle is widely recognized as the fundamental thermodynamic cycle utilized in many thermal power systems, particularly in steam power plants. This cycle involves the conversion of heat into work through the process of heating water to produce steam, which then drives a turbine connected to a generator to produce electricity.

In the Rankine Cycle, water is heated in a boiler, transforming it into steam. As the steam expands through the turbine, it performs mechanical work, which is then utilized for power generation. After exiting the turbine, the steam is cooled and condensed back into water in a condenser, completing the cycle as the water is pumped back into the boiler to be heated again.

This cycle is efficient for converting thermal energy from fuel into mechanical work, making it a staple in thermal power generation. In contrast, while the Brayton Cycle is used in gas turbines, the Carnot Cycle serves as a theoretical benchmark for maximum efficiency without practical applications in real-world systems. The Otto Cycle pertains to gasoline engines, which do not apply in the same context as thermal power systems. Thus, the Rankine Cycle stands out as the clear choice for this question.