What is the primary purpose of a boiler?

The primary purpose of a boiler is to generate steam or heat water for various applications. Boilers are commonly used in a range of industries, including heating systems in residential and commercial buildings, process heating in manufacturing, and even as a heat source in power generation. By heating water or producing steam, boilers provide a necessary thermal energy transfer mechanism that supports numerous heating processes, including radiant floor heating, hot water for domestic use, and steam for driving turbines in power generation.

In contrast, while there may be some overlaps with the other options, they do not encapsulate the primary role of a boiler. Storing energy for later use, cooling industrial machinery, and generating electricity in a direct manner are processes that may involve boilers but are not their main function. The essence of a boiler lies in its ability to convert water into steam or heat water for immediate use in various applications, making option A the most accurate representation of its primary purpose.