What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve in a power system?

A pressure relief valve is a critical safety device in a power system designed specifically to prevent overpressure scenarios that can lead to equipment failure or catastrophic accidents. When system pressure exceeds a predetermined limit, the valve opens and allows excess pressure to escape, thereby protecting the integrity of the system components such as pipes, boilers, and pumps. This functionality is essential because if pressure builds up unchecked, it could cause pipes to burst or equipment to rupture, resulting in hazardous situations that may endanger personnel and equipment.

While maintaining constant pressure is important in many systems, that is not the primary role of a pressure relief valve. Similarly, reducing energy consumption and monitoring fluid levels are functions that other components or systems typically handle, but they do not fall under the scope of what a pressure relief valve is designed to do. The emphasis on safety and prevention of system failures makes "to prevent system failure due to overpressure" the correct description of the valve's purpose.