A power plant taps steam superheated by geothermal energy to540 K (the temperatu

Question

A power plant taps steam superheated by geothermal energy to540 K (the temperature of the hotreservoir) and uses the steam to do work in turning the turbine ofan electric generator. The steam is then converted back into waterin a condenser at 326 K (the temperatureof the cold reservoir), after which the water is pumped back downinto the earth where it is heated again. The output power (work perunit time) of the plant is 75,500kilowatts. (a) Determine the maximum efficiency at whichthis plant can operate.


(b) Determine the minimum amount of rejected heat that must beremoved from the condenser every twenty-four hours.
_____________   J (a) Determine the maximum efficiency at whichthis plant can operate.


(b) Determine the minimum amount of rejected heat that must beremoved from the condenser every twenty-four hours.
_____________   J

Explanation / Answer

Temp of hot reservoir T = 540 K

Temp of cold reservoir T ‘ = 326 K

Output power P = 75500 kW

(a).maximum efficiency e = 1-( T ‘ / T )

                                          = 0.3962

                                          = 39.62 %

(b). we know e = P / Q

Energy absorbed Q = P / e

                                = 190514 kW

Energy rejected in unit time Q ‘ = Q – P =115014 kW

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