Ocean temperature energy conversion (OTEC) power plants generate power by utiliz

Question

Ocean temperature energy conversion (OTEC) power plants generate power by utilizing the naturally occurring decrease with depth of the temperature of ocean water.  Near Florida, the ocean surface temeprature is 28 degrees C, while at depth of 900 m the temperature is 5 degrees C.  Determine the maximum thermal efficiency for any power cycle operating between these temperatures.  The thermal efficiency of existing OTEC plants is approximately 2 percent.  Compare this with the result of part (a) and comment.

Explanation / Answer

maximum efficiency = 1 - t2 /t1 (of carnot cycle)

or 1- (273+5)/(273+28)

= 7.64 %

actual efficiency is 2 %

which is quite less in compared to maximum possible efficiency .

thank u .

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