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1. A central power plant, whether the energy source is nuclear or fossil fuel, i

ID: 3280371 • Letter: 1

Question

1. A central power plant, whether the energy source is nuclear or fossil fuel, is a heat engine operating between the temperatures of the reactor or furnace and the surroundings, usually represented by a river or other body of water. Consider a modern nuclear power plant generating 750 megawatts for which the reactor temperature is 325 °C and a river or lake is available with a water temperature of 25°C. First, calculate the maximum possible thermal efficiency of the plant and the minimum amount of heat that must be discarded to the river. Then, assuming that the actual thermal efficiency of the plant is 60% of the maximum, calculate how much heat must ed i

Explanation / Answer

Maximum efficiecy=(Th-Tc)/Th=(325-25)/(325+273)=0.5016 or 50.16%

work done =750MW

Heat generated=work/efficiency=1495 MW

minimum heat discarded=1495-750=745 MW

if actual efficiency=0.60*0.5016=0.3 or 30 %

heat generated=2492.02 MW

heat disarded=2492.02-750=1742.02 MW