question archive A power plant has been proposed that would make use of the temperature gradient in the ocean
A power plant has been proposed that would make use of the temperature gradient in the ocean
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A power plant has been proposed that would make use of the temperature gradient in the ocean. The system is to operate between 20.0°C (surface water temperature) and 5.00°C (water temperature at a depth of about 1 km).
(a) What is the maximum efficiency of such a system?
(b) If the useful power output of the plant is 75.0 MW, how much energy is absorbed per hour?
(c) In view of your answer to part (a), do you think such a system is worthwhile (considering that there is no charge for fuel)?
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The detailed solution is explained below:
Step-by-step explanation
(a)
The maximum efficiency of such a system is calculated as shown below:
?ηmax?ηmax?ηmax?ηmax??=ηcarnot?=1−TH?TC??=1−(273+20)(273+5)?=5.112%??
(b)
If the useful power output of the plant is 75.0 MW.
Energy is absorbed per hour is calculated as shown below:
?e=QA?W?Qh?=eW?=0.0511945075×106×3600?=5.2740×1012J??
(c)
Yes the given system is worthwhile even the efficiency is very small as the system is heat engine and efficiency of such system is generally less.
