An Introduction to Thermal Physics
An Introduction to Thermal Physics
1st Edition
ISBN: 9780201380279
Author: Daniel V. Schroeder
Publisher: Addison Wesley
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Chapter 4.1, Problem 2P

At a power plant that produces 1 GW ( 1 0 9 watts) of electricity, the steam turbines take in steam at a temperature of 500°C, and the waste heat is expelled into the environment at 20°C.

(a) What is the maximum possible efficiency of this plant?

(b) Suppose you develop a new material for making pipes and turbines, which allows the maximum steam temperature to be raised to 600°C. Roughly how much money can you make in a year by installing your improved hardware, if you sell the additional electricity for 5 cents per kilowatt-hour? (Assume that the amount of fuel consumed at the plant is unchanged.)

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An Introduction to Thermal Physics

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