A nuclear power plant operates at 80% of its maximum theoretical (Carnot) efficiency between temperatures of 690C and 370C.
If the plant produces electric energy at the rate of 1.4GW , how much exhaust heat is discharged per hour?
If the plant produces electric energy at the rate of 1.4GW , how much exhaust heat is discharged per hour?
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The Carnot efficiency is 1 - (370 + 273)/(690 + 273) = 0.33; the plant operates at 80% of this, or at 0.266.
Energy input = 1.4/0.266 = 5.26 GW; heat loss = 5.26 - 1.40 = 3.86 GW = 3.86 GJ/s; in one hour (3600 s) the energy lost is 14*10^3 GJ (14 TJ)
Energy input = 1.4/0.266 = 5.26 GW; heat loss = 5.26 - 1.40 = 3.86 GW = 3.86 GJ/s; in one hour (3600 s) the energy lost is 14*10^3 GJ (14 TJ)