Calculate the maximum possible efficiency of a power plant that burns natural gas at a temperature of 600k, with low temperature surroundings at 300k. How much more efficient would the plant be if it were built in the arctic where the low temperature reservoir is at 250k? Why don't we build all power plants in the arctic?

Question

trancenova · Answer

I don't know how to calculate that value, but the reason we do not build power plants in the arctic is because the greater the length a power cable the greater the loss of power due to resistance. As the arctic circle is very far away from any places that would use the power it would not be viable to generate power there, not to mention the costs of shipping gas and such there.

anonymous · Answer

efficiency (percent) (temperature HOT minus temperature COLD)
                                 ------------------------------------   X100
                                                   temperature HOT

(600-300)X100
-------------
         600

600-300=300
300 divide by 600=0.5
0.5x100= 50%

anonymous · Answer

do the same with the low temperature of 250 =]
you will get 58.3%