An electric power plant that would make use of the temperature gradient in the ocean has been proposed. 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 taken in from the warm reservoir per hour?
(c) In view of your answer to part (a), do you think such a system is worthwhile? Note that the “fuel” is free.
Solution:
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