Efficiency of electrical power plant

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the overall efficiency of an electrical power plant that converts heat from fossil fuels into mechanical energy. The plant transfers 88 percent of heat to steam, but only 40 percent of that steam's heat is converted to mechanical energy. Participants explore the relationship between heat-to-work conversion efficiency and the provided options. The equation for efficiency is mentioned, but confusion arises regarding the application of the formula. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the complexities of calculating overall efficiency in multi-stage processes.
ariana0923
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An electrical power plant manages to transfer 88 percent of the heat produced in the burning of fossil fuel to convert water to steam. Of the heat carried by the steam, 40 percent is converted to the mechanical energy of the spinning turbine. Which best describes the overall efficiency of the heat-to-work conversion in the plant?

--> greater than 88 percent
--> 88 percent
--> 40 percent
--> less than 40 percent

Homework Equations



eff = 1 - (Qc/Qh)

The Attempt at a Solution



Uhh..? No idea lol, I tried using this equation but I got like .54 (when i plugged in .40 for Qc and .88 for Qh)
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Efficiencies multiply, if you have a source that is 50% that drives another stage that is 50% then overall you have 25%
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top