# Homework Help: Electrical Generating Plant problem!

1. May 14, 2010

### huybinhs

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

An electrical generating plant operates so that the steam driving its turbines is at 960 F, cooling towers keep the cold reservoir at a temperature of 96 F.
If the plant's fuel cost for one year is 55.0 million dollars when using the cooling towers, estimate the yearly saving in fuel cost if the plant used a nearby lake's water to cool the cold reservoir to 50 F while producing the same amount of electricity (in millions of dollars).

2. The attempt at a solution

I tried:

960 F = 516 C ; 96 F = 36C ; 50F = 10C.

[(516 - 36) - (516-10) ] (516-36) = -0.0542 = -5.417 = save 5.417 % = 2.979 millions of dollars save each year => Incorrect

Thank you!

Last edited: May 14, 2010
2. May 14, 2010

### joriarty

Firstly, when working with temperatures in Physics or Chemistry, ALWAYS convert them to degrees Kelvin.

Also, what formulae are you using when you try to solve this? Your maths doesn't add up. [(516 - 36) - (516-10) ]*(516-36) does not equal -0.0542 which definitely does not equal -5.417. You must show all your working!

3. May 14, 2010

### RTW69

Can you assume this is a Carnot cycle? If so can you calculate the initial and final thermal efficiency? Knowing the annual costs and these two efficiencies you should be able to calculate the dollars saved.

4. May 14, 2010

### huybinhs

Ok. Then 960F = 788.555K; 96F = 308.555K.; 50F = 283K.

$$\eta$$at 96F = 1 - Tc/Th = 1 - 308.555/788.555 = 0.6087 = 60.87%

$$\eta$$at 50F = 1 - Tc/Th = 1 - 283/788.555 = 0.6411 = 64.11%

64.11 * 55 / 60.87 = 57.93 millions dollars - 50 = 7.93 in saving. Correct?

5. May 14, 2010

### RTW69

Actually I got: $55 million -($55 million * .61/.64) = \$2.4 million savings

6. May 14, 2010

### huybinhs

Thanks, man ;)