Nuclear power plant at 34% efficiency - rising temperature of water

In summary, the conversation discusses the efficiency of a nuclear power plant and how much the water temperature will rise when the waste heat is released into the Connecticut River. It also provides information about the construction of a building and the amount of energy consumed for space heating and hot water heating. The goal is to calculate the total heat transfer through the wall and discuss any thoughts or difficulties with the problems.
  • #1
sabianbenz
2
0
A nuclear power plant generates 500MW at 34 percent efficiency. The waste heat goes into the connecticut river with an average flow of 3x10 to the 4th kg/s. How much does the water temperature rise? (it requires 4.8x10 to the 3 to raise the temperature of 1kg of water 1K
 
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  • #2
A 2-inch thick outer wall of a building has been constructed using 2-inch aluminum finishing nails. the nails hold together two identical 1-inch thick yellow-pine boards. Assume the following:

-k (aluminum nails) = 1390 BTU-in/ft. sqare - hr- degrees F
-K (yellow pine) = .o8 BTU-in/ft. squared - hr - degrees F
1% opf wall area is nails; 99% is yellow pine
-inside temperature = 65 degrees F (public building standard)
-Toledo outside Winter temperature = 30 degrees F (based on months of Dec-Mar. during 1931-1968; rounded to the nearest degree)
-convection is negligible.

Calculate the total (TU/hr-ft squared) through the wall. (Hint - use a total area of 1 sq. foot) According to a very recent study, 58% of the energy consumed in the home goes to space heating and 15% goes to hot water heating.
 
  • #3
Any thoughts there??

You can't just post problems to be solved by other people. Give us an idea of what you are finding difficult about these problems and any ideas at all. Even if you just state the basic concept behind the problems.
 

1. How does a nuclear power plant achieve 34% efficiency?

The efficiency of a nuclear power plant is determined by the Carnot efficiency formula, which takes into account the temperature of the steam produced by the reactor and the temperature of the water returning to the reactor. The higher the temperature difference between the two, the higher the efficiency.

2. What factors can affect the efficiency of a nuclear power plant?

The efficiency of a nuclear power plant can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the design of the reactor, the quality of the fuel, the maintenance of the plant, and even external factors such as weather conditions.

3. Why is the rising temperature of water a concern in a nuclear power plant?

In a nuclear power plant, water is used as a coolant to absorb excess heat from the reactor. If the temperature of the water rises too high, it can lead to decreased efficiency and potential damage to the plant. Therefore, it is important for the temperature of the water to be carefully monitored and controlled.

4. What measures are in place to prevent the temperature of water from rising too high in a nuclear power plant?

Nuclear power plants have various safety systems in place to prevent the temperature of water from rising too high. These can include emergency shutdown systems, cooling systems, and backup power sources. Additionally, regular maintenance and monitoring of the plant can help identify and address any potential issues before they become a problem.

5. Can the efficiency of a nuclear power plant be improved?

Efforts are constantly being made to improve the efficiency of nuclear power plants. This can include advancements in reactor design, better fuel technology, and improved maintenance practices. Additionally, implementing new technologies such as waste heat recovery systems can also help increase the overall efficiency of a nuclear power plant.

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