Thermodynamic Efficiency and the maximum possible electric output

[annie05]

1. A 2.5GWth nuclear power plant operates at a high temperature of 570°K. In the winter the average low temperature at which it dumps waste heat is 268°K; in the summer it’s 295°K. Determine the thermodynamic efficiency of the plant in each season, and then derive from it the maximum possible electric power output.

2. e = 1 – Tc/Th

Tc = Low Temperature
Th = High Temperature


3. Winter = 1 – (268/570) = 0.53 = 53%
Summer = 1 – (295/570) = 0.48 = 48%

The maximum possible electric output = ?

 

[SteamKing]

Want to take a stab at how much electricity can be produced by the plan?