Which Power Plant Emits More Heat: Nuclear or Fossil Fuel?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the heat emission comparison between modern nuclear power plants and fossil fuel plants, each producing 1000 MW of output power. Nuclear plants operate at an efficiency of approximately 30%, while fossil fuel plants achieve around 40% efficiency. This difference in efficiency directly affects the rate of heat emission, with fossil fuel plants emitting more heat due to their higher efficiency. The formula for efficiency, e=W/Qh, is highlighted as a key concept for understanding this comparison.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal efficiency in power generation
  • Familiarity with the formula for efficiency: e=W/Qh
  • Basic knowledge of power output measurements (MW)
  • Concept of heat emission in energy systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermal efficiency of various power generation methods
  • Learn about the heat emission calculations for nuclear and fossil fuel plants
  • Explore the environmental impact of heat emissions from different energy sources
  • Investigate advancements in nuclear technology aimed at improving efficiency
USEFUL FOR

Students studying energy systems, engineers in the power generation sector, and environmental scientists analyzing the impact of different energy sources on heat emissions.

ChunkymonkeyI
Messages
35
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Modern nuclear power plants have an overall efficiency of about 30%. Fossil fuel plants achieve overall efficiencies of 40%. Compare the rate of heat emission from a nuclear plant with that from a fossil fuel plant each of which produces an output power of 1000 MW


Homework Equations



e=W/Qh

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know where to start because we're only given the efficency and the power but that's not enough information i think

 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't think your formula is useful in this case. It is a more basic efficiency question.

It's kind of like this. Say you are picking berries and you eat 70% of what you pick. After a long hot day, you have 5 pounds of berries in your pail. Can you figure out what you picked and what you ate? If you have trouble with that, try a 50% eating rate first.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
6K
Replies
18
Views
8K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K