Question

Calculate the maximum possible efficiency of a power plant that burns natural gas at a temperature of 600k, with low temperature surroundings at 300k. How much more efficient would the plant be if it were built in the arctic where the low temperature reservoir is at 250k? Why don't we build all power plants in the arctic?

Answer 1

Below is the solution: 

efficiency (percent) (temperature HOT minus temperature COLD)/ temperature HOT x 100

(600-300) X 100/ 600

600-300=300 

300 divide by 600=0.5 

0.5x100= 50%

Do the same with the 250K temperature reservoir. The answer will be 58.3%.

Hope this helps.