Question

A proposed ocean thermal-energy conversion (OTEC) system is a heat engine that would operate between warm water (24°C) at the ocean's surface and cooler water (4°C) 1,711 m below the surface. What is the maximum possible efficiency of the system? Enter your answer accurate to two decimal places.

Answer 1

`\eta = 0.067`

Step-by-step explanation:

Efficiency of the engine working between two thermal reservoirs is given by the equation

`\eta = 1 - (T_2)/(T_1)`

`T_2 = 4 degree`

`T_2 = 4 + 273 = 277 K`

`T_1 = 24 degree`

`T_1 = 273 + 24`

`T_1 = 297 K`

now by the above equation we can say

`\eta = 1 - (277)/(297)`

`\eta = 0.067`