Question

A power cycle operates between hot and cold reservoirs at 600k and 300k, respectively. At steady state, the cycle develops a power output of 0.45 MW while receiving energy by heat transfer from the hot reservoir at the rate of 1 MW. What is the efficiency of the power cycle?

1) 0.45
2) 0.50
3) 0.55
4) 0.60

Answer 1

The efficiency of the power cycle is calculated using the ratio of work output to heat input, which results in an efficiency of 45%, making the correct answer 1) 0.45.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the efficiency of the power cycle, we use the formula for thermal efficiency which is Efficiency = (Work output / Heat input). Here, the work output (power generated) is given as 0.45 MW and the heat input from the hot reservoir is 1 MW. Thus, the efficiency can be calculated as follows:

Efficiency = Work output / Heat input = 0.45 MW / 1 MW = 0.45 or 45%.

Therefore, the correct answer from the given options is 1) 0.45.