A Geothermal Generating Facility Operates at the Ideal Carnot Efficiency

question 4

Essay

A geothermal generating facility operates at the ideal Carnot efficiency and
utilizes a pressurized hot water resource at 240°C.
(a) Calculate the Carnot efficiency as a function of the temperature of the cold reservoir from 40°C to 90°C.
(b) The waste heat from electricity generation may be utilized for space heating, and the facility may, therefore, supply a community with both electricity and heat. This approach is referred to as cogeneration and is discussed in more detail in Chapter 17. Using the relative proportions (averaged over the year) for residential electricity and heat requirements as presented in Chapter 2, is there an approach to regulating the cold
reservoir temperature that would make the best use of the geothermal resources?

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Definitions:

Romance of Leadership

The tendency to attribute organizational successes to the actions and decisions of leaders, often overlooking external factors and the contributions of others.

Equivalence

The quality or condition of being equal or equivalent in value, function, meaning, or status.

Norm of Reciprocity

A social principle that suggests individuals respond to others in kind, based on the treatment they receive.

Motive

A psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action.