Physics

Problem

A scientific study carried out on a natural gas combined cycle power station showed that the efficiency of the generators decreased as the ambient temperature increased from

8\text{ }^{\circ}\text{C}

23\text{ }^{\circ}\text{C}

. a. Outline why this result was to be expected. b. Calculate the maximum theoretical efficiency of such a power station operating between the temperatures

700\text{ }^{\circ}\text{C}

and -

8\text{ }^{\circ}\text{C}

. -

23\text{ }^{\circ}\text{C}

. c. At the ambient temperature of

8\text{ }^{\circ}\text{C}

, the electrical energy produced by each generator was

46.0\text{ MW}

. When the ambient temperature was increased to

23\text{ }^{\circ}\text{C}

, the electrical energy produced by each generator fell to

40.0\text{ MW}

. How does the change in electrical energy production compare with the change in the maximum theoretical efficiency of the generators? Comment on your answer.

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