Consider an ocean thermal energy conversion power plant in Hawaii designed to operate between temperature limits of 90°F (ocean surface) and 40°F (deep ocean). Cold water of density 64 lbm/ft3 is pumped at the rate of 13,300 gallons per minute from deep ocean and heat is rejected to this water causing its temperature to increase by 6°F. The power plant produces 415 hp of electricity.
(a) Calculate thermal efficiency (%) of the power plant.
(b) Is the Carnot principle violated? Provide quantitative justification.