In: Physics
The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is the largest solar thermal power- tower facility in the world. It collects 1321 MW of solar thermal energy to heat special collectors to 566 °C. The thermal energy is then used to make steam to operate an electric generator. (a) What is the maximum efficiency of the power plant, taking the cold reservoir to be the surrounding environment at 12 °C. (b) How much mechanical work (electricity) could the facility generate if it operated at its maximum efficiency? (c) If the facility generates 392 MW of electricity, what is its actual efficiency?