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 tooperate an electric generator. (a) What is the maximum efficiencyof the power plant, taking the cold reservoir to be the surroundingenvironment at 12 °C. (b) How much mechanical work (electricity)could the facility generate if it operated at its maximum efficiency? (c) Ifthe facility generates 392 MW of electricity, what is its actual efficiency?

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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?

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