Example: Actual vs. Ideal Efficiency
The real efficiency of a steam cycle is 18.0%. The facility functions from a steam source at 340°F and discards heat to atmosphere at 60°F. Evaluate the Carnot efficiency to the actual efficiency.
Solution:
η = 1-(Tc /Th)
η = 1 - (60 + 460)/(340 + 460)
= 1 - 520/800
= 35% as compare to the 18.0% of actual efficiency.