A power cycle operating at steady state has a thermal efficiency of 35% and generates 100 MW of electricity while discharging energy by heat transfer to cooling water at an average temperature of 20 degrees celcius. The average temperature of the stream passing through the boiler is 460 degrees celcius.
a) What is the rate at which energy is discharges to the cooling water (MW)?
b) What is the minimum theoretical rate at which energy could be discharged to the cooling water (MW)?