Homework Solution

TQ 4-13

Why must waste heat be released by a steam-generating plant?

In a steam-generating plant, water must receive heat energy to be changed to steam to turn the turbine which runs the generator.

In order for heat to be transferred, there must be a temperature difference.

If heat were not removed from the water as waste heat, there would soon be no temperature difference and no work could be done since no heat could flow.

In terms of the 2nd law of Thermodynamics, some heat energy must be expelled to a low temperature sink.