An inventor claims to have devised a cyclical engine for use in space vehicles that operates with a nuclear fuel generated energy source whose temperature is 510 k and sink at 270 k that radiates waste heat to deep space. he also claims that this engine produces 4.1 kw while rejecting heat at a rate of 15,000 kj/h. is this claim valid?

Inventor claim is not valid.

Explanation:

Given that

Source temperature = 510 K

Sink temperature = 270 K

Power produce = 4.1 KW

Heat reject = 15,000 KJ/h

Heat reject =4.16 KW

As we know that

Heat addition = Heat rejection + Power produce

Heat addition = 4.16 + 4.1 KW

Heat addition = 8.16 KW

So efficiency of engine

Now check the maximum efficiency can be possible by using Carnot heat engine

As we know that efficiency of Carnot heat engine given as

By putting the value

So the efficiency of Carnot cycle is less than the efficiency of above given engine.So this engine is not possible.It means that inventor claim is not valid.

answer: 500 wph.

explanation: