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Skills development C

1. For the applications listed below, explain the operating principles and discuss the
significant energy transfers and environmental impacts:

(a) Coal-fired power plant.

(b) Nuclear power plant.

(c) Refrigeration unit supplying chilled water to the cooling system of a large building.

(d) Heat pump for residential heating and air conditioning.

(e) Automobile air conditioning unit

2. Lightweight, portable refrigerated chests are available for keeping food cool. These units
use a thermoelectric cooling module energized by plugging the unit into an automobile cigarette
lighter. Thermoelectric cooling requires no moving parts and requires no refrigerant Write a report
that explains this thermoelectric refrigeration technology. Discuss the applicability of this
technology to larger-scale refrigeration systems.

3. The Montreal Protocols aim to eliminate the use of various compounds believed to
deplete the earth'sstratospheric ozone. What are some·of the main features of these agreements,
what compounds are targeted, and what progress h been made to date in implementing the
Protocols?

4. Frazil ice forming upsteam of a hydroelectric plant can block the flow of water to the
turbine. Write a report summarizing the mechanism of frazil ice formation and alternative means
for eliminating frazil ice blockage of power .plants. For one of the alternatives, estimate the cost of
maintaining a 30-MW power plant frazil ice-free.

5. Much has been written about the use of hydrogen as a fuel. Investigate the issues
surrounding the so-called hydrogen economy and write a report. Consider possible uses of
hydrogen and the obstacles to be overcome before hydrogen could be used as a primary fuel
source.
6. A major reason for the introduction of CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerants, such as
Refrigerant 12, in the 1930s was that they are less toxic than ammonia, which was widely used at
the time. But in recent years, CFCs largely have been phased out owing to concerns about
depletion of the earth'sstratospheric ozone.As a result, there has been a resurgence of interest in
ammonia as a refrigerant, as well as increased interest in natural refrigerants, such as propane.
Write a report outlining advantages and disadvantages of ammonia and natural refrigerants.
Consider safety issues and include a summary of any special design requirements that these
refrigerants impose on refrigeration system components.

7. One method of modeling gas behavior from the microscopic viewpoint is known as the
kinetic theory of gases. Using kinetic theory, derive the ideal gas equation of state and explain the
variation of the ideal gas specific heat cv with temperature. Is the use of kinetic theory limited to
ideal gas behavior? Discuss.

8. Many new substances have been considered in recent years as potential working fluids for
power plants or refrigeration systems and heat pumps.What thermodynamic property data are
needed to assess the feasibility of a candidate substance for possible use as a working fluid? Write
one page essay discussingyour findings.

9. Although used for home appliances in Europe, hydrocarbon refrigerants have not taken
hold in the UnJted States thus far owing to concerns about liability if there is an accident Research
hydrocarbon refrigerant safety. Write a report including at least three references.