Q&A · 1:19:29-1:19:48

Why a civilian turbine-efficiency figure cannot settle a naval comparison

A suggested 50 percent thermal-to-electric conversion figure needs qualification because naval turbines reflect different costs and performance requirements.

Question

Can a roughly 50 percent thermal-to-electric conversion figure be used for a naval reactor?

Short answer

It depends on the turbine and the costs and performance requirements accepted for the warship.

Notes

A viewer suggests that modern reactor turbines convert about half their thermal output into electricity. That figure is not accepted as a universal conversion factor. A warship's turbine reflects different spending and performance choices from a civilian power plant, so the actual installation must be considered.