The adiabatic flame temperature (theoretical maximum temperature) of black coal in air is over 2000°C. If the ambient temperature is 20°C then the theoretical maximum efficiency of a coal fired power...

Extracted text: The adiabatic flame temperature (theoretical maximum temperature) of black coal in air is over 2000°C. If the ambient temperature is 20°C then the theoretical maximum efficiency of a coal fired power station is approximately 87%. Why then is the efficiency of even the best coal fired power stations less than 50%.