A- A challenge gaining prominence throughout the planet is the increased need fo

Question

A- A challenge gaining prominence throughout the planet is the increased need for "green" or sustainable energy. In certain parts of the country, wind farms are a viable alternative to conventional energy sources. An average wind turbine (the device which converts rotational motion to electricity) has a maximum capacity of 1.20 MW. However, realistically the wind turbine never runs at full power. If a wind turbine runs at 33.8% capacity for 1.00 year, how much energy does the wind turbine generate?

B- An average American household consumes 10500 kWh in 1.00 year. How many houses can the one wind turbine power?

Explanation / Answer

total energy produced for one year is calculated as follows:

P = efficiency*capacity of turbine*time

= 0.338 *1.2x106 * 8760 =3553056000 = 3553056 KWhr

The number of houses is calculated as follows:

number of houses = total energy/energy consumed by 1 house

= 3553056 / 10500

= 338 houses

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