A challenge gaining prominence throughout the planet is the increased need for \

Question

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 1.60 MW. However, realistically the wind turbine never runs at full power. If a wind turbine runs at 34.6% capacity for 1.00 year, how much energy does the wind turbine generate?

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

Explanation / Answer

Maximum Capacity, P = 1.6 MW = 1.6 * 10^6 Watt

Energy generated in 1.0 Year, E = P*t
E = 34.6/100 * 1.6 * 10^6 * 365 * 24 * 3600 J
E = 1.75 * 10^13 J
Energy generated by the wind turbine, E = 1.75 * 10^13 J

Now,
1kwh = 3.6 * 10^6 J
Total Energy consumed by American household in 1 year = 10500 * 3.6 * 10^6 J
E = 3.78 * 10^10 J

No of Houses one wind turbine can power, = (1.75*10^13)/(3.78*10^10)
No of Houses one wind turbine can power in a year , = 463

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