Energy - Wind Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment - page 31

10. OM: If electricity demand increases by 50% over the next 30 years for China, how many
300 MW coal plants would have to be installed by the end of 30 years? What is the total
cost for those coal plants at $2,000/kW?
11. OM: For problem 10, how many metric tons of coal would be needed for that thirtieth
year? Assume plants operate at 90% capacity and 40% efficiency.
12. What is the efficiency at a nuclear power plant if the incoming steam is at 700°C and the
outgoing steam is at 320°C? Remember, you have to use Kelvin.
13. The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute tested a 100 kW ocean thermal energy conversion
(OTEC) system. The surface temperature is 30°C, and at a depth of 1 km the temperature
is 10°C. Calculate the maximum theoretical efficiency of an OTEC engine. Remember,
you have to use Kelvin.
14. For a binary-cycle, geothermal power plant the incoming temperature is 110°C and the
outgoing temperature is 71°C. Calculate the maximum theoretical efficiency of that steam
turbine.
15. OM: Use the coal reserves of the United States. At today's rate of consumption, how long
would they last for the United States?
16. OM: Assume a growth rate of coal consumption for the United States of 10% per year,
because they are going to also use coal for liquid fuels. How long will the U.S. coal last?
17. OM: Assume a growth rate of coal consumption for China of 15% per year. How long
will the China coal last?
18. For your home, estimate the power installed for lighting. Then estimate the energy used
for lighting for 1 year.
19. Estimate the energy saved if you converted your home lighting from incandescent to
compact fluorescent lights. Fluorescent lights are more efficient, more light per watt.
20. What is the maximum power (electrical) used by your residence (assume all your appli-
ances, lights, etc. are on at the same time)?
21. OM: World oil production will peak during 2008 to 2015. Estimated reserves are 2 * 10 12
bbl. How long will that last at the present rate of consumption?
22. OM: Same as previous problem, but assume a demand increase of 2.5% per year. How
long will the oil last?
23. OM: Calculate how long world coal reserves will last if world demand increases at a rate
of 5% per year.
24. OM: The United States now has 200 million cars, which consume 10 million barrels of
gasoline per day. Suppose the Chinese government goal is the same ratio of people to cars
within 30 years. How many cars will they have and how many barrels of oil will they be
consuming per year?
A nuclear power plant uses around 3 * 10 4 kg of uranium oxide to generate 1 TWH of
electricity.
25. OM: How long will U.S. uranium last for the present installed nuclear power plants?
26. OM: Same as problem 25, except assume a 2%/year growth in nuclear power plants.
27. OM: How long will world uranium last for the present world nuclear power plants?
28. OM: Same as problem 27, except assume a 4%/year growth in nuclear power plants.