A Typical Wind Turbine Produces 2.75 MW Of Power And Has A $42\%$ Capacity Factor. How Many Homes That Use 900 KWh Per Month (30 Days) Can The Wind Turbine Support?

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A typical wind turbine produces 2.75 MW of power and has a 42% capacity factor. How many homes that use 900 kWh per month (30 days) can the wind turbine support?

Understanding the Problem

To determine the number of homes that a wind turbine can support, we need to calculate the total energy produced by the turbine in a month. We are given that the turbine produces 2.75 MW of power and has a 42% capacity factor.

Capacity Factor

The capacity factor is a measure of how often a power plant or wind turbine operates at its maximum capacity. It is calculated as the ratio of the actual output to the maximum possible output. In this case, the capacity factor is 42%, which means that the turbine operates at its maximum capacity for 42% of the time.

Calculating the Total Energy Produced

To calculate the total energy produced by the turbine in a month, we need to multiply the power output by the number of hours in a month. There are 30 days in a month, and each day has 24 hours, so there are a total of 720 hours in a month.

We can calculate the total energy produced as follows:

Total Energy Produced = Power Output x Capacity Factor x Number of Hours in a Month = 2.75 MW x 0.42 x 720 hours = 9,792,000 kWh

Calculating the Number of Homes Supported

Now that we have calculated the total energy produced by the turbine in a month, we can calculate the number of homes that it can support. We are given that each home uses 900 kWh of energy per month.

To calculate the number of homes supported, we can divide the total energy produced by the energy used by each home:

Number of Homes Supported = Total Energy Produced / Energy Used by Each Home = 9,792,000 kWh / 900 kWh = 10,960 homes

Conclusion

In conclusion, a typical wind turbine that produces 2.75 MW of power and has a 42% capacity factor can support approximately 10,960 homes that use 900 kWh of energy per month.

Factors Affecting the Number of Homes Supported

There are several factors that can affect the number of homes supported by a wind turbine, including:

  • Capacity Factor: The capacity factor is a measure of how often a power plant or wind turbine operates at its maximum capacity. A higher capacity factor means that the turbine can support more homes.
  • Power Output: The power output of the turbine is the amount of energy that it produces per hour. A higher power output means that the turbine can support more homes.
  • Energy Used by Each Home: The energy used by each home is the amount of energy that it consumes per month. A lower energy usage per home means that the turbine can support more homes.

Real-World Applications

Wind turbines are used to generate electricity in many parts of the world. They are a clean and renewable source of energy that can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

In addition to supporting homes, wind turbines can also be used to power businesses, schools, and other organizations. They can also be used to charge electric vehicles and power electric grids.

Limitations of Wind Turbines

While wind turbines are a clean and renewable source of energy, they do have some limitations. These include:

  • Intermittency: Wind turbines are intermittent sources of energy, meaning that they only produce energy when the wind is blowing.
  • Location: Wind turbines require a specific location with strong and consistent winds to operate effectively.
  • Maintenance: Wind turbines require regular maintenance to ensure that they operate efficiently and safely.

Future of Wind Turbines

The future of wind turbines looks bright, with many countries investing in wind energy to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Advances in technology have made wind turbines more efficient and cost-effective, making them a viable option for many communities.

In conclusion, wind turbines are a clean and renewable source of energy that can support many homes and businesses. While they have some limitations, they are an important part of our transition to a more sustainable energy future.

References

  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2020). Wind Energy Technologies Office.
  • International Energy Agency. (2020). Wind Energy Market Report.
  • American Wind Energy Association. (2020). Wind Energy Facts.

Glossary

  • Capacity Factor: A measure of how often a power plant or wind turbine operates at its maximum capacity.
  • Power Output: The amount of energy that a wind turbine produces per hour.
  • Energy Used by Each Home: The amount of energy that each home consumes per month.
  • Intermittency: The fact that wind turbines only produce energy when the wind is blowing.
  • Location: The specific location required for a wind turbine to operate effectively.
  • Maintenance: The regular maintenance required to ensure that wind turbines operate efficiently and safely.
    A typical wind turbine produces 2.75 MW of power and has a 42% capacity factor. How many homes that use 900 kWh per month (30 days) can the wind turbine support?

Understanding the Problem

To determine the number of homes that a wind turbine can support, we need to calculate the total energy produced by the turbine in a month. We are given that the turbine produces 2.75 MW of power and has a 42% capacity factor.

Capacity Factor

The capacity factor is a measure of how often a power plant or wind turbine operates at its maximum capacity. It is calculated as the ratio of the actual output to the maximum possible output. In this case, the capacity factor is 42%, which means that the turbine operates at its maximum capacity for 42% of the time.

Calculating the Total Energy Produced

To calculate the total energy produced by the turbine in a month, we need to multiply the power output by the number of hours in a month. There are 30 days in a month, and each day has 24 hours, so there are a total of 720 hours in a month.

We can calculate the total energy produced as follows:

Total Energy Produced = Power Output x Capacity Factor x Number of Hours in a Month = 2.75 MW x 0.42 x 720 hours = 9,792,000 kWh

Calculating the Number of Homes Supported

Now that we have calculated the total energy produced by the turbine in a month, we can calculate the number of homes that it can support. We are given that each home uses 900 kWh of energy per month.

To calculate the number of homes supported, we can divide the total energy produced by the energy used by each home:

Number of Homes Supported = Total Energy Produced / Energy Used by Each Home = 9,792,000 kWh / 900 kWh = 10,960 homes

Q&A

Q: What is the capacity factor of a wind turbine? A: The capacity factor of a wind turbine is a measure of how often it operates at its maximum capacity. In this case, the capacity factor is 42%.

Q: How is the capacity factor calculated? A: The capacity factor is calculated as the ratio of the actual output to the maximum possible output.

Q: What is the power output of the wind turbine? A: The power output of the wind turbine is 2.75 MW.

Q: How many hours are in a month? A: There are 720 hours in a month.

Q: How is the total energy produced calculated? A: The total energy produced is calculated by multiplying the power output by the capacity factor and the number of hours in a month.

Q: How many homes can the wind turbine support? A: The wind turbine can support approximately 10,960 homes that use 900 kWh of energy per month.

Q: What are the limitations of wind turbines? A: Wind turbines are intermittent sources of energy, meaning that they only produce energy when the wind is blowing. They also require a specific location with strong and consistent winds to operate effectively, and they require regular maintenance to ensure that they operate efficiently and safely.

Q: What is the future of wind turbines? A: The future of wind turbines looks bright, with many countries investing in wind energy to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Advances in technology have made wind turbines more efficient and cost-effective, making them a viable option for many communities.

Q: What are some real-world applications of wind turbines? A: Wind turbines are used to generate electricity in many parts of the world. They are a clean and renewable source of energy that can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. They can also be used to power businesses, schools, and other organizations, and to charge electric vehicles and power electric grids.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about wind turbines? A: Some common misconceptions about wind turbines include the idea that they are noisy, that they are unsightly, and that they are not a reliable source of energy. However, these misconceptions are not supported by the facts. Wind turbines are generally quiet, and they can be designed to be visually appealing. They are also a reliable source of energy, and they can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Q: How can I get involved in the wind energy industry? A: There are many ways to get involved in the wind energy industry, including working for a wind energy company, investing in wind energy projects, and advocating for wind energy policies. You can also learn more about wind energy by taking courses or attending conferences and workshops.

Q: What are some of the benefits of wind energy? A: Some of the benefits of wind energy include the fact that it is a clean and renewable source of energy, that it can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and that it can create jobs and stimulate local economies.