Question

Problem 2: Estimate the electric power requirement, in kW, of a 1,400 ft2floor area (three bedroomshome) with three occupants. Using your home power estimate, predict the power requirementsfor a city of 300,000 people. Use these results to estimate the area (inkm2)of silicon solar cells requiredto satisfy the community power requirements. Assume, thepower requirements for an average single family home of 3 are 108.4 x 106BTU per year and solar panels insolation

Answer 1

a) 3170 kw

b) 377 km^2

Step-by-step explanation:

Estimate of electric power

a) Given :

Average power consumption for a family of 3 = 108.4 * 106 BTU per year = 0.0317 kw = 31.7 watts

The power requirement for a city of 300000 people

= 31.7 watts * 100000 = 3170000 watts = 3170 kw

b) Given :

Average solar panel insulation = 8.4 W /m^2

Estimate the area of silicon solar cells required to satisfy community power requirement

= (1 * 3170) * (1000/8.4 )

= 377.380 * 10^3 m2 = 377 km^2