Figure 2.7 Basic components of a coal-fired power plant. Example Total consumption of gas, oil, and coal in the United States in 2004 measured 23.8, 42.6, and 24.0 EJ of energy content, respectively. (A) Calculate the ratio of reserves to energy consumption for the United States for these three resources. (B) Discuss the validity of this calculation. Solution From Table 5-4, the total reserves for the United States are 195, 115, and 6750 EJ, respectively. Therefore the ratios are 8.5, 2.8, and 301 for the three fuels. This calculation implies that at current rates, without considering other circumstances, the gas reserves will be consumed in 8.5 years, and the oil reserves in 2.8 years, while the coal reserves will last for more than three centuries. Question can you represent the above figure in any heat cycle (eg. Carnot…etc)? How?
Figure 2.7 Basic components of a coal-fired power plant. Example Total consumption of gas, oil, and coal in the United States in 2004 measured 23.8, 42.6, and 24.0 EJ of energy content, respectively. (A) Calculate the ratio of reserves to energy consumption for the United States for these three resources. (B) Discuss the validity of this calculation. Solution From Table 5-4, the total reserves for the United States are 195, 115, and 6750 EJ, respectively. Therefore the ratios are 8.5, 2.8, and 301 for the three fuels. This calculation implies that at current rates, without considering other circumstances, the gas reserves will be consumed in 8.5 years, and the oil reserves in 2.8 years, while the coal reserves will last for more than three centuries. Question can you represent the above figure in any heat cycle (eg. Carnot…etc)? How?
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