Help : isolated system-conservation of mechnaical energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the rate at which water can be pumped into a tank using energy generated by a windmill. The windmill has a diameter of 2.3 meters and an efficiency of 27.5%. The kinetic energy of the wind is calculated using the formula Ekin = 1/2mv^2, with air density at 1.29 kg/m³ and wind speed at 11.0 m/s. The potential energy required to lift water from a depth of 32.5 meters to a height of 2.3 meters is also considered, utilizing the formula mgh, where g is 9.8 m/s².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations (Ekin = 1/2mv^2)
  • Knowledge of potential energy concepts (mgh)
  • Familiarity with windmill efficiency metrics
  • Basic principles of fluid dynamics and mass flow rate
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the area of the windmill using the formula A = π(diameter/2)²
  • Determine the mass flow rate of air impacting the windmill
  • Calculate the total energy output of the windmill based on its efficiency
  • Convert the energy output into a flow rate of water in liters per minute
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, mechanical engineering, and renewable energy sectors who are interested in understanding the conversion of wind energy into mechanical work and its applications in fluid pumping systems.

cgt32
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can canyone here help me with this physics problem:
Air moving at 11.0 m/s in a steady winds encounters a windmill of diameter 2.3m and having an efficiency of 27.5 %. The energy generated by the windmill is used to pump water from a well 32.5m deep into a tank 2.30m above the ground. At what rate in liters per minute can water be pumped into the tank?

This is what I have so far:
Ekin = 1/2mv^2
Density for air is: 1.29 kg/m^3
The time for this energy to form is 1 sec.
m = ( a * v * A ) ... where A is air density and v is velocity, a in this case is area of the windmill, which is pi(diameter/2)^2

Thus
Ekin = 1/2 (a * v * A)

So :
Ekin * 25% = energy generated by the windmill

After that, I'm lost. But I think it has to do something with potential energy.
 
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Originally posted by cgt32

This is what I have so far:
Ekin = 1/2mv^2
Density for air is: 1.29 kg/m^3
The time for this energy to form is 1 sec.
m = ( a * v * A ) ... where A is air density and v is velocity, a in this case is area of the windmill, which is pi(diameter/2)^2

Thus
Ekin = 1/2 (a * v * A)
That should be v^3
Originally posted by cgt32

So :
Ekin * 25% = energy generated by the windmill

After that, I'm lost. But I think it has to do something with potential energy.
The energy needed to raise mass m a height h is mgh where g is acceleration of gravity (9.8 m/sec/sec). This should give you enough info to do the problem.
 

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