How many kWh will a 23MW generator make in 1 year

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy output of a 23MW generator over the span of one year, specifically in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and exploring the implications of that energy output in terms of driving Tesla cars at highway speeds. The conversation includes aspects of mathematical reasoning and practical applications of energy generation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how many kWh a 23MW generator would produce in one year and how that translates to driving distance for Tesla cars.
  • Another participant provides a calculation method, suggesting that 1MW equals 1,000 kWh/h and proposes a formula for annual generation based on continuous operation.
  • A participant confirms the calculation of 8,760,000 kWh for the year based on the provided formula.
  • One participant calculates that this energy output could allow for driving 3,066,000 miles per year, although there is uncertainty about the calculation method used.
  • A later reply questions the accuracy of the driving distance calculation and seeks clarification on how it was derived.
  • Another participant mentions their involvement in a design group focused on non-fossil fuel electricity generation and references total energy production data for context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the driving distance calculation, as participants express uncertainty and seek clarification. Additionally, the discussion touches on whether the original question pertains to schoolwork, which remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the calculations and the context of the question, particularly whether it is related to academic work. There are also references to specific energy consumption rates and total energy production figures that may influence the discussion.

CherryB
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TL;DR
How many Tesla miles can be driven per year using a 23MW generator?
If a power plant generates at 23MW, how many kWh will be generated in 1 year? And how many miles could you drive Tesla cars, at highway speeds (70mph), in one year?

Thanks
 
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Simple multiplication and division:

1 MW = 1000 kW = 1000 kWh/h = 1000 kWh/year * hours/year = 24 * 365.25 * 1000 kWh/year

But I see you have already done that:
CherryB said:
Would that work for generation as well? If a generator puts out 1MegaWatt then it would follow that
1MW x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year=8,760 MWh or 8,760,000 kWH? Thank you

Divide by energy consumption , e.g. 0.35 kWh / mile to get miles/year
 
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Thank you for helping me through this. I get 3,066,000 miles per year.
 
CherryB said:
Thank you for helping me through this. I get 3,066,000 miles per year.
Is this a question for schoolwork?
 
CherryB said:
I get 3,066,000 miles per year.
How ?
 
I multiplied 8,760,000 kWH by 0.3, but now I think I probably did the inverse instead. I'm in a design group, and the challenge is to imagine a non-fossil fuel way of making electricity, and I'm trying to figure out how many power plants of this size can power the US. I found out that in 2019 total production was 4.13 billion kWh, and one of the plant sizes is 23MW.
 
berkeman said:
Is this a question for schoolwork?
Thread locked for now. You did not answer my question. If you want your thread re-opened, send me a message (click my username and "Start a conversation"). We do not allow schoolwork questions in the technical forums (for obvious reasons).
 

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