This is for a science project so I need a valid source. By the question about the size of the unit I mean exactly how many solar cells, how many blades, depth of water, models for all(if possible). I’m not looking for someone to do my science fair project, I just need someone to point me in the right direction!!
Originally posted 2008-12-20 06:59:18.
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Your question is a lot more complicated then you might think. Hydro-electric power is fairly consistent and you can find an equation that would give the rates of electrical generation given a certain turbine and rate of flow of the water (not necessarily related to depth). Wind power is more complicated because of where you site a turbine is the most important thing in determining how much power it will generate. There are equations that will give you the amount of power generated depending on average wind speed. You can then find a average wind speed map from the U.S. Department of Energy website. You should note that it will give you the average windspeed but that it won’t be very specific. Different heights and obstructions will significantly alter the amount of power. Solar power is a bit more straightforward. You can find efficiency rates from solar panel producers and there are also maps that show average solar radiation.
For determining average household consumption of electricity you should take a look at the Energy Information Administration.