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Assume that house Is maintained at a comfortable temperature by means of an elec

ID: 1717898 • Letter: A

Question

Assume that house Is maintained at a comfortable temperature by means of an electrical resistor heater during winter The heater is operated at a constant current (I) under an applied voltage of 110 V. For simplicity, let us assume that the heater operates at a steady state, with 85% of conversion efficiency from the electrical energy to the Internal energy of air In your house. (4p) Please find I If you pay $11.8/day for heating, with electricity cost $0.11/kWh. (4p) Also, please calculate the heat produced by such a heater during a week.

Explanation / Answer

a)

Total payable amount = 11.8 dollars/day

Electricity cost = 0.11 dollars/kW-hour

We can write

Total Payable amount = Electricity cost*Power consumed*24 (24 for conversion of hours into days)

11.8 = 0.11*Power consumed*24

Power consumed = 4.47 kW

Power consumed can also written as

Power consumed = VI = 110*I = 4.47*1000 W

I = 40.64 A

b)

Power consumed per day = 4.47 kW

Since Heater is 85% efficient

Heat power required = 4.47/0.85 = 5.26 kW

Heat produced during a week = 5.26*7*24*60*60

(1 week = 7 days = 7*24*60*60 seconds)

Heat produced during a week =3181 MJ (mega Joules)