equation) where:
A sample calculation follows:Therefore, the percent growth in China’s coal consumption during this time
was 10%.(b) Maximum 2 points total: 1 point for the correct calculation setup and 1 point
for the correct answer.
One ton of coal produces 30 million Btu (British thermal units, a measure of
energy), and there are 3,000 Btu in 1 kWh. Assume that all of the coal in
China in 2010 was combusted in coal-fired power plants that are 50%
efficient. How many kWh were provided to the electric grid through the
combustion of this type of coal during that year?
While units are not required in the setup, the numbers should be consistent,
and they should demonstrate that the correct mathematical operations were
used. Note that the application of the 50% efficiency can be accomplished in
a number of places in the calculation, but it will simply reduce the value by
one half (e.g., from 3 to 1.5).
(c) Maximum 3 points total: 2 points for adequately describing at least TWO
steps (in the correct order) in the electricity process AND 1 point for
describing a pollution control device that is commonly found in coal-fired
power plants.
Describe the process of converting coal into usable electricity, and describe
ONE pollution control device that could be used to reduce emissions of a
particular air pollutant.
Electricity generation using coal includes all of the following steps: