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Energy and Climate Change

Karl / Sanyal · 3 concepts · 5 questions

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Key Energy Equations

Potential energy: W = m · g · h


Thermal energy (heating a fluid): Q = ρ · cₚ · V · ΔT

  • cₚ,water = 4.2 kJ/(kg·K)
  • ρ_water = 1000 kg/m³

Energy content of a fuel: E = m · H_LHV

  • H_LHV = Lower Heating Value [MJ/kg or kWh/kg]

Thermal power plant efficiency: η_el = P_el / (ṁ_fuel · H_LHV)


Unit conversions to memorize:

  • 1 kWh = 3.6 MJ
  • 1 TOE = 11.63 MWh
  • 1 TWh = 10⁹ kWh