Run the utility located at:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs//lab/energy/research
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This activity asks you to design a renewable energy infrastructure for one of five American cities. You must choose between the five cities. Clicking on the “potential” map for each type of energy can help you make the decision of which city to choose, which then determines the type of system(s) to use.
Based on the potential maps in your own research and decision, “accept” the “challenge” to build a system in any of the possible cities. You may try as many different simulations as you like before settling on the one you would like to submit for your assignment.
Watch the related videos available before trying any design simulation. Then try the simulation.
After completing the simulation (as many times as you like), answer the following questions.
1. Name the city you chose and the types of renewable energy you used. Explain why those types of energy are considered renewable. Also explain why those types of energy are available in abundance in the city you chose. Outside research may be required to complete this question.
2. Discuss the factors that you have to choose from with regard to each of the types of power in your design. For example, solar energy requires you to decide on area and efficiency, while wind requires you to decide the diameter of each windmill and the number of windmills to produce. Explain why these factors vary depending on where in the country you are.
3. Describe how each factor in your decision contributed to the efficiency of your system.
4. State the results of the final time you completed the simulation in terms of tons of carbon dioxide saved and cost per ton. Which specific decisions that you made improved the results of your simulation?