More power related maths

From the previous post on fuels (Petrol or Diesel) 3.2 GJoules of energy costs, let’s say, $150. It follows if, assuming that the fuel is burnt most efficiently by a very good generator – giving say 30% conversion of fuel energy to electricity, then that 3.2GJoules*0.3=960 MJoules of electrical energy can be had from that fuel with that generator.

From experience small sites (such as the caravan park at Douglas Daly Waters) typically need ~ 10 KVA (to keep the bar and kitchen fridges and pumps going). Working backwards 960Mj will last 27 hours @10KVA so on that basis 270 kWh cost $150 – to keep the maths simple I’ve assumed a power factor of 1 – hence, excluding maintenance and depreciation, their per kWh cost is $0.56 – around double the utility price!

Of course, if they offer “powered sites” they may need to run a second generator!

Obviously, subsidised diesel ($1.20 per litre I believe) would makes the cost of a kWh $0.44 (almost twice what ‘townies’ pay!) – and that too excludes maintenance and depreciation costs.

Let’s not forget that at such diesel-powered remote sites electricity also comes with noise and pollution – which is weird given that peace and quiet surely must be the imagined reward for living far away from the convenience of town-life?

That’s costing the business $219,000.00 per annum – not allowing for maintenance, depreciation or ‘hot days’ (when even more diesel is used) – and that’s assuming they get the $1.20 (subsidised) price – and ignores the cost they’ve got to pay to get it there!

It’s not like they don’t get enough Sun for PV to work for them.