Biomass can be used to create ethanol fuel. It can also be used to generate electricity, that can then be used to charge electric vehicles (EVs). In this problem, you will determine whether ethanol or electricity can provide a higher biomass-to-wheel efficiency. Assume that one hectare of cropland can produce 14 tons of dry switchgrass per year and that dry switchgrass has an energy density of 15 MJ/kg. Assume switchgrass is used to produce ethanol for use in 100% ethanol-fueled vehicles. How much land (in km2 ) would be required for switchgrass production to provide enough ethanol to meet the fuel demand of all cars in the United States? Assume 264 million cars traveling an average of 13,000 mi/year with an average fuel economy of 24 miles/gallon ethanol. Roughly which US state is this land area comparable to?
Biomass can be used to create ethanol fuel. It can also be used to generate electricity, that can then be used to charge electric vehicles (EVs). In this problem, you will determine whether ethanol or electricity can provide a higher biomass-to-wheel efficiency. Assume that one hectare of cropland can produce 14 tons of dry switchgrass per year and that dry switchgrass has an energy density of 15 MJ/kg.
Assume switchgrass is used to produce ethanol for use in 100% ethanol-fueled vehicles. How much land (in km2 ) would be required for switchgrass production to provide enough ethanol to meet the fuel demand of all cars in the United States? Assume 264 million cars traveling an average of 13,000 mi/year with an average fuel economy of 24 miles/gallon ethanol. Roughly which US state is this land area comparable to?
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