Diesel-fueled generators are frequently used as backup electrical power sources for homes and hospitals. Consider a Diesel powered generator with an efficiency of 39 percent for an engine speed of idle to about 1,800 rpm (revolutions per minute). If Diesel fuel has a chemical formula of C12H23.
a. Determine the chemical reaction for 1 kmol of Diesel fuel burning with the stoichiometric amount of air.
b. For each kg of Diesel fuel burned, how much CO2 is generated, in kg?
c. Find the higher heating value (HHV) for C12H23 at 25°C, 1 atm.
d. Calculate the amount of Diesel fuel, in kg and in gallons, required to produce a power output of 18 kW to a home for a period of 8 h.
e. Comment on your results.