A water jet that leaves a nozzle at 60 m/s at a flow rate of 120 kg/s is to be used to generate power by striking the buckets located on the perimeter of a wheel. Determine the power generation potential of this water jet.

216000 W or 216 kW

Explanation:

Power: This can be defined as the rate at which energy is consumed or used, The S. I unit of power is Watt (W)

Generally,

Power = Energy/time

P = E/t ... Equation 1.

But

E = 1/2mv² ... Equation 2

Where m = mass, v = velocity.

Substitute equation 2 into equation 1

P = 1/2mv²/t ... Equation 3

Let flow rate (Q) = m/t

Q = m/t ... Equation 4

Substitute equation 4 into equation 3

P = Qv²/2 ... Equation 5

Where Q = flow rate, v = velocity, P = power.

Given: Q = 120 kg/s, v = 60 m/s

Substitute into equation 5

P = 120 (60) ²/2

P = 60 (60) ²

P = 60*3600

P = 216000 W.

Thus the power generation potential of the water jet = 216000 W or 216 kW