My letter to a newsletter author/publisher: I enjoy reading your articles, particularly when they cover energy topics. One thing that would make them easier to read and compare numbers would be the use one unit only when energy per time if of concern. Here are three examples of monetary values for a unit of power: $/W.
- Your $7 billion for 1000 MW is simply 7 $/W. It is a shorter statement and usable for any capital investments when power source or appliance is concerned. - Ivanpah CSP construction cost for the planned output was 18 $/W. It became 54 $/W for the actual wattage averaged during the first two years of operation. - The Unit 2 nuclear plant in CT built in 1975 cost 0.5 $/W then, and 2.4 $/W when adjusted for inflation to today. The wattage reflects the actual, average output during 40 years. Similarly with units for related criteria such as: - Area power density - W/m2. Example: 2 kW/m2 at a nuclear plant for the fenced-in area, actual output for a decade. - Output per employee: A nuclear plant example: 1.8 MW per person, actual wattage for a decade. It is easier to uncover misleading numbers if we resort to these simple units.They are applicable for any power plant (solar or thermal), for planned or actual output, measured in an hour or a decade, etc. The values are easier to remember thus facilitating comparisons. I trust you will receive this comment favorably. Stan Jakuba.
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