Scenario: Critical thinking Real-life Problem

  Jamal contributes his success as a Master Chef to his Grandma. Jamal is excited to have his Grandma, his muse come and live with him. Jamal learned how to cook by watching his Grandma cook. He remembers spending three weeks with his mother's mother during the summer. Grandma was known for cooking and having all types of good-tasting food in the refrigerator when he came to visit. Unfortunately, Grandma's attention is short and she forgets things. Jamal wanted his Grandma to continue to cook with some modifications in his home. He removed the stove and refrigerator from the kitchen and replaced these items with modern appliances. Jamal would like to equip the kitchen with a house solar battery to run a 120-volt ceiling fan with LED for 6 hours each night, an induction range, a microwave/smart oven, an electric expresso maker, and a smart refrigerator. After reading this module, Your task is to design a complete kitchen with a solar house battery to supply the power needs for Jamal's kitchen that will be reliable and economical and explain why it appears to best suit his needs. Assume that all devices may be operated simultaneously for short periods of time for maximum reliability. The kitchen remodeling must be completed and functional within a long weekend (three days). You have $15,000 to spend on the whole project. You will present your design with details in a PowerPoint format. Explain why you select each of the items in your kitchen and keep track of your cost. Here are some pertinent facts to get you started: ~Average sunlight per day during summer months = 10 hours and winter months 6 hours ~ Number of expected consecutive overcast days without full sun = 2 LED lights draw ~ 24 watts ~ Microwave/convection oven ~ Induction cooking top (2) , ~ two solar tunnels ~ Refrigerator rated at ~ 1.5 amps at 120 volts (daily power estimate = 600 watt-hours) Peak power may reach 540 watts for a moment when the compressor starts ~ Expresso maker requires a peak of 1450 watts but averages 1000 watts an hour, assume it will run for 8 minutes a day.  

Sample Solution

   

Designing a Solar-Powered Kitchen for Jamal

Introduction

Jamal, a renowned chef, attributes his culinary success to his grandmother's tutelage and her passion for cooking. Inspired by her legacy, Jamal welcomes his grandmother to live with him and share her culinary expertise. However, her memory lapses pose a challenge in a traditional kitchen setup. To address this concern and ensure her safety, Jamal decides to remodel his kitchen with modern appliances powered by a solar house battery. The goal is to create a functional, reliable, and economical kitchen that aligns with Jamal's needs and his grandmother's well-being.

Full Answer Section

    Kitchen Design and Appliance Selection

To ensure Jamal's grandmother's safety and convenience, the kitchen layout prioritizes ease of movement and accessibility. The appliances are chosen based on their energy efficiency, safety features, and user-friendly design.

  1. Induction Range: Induction cooking offers safety benefits as it requires direct contact with cookware to generate heat, preventing accidental burns. Additionally, induction ranges are energy efficient, consuming less power compared to traditional electric or gas ranges.
  2. Microwave/Smart Oven: A combination microwave and convection oven provides versatility and convenience. The microwave function allows for quick heating and reheating, while the convection oven offers efficient baking and roasting capabilities.
  3. Electric Espresso Maker: An electric espresso maker is a convenient and efficient way to prepare espresso at home. It offers precise temperature control and consistent results with minimal effort.
  4. Smart Refrigerator: A smart refrigerator offers advanced features that promote food safety and organization. It can monitor temperature fluctuations, track food expiration dates, and provide remote access for inventory management.
  5. 120-Volt Ceiling Fan with LED: A ceiling fan with LED lights provides both ventilation and illumination, enhancing the kitchen's comfort and ambiance. LED lights are energy efficient and long-lasting, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

Solar House Battery System

A solar house battery system is crucial for providing reliable power to Jamal's kitchen appliances. The system should be designed to meet the daily power requirements and ensure sufficient backup during overcast periods.

  1. Solar Panels: Considering an average daily sunlight of 10 hours during summer months, a solar panel array of approximately 1.5 kW should be sufficient to generate the required energy. This array can be mounted on the roof or in a suitable outdoor location.
  2. Solar Charge Controller: A solar charge controller regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the battery, preventing overcharging and ensuring optimal battery performance. It also provides protection against electrical overloads and short circuits.
  3. Solar House Battery: A deep-cycle solar house battery with a capacity of around 10 kWh should provide ample storage for the kitchen's energy needs. This capacity can accommodate two consecutive overcast days without full sun.

Cost Estimation

The total cost for the kitchen remodeling project is estimated to be within the $15,000 budget.

  1. Kitchen Appliances: Induction range ($500), microwave/smart oven ($300), electric espresso maker ($100), smart refrigerator ($1,500), 120-volt ceiling fan with LED ($100)
  2. Solar House Battery System: Solar panels ($1,000), solar charge controller ($100), solar house battery ($2,500)
  3. Installation and Labor: Kitchen remodeling costs ($5,000), solar system installation ($2,000)

Why This Design Best Suits Jamal's Needs

The proposed kitchen design and solar house battery system offer several advantages that align with Jamal's needs:

  1. Safety: The induction range and smart refrigerator prioritize safety, minimizing potential risks for Jamal's grandmother.
  2. Convenience: The user-friendly appliances and smart refrigerator enhance convenience and ease of use.
  3. Energy Efficiency: The energy-efficient appliances and solar house battery system reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
  4. Reliability: The solar house battery system provides a reliable source of power, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the kitchen appliances.
  5. Cost-Effectiveness: The project's cost falls within the $15,000 budget, making it a financially viable solution.

Conclusion

The proposed kitchen design and solar house battery system provide a functional, reliable, and economical solution for Jamal's needs. The carefully selected appliances prioritize safety, convenience, and energy efficiency, while the solar house battery system ensures a reliable power source. This design aligns with Jamal's desire to create a comfortable and safe environment for his grandmother while preserving her culinary legacy.

 

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