How can we make the Kiosk experience better for you?
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the volume of a balloon related to avoided carbon balloons calculated?
The volume of a balloon is 14.1 liters (Assuming that the balloon is spherical in shape, with a radius of 15 cm).
The density of CO2 at 25 degrees Celsius and 1 atmospheric pressure is 1.836 kg/m³.
Converting this density to grams per liter (1 kg = 1000 g and 1 m³ = 1000 liters), the density is 1.836 g/liter.
Therefore, the mass of CO2 that can fill each balloon is calculated as follows:
Mass of CO2 = 14.1 liters * 1.836g/liter = 25.8876gCO2/Balloon.
How are the best times to charge for the day predicted?
The best times to charge for the day uses yesterday’s generation data and consumption data .
This approach suggests typical hours when the site's consumption is covered by solar generation (either directly or via onsite batteries). Daily weather variations may change this typical best time to charge calculation.How is the calculation for avoided liters of petrol determined?
Avoided liters of petrol = (Consumption in kWh of the EV charger asset * 0.031 * 3.785)Where 0.031 is the Electricity Conversion factor to equivalent Gasoline .
3.785 is the conversion factor for Gallons to liters .What do the daily graphs for each widget show?
The daily graphs for each widget show the data for the last 24 hours.How is the CO2 introduced in the atmosphere due to charging at bad times calculated?
CO2 introduced in the atmosphere due to charging at bad times = (72kwh * average grid carbon intensity of the hours when that site used the grid the prior day)/ 25.8876gCO2/Balloon
Where:
25.8876gCO2/Balloon is the mass of CO2 that can fill each balloon calculated in FAQ #1.72 kWh represents the battery capacity of an average EV .
Where do you get the Grid data from?
The Grid data, along with the drilldown of energy sources in the grid is extracted from the API’s of the respective grids.
Understanding the Widgets
Grid Charging an EV Widget: This widget informs users about the environmental impact of charging an electric vehicle from the grid during specific times of the day (1am-2pm, 7pm-10pm). It shows that this charging pattern results in CO2 emissions equivalent to filling 1,939 balloons, as shown in the picture, highlighting the higher carbon footprint associated with grid power compared to cleaner energy sources.
Today's Energy Usage Widget: This widget provides an overview of the building's total energy consumption for the day, such as 1 MWh, and breaks it down into the percentages sourced from the grid (92%) and from onsite solar (8%), as shown in the picture. It visually displays the building's reliance on grid power versus renewable solar energy.
Today's Energy Flow Widget: This widget illustrates the flow of energy within the building, showing how energy is distributed from the grid (93%), solar panels (3%), and batteries (5%), as shown in the picture. It helps users understand the energy mix and the contribution of renewable sources.
Grid Energy Makeup Widget: This widget breaks down the sources of the grid energy consumed by the building, showing a significant portion from non-renewable sources like black coal (79%) and contributions from renewable sources like wind (13%), as shown in the picture. It underscores the environmental benefits of increasing onsite solar usage by highlighting the current dependency on dirtier energy sources.
Solar Power Usage Advice Widget: This widget advises users on the optimal times to use appliances to maximize solar power usage, suggesting periods when solar generation is highest (12am-1am, 2pm-7pm, 10pm-11:59pm), as shown in the picture. It encourages energy consumption patterns that align with solar availability, promoting a reduction in reliance on the grid.
Solar Generation Widget: This widget tracks the amount of energy generated by the solar panels throughout the day, such as a total of 43 kWh, as shown in the picture. It provides a visual representation of solar production over the past 12 hours, helping users monitor solar performance and identify peak generation times.
Last 24 Hours' Energy Consumption Widget: This widget compares the building's energy consumption from solar and grid sources over the last 24 hours. For example, it shows solar energy usage peaking at certain hours while grid usage is higher at other times, as shown in the picture. This promotes awareness of how solar energy can offset grid consumption.
Quiz Widget: This interactive widget engages users with questions related to renewable energy, such as the role of Tasmania in Australia's renewable energy landscape, highlighting that Tasmania is a leader in hydroelectric power, as shown in the picture. It serves as an educational tool to raise awareness about renewable energy sources and regional contributions.
Avoided CO2 Emissions Widget: This widget quantifies the environmental benefits of solar generation by converting the avoided CO2 emissions into an equivalent number of balloons, such as 5,164 balloons, as shown in the picture. It visually communicates the impact of using solar power instead of the grid, reinforcing the importance of renewable energy in reducing carbon footprints.