LAB SESSION: 01

 Objective:
To study the solar energy of power plants
Apparatus:
 Linear concentrating systems
 Solar power towers
 Solar dish/engine systems

Theory:
 Solar Energy:
Solar energy refers to the energy that is harnessed from the sun's radiation and
converted into usable forms of energy such as electricity or heat. Solar energy
technologies use photovoltaic cells (solar cells) to directly convert sunlight into
electricity, or use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a smaller area to
generate heat that can be used to drive turbines or produce steam, which in turn
generate electricity.
Different forms of energy are defined as primary and secondary energy,
commercial and noncommercial energy, renewable and nonrenewable energy.
  Primary and Secondary Energy:
Primary energy refers to energy that has not been converted into another form,
such as electricity. In the case of solar energy, primary energy is the energy that
comes directly from the sun in the form of sunlight. This energy can be harnessed
using solar panels, which convert the sunlight into electricity or heat.
Secondary energy, on the other hand, refers to energy that has been converted
from its original form into another form, such as electricity or heat. Solar energy
can also be used to generate secondary energy through a variety of methods, such
as:
 Solar thermal power plants
 Photovoltaic (PV) cells
 Solar water heaters

 Renewable Energy:
The sun is a source of renewable energy. Solar energy is harnessed by capturing
the sunlight using photovoltaic cells or solar panels and converting it into
electricity. This process doesn't require any fuel or emit any greenhouse gases,
making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable source of energy.
Additionally, the sun is an abundant source of energy, with enough energy hitting
the Earth's surface in just one hour to power the entire world for a year.

 Solar Radiations:
Solar radiation is the primary source of energy for solar power plants. Solar power
plants use photovoltaic (PV) cells or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems to
convert solar radiation into electrical energy.
PV cells are made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, that absorb
photons from the sun and release electrons, creating an electric current. The PV
cells are typically arranged in panels that are mounted on a support structure,
such as a roof or a ground-mounted rack.
CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate solar radiation onto a small area,
which heats a fluid, such as water or oil, that drives a turbine to generate
electricity.

 Sun – Earth angles:

The angles between the Sun and Earth depend on the relative positions of the two
celestial bodies, as well as the observer's location on Earth. Some of the angles
that are commonly used to describe the position of the Sun in relation to Earth
are:
Zenith angle: The angle between the Sun and the observer's zenith (the point
directly overhead).
Altitude angle: The angle between the Sun and the observer's horizon (the line
that separates the sky and the ground).
Azimuth angle: The angle between the Sun and the observer's north or south
direction, measured clockwise from north.
Solar declination: The angle between the Sun and the celestial equator (the
imaginary line in the sky that is directly above Earth's equator).

Applications of solar Energy:

 Electricity generation
 Desalination
 Rural Electrification
 Photovoltaic (PV)
 Solar Water Pumping
LAB SESSION: 02
Objective:
To study the geothermal energy power plants

Apparatus:

 Geothermal energy
 Power generation
 Turbine
 Geothermal fluids
 Organic rankine cycle

Theory:

Geothermal Energy is a form of renewable energy that is derived from the heat
stored within the Earth's crust. This heat can be accessed through natural hot
springs, geysers, and volcanic activity, or it can be extracted through the use of
geothermal power plants.

Geothermal energy has several advantages over other forms of renewable energy.
For example, it is a constant and reliable source of energy, unlike wind and solar
power, which are dependent on weather conditions. Geothermal power plants
also have a relatively small footprint and do not produce significant amounts of
greenhouse gas emissions.

However, there are also some challenges associated with geothermal energy. One
of the main challenges is that it is only accessible in certain regions of the world,
where there is significant volcanic activity or hot springs. Another challenge is that
the drilling and maintenance of geothermal wells can be expensive.

 Types of Geothermal Energy:

There are three main types of geothermal power plants:

 dry steam
 flash steam
 and binary cycle

Each type uses a different method to extract and utilize geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy is a highly efficient form of energy. Unlike other renewable
energy sources, such as wind and solar power, geothermal energy is available
24/7, and can be used to generate electricity with a high degree of reliability.
  WHERE IS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FOUND? :

Geothermal energy is found in areas where there is significant heat flow from the
Earth's interior to the surface.

Volcanic regions: Geothermal energy can be found in regions where there is

active or dormant volcanic activity. This includes places like Iceland, the Pacific
Ring of Fire, and parts of the United States.

Hot springs and geysers: Hot springs and geysers are natural features that occur
when groundwater is heated by geothermal energy. These can be found in many
parts of the world, including Yellowstone National Park in the United States and
Rotorua in New Zealand.

Overall, geothermal energy can be found in many different parts of the world, but
it is most commonly found in areas with high heat flow or volcanic activity.

 Uses of Geothermal Energy:

Geothermal energy is the heat energy that is generated and stored beneath the
earth's surface. It can be used for various purposes, including:

Electricity Generation: Geothermal power plants generate electricity by using the

steam or hot water produced by geothermal reservoirs. This energy source is
renewable and can produce power consistently, making it an excellent alternative
to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation.
Heating: Geothermal energy can be used to heat homes, buildings, and
greenhouses. A geothermal heat pump system can extract heat from the ground
and distribute it through pipes to provide heating and cooling for a building.

Agriculture: Geothermal energy can be used to power greenhouses and provide

heat for crops. The constant temperature of geothermal water can help grow
crops all year round and improve their quality and yield.

Industrial Processes: Geothermal energy can be used in industrial processes such

as food processing, chemical manufacturing, and paper production. It can provide
a reliable source of heat and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, resulting in
reduced emission.

 Geothermal Power Plants:

Geothermal power plants are facilities that generate electricity by tapping into the
Earth's natural heat energy. The process involves drilling deep into the ground to
access hot water and steam, which is then used to drive turbines and generate
electricity.

There are two main types of geothermal power plants:

Dry steam power plants: These plants use steam that is naturally produced in
underground reservoirs. The steam is piped directly to the power plant, where it is
used to turn turbines and generate electricity.

Flash steam power plants: These plants are the most common type of geothermal
power plant. They use hot water from underground reservoirs to create steam,
which is then used to turn turbines and generate electricity.
Geothermal power plants have a number of advantages over other types of power
plants. They are highly reliable, as the heat energy from the Earth is always
available. They are also highly efficient and produce very little greenhouse gas
emissions. However, the cost of building and operating geothermal power plants
can be high, and they are only feasible in areas where there is a sufficient supply
of hot water or steam close to the surface.

 Applications Geothermal Energy:

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that utilizes heat from the
earth's core to generate electricity or provide heating and cooling. Here are some
applications of geothermal energy:

 Electricity generation
 Heating and cooling
 Agriculture
 Industrial processes
 Mineral extraction
 Spa and wellness
LAB SESSION: 03

Objective:
To study the wind energy of power plants

Apparatus:

 Generator
 Controller
 Motor
 Drive and driven

 Animo meter Theory

Theory:

 Wind Energy:

Wind energy is a form of renewable energy that is harnessed from the wind. This
energy is generated by wind turbines, which are usually installed in windy areas
like hilltops, coastlines, or open plains. When the wind turns the blades of a wind
turbine, it rotates a shaft that drives a generator, which produces electricity. The
electricity generated by the wind turbine is then transmitted through a power grid
to homes, businesses, and industries.

Wind energy is considered to be one of the cleanest and most sustainable forms
of energy, as it does not produce any emissions or pollutants, and the wind is a
never-ending resource. It has become an increasingly important source of energy
in recent years, and many countries are investing heavily in wind power as a way
to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

 Wind Turbine:

A wind turbine is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind into
electrical energy. It typically consists of a tower, rotor blades, a hub, and a
generator. As the wind blows, it causes the rotor blades to turn, which then spins
the generator to produce electricity.

 Types of Wind Turbine:

There are two main types of wind turbines:

 Horizontal-axis turbines
 Vertical-axis turbines

Horizontal-axis turbines have blades that rotate around a horizontal axis, while
vertical-axis turbines have blades that rotate around a vertical axis. Horizontal-axis
turbines are the most commonly used type in commercial wind farms.
  Components of Wind Turbine:

A wind turbine is a device that converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical
energy. The basic components of a wind turbine include:

Rotor blades: These are the long, curved blades that capture the kinetic energy of
the wind and turn it into rotational energy.

Rotor hub: This is the central part of the rotor that connects the blades to the
main shaft.

Main shaft: This is the shaft that transfers the rotational energy from the rotor to
the generator.

Generator: This is the device that converts the rotational energy from the main
shaft into electrical energy.

Nacelle: This is the enclosure that houses the main components of the wind
turbine, including the rotor hub, main shaft, and generator.

Tower: This is the tall structure that supports the wind turbine, allowing it to
capture the energy of the wind at higher altitudes where the wind is stronger and
more consistent.
  How the System Works:

Wind energy is created by the movement of air. The sun's heat causes air to warm
and rise, and the rotation of the Earth causes the air to be displaced from areas of
high pressure to areas of low pressure, creating wind. Wind energy is generated
by harnessing the kinetic energy of this movement.

Wind turbines, which are large machines with two or three blades that rotate
around a horizontal axis, are used to capture the wind's energy. The blades are
designed to be aerodynamic and capture as much wind as possible. When the
wind blows, the blades turn, which in turn rotates the shaft connected to a
generator.

The generator then converts the rotational energy from the wind turbine into
electrical energy. This electrical energy is then transmitted to a power grid where
it can be distributed to homes, businesses, and other use.

 Applications of Wind Turbine:

Applications of the wind turbine is given bellow:

 Electricity generation
 Water pumping
 Offshore power generation
 Hybrid power systems
 Mobile power generation
LAB SESSION: 04
Objective:
The study of biogas based power plants.

Theory:

 Biogas Energy:

Biogas energy is a renewable energy source that is generated by the breakdown of

organic matter, such as plant and animal waste, in the absence of oxygen. This
process, called anaerobic digestion, produces a mixture of gases, primarily
methane and carbon dioxide, that can be used as fuel.

There are several ways to use biogas energy, including for heating and electricity
generation. Biogas can be burned directly in a boiler or furnace to produce heat,
or it can be used to fuel a generator to produce electricity. Biogas can also be
processed and upgraded to produce biomethane, a renewable natural gas that
can be used as a transportation fuel or injected into the natural gas grid.
  Process of Biogas Energy Production:

Biogas is a type of renewable energy that is produced by the breakdown of

organic matter such as animal waste, plant material, and food waste. The process
of producing biogas involves the following steps:

Collection of feedstock: The first step in producing biogas is to collect the

feedstock, which is the organic material that will be used to produce the gas. This
can include animal waste, plant material, and food waste.

Anaerobic digestion: The next step is to place the feedstock in an anaerobic

digester, which is a sealed container where the organic material is broken down by
bacteria in the absence of oxygen. This process produces biogas, which is a
mixture of methane, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

Gas storage and purification: The biogas is then stored in a gas storage system,
where it can be used to generate electricity or heat. Before it can be used, the
biogas must be purified to remove impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, which can
damage equipment.

Gas utilization: The purified biogas can be used to generate electricity or heat in a
variety of ways, including as fuel for engines or turbines, or as a source of heat for
industrial processes or buildings.
  Applications of Biogas Energy:

Biogas energy, which is produced from organic materials such as animal and plant
waste, has a range of applications across various sectors. Here are some common
applications of biogas energy:

Electricity generation: Biogas can be used to generate electricity by burning it in a

biogas generator or turbine. This electricity can then be used to power homes,
businesses, and even entire communities.

Heating and cooling: Biogas can be used as a fuel for heating and cooling
applications, such as space heating, water heating, and refrigeration.

Cooking: Biogas can be used as a fuel for cooking in households, particularly in

rural areas where other sources of fuel may not be readily available.

Transportation: Biogas can be compressed and used as a fuel for vehicles,

particularly in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG).

Fertilizer production: The residual material left over after biogas production,
called digestate, is a nutrient-rich fertilizer that can be used in agriculture.

Waste management: Biogas production can help reduce the amount of organic
waste that goes to landfills, which can help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, biogas energy is a versatile and sustainable source of energy that can be
used across multiple sectors, making it a valuable tool for achieving a more
sustainable future.
LAB SESSION: 05
Objective:
The study of biofuel based power plants.

Theory:

 Biofuel:
Biofuel is a type of fuel that is derived from renewable biological resources, such
as crops, waste, and algae. It is considered a viable alternative to traditional fossil
fuels because it is less harmful to the environment and produces fewer
greenhouse gas emissions.

Biofuels can be used in a variety of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and airplanes,
and can also be used to generate electricity. They are often blended with
traditional fossil fuels to create a fuel blend that reduces emissions.

While biofuels have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
dependence on fossil fuels, there are concerns about their impact on food prices,
land use, and biodiversity. As such, the production and use of biofuels are subject
to ongoing debate and research.
  Types of biofuels:

There are two main types of biofuels:

 Ethanol
 Biodiesel

Ethanol is produced by fermenting sugars and starches from crops such as corn,
sugarcane, and wheat. Biodiesel, on the other hand, is made from vegetable oils,
animal fats, and recycled cooking grease. Overall, biofuels are considered a
renewable energy source because they are derived from organic materials that
can be replenished over time.

 How Biofuels Powerplant works:

A biofuel power plant typically works by converting biomass into energy through a
combustion process. The biomass can come from a variety of sources, such as
wood chips, agricultural waste, or dedicated energy crops like switchgrass.

The process starts with the biomass being delivered to the power plant, where it
is stored and then fed into a boiler. In the boiler, the biomass is burned, producing
high-pressure steam. The steam is then used to drive a turbine, which in turn
generates electricity.

After the steam has passed through the turbine, it is cooled and condensed back
into water, which is then returned to the boiler to be heated and turned back into
steam. This process is known as a steam cycle, and it is used in many types of
power plants, including those that burn fossil fuels. For a steam cycle, this includes
some combination of the following items:

 Fuel storage and handling equipment

 Combustor / furnace
 Boiler
 Pumps
 Fans
 Steam turbine
 Generator
 Condenser
 Cooling tower
 Exhaust / emissions controls
 System controls

 Applications of Biofuel Energy:

Biofuels are derived from organic materials such as plants, crops, and waste
biomass, and they have gained attention as a potential alternative to fossil fuels.
Some applications of biofuels energy include:
Transportation: Biofuels can be used as a substitute for traditional fuels in
transportation. Ethanol, derived from corn and sugarcane, is already being used as
a gasoline additive to increase octane levels and reduce emissions.

Electricity generation: Biofuels can be used to generate electricity in power

plants. Biomass, such as wood chips and agricultural waste, can be burned to
create steam, which powers turbines to produce electricity.

Heating and cooling: Biofuels can be used to heat and cool buildings. Wood
pellets and other biomass materials can be burned in furnaces and boilers to
provide heat, while absorption chillers can use biofuels to cool buildings.

Industrial processes: Biofuels can be used in various industrial processes, such as

in the production of chemicals and plastics. Bio-based chemicals and plastics can
help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Rural development: Biofuels can promote rural development by creating new

markets for farmers and providing jobs in rural areas. Many biofuels are produced
from agricultural crops, and their production can support local economies.
 LAB SESSION: 06

Objective:
Study the hydel energy power plants.

Theory:

 Hydel Energy:

Hydroelectric energy, also known as hydro power, is a form of renewable energy

that uses the natural flow of water to generate electricity. This is achieved by
capturing the energy of falling or flowing water and converting it into electrical
energy through the use of turbines and generators. Hydroelectric power plants
can range in size from small-scale installations used to power homes or small
communities, to large-scale facilities that generate power for entire regions or
countries. Hydroelectric power is a clean and renewable source of energy that
produces no greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants, and is therefore
considered a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
  Hydroelectric Power:

Hydroelectric power is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the energy of

moving water to generate electricity. It involves the use of a dam to create a
reservoir of water, which is then allowed to flow through turbines in the dam. As
the water flows through the turbines, it causes them to spin, which generates
electricity.

Hydroelectric power is a very important source of energy in many parts of the

world, particularly in areas with abundant water resources. It is a clean and
renewable source of energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions, making it
an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.

 Hydroelectric Powerplant:

A hydroelectric power plant is a type of power plant that generates electricity by

harnessing the energy of falling or flowing water. Hydroelectric power plants
convert the kinetic energy of moving water into electrical energy using turbines
and generators.

Hydroelectric power plants are a renewable and clean source of energy that can
produce large amounts of electricity with very low greenhouse gas emissions.
They can also be used for other purposes, such as flood control and irrigation.
However, the construction of hydroelectric power plants can have significant
environmental impacts, including changes to river ecosystems and displacement
of local communities.
  Components of Hydroelectric Powerplant:
The components of a hydroelectric power plant can vary depending on the size
and type of plant, but some common components include:

Dam: The dam is constructed to create a reservoir that holds the water used to
generate electricity. The height and size of the dam depend on the amount of
water needed to generate power and the size of the reservoir.

Intake Structure: The intake structure is a gate or opening in the dam that controls
the flow of water into the penstock.

Penstock: The penstock is a large pipe or channel that carries the water from the
reservoir to the turbine.

Turbine: The turbine is a machine that converts the energy from the falling water
into mechanical energy.

Generator: The generator is a machine that converts the mechanical energy from
the turbine into electrical energy.

Transformer: The transformer is a machine that changes the voltage of the

electrical energy produced by the generator.

Powerhouse: The powerhouse is a building that contains the turbine, generator,

and transformer.

Transmission Lines: The transmission lines carry the electricity from the
powerhouse to the electrical grid, which distributes the electricity to homes,
businesses, and other users.
Switchyard: The switchyard is a place where high voltage lines are interconnected
and switched so that electricity can be directed to where it is needed.

Control Room: The control room is the central location where operators monitor
and control the operation of the power plant.

 Uses of Hydroelectric Energy:

Hydroelectric energy, also known as hydropower, is a renewable source of energy

that is generated by harnessing the power of moving water. Here are some of the
common uses of hydroelectric energy:

 Electricity generation
 Irrigation
 Flood control
 Water supply
 Industrial applications