UNIT I

INTRODUCTION

Part - A
1. Define primary energy.
Primary energy (PE) is the energy found in nature that has not been subjected to any
human engineered conversion process. It encompasses energy contained in raw fuels and other
forms of energy, including waste as input to a system. Primary energy can be renewable or
non-renewable.

2. What do you understand by energy resources?

The term energy resource refers to any material that can be used as a basis or source of
energy. Energy resources are used to generate electricity and other forms of power for human
use. There are two kinds of energy resources - Renewable Energy Resources and Non-
Renewable Energy Resources.

3. List out the various circuit in coal based power plant.

a) Fuel and Ash Circuit:-
b) Air and Fuel Gas Circuit:-
c) Feed water and steam circuit:-
d) Cooling water circuit:-

4. How the non-conventional energy obtained?

Non-conventional sources could be obtained from sun, wind, hot springs, and others that
support heat and power generation. They are non-polluting and present in abundance within
the earth’s atmosphere.

5. List out the conventional type energy sources.

 Coal
 Oil
 Natural gas

6. Name the various nuclear power plant in India

1. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, located in Tamil Nadu
2. Tarapur Nuclear Reactor, located in Maharashtra
3. Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant, located in Rajasthan
4. Kaiga Atomic Power Plant, located in Karnataka
5. Kalapakkam Nuclear Power Plant, located in Tamil Nadu
6. Narora Nuclear Reactor, located in Uttar Pradesh
7. Kakarapar Atomic Power Plant, located in Gujarat

7. List out the various non-conventional energy sources. (Nov 2020)

 Solar energy
  Wind energy
 Geothermal energy
 Tidal energy
 Biomass energy

8. List out the advantages of conventional power plant

 Provide a large amount of thermal energy per unit of mass
 Easy to get and easy to transport
 Can be used to generate electrical energy and make products, such as plastic, paints etc.

9. Compare renewable energy and non-renewable energy

S. No. Non-renewable sources of Renewable sources of
Energy energy
1 It is readily available by nature It requires mechanical devices
for procuring
2 It has been used from centuries It is a recent development as
alternative fuels
3 It is highly polluting It is non-polluting
4 It is more commercially viable and It is majorly used
is widely used in industries domestically
5 They are scarce resources They are available in
abundance

10. What are the objectives of ISA?

The ISA aims to promote and develop solar power amongst its members and has the
objective of mobilising $1 trillion of investment by 2030.

11. What are the objective of India in renewable energy?

India's announced as achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070 and to meet 50% of its
electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030 marks a historic point in the global effort to
combat climate change.

12. List out the capacity of renewable energy in India as on Dec 2022.
Capacity Under
S. No. Resources
(GW) Implementation
1 Solar 63.30 51.13
2 Wind 41.93 12.93
3 Hydro 51.79 14.69
4 Biomass 10.73 ---

13. List out the location of 100% solar powered airport and railway station in India.
India installed world's first 100% solar-powered airport, located at Cochin, Kerala and
railway station in Guwhati, Assam
14. What is wind solar hybrid power plant? Where it is located?
The wind-solar hybrid power plant (Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park) is
installed at kutch, Gujarat with capacity of 23,000 MW (11,500 from wind and 11,500 from
Solar) in association with Adani group and suzlon.

15. Define energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to perform the same task or produce the same
result.

16. Define biomass.

Biomass is the fuel developed from organic matter waste of living organisms like plant
waste, animal waste, forest waste, and municipal wastes.

17. What are the future potential of India in renewable energy?

In 2024, according to IEA, the capital of renewable energy is expected to reach 30%.
In 2024, the capacity of solar will grow up to 600 GW in renewable energy. Overall, renewable
electricity is predicted to grow by 1 200 GW by 2024

18. What is the Scope of Solar Energy in India?

According to the National Institute of Solar Energy, India has the potential to generate
up to 750 GW of solar energy, which is more than enough to meet the country's energy needs.
Additionally, India has a large area of land that is suitable for solar power plants, with the states
of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu being particularly well-suited for solar energy
production.

19. What is wind power plant in India?

Wind Power Plant in India is onshore and offshore. As of 30 September 2022, wind
energy in India has an overall installed power capacity of 41.666 GW. The largest Wind Farm
in India is the muppandal Wind Farm in Tamil Nadu.

20. List out the types of Wind Farms

 Onshore Wind Farms: - Min 3km away from the ocean
 Near shore windfarms – few kilometre away from the ocean
 Offshore windfarms – located in land

21. List out the government policies and Initiatives to promote Wind Energy in India
 National Wind Energy Mission in 2014
 National Offshore Wind Energy Policy in 2015
 Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy in 2018

22. Define geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy that can be used to heat homes and
businesses and generate electricity based on the temperature and the fluid (steam) flow.
Part – B & C
1. Discuss about the role and potential of renewable energy sources with reference to
India. (Apr 2022) (Nov 2022)
2. Explain the types and their principle of renewable energy sources. (Apr 2022)
3. Brief about the contribution of renewable energy sources as on 2022 under national and
international level in energy consumption and generation scenario. Also forecast the
Indian future energy management in 2040. (Apr 2023)
4. Explain the consequence of environmental impact of fossil fuel utilization. Mentioned
the importance of renewable energy sources for the present scenario. (Apr 2023)
5. Describe the various renewable energy resource available in India and its potential to
supplement the conventional energy sources. (Nov 2020)
6. Discuss the present status of world energy scenario. (6) (Nov 2020)
7. Criticize the energy planning issues aiming to bridge the gap between the energy
demand and supply situation in India. (7) (Nov 2020)
8. What are the conventional and non-conventional energy sources? Describe the fossil
fuels as the conventional energy sources. (Nov 2021)
9. Give brief review of various sources of renewable energy. Describe the energy scenario
of India. (Nov 2021)
10. Explain the significance of energy consumption as prosperity. (7) (Nov 2022)
11. List the advantages and limitation of renewable energy sources. (6) (Nov 2022)
12. Discuss about the solar and wind energy sources with respect to its principle,
characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. (Nov 2023)
13. Discuss the Indian energy scenario related to conventional and renewable energy
sources as per December 2022. (Nov 2023)

UNIT II
SOLAR ENERGY
Part – A
1. Define solar energy
Solar energy technologies use the sun's energy and light to provide heat, light, hot water,
electricity, and even cooling, for homes, businesses, and industry.

2. List out the technologies used to extract energy from sun

 Active solar techniques – solar cell
 Passive solar techniques – building facing to the sun

3. Differentiate between beam and diffuse radiation. (Nov 2021)

Beam radiation is the solar radiation received from the Sun without having been scattered
by the atmosphere.
Diffuse radiation is that received from the Sun after its direction has been changed by
scattering by the atmosphere.
4. What is irradiation?
It is the incident energy per unit area (J/m2) on a surface -determined by integration of
irradiance over a specified time, usually an hour or a day.

5. What is the principle of solar photovoltaic? (Nov 2021)

A photovoltaic cell, converts it to electrical energy by the principle of photovoltaic effect.
The photovoltaic effect is a process that generates voltage or electric current in a
photovoltaic cell when it is exposed to sunlight.

6. List out the components used to measure solar irradiation.

 Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI)
 Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI)
 Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI)

7. What is pyranometer?
Pyranometer is a type of sensor used to measure irradiance of solar energy within the
preferred location as well as flux density of solar radiation. The range of solar radiation extends
between 300 & 2800 nm.

8. Define pyrheliometer.
Pyrheliometer meter is an instrument which can be used to measures solar irradiance and
circumference.

9. What is solar thermal energy?

Solar Thermal Energy (STE) refers to heat generated by solar radiation. This energy is
used. in industrial, commercial and residential applications through different technologies,
including steam production, heating systems, cooling systems and even electricity generation.

10. Define Flat plate collector

Flat plate collector is a solar panel device that uses solar energy to generate thermal energy.
It converts solar power into thermal energy, i.e., cheaper energy utilising water as an operating
fluid.

11. List out the application of flat plate collector

 Used in solar water heating.
 Used in solar heating and cooling.
 Used in low temperature power generation.

12. What is CSP? List out the types of CSP

Concentrated solar thermal (CST) power plants, also known as the CSP systems, obtain the
heat energy from solar radiations, and convert into electrical energy.
 Parabolic trough collector
 Solar Tower
  Parabolic dish collector
 Fresnel lens collector.

13. What is meant by efficiency of flat plate collector?

Efficiency of FPC is given by the ratio of the useful gain over some specified time period
to the incident solar energy over the same period of time.

14. What are the factors that affect the performance of a flat-plate collector?
 Incident solar radiation.
 Number of cover plates.
 Spacing between absorber plate and glass cover.
 Tilt of the collector.
 Selective surface.
 Fluid inlet temperature.
 Dust on cover plate.

15. Classify solar thermal energy.

 Non – concentrating solar collector
o Flat-plate collectors
o b. Evacuated solar collector
 Concentrating solar collector
o a. Parabolic trough collector
o b. Solar Tower
o c. Parabolic dish collector
o d. Fresnel lens collector.

16. What is solar cell?

Solar cell (also known as a photovoltaic cell or PV cell) is a device that converts light
energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. A solar cell is basically a p-n
junction diode. Solar cells are having electrical features such as current, voltage, or resistance
– it may vary when exposed to light.

17. What are the Criteria for materials selection for Solar Cell?
 Must have band gap from 1ev to 1.8ev.
 It must have high optical absorption.
 It must have high electrical conductivity.
 The raw material must be available in abundance
 The cost of the material must be low.

18. List out the types of solar cell

 Monocrystalline Silicon
 Polycrystalline Silicon
  Amorphous Silicon
 Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
 Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)

19. Compare monocrystalline panels and polycrystalline panels (Nov 2023)

Parameter Monocrystalli Polycrystallin
ne Panels e Panels
Aesthetics Cells are a Cells have a
black shade blueish shade
Cost More expensive Less expensive
Efficiency More efficient Less efficient
Temperature Lower Higher
coefficient temperature temperature
coefficient/mor coefficient/less
e effective effective when
when temperature
temperature changes
changes
Lifespan 25+ years 25+ years

20. What is Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)?

Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) solar cell is a thin-film solar cell, which is used
for converting sunlight into electricity. CIGS is made through deposition a thin layer of copper,
indium, gallium, and selenium on glass or plastic, and with electrodes on the front and back to
collect electricity.

21. What are the applications solar cells?

 Battery charger
 Solar Street light
 Solar water pump

22. List out the power generation schemes in solar energy

 Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission
 Solar Energy Subsidy Scheme
 UDAY Scheme
 SECI Scheme
 Rooftop Scheme

23. Define BIPV.

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems consist of photovoltaic modules that can
be integrated into building skins, such as the facade and roof, to generate electricity out of solar
irradiation.
24. List out the types of BIPV
 Facades
 Glazing
 Pitched roof
 Flat roofs.

25. List out the functions of BIPV

 Weather protection (water proofing, sun protection);
 Thermal insulation
 Noise protection
 Daylight illumination; and/or
 Safety.

26. What is stand-alone PV system?

A simple stand-alone PV system is an automatic solar system that produces electrical power
to charge banks of batteries during the day for use at night when the suns energy is unavailable.
A stand-alone small scale PV system employs rechargeable batteries to store the electrical
energy supplied by a PV panels or array.

27. What is grid connected PV systems

A grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system, also known as a grid-tied or on-grid solar
system, is a renewable energy system that generates electricity using solar panels. The
generated electricity is used to power homes and businesses, and any excess energy can be fed
back into the electrical grid.

28. List out the types of Grid Connected PV Systems

 String Inverter System
 Micro-Inverter System
 Central Inverter System
 Battery Backup System
 Hybrid System

29. Give the types of solar pond.

 Conventional
o Shallow solar ponds
 Non-conventional
o Membrane solar ponds
o Gel solar ponds
o Salt gradient solar ponds
Part – B
1. With a schematic diagram explain the structure of medium temperature solar power
plant. (6) (Nov 2020)
2. Explain the working of solar water pumping system. (7) (Nov 2020)
3. Explain the algorithm for maximum power point tracking. Also discuss the necessary
conditions while synchronizing the PV system with grid supply. (Nov 2020)
4. With the help of schematic diagram, explain the working of solar pond. (Nov 2021)
5. With the help of block diagrams, explain the operations of stand-alone and grid
interactive solar PV systems. (Nov 2021)
6. Explain the method of power production by using central receiver power plants with its
schematic diagram. (Apr 2022)
7. Discuss about the characteristics of solar photovoltaic cells when they are connected in
parallel and series. (Apr 2022)
8. Discuss the functioning of solar pond and its applications. (Apr 2022)
9. Explain how solar module and array are formed. (Apr 2022)
10. Discuss the construction and working principle of central receiver power plant. (Nov
2022)
11. Explain the Perturb and observe MPPT algorithm with a flow chart. (Nov 2022)
12. As an engineer, identify the favourable point for developing a solar thermal based
power generation projects at your home town. Also share the merits and demerits of the
same based on their performance. (8+5) (Apr 2023).
13. A photovoltaic cell has some open circuit voltage 1.0 Volts and a short circuit current
of 260 A/m2, at a cell temperature at 28oC. Calculate the voltage and current density
that maximize the power of cell. Estimate the corresponding maximum power output
per unit cell area? If the solar radiation falling on the cell is 900 W/m2, and the cell size
is 25cm × 25 cm, compute the instantaneous conversion efficiency of the cell? And
give the value of fill factor of cell. (Apr 2023)
14. Explain the working principles, features, advantages and disadvantages of dish type
solar power plant with its schematic diagram. (Nov 2023)
15. Describe the principle and construction of solar PV cells. (Nov 2023)
16. Explain series and parallel connections of PV modules and their purpose. (Nov 2023)
Part – C
1. Explain the working of Pyranometer and Pyrheliometer with the help of neat sketch.
(Nov 2021)
2. Explain the concept of maximum power point tracking in solar PV systems. Explain
any one MPPT algorithm with flow chart. (Apr 2022)
3. Discuss the necessity of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) in solar PV systems.
Explain the incremental conductance algorithm for achieving MPPT. (Nov 2023)
 UNIT III
WIND ENERGY
Part – A

1. Write down the principle of wind energy

The principle of wind energy is that kinetic energy of wind is converted into mechanical
energy by turbine. The turbine operate generator and create electrical energy.

2. List out the factors are to be considered for site selection:

 High annual average wind speed
 Availability of anemometry data
 Availability of wind 𝑉𝑡 Curve at the proposed site
 Wind structure at the proposed site
 Altitude of the proposed site
 Terrain and its aerodynamic
 Local Ecology
 Distance to road or railways

3. What is wind resource assessment?

Wind Resource Assessment (WRA) is the systematic collection of wind data at a potential
wind farm site. Measurements of a variety of meteorological parameters are typically taken
over the course of several years.

4. What are the principles of anemometer?

The working principle of an anemometer is quite simple. It has four or three cups that rotate
when the wind starts to flow; while the number of rotations made by an anemometer helps in
calculating the relative speed of the wind.

5. What is the condition for maximum output power from a wind turbine?
The power for a certain wind speed is maximum at a certain value of rotational speed called
optimum rotational speed, ω opt.

6. Name the various types of anemometer

 Mechanical: Cup and Vane Anemometer
 Non-Mechanical: Hot-Wire, Laser Doppler, and Ultrasonic
 Pressure: Plate and Tube
 Propeller

7. List out the feature of sonic anemometer

 Single component wind velocity
 Fast response temperature
 Microprocessor-based
  Solid-state digital operation
 No moving parts
 Ease of mounting
 Rugged construction
 DC powered

8. List out the Remote Sensing (RS) wind measurement techniques

 LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging, or ‘laser radar’)
 SODAR (SOund Detection And Ranging, or ‘acoustic radar’)

9. What are the factors affecting the Wind? (Nov 2020)

 Pressure gradient force
 Coriolis force
 Frictional force
 Centripetal force
 Atmospheric pressure

10. Differentiate cyclonic and anti-cyclonic circulation

The movement of the wind in the vicinity of the cyclone is called cyclonic circulation. In
the vicinity of high pressure, it is called anti-cyclonic circulation

11. What is Coriolis Effect?

The rotation of the Earth around its axis affects the direction of the wind is known as the
Coriolis force

12. List out the types of generator used in wind turbine

 DC generator
 Synchronous generator
 Induction generator

13. Classification of WECS devices according to the rotational speed

 Constant speed and variable pitch blades
 Nearly constant speed with fixed pitch blades
 Variable speed with fixed pitch blades
 Variable speed constant frequency generating system.

14. What is yaw control system? (Nov 2023)

Yaw control allows the whole wind turbine to rotate in the horizontal axis. This makes sure
that the wind turbine is always facing the wind. This will make sure that wind turbines are more
efficient in generating electricity.
15. Compare HAWT Vs VAWT (Nov 2023)
HAWT VAWT
Axis of rotation is parallel to the air Axis of rotation is perpendicular to the
stream air stream.
Yaw control mechanism is required to No orientation of rotor is required;
adjust the rotor around a vertical axis these turbines can generate power with
to keep it facing the wind. the wind coming from any direction.
The power coefficient and tip speed The power coefficient and tip speed
ratio are high. ratio are considerably low.

16. What is nacelle?

The nacelle includes all the components (machinery) needed to operate the wind turbine
and is located at the top of the tower.

17. Differentiate upwind and downwind turbine

In Up-Wind Wind Turbines, the turbine's rotor faces the opposite direction of the wind's
flow, but in Down-Wind Wind Turbines, the rotor faces along the path of the wind,

18. List out the types of wind mill

 HAWT
 VAWT
o Savonius Wind Turbine
o Darrieus Wind Turbine.
o Single Blade – VAWT

19. List out the various control system in wind turbine

 Speed control
 Pitch control
 Stall
 Yaw

20. What are the various types of pitch control system?

 Fixed-speed fixed-pitch
 Fixed-speed variable-pitch
 Variable-speed fixed-pitch
 Variable-speed variable-pitch

21. Define Power coefficient (𝑪𝒑) in wind turbine

Power coefficient (Cp) is the ratio of available power from wind stream and the power
transferred to wind turbine.
22. Define tip speed ratio (Nov2021)
The ratio between the velocity of the rotor tip and the wind velocity is termed as the tip
speed ratio (λ). The power developed by the rotor at a certain wind speed greatly depends on
tip speed ratio (λ).

23. Define wind power density

Wind Power Density (WPD) is a quantitative measure of wind energy available at any
location. It is the mean annual power available per square meter of swept area of a turbine

Part - B
1. Clearly explain the principle of WECS with neat block diagram. (6) (Nov 2020)
2. Discuss the various considerations taken into account for site selection of a wind energy
system. (7) (Nov 2020)
3. Explain the peak power tracking scheme in WECS. (6) (Nov 2020)
4. Explain the working of grid tied WECS with neat diagram. (7) (Nov 2020)
5. How energy from wind can be extracted? Explain the process by using suitable
diagram. (Nov 2021)
6. Describe the working of a wind power system and its components with a neat schematic
diagram. (Nov 2021)
7. Explain about the components in a wind power plant and their operation. (Apr 2022)
8. Explain the power curve for a typical horizontal axis wind turbine. (7) (Apr 2022)
9. Discuss about the siting requirement for wind power plants. (6) (Apr 2022)
10. Compare the vertical axis wind turbine and horizontal axis wind turbine. (Nov 2022)
11. Generalize the factors to be considered for the siting to install the wind power plant.
(Nov 2022)
12. Draw the line diagram of variosu types of wind mill blades and write their advantages
and disadvantages. (Apr 2023)
13. In a particular site, the atmospheric pressure is 1.01325 bar and temperature 25oC. the
wind is available at 9 m/sec. Evaluate the following. (Apr 2023)
a. Power density available in the site
b. Maximum power density possible
c. Obtainable power density assuming the overall efficiency is 35%
d. Power density of the wind mill if the diameter is 50m
e. Axial thrust force action on the wind mill blade
14. Explain the features of main components of wind power plant. (Nov 2023)
15. Discuss the grid integration issues of wind power plant. (Nov 2023)
Part – C
1. Wind at 1 standard atmospheric pressure and 15°c temperature has a velocity of 10
m/sec. The turbine has diameter of 120 m and its operating speed in 40 rpm at maximum
efficiency, calculate:
(Nov 2020)
a. The total power density in the wind stream
b. The maximum obtainable power density assuming η = 40%
c. The total power produced in kw
 d. The torque and axial thrust.
2. Discuss about the grid integration issues of wind power plants. (Apr 2022)
3. Using the Betz model of the wind turbine, derive the expression for power extracted
from the wind. (Nov 2022)
4. Derive the equation for power generated from a wind turbine. Derive Betz limit for
power generation in wind turbine. What do you infer from Betz limit? (Nov 2023)

UNIT IV
BIO - ENERGY

1. What is biomass?
Biomass can be defined as the organic life and mass means weight, so biomass means the
total quantity or the weight of organisms in a given area or volume.

2. List out the types of biomass (Nov 2021)

 Agricultural Residues
 Industrial Wastes
 Animal Waste
 Forestry Residues
 Wood Wastes

3. Define thermo-chemical conversion

It is a process to decompose biomass with various combinations of temperatures and
pressures.
Thermo-chemical conversion takes the following two forms:
 Gasification
 Liquification.

4. Define Biomass Conversion Process

Biomass conversion is a natural process that uses anaerobic bacteria to break down
complex biomass into simpler compounds. These compounds are then converted into biogas
and a liquid residue

5. What is Incineration?
Incineration is a method of treating waste which involves the combustion of the organic
substances found in waste materials. The solid mass of the original waste is reduced by around
80 to 85%, while the volume is reduced by between 95 and 96%.

6. Define anaerobic digestion:

This process involves ‘microbial digestion’ of biomass and is done in the ‘absence of
oxygen’. This process generates mostly methane (CH4) and CO2 gas with small impurities such
as hydrogen sulphide.
7. Define fermentation.
Fermentation is the process of decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms
especially bacteria and yeasts.
It is a well-established and widely used technology for the conversion of grains and
sugar crops into ethanol (ethyl alcohol)

8. Classify anaerobic digestion system

1. Hydrolysis (Stage – 1)
2. Acidification (Stage – 2)
3. Methane formation (Stage – 3).

9. How to select site for biogas plant

1. The site should facilitate easy construction works.
2. The selected site should be such that the construction cost is minimized
3. The selected site should ensure easy operation and maintenance activities.
4. The site should guarantee plant safety.

10. List out the components of a Biogas Plant

The main components of a biogas plant are enumerated and briefly described below:
 Digester
 Gas holder
 Inlet
 Outlet
 Slurry mixing tank
 Gas outlet pipe
 Stirrer.

11. What is digester?

A digester is also called “fermentation tank” and is mostly embedded partly or fully in the
ground. It is generally cylindrical in shape and is made of bricks. It holds the slurry for a
sufficiently long time to complete the digestion.

12. Classify of Biogas Plants

Biogas plants are mainly classified as:
(i) Batch type and
(ii) Continuous type.
a. floating drum (constant pressure) type
b. fixed dome type (constant volume) type

13. Define 𝐩𝐇 Value

𝑝𝐻 denotes the acidity and alkalinity of the substrate. The 𝑝𝐻 less than 7 is called ‘acidic’
and 𝑝𝐻 more than 7 is called ‘alkaline’ and 𝑝𝐻 solution of 7 is called ‘neutral’
14. Compare floating drum and fixed drum
Floating drum Fixed drum
1 It has constant pressure digester It has constant volume digester
2 Digester pressure slightly more Digester pressure more than 1m
than atmospheric pressure of water column
3 No danger of explosion Danger of explosion
4 Gas leakage is not possible Gas leakage is possible
5 Simple installation Complicated installation
6 Corrosion is possible due to No such danger
floating steel drum
7 High production of gas Less production of gas
8 Maintenance required due to No such maintenance required
steel drum

15. Define pyrolysis

It is a process of breaking down biomass into charcoal by applying heat to biomass in the
absence of oxygen.

16. What is gasifier? Classify it

Biomass gasifier may be considered as a chemical reactor in which biomass goes through
several complex physical and chemical processes and producer or syngas is produced and
recovered.
There are two distinct types of gasifier:
Fixed bed gasifier
Fluidized bed gasifier

17. What is Biomass cogeneration?

Cogeneration is the simultaneous production of electricity and heat using a single primary
fuel. Biomass cogeneration uses waste wood and horticultural materials as fuel.

Part – B
1. Explain briefly the components of a biogas plant. (6) (Nov 2020)
2. Explain with neat diagram the working of a cogeneration plant. (7) (Nov 2020)
3. With the help of neat sketch, explain the working of floating drum type biogas plant.
(Nov 2021)
4. Explain the biochemical processes to convert biomass in to energy. (Apr 2022)
5. Discuss the biomass conversion technologies and explain any one in details. (Nov 2022)
6. Explain any one type of gasifier with neat line diagram. Mention the merits and
demerits of the same. (Apr 2023)
7. Describe pyrolysis process of biomass digestion. (Nov 2023)

Part – C
1. Explain with neat diagram of cow dung used biomass gasifier. (7) (Apr 2023)
 2. Design a bio gas gasifier for a community hall located in village of Yelagiri hills,
Tamilnadu. In this village has total population of 300 families with 120 men, 80 women
and 100 children. The biogas consumption for food preparation of the tribal people are
300 litres for men, 200 litres for women, and 100 litres for children respectively. A
buffalo yields an average of 40kg of dung every day. The average estimated the gas
production from the dung is around 10litres/kg of dung. Estimate the number of
buffaloes required to meet the gas requirement for food preparation for that tribal
people. The density of slurry is 1090 kg/m3. Estimate the size of the digester if the
height: diameter ratio is 3:1. (8) (Apr 2023)

UNIT V
OTHER TYPES OF ENERGY

1. List out the properties of hydrogen

 The burning process of hydrogen is pollution free.
 Hydrogen is a light gas at room temperature and pressure.
 Mixture of hydrogen and air are combustible over wide range of composition.
 The flammability limits are from 4 to 74% by volume
 The flame speed of hydrogen when burning in air is much greater than for natural gas.
 Detonation can occur between hydrogen-air mixture between 18 and 59%.

2. What are the various method for production of hydrogen?

 Electrolysis of water.
 Steam reformation.
 Coal gasification.
 Methane gas reformation.
 Biological production of hydrogen.
 Photo-electrolysis

3. What are primary and secondary fuel cells? (Nov 2021)

Primary batteries are “single use” and cannot be recharged. Dry cells and (most)
alkaline batteries are examples of primary batteries.
The rechargeable type fuel cell are called as secondary fuel cell. Example lead-acid
accumulator, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion (Li-ion) etc

4. Name the various electrolysis process

 Alkaline electrolysis,
 Membrane electrolysis, and
 High temperature steam electrolysis.
5. What is Coal Gasification?
In the coal gasification, conversion of organic part of the coal into gas, so that ash alone
remains. This is done by reacting the coal with a gasifying agent e.g. steam above 700°C.

6. How to store hydrogen?

 Compressed gas storage.
 Liquid storage.
 Solid state storage.

7. Name the various types of fuel cell (Nov 2020)

 Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC)
 Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC)
 Solid Polymer Fuel Cell (SPFC)
 Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC)
 Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

8. What are the characteristics of a Fuel Cell?

 It should have high energy conversion efficiency.
 It should produce low chemical pollution.
 It should be flexible to choose any fuel.
 It should have cogeneration capability and rapid load response.

9. Write the basic principle of fuel cell. (Nov 2023)

A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel
(often hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (often oxygen) into electricity through a pair
of redox reactions.

10. Define geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is primarily heat energy from earth’s own interior. The word
“Geothermal” comes from the Greek words ‘geo’ meaning earth and ‘thermal’ meaning heat.

11. List out the various Geothermal resources

 Hydrothermal or hydro-geothermal energy resources:
o Vapour-dominated or dry steam fields;
o Liquid-dominated system or wet steam fields;
o Hot-water fields.
 Geo-pressured resources.
 Petro-thermal systems or hot dry rocks (HDR) resources.
 Magma resources (Molten-rock-chamber systems).

12. Name the types of wells for hydrothermal resources

 Vapour dominated (dry steam fields)
 Liquid dominated (wet steam fields)
  Hot water resource.

13. Name some Geothermal provinces in India

 Himalaya geothermal province.
 Sohana geothermal province
 Godavari geothermal province
 West coast geothermal province
 Mahanadi geothermal province
 Gujarat-Rajasthan geothermal province
 SONATA geothermal province

14. What is mean by tide? List its types

The periodic rise and fall of the water level of sea which are carried by the action of the
sun and moon on water of the earth is called the ‘tide’.
(1) Spring tides and (2) Neap tides

15. Define wave energy

Wave energy comes from the interaction between the winds and surfaces of oceans.
The energy available varies with the size and frequency of waves.

16. Define OTEC

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a method to produce electricity by using
the temperature differences between warm ocean surface and cool deep ocean water to run a
heat engine.

17. What are the various method to install OTEC?

 Land-based power plant and
 Floating power plant.

18. What are the factors affecting Wave Energy?

 Wind speed
 Effective pitch value
 Depth of ocean water

19. What are the various method to convert wave energy?

 Wave machine drives gears and electrical generator.
 Wave machine drives air compressor or hydraulic pump

20. What is mini hydel power plant?

Mini hydel power plants generate electricity from flow of water on a small scale. These
are developed in mountainous areas where there are lots of streams. Energy from streams is
used to run small turbines. These generate small amount of electricity up to 25MW.
Part – B
1. Explain with neat diagram the working of a geothermal power plant. (6) (Nov 2020)
2. With neat layout explain the working of hydroelectric power plant. (7) (Nov 2020)
3. Explain the principle of operation of open cycle OTEC system. (Nov 2020)
4. Explain the working of tidal power plant with neat layout and specify the site
requirements. (Nov 2020)
5. What is geothermal energy? Explain the working principle of a geothermal power plant
with the help of a neat sketch. (Nov 2021)
6. Discuss the theory and working principle of ocean thermal energy conversion systems.
(Nov 2021)
7. What is tidal energy? Explain the working of a tidal power plant with a neat sketch.
(Nov 2021)
8. Explain the principle and working of geothermal energy conversion process. (Apr
2022)
9. Describe the principle and working of OTEC system. (Apr 2022)
10. Explain the construction and operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. (7) (Apr
2022)
11. Discuss about the features and requirement of cryogenic storage system. (6) (Apr 2022)
12. Discuss the various components and working of the hydroelectric systems. (Nov 2022)
13. Briefly discuss the components of tidal power systems with a neat block diagram. (Nov
2022)
14. Describe the construction and working principle of hydrogen oxygen fuel cell. (Nov
2022)
15. Explain with neat sketch of various methods of energy harvesting techniques in
geothermal source. List out their merits and demerits. (Apr 2023)
16. Elaborate the site selection process for micro hydro power plant erection. (Apr 2023)
17. Explain the method of energy extraction technique on OTEC. (Apr 2023)
18. How do you estimate the power potential of OTEC? (Apr 2023)
19. List out the limitations of tidal energy conversion system. (Apr 2023)
20. Explain the construction of various types of fuel cells. (Apr 2023)
21. Explain the principle and working of a dry stream geothermal power plant. Discuss
about the advantages and disadvantages. (Nov 2023)
22. Describe the principle and working of wave energy conversion system. (Nov 2023)
23. Describe the methods of power production of hydrogen from coal. (Nov 2023)
24. Describe the construction of fuel cells. (Nov 2023)
25. Explain the operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. (Nov 2023)
Part – C
1. The hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell operates at 25°C. Calculate the voltage output of the
cell, the efficiency and the electric work output per mole of H2 consumed and per mole
of H2O produced. Also compute the heat transferred to the surroundings. (Nov 2020)
Given
∆H0 298°K = – 285838 kJ/kg mole
∆G0 298°K = – 237191 kJ/kg mole
2. Discuss the various methods of production of hydrogen for use as an energy carrier.
What are the various methods of hydrogen storage? (Nov 2021)
3. Explain the closed – cycle OTEC system with a neat diagram. (Nov 2022)
4. Design a stand-alone solar PV for an emergency 24×7 clinic room. The following data
were observed during the operation hours. The clinic has 10 tube lights, 5 fans, 2PC
with 200 Watts. 1 water cooler with 750 watts. Assume the average solar radiation
available in Vellore is 800 w/m2. Estimate and form array the battery and module
requirements. (5) (Apr 2023)
5. The manager of the clinic wants reduce the electric consumption by replacing all the
tube lights as LEDs of 28 Watts with same light illumination. Redesign the sizing of
solar PV system for the revised proposal. (5) (Apr 2023)
6. Suggest suitable hybrid system for uninterrupted power supply by completely
renewable energy sources. (5) (Apr 2023)