UNIT V: ENERGY SOURCES AND STORAGE DEVICES

PART A
1. What are conventional and non-conventional energy sources?
Conventional energy sources: Coal, petroleum, nuclear energy
Non-conventional energy sources: Solar, wind, tidal, hydropower, geothermal energies, etc.
2. Define nuclear fission. Give an example.
Nuclear fission is defined as “the process of splitting of heavier nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei with
simultaneous liberation of large amount of energy”.
235 1
92U +0n [ 92U236] 56Ba
140
+ 36Kr93 + 30n1
3. Define mass defect.
The difference between the calculated and experimental masses of nucleus is called mass defect.

4. What is binding energy?

Binding energy is the energy released when a given number of protons and neutrons coalesee to form
nucleus

5. Why do fission and fusion reactions produce large quantities of energy?

It is due to loss in mass which gets converted into energy according to Einstein equation, E = mc 2.

6. Define nuclear energy.

The energy released by the nuclear fission or nuclear fusion is called nuclear energy.

7. What are the drawbacks of nuclear energy?

a) Damage to cell structure, b)Causes : cancer, sterility, genetic disorder and blindness.

8. Define nuclear reactor.

The equipment used to carry out fission reaction under controlled conditions is called nuclear reactor.

9. Which isotope of uranium is used in the nuclear reactor? 92U235

10. What is light water nuclear power plant?

It is the nuclear power plant in which water acts as coolant and moderator.

11. What are fissile nuclides and fertile nuclides?

Fissile nuclides: The fissionable nuclides such as U235 & Pu239 which readily undergo fission reaction.
Fertile nuclides: The non-fissionable nuclides such as U238 & Th232 which does not undergo fission reaction.

12. What is breeder reactor?

Breeder reactor is a device which converts non-fissionable material (U 238 & Th232) into fissionable
material (U235 & Pu239).

13. What is meant by solar energy conversion? How is it converted?

Solar energy conversion: The process of conversion of direct sun light into more useful forms.
Mechanisms: 1. Thermal conversion 2. Photo conversion

14. What is Thermal conversion?

Thermal conversion involves absorption of thermal energy in the form of IR radiation.

15. What is Photo conversion?

Photo conversion involves conversion of light energy into electrical energy.

16. What is photo galvanic cell?

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 Photo galvanic cell or solar cell is a device, which converts the solar energy directly into electrical
energy.

17. What are the recent developments in solar cell materials?

1. Crystalline silicon, 2.transparent solar windows, 3.solar distillation, etc..

18. Define geo thermal energy.

The energy harnessed from the high temperature present inside the earth is called geo thermal energy.

19. What is wind energy? Write its demerits.

Energy generated from the force of the wind (fast moving air) is called wind energy.
Demerits: Produces noise pollution, hazardous when located on migratory routes of birds and interferes
with electromagnetic signals.

20. What is a battery? How does it differ from a cell ?

A battery is an arrangement of several electrochemical cells, connected in series that can be used
as a source of direct electric current.
Cell: Contains only one anode and cathode. Battery: Contains several anodes and cathodes.

21. Differentiate primary and secondary batteries

S.No Primary battery Secondary battery
1. Not rechargeable Rechargeable
2. Chemical reactions are irreversible Chemical reactions are reversible
3. Use and throw batteries Re useable batteries
4. Ex: dry cell, alkaline battery Ex: Lead acid & NICAD battery

21. Will the emf of a battery vary with size? Give reason.
No, emf of a battery will not vary with size. Because, emf depends only on electrolyte concentration
and nature of electrodes.

22. Write the discharging and charging reactions of lead acid accumulator.
discharging
Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) 2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O + Energy
charging

23. Which cell does produce fresh water? H2- O2 fuel cell

24. What are the advantages of lithium cell?

Advantages: high energy density, low weight, resistant to leakage, no memory effect, etc.

25. What are fuel cells?

Fuel cell is a device which converts chemical energy of the fuels directly into electrical energy without
combustion.
Fuel + Oxygen Oxidation products + Electricity
Example: H2 –O2 fuel cell, Methyl alcohol – Oxygen fuel cell.

26. What are the applications of H2- O2 fuel cell?

 Used as auxiliary energy source in space vehicles, submarines or other military–vehicles.
 It is a valuable source of fresh water for astronauts.

27. What are super capacitors?

Super capacitor is a high capacity capacitor. They store 10 to 100 times more energy per unit volume
and deliver charge much faster than batteries.

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 28. What are electric vehicles? Give its merits.
Electric vehicles are powered on electric power and referred to as battery electric vehicles.
They have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion (IC) engine.

29. What is Microbial fuel cell? Give its applications

Microbial fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy by the action of
micro-organisms under anaerobic conditions.

PART B

1. What is a nuclear reactor? Explain with a neat diagram the parts and functions of nuclear reactor.
Definition: Equipment used to carry out fission reaction under controlled conditions.
Components of a nuclear reactor:
 Fuel rods: enriched U235(fuel) is used in the reactor in the form of rods
Fuction: produces heat energy and neutrons to start chain reaction
 Control rods: movable rods, suspended between fuel rods. Ex: Cd113, B10.
Fuction: Controls the fission reaction by absorbing excess neutrons.
 Moderators: substances used to slow down the neutrons. ex: heavy water, graphite.
Fuction: kinetic energy of fast moving neutrons is reduced.
 Coolants: it is a liquid circulated in the reactor core to absorb heat. Ex: heavy water,
liquid metal (Na or K), air (CO2).
Fuction: it cools the core.
 Pressure vessel: it encloses the core,provides passages for coolant.
Function: withstands high pressure (200kg/cm2)
 Protective shield: concrete shield with 10m thickness
Function: protects environment and personnel, in case of leakage
 Turbine: runs by the steam generated in heat exchanger
Function: drives a generator to produce electricity.

Working: nuclear fission reaction is controlled by the control rods by absorbing the neutrons. The heat
emitted by the fission of U235 in the reactor core is absorbed by the coolant. The heated coolant transfers the
heat to the water in the heat exchanger to produce steam. The generated steam runs the turbine thereby
producing electricity.

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2. Describe the breeder reactor
Breeder reactor is the one which converts non-fissionable material (U238, Th232) into fissionable material
(U235, Pu239).
U238 + 0n1 Pu239 + 2e
Pu239 + 0n1 fission products + 3 0n1
 In breeder reactor, out of the 3 neutrons emitted, only 1 is used in chain reaction with U 235.
 And the other two react with U238 to produce two fissionable atoms of Pu239.
 Pu239 is a man made nuclear fuel and is known as secondary nuclear fuel.
 Therefore, it produces more fissionable material than it consumes.

Significance: fertile nucleides are converted into fissile nucleides.

 Non-fissionable nucleides are also called fertile nucleides. Ex: U238, Th232
 Fissionable nucleides are also called fissile nucleides. Ex: U235, Pu239

3. Discuss the solar energy conversion. (OR)Write a note on photovoltaic cell. (OR) With a neat
diagram explain the working of solar cell. Give its advantages and disadvantages.
Solar energy conversion is the process of conversion of sunlight into more useful forms.
1. Thermal conversion: it is conversion of solar energy into thermal energy.
Ex: solar heat collector, solar water heater.
2. Photo conversion: it is conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. Ex: solar cell

Photovoltaic cell or solar cell: converts solar energy

directly into electrical energy.
Principle: solar rays falling on semiconductor device
produce potential difference, which causes flow of electrons
(electric current).
Construction: solar cells consist of semiconductor
materials, such as Si doped with B (p-type semiconductor)
and Si doped with P (n-type semiconductor).They are in
close contact with each other. A number of solar cells
electrically connected to each other and mounted on a
support structure or frame is called a photovoltaic module.

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 The solar panel or array is the interconnection of number of solar modules to get efficient power.
Working: when the solar rays fall on n-type semiconductor, the electrons from the valence band get
promoted to the conduction band and cross the p-n junction into p-type semiconductor. Then potential
difference between two layers causes flow of electrons (electric current).
Applications: solar street lights, solar water pumps, solar cells (in calculators, electronic watches, to drive
vehicles), Si solar cells in space craft and satellites.
Advantages: low maintenance, noise and pollution free, longer life time.
Disadvantages: high capital cost, storage of energy.

4. Write a note on wind energy. (OR) How is current generated in a wind mill?
Wind energy: energy recovered from the force of the wind
Sequence of energy conversion:
Wind energy Kinetic energy Mechanical energy Electrical energy
Methods of harnessing wind energy
i) Wind mill: it is a device used to convert wind energy into mechanical energy.
Description and working:
 It is a wheel containing a number of propeller blades.
 The wheel rotates about an axle mounted on a pole.
 One end of the axle is connected to the armature of a generator,
which rotates between two poles (N & S) of a strong magnet.
 Another end of the axle is connected to the shaft of the wind mill
 The strike of blowing wind rotates large sized propeller blades,
thereby converting kinetic energy of wind into electric energy.
 It drives a number of machines like water pump, flour mills, etc.,
 Can generate about 100kW electricity.
ii) Wind farm: Large number of wind mills installed in a definite
pattern forms wind farm.
 A large number of wind mills are connected to produce electricity on a large scale for commercial use.
 Min. speed of a wind is 15km/hr.
Advantages: no air pollution, very cheap, economic and renewable.
Disadvantages: noise generation, hazardous to migratory birds, interferes with electromagnetic signals
(TV, Radio signals)

5. Write a note on Geo-thermal energy.

Geo-thermal energy: Earth’s temperature increases at a rate
of 20-75◦C per km, when we move down. Energy harnessed
from the high temperature present inside the earth is called
geo-thermal energy.
Natural geysers: Hot water or steam comes out of the
ground through cracks naturally in the form of natural
geysers.
Artificial geysers: We can artificially drill a hole up to the
hot region and by sending a pipe, the hot water or steam is
rushed out with pressure.
This hot water or steam rotates the turbine and generates
electricity.
Significance of geo-thermal energy:
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  Power generation is higher than solar and wind energy.
 They can be brought on line more quickly.
 It is useful for hot water bath, resorts, green houses, and aquaculture.

6. Write a note on Dry cell or Leclanche’s Cell.

It is a primary or non-reversible battery which works without fluid component.
Description:
 Anode is Zinc cylinder (Zn) and cathode is carbon rod (graphite).
 Paste of NH4Cl, ZnCl2 and MnO2 with starch and water is electrolyte.
 Emf of the cell: 1.5V
Working:
At anode: Zn Zn+2 + 2e
At cathode: NH4+ MnO2 + 2e MnO(OH)- + NH3
Overall cell Reaction: Zn + NH4+ + MnO2 Zn+2 + MnO(OH)- + NH3
At cathode, Mn is reduced from +4 to +3 oxidation state

Disadvantages:
. NH4Cl being acidic corrodes the Zinc container, even
if it is not used.
 Voltage drop occurs due to build up of products on the
electrodes.

Uses: In transistor radios, torches, calculators, watches, etc.

7. Explain the construction and working principles of Lead-acid battery?

Lead-acid battery: it is a secondary battery, acts as both voltaic and electrolytic cell.
Description:
 Consists of 3 to 6 voltaic cells connected in series to get 6 to 12 V battery.
 Anode is lead (Pb) plates and cathode is lead dioxide (PbO2) plates.
 Entire combination is immersed in 38% dil.H2SO4(electrolyte)
Working (discharging & charging):
At anode: Pb(s) + SO42 (aq) discharging
PbSO4(s) + 2e
charging

+
At cathode: PbO2(s) + 4H + SO42 + 2e discharging
PbSO4(s) + 2H2O
charging

Overall reaction:
discharging
Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) 2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O + Energy
charging

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 Recharging: by passing electric current in opposite
direction
Advantages: produces high current, self- discharging rate
is low, efficient at low temp.
Disadvantages: recycling is environmental hazard;
mechanical strain reduces its capacity
Applications: used in automobiles, gas engine ignition,
power stations, hospitals, etc.,

8. Write a note on lithium-ion battery

Li-ion batteries are secondary batteries.
Construction: Li-ion cell has a four-layer structure. They are:
1. Cathode: Lithium Cobalt Oxide
2. Anode: porous carbon/ graphite.
3. Separator: fine porous polymer film
4. Electrolyte: polymer gel (organic solvent).
Working: Li-ion battery depends on an intercalation mechanism
The electrodes have two key properties.
1. Open crystal structure: it allows the insertion or extraction of Li-ions
2. Ability to accept compensating electrons

Charging and discharging reactions:

charging
LiCoO2 + C Li1-xCoO2 + CLix
discharging

During charging, Li ions from the cathode (LiCoO 2) flow from layer to layer and inserted into the anode
(graphite).
During discharge, Li ions from the anode flow back through the electrolyte to the cathode.
At the same time the compensating electrons travel in the external circuit and are accepted by the host to
balance the reaction.
Advantages: high voltage, light weight, small size, resistant to leakage, no memory effect, etc.
Disadvantages: expensive, extremely sensitive to high temperatures, not available in standard cell types.
Applications: LCD TV, laptops, mobile phones, cardiac pacemakers, aerospace application, etc

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9. What are electric vehicles? Explain their working principle, advantages and disadvantages?
Electric vehicles are powered on electric power and referred to as battery electric vehicles.
They have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion (IC) engine.
Working:
Electric vehicles work by plugging into a charge point and taking electricity from the grid. They store
electricity in rechargeable battery.
Step 1: controller takes and regulates electrical energy from battery to inverter.
Step 2: the inverter then sends electrical energy to the motor.
Step 3: the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (rotation)
Step 4: rotation of the motor rotor rotates the transmission, so the wheels turn and then the vehicle
moves.
Step 5: when brakes are pressed, the motor becomes an alternator and produces power, which is sent
back to the battery.
Advantages:
Energy efficient, no emission of exhaust gases, high performance and low maintenance, fuelled for very
low price.
Disadvantages:
They travel less distance, takes longer time to refuel(recharge), availability of electric fuelling stations
is low, initial investment is very high.

10. What are fuel cells? Give an account of H2-O2 fuel cell
Fuel cell is a voltaic cell, which converts chemical energy into electricity without combustion.
Fuel + Oxygen Oxidation products + Electricity
Ex: H2-O2 fuel cell

H2-O2 fuel cell: Fuel is H2 and oxidizer is O2

Description:
 electrodes : porous carbon electrodes (small amount of Pt,
Pd,Ag)
 electrolyte : 25% KOH/NaOH
 The two electrodes are connected through the volt meter.

Working: H2 is bubbled through anode (oxidized). O2 is bubbled

through cathode (reduced).

At anode: 2H2 + 4OH 4H2O + 4e

At cathode: O2 +2H2O + 4e 4OH
Overall cell Reaction: 2H2 + O2 2H2O
Emf: 0.8 to 1.0V
Advantages: No emission of harmful chemicals, 75% efficiency, easy transportation due to light
weight, pollution free, produces electric current and drinking water.
Disadvantages: H2 is explosive, electrodes are expensive, short life, storage and handling of H 2 gas is
dangerous
Applications: used in space vehicles, submarines or military-vehicles.
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 11. What is Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)? Explain its principle and working with neat diagram.
Microbial fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy by the action
of micro-organisms under anaerobic conditions.
Bioelectricity is generated by the oxidation of organic waste and renewable biomass using bacteria.

Construction:
Anodic compartment (oxidation): Anaerobic condition
Organic waste + microbes CO2 + H+ + e
Cathodic compartment (reduction): Aerobic condition
O2 + 4H+ + 4e 2H2O
Proton exchange membrane: separates Anodic and Cathodic compartments
Working:
Microbes oxidize organic waste (biomass) under anaerobic condition at anode. Electrons produced
during this process are directed to the cathode across an external circuit.
For balancing charge, protons (H+ ions) move from anodic to cathodic compartment by passing
through proton exchange membrane (PEM).
Finally, oxygen present at cathodic compartment (aerobic condition) combines with proton and
electron to produce water.
Applications:
1. In waste water treatment.
2. MFCs are used to convert carbon rich wastewater into methane gas.
3. MFCs are used as biosensors for wastewater streams.
4. MFCs are used in space.
5. MFCs play an important role in the field of microbiology, soil chemistry and electrical
engineering.

12. Write a note on super capacitors

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 Super capacitor can be defined as an energy storage device that stores energy electro-statically by
polarizing an electrolytic solution.

Principle: energy is stored in super capacitor by

polarizing the electrolytic solution. The charges are
separated via electrode-electrolyte interface.
Construction: Super capacitor consists of two
electrodes (made from metal coated with a porous
substance like powdery activated carbon) separated
by an ion-permeable membrane (separator) and
dipped in an electrolyte, containing positive &
negative ions.

Working: when the electrodes are connected to the power source, ions in the electrolyte form electric
double layers (Helmholtz electric double layer) of opposite polarity to the electrodes polarity, creating an
electric field between them.
For example, positive electrode attracts negative ions from the electrolyte. Similarly negative electrode
attracts positive ions from the electrolyte. Therefore, there is a formation of electrical double layer. The
ions are then stored near the surface of carbon.

Capacitance = dielectric constant of medium × area of the plate

Distance between the plates

Super capacitor stores energy via electrostatic charges on opposite surfaces of the electric double layer.
They utilize the high surface area of Carbon as the energy storage medium, resulting in an energy density
much higher than conventional capacitors.
Advantages:
1. Long life: its life time is very high (10-20 years)
2. Rapid charging: it takes only few seconds to charge completely
3. Low cost: it is less expensive than electrochemical batteries.
4. High power density: stores huge amount of energy in a small volume.
5. Performance: its performance is excellent even at low temperature (-40 oC)
Disadvantages:
1. Cost per watt is high
2. Cannot be used as source for continuous power supply.
3. If higher voltage is required, the cells must be connected in series.
4. High self-discharge than most batteries.

Applications:
1. Electronic applications: cellular electronics, power conditioning, UPS.
2. Consumer electronics: CD players, electronic toys, security systems, computers, scanners, etc.
3. Kitchen appliances: smoke detectors, microwaves, coffee makers, etc.
4. Industrial lasers, medical equipment, wireless communication systems, etc.

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