Renewable-Energy-Module-5-Important-

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Renewable-Energy-Module-5-Important-Topics-PYQs
Important Topics
1. Working and construction of small hydro power plant
- What is a Small Hydropower Plant?
- Classification of Small Hydropower Plants
- Components of a Small Hydropower Plant
- How Does It Work?
- Merits of Small Hydropower Plants
- Demerits of Small Hydropower Plants
- Example of Technology: Bulb Turbine
2. Types of turbines
- 1. Water Wheel
- 2. Impulse Turbine
- 3. Reaction Turbine
3. Hydrogen production
1. Electrolysis of Water
2. Thermochemical Method (Steam Reforming)
3. Thermolysis of Water
4. Biophotolysis
4. Hydrogen Storage
1. Methods of Hydrogen Storage:
2. Advances in Hydrogen Storage:
3. Hydrogen for Vehicles and Air Transport:
4. Cost Considerations:
5. Transporting Hydrogen:
 6. Safety Issues:
Applications of Hydrogen:
5. Fuel cell working principle
Working Principle of a Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell:

Previous Year Questions

1. What are fuel cells? List out the applications of fuel cells.
Applications of a Fuel Cell
2. What are the risks for the hydrogen energy storage?
3. Discuss the different methods used for the storage of hydrogen.
- 1. Gaseous Hydrogen Storage
- 2. Liquid Hydrogen Storage
- 3. Metallic Hydride Storage
- 4. Chemical Hydride Storage
4. How does the polarisation effect in a fuel cell affect the conversion efficiency?
- 1. Chemical Polarization
- 2. Concentration Polarization
- 3. Resistance Polarization
5. What are the benefits of using hydrogen as a fuel?
6. What are the properties of hydrogen? Why it is considered as a secondary energy
source?
Properties of Hydrogen
Why Hydrogen is a Secondary Energy Source
7. Describe the construction and working of an alkaline fuel cell. List two application
- Construction of an Alkaline Fuel Cell:
- Working Principle:
- Applications of Alkaline Fuel Cells:
8. Draw a neat schematic of a Hydrogen-Oxygen fuel cell, write down the chemical
reactions involved and explain the working.
- Chemical Reactions Involved:
- Working of a Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell:

Important Topics
1. Working and construction of small hydro power plant
What is a Small Hydropower Plant?

A small hydropower plant is a system that generates electricity by using the flow of water,
typically from streams or rivers. These plants have a capacity below 10 MW, making them
suitable for local and remote areas.

Classification of Small Hydropower Plants

1. Micro Plants: Up to 100 kW.

2. Mini Plants: Between 100 kW and 1 MW.
3. Small Plants: Between 1 MW and 10 MW.

Components of a Small Hydropower Plant

1. Diversion Structure:
A small dam or trench diverts water from a stream into the plant.
Ensures consistent water supply throughout the year.
Protects against flood damage.
2. Desilting Tank:
Removes debris like sand and pebbles from the water.
Protects the turbine from wear and tear.
3. Water Channel:
 Carries water from the diversion structure to the storage area.
Made to minimize water and energy loss.
4. Forebay Tank:
Acts as a mini-reservoir to hold water temporarily.
Maintains steady water flow to the turbine.
Includes an overflow system to release excess water.

5. Penstock:
A pipeline that delivers water from the forebay tank to the turbine.
Water flows down this pipe, gaining speed and energy due to gravity.
6. Powerhouse:
Contains the turbine and generator.
The turbine spins when water flows through it, converting water energy into
mechanical energy.
The generator converts mechanical energy into electricity.
7. Tailrace Channel:
Discharges water from the turbine back into the stream.

How Does It Work?

1. Water is diverted from a river or stream using a small dam or trench.

2. The water passes through a desilting tank to remove debris.
3. It flows through a channel into the forebay tank, where it is stored temporarily.
4. From the forebay tank, water travels through the penstock, gaining energy.
5. The turbine in the powerhouse spins due to the water flow, generating electricity.
6. The used water exits through the tailrace channel and rejoins the stream.

Merits of Small Hydropower Plants

Eco-Friendly: No pollution or greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable: Uses water, which is a sustainable resource.
Cost-Effective: Low operating costs and minimal skilled labor required.
Local Impact: Ideal for remote areas; eliminates long-distance electricity transmission
losses.
Quick Installation: Construction can take as little as 6–24 months.
No Displacement: Unlike large dams, these plants don’t require relocating communities.
Demerits of Small Hydropower Plants

High Costs: Initial installation and generation costs can be expensive.

Seasonal Variations: Depend on stream flow, which changes with seasons.
Remote Locations: Higher managerial and maintenance costs due to isolated locations.
Damage Risks: Susceptible to floods or extreme weather.

Example of Technology: Bulb Turbine

A bulb turbine is enclosed in a shell-like structure and can work efficiently in shallow
streams with low water heads (1–95 m).
Suitable for generating power ranging from 5 kW to 50 MW.

2. Types of turbines
Turbines are devices used to convert the energy of water into mechanical energy, which is then
converted into electrical energy by a generator. They operate on two primary principles:
impulse and reaction.

1. Water Wheel

Working Principle: This is the oldest type of turbine. It uses the kinetic energy of flowing
water or potential energy from water stored at a height to rotate a wheel with paddles or
blades.
Features:
Operates at low speeds.
 Suited for low-head and high-flow applications.
Mostly used in historic or traditional setups.

2. Impulse Turbine

Working Principle: Converts the entire potential energy (head) of water into kinetic
energy using a nozzle. A high-speed jet of water strikes the blades (buckets) of the turbine,
causing it to spin.
Example: Pelton Wheel
Design: Equipped with spoon-shaped buckets mounted on a wheel.
Applications: Best suited for high-head and low-flow sites.
Key Feature: Water jet works in open-air conditions, and there is no pressure change
in the turbine.

3. Reaction Turbine

Working Principle: The water's potential energy is partially converted into kinetic energy
within the turbine. Water flows through the turbine blades, and both pressure and velocity
changes drive the rotation.
Types:
Francis Turbine:
 Design: Features fixed guide vanes and curved rotor blades.
Applications: Suitable for medium-head and medium-flow sites.
Key Feature: Water flows radially inward and exits axially.

Kaplan Turbine:

Design: Propeller-like blades that can adjust their angle to varying water
flows.
Applications: Ideal for low-head and high-flow sites.
Key Feature: Highly efficient for fluctuating water conditions.

3. Hydrogen production
Hydrogen is a clean and versatile energy carrier, and there are several ways to produce it. Let's
break them down into simple methods:

1. Electrolysis of Water

How It Works: Electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Setup:
Two electrodes (metal plates) are placed in water with an electrolyte (like KOH
solution).
When current flows, hydrogen forms at the cathode (negative electrode) and oxygen
forms at the anode (positive electrode).
Key Points:
Simple method but requires electricity.
Clean if renewable electricity (like solar or wind) is used.
Reaction:

2. Thermochemical Method (Steam Reforming)

How It Works: Steam reacts with natural gas (methane) at high temperatures (around
900°C) to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Steps:
Methane reacts with steam to form hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
 Carbon dioxide is removed later.
Key Points:
Most widely used commercial method.
Cost-effective but not completely eco-friendly due to CO₂ emissions.

Reaction:

3. Thermolysis of Water

How It Works: Water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using heat energy.
Key Points:
Requires very high temperatures (~2500°C).
At lower temperatures (~850°C), the process is done in stages using chemical
materials to assist the reaction.
Similar to electrolysis but uses heat instead of electricity.

4. Biophotolysis

How It Works: Certain plants and algae use sunlight to split water and produce hydrogen.
Key Points:
Uses natural processes and sunlight, making it eco-friendly.
Low-cost method but still under research for large-scale use.
Why It's Called Biophotolysis:
"Bio" = biological organisms like algae.
"Photolysis" = splitting water using light (photons).

4. Hydrogen Storage
1. Methods of Hydrogen Storage:

Gaseous Form:
 Stored in steel tanks or cylinders at high pressures (350–750 atm).
Suitable for small amounts; large amounts are stored underground.
Hydrogen gas is lightweight but requires 3.6 times more volume than natural gas.
Liquid Form:
Stored at extremely low temperatures (below -253°C) in cryogenic tanks.
Requires less space than gas but is expensive due to cooling requirements.
Metallic Hydrides:
Hydrogen forms compounds (hydrides) with metals like lanthanum nickel or
magnesium nickel.
Heating these hydrides releases hydrogen.
Heavy but useful for stationary applications; unsuitable for vehicles due to weight.
Chemical Hydrides:
Hydrogen is stored in chemical compounds like ammonia borane.
Safer and more space-efficient than metallic hydrides.

2. Advances in Hydrogen Storage:

Nanocomposites: Magnesium nanoparticles in polymer matrices store and release

hydrogen at moderate temperatures.
Aluminium Hydride: Cost-effective, high-capacity material for rechargeable storage.
New Crystal Structures: Materials like lithium amide combined with lightweight hydrides
enhance storage.
Nanomaterials: Carbon or silicon nanotubes and sponge-like materials improve storage
capacity.

3. Hydrogen for Vehicles and Air Transport:

Fuel Cells: Use hydrogen to generate electricity for vehicles.

Nanotube Storage: Carbon and silicon nanotubes act as miniature hydrogen tanks.
Ammonia Borane: High hydrogen capacity enables vehicles to cover long distances.
Air Transport: Liquid hydrogen is used with super-insulated cryogenic tanks.

*4. Cost Considerations:

The cost of hydrogen storage includes:

 Compression to high pressure.
Cryogenic cooling for liquid hydrogen.
Specialized containers and safety systems.
Transportation expenses.

5. Transporting Hydrogen:

Delivered via gas cylinders, tankers, or pipelines.

Short distances: High-pressure cylinders.
Long distances: Cryogenic liquid in super-insulated tanks.

6. Safety Issues:

Hydrogen is flammable and hard to detect due to its invisible flame. Safety precautions:

Leak Detection: Add odorants to hydrogen.

Spark Prevention: Automatic disconnection of batteries during accidents.
Fire Systems: Install fire alarms and extinguishers.

Applications of Hydrogen:

1. Electricity Generation: Fuel cells.

2. Aviation Fuel: High energy density.
3. Cooking: Replacement for LPG.
4. Vehicle Fuel: Cleaner emissions.
5. Steam Generators: Produces pure water.
6. Industrial Use: Cooling large motors, making ammonia, and hydrogenation of oils.
7. Energy Storage: Intermediate for energy storage and transport.

5. Fuel cell working principle

A fuel cell is a device that produces electricity directly from a chemical reaction. It’s like a
battery, but instead of storing energy, it continuously generates electricity as long as fuel (like
hydrogen) and an oxidant (like oxygen) are supplied.
Working Principle of a Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell:

1. Components:
Anode (Positive side): Where hydrogen enters.
Cathode (Negative side): Where oxygen enters.
Electrolyte: A medium that allows certain ions (charged particles) to pass while
keeping hydrogen and oxygen gases separate.
2. How It Works:
At the Anode (Oxidation):
Hydrogen gas (H2) is split into protons (H+) and electrons (e−).
The electrons flow through an external circuit, creating electricity.
At the Cathode (Reduction):
Oxygen (O2) reacts with the incoming electrons and protons to form water (H2O).
In the Electrolyte:
The electrolyte allows only the protons (H+) to pass through, forcing the electrons to
go through the external circuit, which powers devices.
3. End Products:
Electricity (used for power).
Water (as waste).
Heat (can also be used).
Previous Year Questions
1. What are fuel cells? List out the applications of fuel cells.
A fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (like hydrogen) and an oxidant
(like oxygen) directly into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction, without
combustion. It operates continuously as long as fuel and oxidant are supplied, producing
electricity, water, and heat as by-products.

Applications of a Fuel Cell

1. Power Plants:
Used for load leveling by storing energy as hydrogen and oxygen during low demand
and converting it back to electricity during high demand.
2. High-Efficiency Power Generation:
Converts synthetic gas (hydrogen + carbon monoxide) into electricity with high
efficiency (up to 70%).
3. Distributed Power Generation:
Reduces transmission and distribution costs by operating near load centers.
4. Remote Areas:
Ideal for providing electricity in inaccessible or remote locations.
5. Transportation:
Powers electric vehicles, spacecraft, and submarines due to their clean and efficient
operation.
6. Emergency Power:
Provides reliable power for critical infrastructure like hospitals during outages.
7. Battery Replacement:
Serves as an alternative to conventional batteries in various applications.

2. What are the risks for the hydrogen energy storage?

1. Leakage Risks:
 Hydrogen leaks quickly due to its small molecular size, spreading three times faster
than natural gas.
Leaked hydrogen can form a flammable mixture in the air, posing fire or explosion
risks.
2. High Flammability:
Hydrogen ignites easily with minimal heat or a weak spark.
The flammability risk is four times higher than natural gas.
3. Invisible Flames:
Hydrogen flames are not visible, making detection of fires challenging.
4. Cold Burns from Liquid Hydrogen:
Handling liquid hydrogen can cause cold burns.
Air must be completely removed from storage cylinders to prevent the formation of an
inflammable hydrogen-air mixture.
5. Vehicle-Related Risks:
Hydrogen fuel tanks in vehicles are a potential explosion hazard, especially during
parking, collisions, or leaks in the fuel line.

3. Discuss the different methods used for the storage of

hydrogen.
1. Gaseous Hydrogen Storage

Process: Hydrogen is compressed and stored in strong steel tanks or cylinders at high
pressures (350–750 atm).
Features:
Suitable for small-scale storage.
Large amounts are stored in underground facilities.
Advantages:
Simple and widely used.
Challenges:
Requires significant volume due to low density.

2. Liquid Hydrogen Storage

 Process: Hydrogen is cooled to cryogenic temperatures (below -253°C or 20 K) to form a
liquid and stored in insulated tanks.
Features:
Reduces storage space.
Requires continuous low-temperature maintenance.
Advantages:
Higher energy density.
Useful for transportation.
Challenges:
High cost due to refrigeration.
Risk of evaporation (boil-off).

3. Metallic Hydride Storage

Process: Hydrogen reacts with certain metals (e.g., lanthanum-nickel, iron-titanium,

magnesium-nickel) to form metal hydrides, releasing hydrogen gas when heated.
Features:
Pressure of released gas depends on temperature.
Advantages:
Safe and compact.
Constant pressure at a given temperature.

Challenges:
Heavyweight metal alloys make it unsuitable for vehicles.
Expensive materials.

4. Chemical Hydride Storage

Process: Hydrogen is stored in chemical compounds that release hydrogen in the

presence of an alkaline solution.
Features:
Safer and more efficient than metallic hydrides.
Advantages:
Higher volumetric efficiency.
Suitable for large-scale storage.
4. How does the polarisation effect in a fuel cell affect the
conversion efficiency?
In a fuel cell, polarization refers to the difference between the theoretical (or ideal) voltage
and the actual voltage output.
This occurs due to various losses at the electrodes, which are primarily a result of different
forms of polarization.
Polarization affects the conversion efficiency of a fuel cell by reducing the amount of
usable electrical power it generates, which directly lowers its overall efficiency.

The main types of polarization that contribute to these losses are:

1. Chemical Polarization

Cause: This occurs due to the rate at which ions are discharged at the electrodes and the
ability of the electrode material to facilitate this process.
Impact on Efficiency: If the discharge of ions is slower than expected or inefficient, it
leads to a drop in voltage output, reducing the cell's efficiency.

2. Concentration Polarization

Cause: This happens when the concentration of reactants at the electrode surface
decreases during current flow, especially when the fuel or oxidant is consumed faster than
it is replenished.
Impact on Efficiency: As the concentration of reactants at the electrode falls, the fuel
cell’s ability to generate power is hindered, leading to a further loss of potential, and
hence, reduced efficiency.

3. Resistance Polarization

Cause: Resistance polarization is caused by the internal resistance of the electrolyte. As

ions move through the electrolyte, resistance increases, and some energy is lost in the
form of heat.
Impact on Efficiency: Increased internal resistance results in a voltage drop, leading to
lower overall efficiency, as more energy is wasted in overcoming resistance.

5. What are the benefits of using hydrogen as a fuel?

 1. Environmentally Friendly:
Hydrogen combustion produces only water vapor as a byproduct, which means it
does not emit pollutants
2. Renewable Energy Potential:
Hydrogen can be generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and
hydropower through processes like electrolysis
3. High Energy Density:
4. Ease of Transportation:
Hydrogen is relatively easy to transport by rail, road, or pipelines over long
distances.
5. Flexibility in Applications:
Hydrogen can be used in a wide variety of applications, including:
Fuel cells for electricity generation (e.g., in cars, buildings, and industries)
Combustion engines for powering vehicles and machinery
Spacecraft and rockets for propulsion
Power plants for generating electricity
This versatility makes it a key player in a wide range of industries and applications.
6. Storage of Excess Energy:
Hydrogen can be produced using excess energy from renewable sources (e.g., solar
or wind) during times of high availability and stored for later use.
7. Safety and Efficiency:
Hydrogen has a faster flame speed and lower ignition temperature compared to
many other fuels, making it more efficient to burn. It also requires less heat to start
combustion, which can enhance the performance of engines or fuel cells.

6. What are the properties of hydrogen? Why it is considered

as a secondary energy source?
Properties of Hydrogen

1. Light Gas: Hydrogen is a very light gas, one-fourth the density of air and one-ninth that of
natural gas.
2. Low Boiling Point: It liquefies at a very low temperature (-253°C).
 3. High Energy Density (by mass): Hydrogen has more energy per kilogram (120 MJ/kg)
than gasoline (44 MJ/kg).
4. Fast Burning: It burns faster than natural gas.
5. Easy to Ignite: Hydrogen requires less heat to start burning compared to natural gas.
6. Pollution-Free: When burned, it produces only water vapor, no harmful emissions.

Why Hydrogen is a Secondary Energy Source

1. Needs Primary Energy to Produce: Hydrogen is made from other energy sources like
fossil fuels or renewable energy (e.g., solar, wind, nuclear).
2. Energy Carrier: It stores and transports energy, similar to electricity.
3. Storage and Transport: It can be stored and transported long distances, making it useful
when energy is produced in one place but needed in another.
4. Flexible Energy: Hydrogen can be used to generate electricity (fuel cells) or heat
(combustion).*

7. Describe the construction and working of an alkaline fuel

cell. List two application
Construction of an Alkaline Fuel Cell:

1. Fuel: Hydrogen (H₂) or hydrogen-rich gas.

2. Oxidant: Oxygen (O₂) or air.
3. Electrodes: Porous nickel electrodes are used for both anode and cathode.
4. Electrolyte: A 40% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH).
5. Output Voltage: 1.23 V at 90°C.

Working Principle:

Anode (Hydrogen Side): Hydrogen gas (H₂) is introduced at the anode, where it is
oxidized. This results in the release of electrons and the formation of hydroxide ions
(OH⁻):
The electrons flow through the external circuit to the cathode, generating electricity.
Cathode (Oxygen Side): Oxygen (O₂) or air is introduced at the cathode. Here, oxygen
molecules combine with water (H₂O) and electrons to form hydroxide ions (OH⁻):
The hydroxide ions (OH⁻) move through the electrolyte (40% KOH solution) to the
anode, where they react with hydrogen to form water (H₂O), completing the circuit.

Applications of Alkaline Fuel Cells:

1. Spacecraft Power: Alkaline fuel cells are used in space missions, such as those by
NASA, for powering spacecraft and satellites, due to their high efficiency and reliability.
2. Backup Power Systems: AFCs are used in backup power applications where clean and
reliable electricity is required, such as in remote telecommunications or emergency
systems.

8. Draw a neat schematic of a Hydrogen-Oxygen fuel cell,

write down the chemical reactions involved and explain the
working.
Chemical Reactions Involved:

1. At the Anode (Hydrogen Side):

Hydrogen gas (H₂) is supplied to the anode, where it is oxidized to produce protons
(H⁺) and electrons (e⁻):
+ −
H2 → 2H + 2e

This oxidation process liberates electrons, which flow through the external circuit to
the cathode, generating electrical power.
2. At the Cathode (Oxygen Side):
Oxygen gas (O₂) is supplied to the cathode, where it reacts with protons (H⁺) and
electrons (e⁻) to form water (H₂O):
1 + −
O2 + 2H + 2e → H2O
2

This reaction results in the production of water as the only by-product of the fuel cell.

Working of a Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell:

1. Hydrogen Supply: Hydrogen gas (H₂) is fed into the anode side of the fuel cell.
2. Anode Reaction: At the anode, the hydrogen molecules (H₂) are split into protons (H⁺)
and electrons (e⁻). The electrons flow through an external circuit, producing electrical
power.
3. Electrolyte: The electrolyte, which is phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), conducts the protons (H⁺)
from the anode to the cathode, allowing the flow of positive charges.
4. Cathode Reaction: At the cathode, oxygen (O₂) is introduced and reacts with the protons
(H⁺) and electrons (e⁻) to form water (H₂O).
5. Output: The overall output of the reaction is water (H₂O), and electrical energy is
produced from the flow of electrons through the external circuit.