Basics
1. Describe the Joule-Brayton Cycle: chart, p-V and T-S diagram!
2. What are differences in between Carnot and Standard- vapour compression cycles? Show process flow in T-S chart!
3. Give a scheme of refrigeration, chart T-S and log p-h diagram!
Cooling
1. Explain the standard vapour compression cycle (T-S and log p-h diagrams)? Explain the planning process of
vapour compression system for given (tc , ta) external conditions?
2. What are the effects of evaporation and condensation temperatures on C.O.P. (Coefficient of Performance)
𝑇𝐿
𝐶. 𝑂. 𝑃. =
𝑇𝐻 − 𝑇𝐿
3. What does the sub-cooling mean in refrigerating system? What are the effects of that on C.O.P.? Show the
process flow in T-S chart.
4. Explain the Multi-stage (compound- and cascade-system) vapour compression refrigerating systems, when we
use it? (Block diagram, T-s and log p-h diagram)
Compound system
Cascade system
Fuel cell
1. What is the working principle of fuel cells? What are the advantages and disadvantages of fuel cells?
• The fuel cell produce electric power from hydrogen and oxygen through electrochemical process.
• An ordinary fuel cell consist of two fine and porous electrode (anode and cathode) and the electrolyte
between the electrodes.
• The hydrogen dissociates to e- and p+ on the anode by the help of the catalyst.
• The oxygen with the electrons and protons form H2O on the cathode.
• The electrons are not allowed to penetrate through the membrane, they are forced to the cathode through
the current circuit.
• The drift of the electrons produces electrical direct current.
2. What are the units of a fuels cell system? What is the role of these units? What type of fuel cells do you
know? What characteristic do they have (type of electrolyte, operation temperature, power, efficiency, use)?
Units
• Fuel reforming unit
• Energy conversation unit.
• Transformer and regulator unit.
• Heat recovery unit.
Polymer electrolyte membrane – PEMFC
• Electrolyte: proton exchange membrane.
• Low temperature (85-105C).
• Nafion ® membrane which is bed in poli-tetra-fluoroethylene based composition.
• Anode: H2 → 2H+ + 2e- → H2O.
• High power density (power/mass).
• Fast stand-up.
• Efficiency 50%
• Disadvantage: low CO tolerance.
3. What H2 production processes do you know? Describe one in detail!
Internal combustion engines
1. Describe the Dual-combustion cycle. How can be calculated the cycle efficiency? Show the process in P-V chart.
What are the losses in a real internal combustion engine?
Losses:
a. Intake and exhaust losses.
b. Heat transfer (non-isentropic) compression.
c. Incomplete combustion.
d. Limited combustion speed.
e. Gas losses.
2. Describe the characteristic of the ICE engines (Pe, Torque, BSFC and volumetric efficiency in the function of the
speed)
Power Output (Pe): HP or kW measure the engine's work rate. After a certain engine speed (RPM), pumping losses,
mechanical friction, and combustion time reduce ICE power output. The engine's maximum power output is
represented by the power vs. speed curve's "bell curve" shape.
Torque: The engine's rotational force is measured in lb-ft or Nm. More torque means faster acceleration and pulling
power. Torque, like power output, rises with engine speed until it starts to fall. The torque vs. speed curve often
resembles the power curve, but peak torque usually occurs at a lower engine speed than peak power.
Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC): BSFC is a measure of engine fuel efficiency. It's measured in lb/hph or
g/kWh. BSFC typically decreases (improves) with engine load and reaches a minimum at 75-85% of maximum
power output. Pumping losses and combustion inefficiency increase BSFC at low loads and high speeds.
Volumetric Efficiency: This measures the engine's air intake. It's the ratio of air intake per cycle to the theoretical
maximum (based on engine displacement). Due to limited time to fill the cylinders, volumetric efficiency decreases
with speed in naturally aspirated engines. Due to intake air pressurisation, turbocharged and supercharged engines
can exceed 100% volumetric efficiency at high speeds.
3. What are the requirements of the mixing systems? What type of mixture used, and why? Explain Excess air factor
Control systems.
Uniform Mixing: The mixing system should evenly distribute fuel and oxidizer (usually air) to ensure complete
combustion and prevent hot or cold spots.
Correct Stoichiometric Ratio: For complete combustion, the fuel-air mixture must be correct. The stoichiometric
ratio of air and fuel ensures complete fuel combustion.
Flexibility: The mixing system should adjust the fuel-air ratio to accommodate different operating conditions and
control flame temperature and emissions.
Safety: Flame arrestors and check valves prevent backfire and explosion in the mixing system.
The Excess Air Factor is the actual air-fuel ratio minus the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. A value of >1 means excess
air (lean mixture), <1 means excess fuel (rich mixture), and =1 is the stoichiometric or ideal mixture.
Solar cells
1. How do photovoltaic cells work? Illustrate and explain their I-U, P-U characteristics, along with the effect of
irradiance and temperature on the characteristic curves!
When photons strike a PV cell they may reflect off the cell, as through the cell, or be absorbed by the
semiconductor material. Only the absorbed photon provide energy to generate electricity.
2. What is spectral sensitivity, Schockley-Queisser limit and how do multi junction cells work? Which types of Si-
based solar cells do you know, and what are their main attributes?
ℎ∙𝑐
Photon energy: 𝐸 = 𝜆
Semi-conductor band gap: Eg
E<Eg no electron excitation.
E=Eg all photon energy used.
E<Eg part of photon energy.
Schockley-Queisser limit
• Max. 33.7% eff. For single junction cell.
• Optimal band gap: 1.34 eV.
• Si band gap: 1.14 eV.
Gas turbine
1. Describe the equation of Compressor input and Turbine output power, how can we calculate the thermal efficiency
of gas turbine?
2. What are the losses of Efficiencies and of turbine stages?
3. What are the types of Compressors, what are the main parameters of the types?
4. What are the impulse stage and reaction stage? Draw the velocity triangles of this stages!
ORC
1. What are the differences between ORC and steam turbine cycle?
ORC Steam cycle
Working fluid hydrocarbons and refrigerants Working fluid water
Uses an organic fluid that has a much lower boiling point Thermal power to convert water to steam
than water.
convert low-temperature heat resources into power. Convert hot steam into power
Use of waste heat in a cogeneration system, low Use only water steam
temperature geothermal electricity generation, solar
ponds
Lower efficiency Higher efficiency
Simpler in design (less maintenance) More complex in design (more maintenance)
2. What are advantageous and disadvantages of ORC comparing to the steam turbine?
Advantages of ORC Advantages of steam turbine
No superheating High efficiency
Lower turbine inlet temperature Low cost working fluid
Compactness (higher fluid density) Environmentally working fluid
Lower evaporating pressure Non-flammable, non-toxic working fluid
Higher condensing pressure Low pump consumption
3. What are the main features of the Rankine cycle fluids?
In a Rankine cycle, a liquid is pumped under pressure into a boiler where heat is added. The vapor then drives a turbine.
The turbine expands the working fluid producing mechanical energy that is converted to electrical energy by the generators.
