UNIT-1
#1 Tabulate the difference between the renewable and
non-renewable energy source.
Here's a simple table comparing renewable and non-renewable energy sources:
Aspect Renewable Energy Non-Renewable Energy
Definition Energy sourced from natural Energy derived from finite
resources that are replenished resources that cannot be
naturally. replenished within a human
lifespan.
Examples Solar, wind, geothermal, Coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear
hydropower, biomass. (uranium).
Availability Abundant and constantly Limited supply, finite and will
replenished by natural processes. eventually run out.
Environmental Low to no carbon emissions, High carbon emissions,
Impact minimal pollution. contributes to climate change and
pollution.
Cost Often higher initial investment but Generally cheaper to extract and
decreasing over time with use but leads to environmental
technology improvements. degradation.
Sustainability Sustainable, does not deplete Unsustainable, depletes the
natural resources. Earth’s resources.
Energy Storage Energy storage is needed Energy production is continuous,
because renewable sources like no storage required.
solar and wind are not always
available (e.g., solar, wind).
Efficiency Varies depending on technology Generally higher efficiency but
(e.g., solar and wind can be with environmental costs.
intermittent).
Impact on Generally minimal impact, but Can lead to habitat destruction, oil
Ecosystem some (e.g., hydro) can affect local spills, and air pollution.
ecosystems.
Examples of Residential power, grid power, Electricity generation,
Usage transportation (e.g., electric transportation (e.g., gasoline,
vehicles), industrial use. diesel), industrial heating.
Aspect Renewable Energy Non-Renewable Energy
Energy Provides long-term energy Dependent on imports, leading to
Security security as resources are energy insecurity in many regions.
abundant.
Job Creation Creates jobs in clean energy Jobs are mainly in extraction, which
sectors (e.g., solar panel may decline over time as resources
installation, wind turbine deplete.
maintenance).
Infrastructure Requires new infrastructure (e.g., Established infrastructure, with
wind farms, solar panels, existing refineries, power plants,
batteries). and transportation systems.
Impact on Minimal direct health risks; some Extraction and use often cause
Health technologies (e.g., wind, solar) pollution, which can lead to
improve air quality. respiratory and cardiovascular
diseases.
Land Use Can require significant land for Mining and drilling for resources can
installation, such as large solar cause land degradation and habitat
farms or wind turbines. loss.
#2. Evaluate the energy conservation and its importance.
Energy Conservation refers to the practice of reducing energy consumption by using less
energy to perform the same tasks, or by adopting more efficient technologies and practices.
It involves both minimizing the energy used and improving energy efficiency in order to
reduce unnecessary consumption and waste.
Importance of Energy Conservation
1. Environmental Protection:
○ Energy conservation helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG),
primarily carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming and climate
change. By using less energy, fewer fossil fuels are burned, leading to cleaner
air and reduced environmental pollution.
○ Reducing energy use also helps preserve natural resources like coal, oil, and
natural gas, which are finite.
2. Reduction of Energy Costs:
○ By conserving energy, individuals, businesses, and governments can lower
energy bills. Using energy-efficient appliances and better insulation, for
example, can lead to substantial savings over time.
○ As energy costs rise, conservation measures become an increasingly
effective way to manage expenses.
3. Sustainability:
○ Energy conservation supports the shift toward sustainable energy sources by
reducing dependence on non-renewable energy. By using energy more
efficiently, there is less strain on existing resources, which can prolong the
lifespan of fossil fuel reserves.
○ It encourages the use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and
hydro by reducing the demand for fossil fuel-based power generation.
4. Energy Security:
○ By reducing the overall demand for energy, countries can lessen their
dependency on imported oil and gas, enhancing energy security. This makes
nations less vulnerable to supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions in
energy-rich regions.
5. Economic Growth and Job Creation:
○ Energy-efficient technologies and practices can stimulate economic growth by
fostering innovation in sectors such as green building, renewable energy
technologies, and electric vehicles.
○ The energy efficiency sector also creates jobs in manufacturing, installation,
maintenance, and research and development, contributing to economic
growth and reducing unemployment.
6. Reduction of Carbon Footprint:
○ Energy conservation directly contributes to lowering an individual’s or
organization’s carbon footprint. By reducing the energy consumed, fewer
carbon emissions are released, which is essential for achieving global climate
goals, such as those set by the Paris Agreement.
7. Improvement in Health:
○ Reducing energy consumption from fossil fuels leads to lower air pollution,
which has a direct positive impact on public health. It reduces respiratory
problems and other health issues linked to poor air quality.
○ Healthier environments can also improve overall quality of life, especially in
urban areas where pollution levels tend to be higher.
8. Preservation of Natural Resources:
○ Energy conservation reduces the rate at which non-renewable resources like
fossil fuels are used up. This ensures that natural resources, including water,
minerals, and fossil fuels, last longer for future generations.
○ Efficient use of energy reduces the need for mining, drilling, and other
resource-extracting activities, which often result in environmental degradation.
9. Improved Quality of Life:
○ Implementing energy-saving practices, such as better insulation or more
efficient appliances, can enhance comfort in homes and workplaces.
Energy-efficient buildings, for example, maintain more stable temperatures,
reducing the need for heating and cooling.
10.Supports Technological Innovation:
○ The push for energy conservation has led to significant technological
advancements, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, energy-efficient
appliances, and electric vehicles, all of which help reduce energy
consumption while improving performance and convenience.
Conclusion
Energy conservation plays a crucial role in building a sustainable future by mitigating
environmental damage, saving costs, enhancing energy security, and promoting economic
and social welfare. It’s essential for protecting the planet, ensuring future energy availability,
and meeting international climate targets. Through individual efforts, business innovations,
and governmental policies, energy conservation can lead to a more resilient and sustainable
global energy system.
#3. Summarize the role of energy manager and explain the
instruments for energy auditing.
Role of an Energy Manager (Simple Explanation)
An Energy Manager helps an organization reduce energy costs and improve energy
efficiency. Their job includes setting energy-saving goals, tracking progress, and promoting
energy management as a key value within the company. They do not always need to be
experts in technical systems but must understand how energy management benefits the
organization's financial and environmental goals.
Depending on the organization's size, an Energy Manager may work full-time on energy
management or take on this role alongside other responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities of an Energy Manager (Under the Energy
Conservation Act, 2001)
1. Planning & Investment
○ Create an annual plan for energy-saving investments and present it to
management.
○ Set up an energy conservation cell to focus on energy-saving strategies.
2. Monitoring & Process Improvement
○ Improve tracking of energy usage to reduce costs.
○ Analyze equipment performance to check for energy efficiency.
○ Ensure that energy measurement instruments are working correctly.
3. Training & Awareness
○ Prepare materials and conduct workshops on energy conservation for staff.
○ Train employees on energy-efficient practices.
4. Data Analysis & Reporting
○ Break down energy consumption data for better monitoring at different levels
(e.g., department-wise).
○ Develop a method to calculate energy use per product or service accurately.
○ Report annual energy usage and audit actions to the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency (BEE) and state agencies.
5. Implementation & Collaboration
○ Work with external agencies to conduct energy audits and implement
efficiency projects.
○ Share knowledge and exchange ideas with Energy Managers from other
organizations.
○ Create systems to integrate energy efficiency with environmental
improvements.
6. Compliance & Regulation
○ Support government-accredited energy audit firms in conducting audits.
○ Ensure the company follows the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 and
submits required data to BEE.
○ Develop and implement energy-saving schemes while considering
cost-effectiveness.
Main Duties of an Energy Manager
● Report energy usage and actions taken to BEE and state authorities.
● Maintain accurate records of energy consumption and improvements.
● Support external auditors in conducting energy audits.
● Develop and execute strategies for efficient energy use and cost savings.
In short, an Energy Manager ensures that an organization saves energy, cuts costs,
follows government regulations, and promotes a culture of energy efficiency.
Energy Audit Instruments
Electrical Measuring Instruments: These devices measure key electrical parameters like
voltage (V), current (A), power (kW), power factor (PF), frequency (Hz), reactive power
(kVAr), and harmonics. They can be used on running motors without stopping them, with
handheld meters for instant readings and advanced meters for continuous monitoring with
printouts.
Combustion Analyzer: This instrument contains built-in chemical cells that measure gases
like Oxygen (O₂), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Sulfur Oxides (SOx),
helping in assessing combustion efficiency and emissions.
Fuel Efficiency Monitor:This measures oxygen and temperature of the flue gas. Calorific
values of common fuels are fed into the microprocessor which calculates the combustion
efficiency.
Fyrite (Gas Analyzer): A hand held pump draws the flue gas sample into the solution inside
the fyrite. A chemical reaction changes the liquid volume revealing the amount of gas. A
separate fyrite can be used for O2 and CO2 measurement.
Contact Thermometer: A temperature-measuring device using thermocouples to assess
the heat of flue gases, hot air, or water by inserting a probe, while a leaf-type probe is used
for surface temperature measurements.
Infrared Thermometer: A non-contact device that measures surface temperatures by
detecting infrared radiation, commonly used to check hot spots in furnaces, electrical
systems, and industrial equipment.
Pitot Tube and Manometer: This setup measures air velocity inside ducts using a
pressure-based principle, enabling further calculations to determine airflow rates in HVAC
and ventilation systems.
Water Flow Meter: A non-contact device that uses Doppler Effect or Ultrasonic technology,
with a transmitter and receiver placed on opposite sides of a pipe, to directly measure the
flow of water or other fluids.
Speed Measurements: Tachometers (contact-type) and stroboscopes (non-contact type)
are used for measuring rotational speed in machines, helping detect variations due to belt
slip, frequency changes, or load shifts.
Leak Detectors: Ultrasonic instruments detect leaks of compressed air and gases that are
typically undetectable by human senses, helping in energy conservation and system
efficiency improvement.
Lux Meter: A device that measures illumination levels using a photocell, which senses light
intensity and converts it into electrical impulses calibrated in lux, ensuring proper lighting
conditions in workplaces.
#4.Discuss the different types of audits in detail and analyse its
importance in the core industry
An energy audit is a systematic process of analyzing energy use in a facility to identify
opportunities for improving efficiency, reducing waste, and lowering operational costs. It
involves collecting data, evaluating energy consumption patterns, and recommending
cost-effective measures for optimization.It involves:
● Data collection (energy bills, equipment specifications, operational patterns).
● Performance measurement (using instruments like power analyzers, thermal
cameras).
● Analysis of energy use (identifying inefficiencies and losses).
● Recommendations for cost-effective energy-saving measures.
Energy audits can range from a basic walk-through assessment to a comprehensive
engineering analysis, depending on the level of detail required.
1. Preliminary Energy Audit Methodology
A preliminary energy audit is a basic and quick survey of energy use in an organization.
Think of it as a "first-level" check to understand how much energy is being consumed and
where possible savings can be made. This audit doesn't involve deep measurements or
detailed data analysis — instead, it relies on existing records like utility bills and basic site
inspection.
The purpose of a preliminary audit is to:
● Understand how energy is being used across the facility.
● Spot easy areas for improvement, especially those that require little or no investment.
● Set a baseline for comparison (called a reference point) for future audits.
● Identify specific sections of the plant or building where a more detailed audit should
be conducted later.
This type of audit is useful for quick decision-making and planning. It often reveals no-cost or
low-cost solutions like switching off unused equipment, reducing lighting hours, or improving
maintenance.
2. Detailed Energy Audit Methodology
A detailed energy audit is much more thorough and comprehensive. It is like a deep-dive
investigation of all the systems that use energy in a facility. The main goal here is to develop
a clear action plan to save energy and reduce costs. This kind of audit gives an accurate
picture of energy usage, equipment performance, and cost-saving opportunities.
The detailed energy audit is carried out in three structured phases:
Phase I – Pre-Audit Phase
This is the planning stage where the energy auditor prepares for the audit. The auditor visits
the site, meets the staff, and gathers important information to understand how energy is
used.
Key activities:
● Meeting senior management: The auditor discusses the goals of the audit and the
budget.
● Analyzing past energy data: The auditor looks at previous energy bills and
consumption patterns with the technical staff.
● Collecting building maps: The auditor collects maps and plans of the building and
utilities like electricity or steam systems.
● Site tour: The auditor walks around the site to see how the equipment and
processes work.
● Finalizing audit team: The right people are chosen to be part of the audit team and
the most important equipment is identified.
● Checking meters: The auditor checks if there are any existing meters measuring
energy use and decides if new meters are needed (e.g., for electricity, steam, or gas).
● Planning: The auditor sets the timeline for the audit and prepares the tools needed.
This phase sets the stage for an organized and effective audit.
Phase II – Audit Phase
This is the main part of the audit, where energy use is measured and analyzed in detail. The
auditor spends time on-site, taking measurements and studying how energy is being used in
different parts of the facility.
Key activities:
● Measuring energy use: The auditor collects data on how much energy is being used
in various departments, like production or HVAC systems.
● Studying off-hours use: The auditor checks energy use during weekends or night
shifts when systems may still be running but not in full operation.
● Energy balances: The auditor creates a detailed report showing how energy is used
in different parts of the plant.
● Identifying inefficiencies: The auditor looks for areas where energy is wasted and
suggests ways to improve.
● Cost estimation: The auditor estimates how much it will cost to make improvements
and how much money those improvements will save.
● Action plan: The auditor groups suggestions into short-term, medium-term, and
long-term actions.
Example: The auditor might find that a machine is running inefficiently and suggests
replacing it with an energy-saving version. They will calculate the cost of replacing the
machine and the amount of money the company will save on energy bills.
Phase III – Post-Audit Phase
This is the final stage where the auditor presents the audit findings and recommendations.
Key activities:
● Prepare a report summarizing all findings.
● List recommended energy-saving actions with costs and savings.
● Rank the actions based on urgency and impact.
● Calculate how long it will take to recover the investment (payback period).
● Suggest training for staff to improve energy use.
Example: After auditing a building, the auditor may suggest replacing old lighting with LED
lights, estimating the savings and payback period, and advising the staff on how to use the
lights more efficiently.
Importance of Energy Audits in Core Industries
1. Cost Reduction:
Audits reveal wasteful practices and suggest methods to cut energy bills significantly
through efficiency improvements.
2. Operational Efficiency:
Improves system performance, reduces downtime, and enhances productivity of key
industrial processes (cement, steel, chemicals, textiles, etc.).
3. Environmental Benefits:
Reduced energy use leads to fewer emissions, supporting green initiatives and
corporate sustainability targets.
4. Regulatory Compliance:
Helps industries comply with energy efficiency regulations like the Energy
Conservation Act, 2001, and the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme.
5. Resource Optimization:
Better utilization of fuels, electricity, and water through system-level improvements
and process optimization.
6. Enhanced Competitiveness:
Lower energy costs translate to lower production costs, helping industries remain
competitive globally.
7. Supports Strategic Planning:
Data from audits aids long-term decision-making, capital investment, and technology
upgradation.
8. Energy Security:
Reducing dependence on external energy sources enhances industrial energy
security and resilience.
✅ Conclusion
Energy audits play a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency, cost savings, and
environmental stewardship in the core industry. Whether through quick preliminary
assessments or detailed multi-phase investigations, audits provide a structured roadmap for
improving energy performance. Given the increasing energy demands and environmental
concerns, energy audits are not just optional—they are essential tools for sustainable
industrial growth.
#5. Analyse the future strategies for meeting energy needs.
(or)
Describe the concept of energy planning
(or)
Evaluate the five strategic measures for meeting energy security of
a country.
Meeting future energy needs is a complex but crucial task that will require combining
innovative ideas, advanced technologies, and strong global cooperation. As the world’s
population continues to rise and technology advances, the demand for energy will also grow.
To meet these needs in a sustainable and efficient way, here are some key strategies that
can guide us to a cleaner, smarter future:
1. Transition to Renewable Energy
● Solar and Wind Power: Solar panels and wind turbines are cheaper now and can
power large areas. Solar energy works in most places, while wind power works best
in windy regions. As tech gets better, they’ll become more efficient and reliable.
● Offshore Wind Farms: These wind turbines are built at sea. They produce more
power, avoid land space issues, and can be placed near coastal cities where energy
demand is high.
● Geothermal and Hydropower: Geothermal energy gives constant power from the
Earth’s heat, and hydropower uses moving water. Small-scale hydro projects are
improving flexibility in power use.
2. Energy Storage and Grid Modernization
● Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Solar and wind don’t always produce energy when
it’s needed. Batteries and other storage methods like pumped hydro can store energy
for later use.
● Smart Grids: These modern power networks adjust energy flow, manage usage
better, and handle renewable energy sources more efficiently.
● Decentralized Power: Microgrids, which can work with or without the main power
grid, give reliable energy to far-off or disaster-hit areas.
3. Energy Efficiency Improvements
● Green Buildings: These buildings are designed to use less energy, reduce waste,
and have a minimal environmental impact. Features include solar panels, green
roofs, and energy-efficient lighting.
● Smart Cities: These use digital technology to manage resources like energy more
efficiently. Smart grids, waste management systems, and traffic controls all reduce
energy consumption and improve sustainability.
● Smart Devices: Smart appliances and systems learn how we use energy and help
save it by running more efficiently.
● Efficient Factories: Industries will use machines that consume less power and
reuse heat. Better tech and automation will cut down on energy use.
4. Electrification of Transportation
● Electric Vehicles (EVs): EVs are growing fast and help cut down fuel use and
pollution. With better charging stations and battery life, more people will switch to
EVs.
● Battery Improvements: New battery types charge faster and last longer. EVs might
also supply energy back to the grid when needed.
5. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
● CCS Technologies: Carbon capture helps remove CO₂ emissions from power plants
and industrial sources. The captured CO₂ is then stored underground or used in other
applications. CCS is essential for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as
cement and steel production.
● Direct Air Capture (DAC): This emerging technology pulls CO₂ directly from the air
and either stores it underground or turns it into useful products. Although still in early
stages, DAC has the potential to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels and mitigate climate
change.
6. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
● Home-Based Renewables: Small solar panels, wind turbines, and home batteries
let people produce their own power and reduce load on the grid.
● Community Solar: Groups of people can invest in shared solar projects, making
clean energy affordable even if they can’t install panels themselves.
7. Hydrogen as a Clean Fuel
● Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy (called green
hydrogen) can be used in industrial processes, as a fuel for transportation, and even
for storing energy. It is a promising option to reduce emissions in sectors that are
hard to electrify, such as heavy industry.
● Hydrogen Infrastructure: For hydrogen to become a widespread solution, we need
to build the infrastructure for producing, storing, and transporting hydrogen safely and
efficiently. Investment in these areas will be crucial for its success.
8. Advanced Nuclear Power
● Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): These compact nuclear plants are safer, cheaper,
and can power smaller regions.
● Fusion Power: Still in development, fusion could give us nearly unlimited clean
energy by copying how the sun works.
9. Biofuels
● Concept: Biofuels are fuels made from organic materials, like plants or algae.
Examples include ethanol from corn and biodiesel from vegetable oils.
● Impact: Can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the production of biofuels must be sustainable to avoid negative impacts on
food production and ecosystems.
10. Carbon-Free Electricity
● Concept: Electricity generated from sources that do not release carbon dioxide, such
as wind, solar, and nuclear power. The goal is to eliminate carbon emissions from
electricity generation.
● Impact: Helps to combat climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse
gases released into the atmosphere.
11. Electric and Hybrid Airplanes
● Concept: Aircraft that use electricity or a combination of electricity and traditional fuel
to reduce carbon emissions. Electric planes are still in the early stages, but they
could revolutionize air travel in the future.
● Impact: Decreases aviation's contribution to climate change.
12. Decarbonization of Heavy Industries
● Low-Carbon Industrial Production: The steel, cement, and chemical industries are
major sources of carbon emissions. New processes, such as using hydrogen in
steelmaking, can significantly reduce emissions. Moreover, alternative, low-carbon
materials in cement production are already being developed.
● Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): This approach involves
using biomass for energy generation, while capturing and storing the carbon dioxide
produced. BECCS has the potential to remove carbon from the atmosphere, helping
to counteract the emissions from sectors that are difficult to fully decarbonize.
Conclusion
The future of energy depends on a balanced approach that includes technological
innovation, increased energy efficiency, and the global shift to cleaner energy. By investing in
renewable sources like wind and solar, improving storage technologies, advancing electric
transport, and reducing carbon emissions, we can create a sustainable energy future.
Governments, industries, and research organizations must collaborate to overcome
challenges and ensure a reliable, green, and economically viable energy system for future
generations.
