NAME MOHD OWAIS

ROLL NUMBER 2108390300035

BRANCH ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

SUBJECT Renewal Energy Resources

Q1: Discuss the main features of various types of renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
Also, explain the importance of non-conventional energy sources in the context of global warming.

Answer:

Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar, wind, hydro,
geothermal, and biomass. Their main features include sustainability, low environmental impact, and reduced
carbon emissions.

Non-renewable energy sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy, are finite and extracted from
the Earth. Their main features include high energy output, widespread availability, and costeffectiveness in the
short term, but they contribute significantly to pollution and global warming.

Importance of Non-Conventional Energy Sources:

1. Reduction of Greenhouse Gases (GHG): Non-conventional sources, such as solar and wind, help
minimize GHG emissions, which are major contributors to global warming.
2. Sustainability: These sources ensure long-term energy availability without depleting natural reserves.
3. Energy Independence: By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, nations can achieve energy security.
4. Economic Growth: Investments in renewable technologies lead to job creation and technological
advancements.

Q2: What are the conventional and non-conventional energy sources? Write short notes on the classification
of energy resources.

Answer:

Conventional Energy Sources: These include fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas, and hydroelectric power.
They are traditional sources of energy that have been used for decades.

Non-Conventional Energy Sources: These include solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, and biomass energy. These
are more recent technologies that aim to provide sustainable energy solutions.

Classification of Energy Resources:

1. Primary Energy Resources: Natural resources such as coal, crude oil, sunlight, and wind.
2. Secondary Energy Resources: Processed or transformed forms of energy, like electricity and gasoline.
 3. Commercial Energy Resources: Resources traded in the market, e.g., coal, petroleum, and electricity.
4. Non-Commercial Energy Resources: Locally available resources like firewood, agricultural waste, and
animal dung.
5. Renewable and Non-Renewable: Based on their ability to regenerate naturally over time.

Q3: Explain the mechanism of photoconduction in a PV cell.

Answer:

Photoconduction in a photovoltaic (PV) cell is the process by which sunlight is converted into electrical energy.
The mechanism involves the following steps:

1. Photon Absorption: When sunlight falls on the PV cell, photons are absorbed by the semiconductor
material, such as silicon.
2. Electron Excitation: The absorbed energy excites electrons, moving them from the valence band to the
conduction band, creating electron-hole pairs.
3. Electric Field Action: The internal electric field at the junction of the p-n layers separates these pairs.
Electrons are directed toward the n-layer and holes toward the p-layer.
4. Current Flow: The movement of electrons and holes generates a flow of current when an external
circuit is connected.

This process allows PV cells to convert solar energy into a clean and renewable source of electricity.

Q4: What is MNRE? What are its mission and functions?

Answer:

MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy): This is the nodal agency of the Indian government
responsible for promoting renewable energy technologies and policies.

Mission:

1. Accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in India.

2. Ensure energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Promote research, development, and deployment of non-conventional energy technologies.

Functions:

1. Formulating policies for the deployment of renewable energy systems.

2. Coordinating with international agencies for technical and financial collaboration.
3. Supporting research and innovation in renewable energy.
4. Creating public awareness about renewable energy technologies and their benefits.

Q5: Classify solar cells. Derive an expression for maximum power output and efficiency of a solar cell.
Answer:

Classification of Solar Cells:

1. First Generation: Crystalline silicon (monocrystalline and polycrystalline).

2. Second Generation: Thin-film solar cells (amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride).
3. Third Generation: Emerging technologies like organic PV cells and perovskite solar cells.

Expression for Maximum Power Output:

The power output of a solar cell is given by:

\cdot IP=VI

Where VVV is the voltage and III is the current.

At maximum power,

\cdot I_{mp}Pmax =Vmp Imp

Where VmpV_{mp}Vmp and ImpI_{mp}Imp are the voltage and current at the maximum power point.

Efficiency ( η):

\eta = \frac{P_{max}}{P_{in}} \cdot 100η=Pin Pmax 100

Where PinP_{in}Pin is the input solar power.

Q6: Write about solar cells, their materials, and applications.

Answer:

Materials Used in Solar Cells:

1. Crystalline Silicon: Most commonly used due to its high efficiency and reliability.
2. Cadmium Telluride (CdTe): Used in thin-film solar cells.
3. Perovskite: A promising material for high efficiency and low production cost.
4. Organic Polymers: Used in flexible and lightweight solar cells. Applications:

1. Residential and Commercial Buildings: Rooftop solar panels for electricity generation.
2. Industrial Use: Large-scale solar farms for energy production.
3. Transportation: Powering solar-powered cars, buses, and trains.
4. Space Exploration: Satellites and spacecraft rely on solar panels for power.
5. Rural Electrification: Providing electricity in remote and off-grid areas.
Q7: Discuss the principle of a concentrating solar collector. How does it differ from a flat plate collector?
How can collector coating improve the performance of the collector with reference to the flat plate
collector? What is the concentrating ratio for a focusing collector?

Answer:

Principle of a Concentrating Solar Collector:

A concentrating solar collector uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, increasing the
intensity of solar radiation. This concentrated energy heats a fluid, which can then be used for power generation
or heating.

Difference Between Concentrating Solar Collector and Flat Plate Collector:

1. Energy Concentration:
a. Concentrating collectors focus sunlight, achieving higher temperatures.
b. Flat plate collectors absorb sunlight over a larger area without concentration.
2. Efficiency: Concentrating collectors are more efficient for high-temperature applications.
3. Cost and Complexity: Concentrating collectors are more complex and expensive compared to flat plate
collectors.

Collector Coating Improvement:

• A selective coating on flat plate collectors minimizes heat loss by reducing emissivity and enhancing
absorption of solar radiation.
• Coatings such as black chrome or titanium oxide are commonly used to improve efficiency.

Q8: Define the terms: Altitude Angle, Incident Angle, Zenith Angle, Latitude Angle, Hour Angle, Solar
Constant, Day Length, Local Apparent Time.

Answer:

1. Altitude Angle: The angular height of the sun above the horizon. It varies with the time of day and
season.
2. Incident Angle: The angle between the incoming sunlight and the perpendicular to the surface it strikes.
3. Zenith Angle: The angle between the sun’s rays and the vertical direction.
4. Latitude Angle: The geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a location on
Earth.
5. Hour Angle: The angle that represents the position of the sun relative to solar noon, expressed in
degrees.
6. Solar Constant: The amount of solar energy received per unit area at the Earth's outer atmosphere,
approximately 1367 W/m21367 \, \text{W/m}^21367W/m2.
7. Day Length: The duration of time between sunrise and sunset.
8. Local Apparent Time (LAT): The time based on the sun’s position in the sky, accounting for the
equation of time and longitude corrections.
Q9: Explain the different types of solar thermal power plants.

Answer:

Solar thermal power plants use concentrated solar energy to generate heat, which is then converted into
electricity. Types include:

2. Parabolic Trough Systems:

a. Use parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver tube.
b. Heat transfer fluid in the tube generates steam to drive turbines.
3. Solar Power Towers:
a. Use a field of mirrors (heliostats) to focus sunlight onto a central receiver at the top of a tower.
b. Produces high temperatures for efficient steam generation.
4. Dish/Engine Systems:
a. Use parabolic dishes to concentrate sunlight onto a small receiver.
b. The receiver is connected to a Stirling engine or generator for power production.
5. Fresnel Reflectors:
a. Use flat, linear reflectors to concentrate sunlight onto fixed receivers.
b. A cost-effective alternative to parabolic troughs.

Q10: Explain thermal energy storage for solar heating and cooling. What are the limitations of solar plants?

Answer:

Thermal Energy Storage:

Thermal energy storage systems store heat for later use in heating or cooling applications. Common methods
include:
1. Sensible Heat Storage: Storing energy by raising the temperature of a medium, such as water or rocks.
2. Latent Heat Storage: Using phase-change materials (e.g., paraffin) to store heat during phase
transitions.
3. Thermochemical Storage: Storing energy through reversible chemical reactions.

Limitations of Solar Plants:

1. Intermittency: Solar energy availability depends on weather and time of day.

2. High Initial Costs: Installation and setup require significant investment.
3. Land Usage: Solar plants require large areas for installation.
4. Energy Storage Challenges: Efficient and cost-effective storage systems are still under development.

Q11: Define solar air heater with a neat sketch and also write its applications.

Answer:
Solar Air Heater:

A solar air heater is a device that absorbs solar energy and uses it to heat air. It consists of:

1. Collector: A flat plate with an absorber surface.

2. Glazing: Transparent cover to trap heat.
3. Insulation: Prevents heat loss.

Applications:

1. Drying Applications: Drying agricultural products, timber, and food items.

2. Space Heating: Heating air in buildings during winter.
3. Industrial Use: Preheating air for furnaces or boilers.
4. Ventilation: Improving indoor air quality in cold regions.

Q12: Write the difference between a geothermal power plant and a thermal power plant.

Answer:

1. Energy Source:
a. Geothermal Power Plant: Uses heat from the Earth’s interior.
b. Thermal Power Plant: Uses heat generated by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, or gas.
2. Environmental Impact:

a. Geothermal: Minimal emissions, environmentally friendly.

b. Thermal: High emissions of CO₂, SO₂, and other pollutants.
3. Fuel Requirements:

a. Geothermal: No external fuel needed, renewable resource.

b. Thermal: Requires continuous fuel supply, non-renewable.
4. Efficiency:
a. Geothermal: Limited by the temperature of geothermal fluids.
b. Thermal: Higher efficiency due to controlled fuel combustion.
5. Operating Costs:
a. Geothermal: Low operational cost after installation.
b. Thermal: High due to fuel costs.

Q13: Explain geothermal power plants. Write the application of geothermal energy.

Answer:

Geothermal Power Plants:

These plants use heat from the Earth’s crust to generate electricity. Common types include:
 1. Dry Steam Plants: Use steam directly from geothermal reservoirs to drive turbines.
2. Flash Steam Plants: Use high-pressure hot water, which flashes into steam to power turbines.
3. Binary Cycle Plants: Use moderate-temperature water to heat a secondary fluid with a lower boiling
point, which vaporizes and drives turbines.

Applications:

1. Electricity generation.
2. Space heating and cooling.
3. Industrial processes (e.g., food dehydration, milk pasteurization).
4. Greenhouse heating.

Q14: Describe the various types of identified geothermal energy resources and mention its application at
different temperatures.

Answer:

Types of Geothermal Resources:

1. Hydrothermal Systems: Naturally occurring hot water or steam reservoirs.

2. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Artificially created reservoirs.
3. Hot Dry Rock Systems: Heat from deep, dry rock formations.
4. Geopressurized Systems: High-pressure, high-temperature reservoirs containing methane-rich water.
Applications at Different Temperatures:

1. High Temperature (>150°C): Electricity generation in power plants.

2. Medium Temperature (90°C–150°C): Space heating, industrial processes.
3. Low Temperature (<90°C): Greenhouse heating, aquaculture, district heating.

Q15: Describe the various operational and environmental problems encountered in obtaining geothermal
energy.

Answer:

Operational Problems:

1. Scaling and Corrosion: Mineral deposits and corrosion in pipelines and equipment.
2. Reservoir Depletion: Overuse can lead to a drop in pressure or temperature.
3. Drilling Challenges: High costs and difficulty in accessing deep reservoirs.

Environmental Problems:

1. Land Use: Geothermal plants require significant land for infrastructure.

2. Water Contamination: Improper handling of geothermal fluids can contaminate water sources.
 3. Emissions: Small amounts of greenhouse gases like CO₂ and CH₄ may escape.

Q16: Describe the principle and working of an H₂O₂ fuel cell. Also, give its limitations and advantages.

Answer:

Principle:

H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) fuel cells generate electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen
peroxide with oxygen, producing water and heat.

Working:

1. Hydrogen peroxide is used as the oxidizing agent.

2. At the anode, electrons are released, and at the cathode, oxygen reacts with the electrons and H₂O₂ to
form water.
3. The flow of electrons generates electricity. Advantages:

1. High energy efficiency.

2. Clean energy source with water as the by-product.
3. No external hydrogen storage required.

Limitations:

1. Hydrogen peroxide is unstable and requires careful handling.

2. Limited power output compared to traditional fuel cells.

Q17: Draw a schematic diagram of an MHD power generating system having a heat recovery steam generator.
Explain the functioning of the steam.

Explanation:

• The MHD (Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic) system generates electricity using a high-velocity ionized gas
passing through a magnetic field.
• The exhaust gases from the MHD generator are used in a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to
produce steam.
• This steam powers a conventional steam turbine, increasing the overall efficiency of the system.

Q18: Describe the main considerations in selecting a site for a wind farm. Discuss merits and demerits of wind
energy.

Answer:

Considerations for Selecting a Wind Farm Site:

 1. Wind Speed and Consistency: The site should have average wind speeds of at least 6-9 m/s for
effective energy generation.
2. Topography: Open, flat land with minimal obstacles is ideal for maximizing wind flow.
3. Land Availability: Sufficient space for installation and access roads is necessary.
4. Grid Access: Proximity to the electricity grid for easy transmission of generated power.
5. Environmental Impact: The site should minimize disruptions to wildlife, ecosystems, and local
communities.
6. Economic Factors: Cost of land, maintenance, and transportation are also significant.

Merits of Wind Energy:

1. Renewable and environmentally friendly.

2. Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Low operational costs after installation.

Demerits of Wind Energy:

1. Intermittent power generation due to variable wind speeds.

2. High initial capital costs for infrastructure.
3. Can have negative visual and noise impacts on local communities.

Q19: Describe the basic principle of wind energy conversion and derive the expression for power developed due
to wind.

Answer:

Basic Principle of Wind Energy Conversion:

Wind energy is converted into mechanical energy using wind turbines. The wind's kinetic energy moves the
turbine blades, which are connected to a generator to produce electricity.

Expression for Power Developed Due to Wind:

The power available from the wind is proportional to the cube of the wind speed and the swept area of the
turbine blades. The expression is given by:

P=12ρAv3P = \frac{1}{2} \rho A v^3P=21 ρAv3

Where:

• PPP = Power developed (W)

• ρ\rhoρ = Air density (kg/m³)
• AAA = Swept area of the blades (m²)
• vvv = Wind velocity (m/s)
Q20: Write short notes on different types of rotors employed for wind generation.

Answer:

1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT):

a. Most common type, where the rotor shaft is horizontal to the ground.
b. More efficient at higher wind speeds.
c. Includes upwind and downwind designs.
2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT):
a. The rotor shaft is vertical to the ground.
b. Less sensitive to wind direction, suitable for areas with unpredictable wind patterns.
c. Typically less efficient and used in small-scale applications.
3. Savonius Rotor:
a. A type of VAWT designed with two scooped blades.
b. Used for low wind speeds and in urban environments.
4. Darrieus Rotor:
a. A more efficient VAWT, typically shaped like a “kite” or “H” structure.
b. Best for moderate to high wind speeds.

Q21: Describe the principle of operation and constructional details of a Basic Thermionic Generator.

Answer:

Principle of Operation:

A thermionic generator works based on the thermionic emission effect, where electrons are emitted from a heated
cathode material when it reaches a certain temperature. These electrons flow towards an anode, generating
electricity.

Constructional Details:

1. Cathode: A heated material that emits electrons when heated.

2. Anode: A metal plate or structure that collects emitted electrons.
3. Vacuum Tube or Chamber: Ensures that the emitted electrons travel freely without resistance.
4. Electrons Flow: The flow of electrons from the cathode to the anode produces electrical current.

Q22: Derive the expression for power and efficiency of a Thermionic Generator and Thermoelectrical
Generator.

Answer:

Thermionic Generator Power Expression:

The power generated depends on the flow of emitted electrons, given by:
P=I×VP = I \times VP=I×V

Where:

• III = Current due to emitted electrons

• VVV = Voltage difference between cathode and anode Thermionic Efficiency:

Efficiency (η\etaη) is the ratio of electrical power output to the thermal power input.

Thermoelectrical Generator Power Expression:

Power generated is based on the temperature difference between the two materials. P=αΔTP =
\alpha \Delta TP=αΔT

Where:

• α\alphaα = Seebeck coefficient of the material

• ΔT\Delta TΔT = Temperature difference between the junctions

Q23: Explain the following: Joule effect, Thomson effect, Peltier effect, and Seebeck effect.

Answer:

1. Joule Effect:

The heating effect produced when electric current passes through a conductor, causing the conductor to heat up
due to resistance.

Q=I2RQ = I^2 RQ=I2R

Where III is the current and RRR is the resistance.

2. Thomson Effect:

The generation of heat when a current passes through a conductor with a temperature gradient. The heat is
absorbed or released depending on the direction of the current.

3. Peltier Effect:

The absorption or emission of heat when an electric current flows across the junction of two different
conductors, causing a temperature change at the junction.

Q=ΠIQ = \Pi IQ=ΠI

Where Π\PiΠ is the Peltier coefficient.

 4. Seebeck Effect:

The generation of an electric voltage across two dissimilar conductors when there is a temperature difference
between the junctions. This forms the basis for thermocouples.

V=αΔTV = \alpha \Delta TV=αΔT

Where α\alphaα is the Seebeck coefficient and ΔT\Delta TΔT is the temperature difference.

Q24: What is biomass? How does biomass conversion take place? Describe the materials used for biogas
generation and factors that affect the size of a biogas plant.

Answer:

Biomass:

Biomass refers to organic materials derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms that can be used as fuel.
It includes agricultural residues, wood, animal waste, and plant material.
Biomass Conversion:

Biomass conversion involves converting organic materials into useful energy forms such as heat, electricity, and
biofuels. This can be done through processes such as combustion, fermentation, anaerobic digestion, and
gasification.

Materials for Biogas Generation:

• Organic Waste: Includes animal manure, plant residues, sewage, and food waste.
• Energy Crops: Specific crops like maize and grass are grown to produce biogas.

Factors Affecting Biogas Plant Size:

1. Type and Amount of Feedstock: Larger volumes of organic waste require bigger plants.
2. Temperature and Moisture Content: High temperatures and moisture promote microbial activity,
enhancing gas production.
3. Retention Time: The amount of time waste stays in the digester affects gas output.
4. Type of Technology Used: Different biogas systems have different space and resource requirements.

Q25: Explain the ‘single basin’ and ‘two basin’ systems of tidal power harnessing. Discuss their advantages
and limitations.

Answer:

Single Basin System:

In this system, a single basin is used to trap water during high tide. The water is then released through turbines
to generate electricity as the tide recedes.
Two Basin System:

This system uses two separate basins, one for incoming and one for outgoing tide. Water is allowed to flow
between the basins through turbines, generating electricity during both tidal movements.

Advantages and Limitations:

• Single Basin:

o Advantages: Simpler design and lower initial costs.

o Limitations: Less efficient, as energy generation occurs only during one tidal phase.
• Two Basin:
o Advantages: More efficient as energy can be harnessed during both rising and falling tides.
o Limitations: Higher costs and environmental impact due to large-scale infrastructure.

Q26: Describe the basic principle of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). What are the main types of
OTEC power plants? Describe their working in brief with neat sketches.

Answer:

Basic Principle of OTEC:

OTEC harnesses the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep water to generate
electricity. This temperature difference drives a heat engine, which produces power.

Types of OTEC Power Plants:

1. Closed-Cycle OTEC:
a. A working fluid (like ammonia) is vaporized by warm surface water. The vapor drives a turbine
connected to a generator.
b. The vapor is then condensed by cold deep-sea water, and the cycle repeats.
2. Open-Cycle OTEC:
a. Warm surface water is directly evaporated in a vacuum chamber. The steam drives a turbine, and
then the vapor is condensed by cold water.
3. Hybrid OTEC:
a. Combines both closed-cycle and open-cycle systems for increased efficiency.

Working:

• Warm surface water is pumped into the plant and heats the working fluid.
• The working fluid vaporizes, drives a turbine, and is then cooled by cold deep water.
• The turbine drives a generator to produce electricity.

Q27: Explain the process of gasification of solid biomass. What is the general composition of the gas produced
and what is its heating value? What are its applications?

Answer:
Gasification of Solid Biomass:

Gasification is the process of converting solid biomass into synthetic gas (syngas) through
hightemperature partial oxidation in a low-oxygen environment. Process:

1. Drying: Biomass is dried to remove moisture.

2. Pyrolysis: Biomass is heated, breaking down into volatile gases, liquids, and solid char.
3. Oxidation: Partial combustion occurs, producing syngas.

Composition of Gas Produced:

• Carbon monoxide (CO): 18-30%

• Hydrogen (H2): 10-20%
• Methane (CH4): 3-15%
• Carbon dioxide (CO2): 10-15%
• Nitrogen (N2): 40-60% Heating Value:

The heating value of syngas depends on the biomass used but typically ranges from 4-12 MJ/m³.

Applications:

1. Electricity Generation: Used in gas turbines or internal combustion engines.

2. Industrial Heating: Biomass gas is used for direct heating in various industrial processes.
3. Fuel for Vehicles: Syngas can be converted into biofuels.

Q28: What do you understand by waste recycling management? What are the basic steps involved in waste
management by different sources?

Answer:

Waste Recycling Management:

Waste recycling management refers to the process of collecting, sorting, and processing waste materials to reuse
them, thus reducing the need for raw materials and minimizing environmental impact.

Basic Steps in Waste Management:

1. Collection: Gathering waste materials from various sources like households, industries, and businesses.
2. Sorting: Separating recyclable materials (paper, plastic, metal, glass) from non-recyclable waste.
3. Processing: The sorted waste is cleaned, processed, and transformed into reusable materials.
4. Recycling: The processed materials are converted into new products.
5. Disposal: Non-recyclable waste is disposed of in landfills or through incineration.

Q29: Write short notes on Wave Energy and Tidal Wave Energy. Discuss the working principle of wave energy
conversion system.
Answer:

Wave Energy:

Wave energy harnesses the energy from surface ocean waves to generate electricity. It relies on the motion of
the waves, which are driven by wind.

Tidal Wave Energy:

Tidal wave energy refers to the energy produced by the rise and fall of tides, which is harnessed through
turbines and other devices.

Working Principle of Wave Energy Conversion System:

1. Point Absorbers: Devices that float on the surface and move with the waves. Their movement drives
hydraulic pumps to generate electricity.
2. Oscillating Water Columns: Use the up and down motion of waves to push air through a turbine,
generating electricity.
3. Attenuators: Floating structures that move with wave motion, converting mechanical energy into
electrical power.