Sapthagiri NPS University

School of Engineering and Technology

Renewable Energy Sources (25BEELY103/203)

MODULE 1 – Question Bank: Detailed Answers

Q1. Discuss the importance of Renewable Energy Sources.

Renewable energy sources are those which are replenished naturally and are inexhaustible. Their
importance arises from the following key reasons:
• Sustainable Development: The demand for energy is increasing rapidly due to industrialization and
population growth. Conventional sources are insufficient to meet this growing demand. Renewable
sources ensure long-term energy availability.
• Environmental Protection: Conventional fossil fuels cause pollution and degrade the environment.
Replacing them with renewables cuts greenhouse gas emissions, fights climate change, and helps
achieve global net-zero goals.
• Energy Security and Stability: Conventional sources are non-renewable and finite. Renewable
sources are inexhaustible and locally available, reducing dependence on volatile, imported fossil fuels.
• Economic Growth and Jobs: The renewable energy sector is fast-growing, creating jobs in
manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, while offering the lowest-cost option for new electricity
generation.
• Decentralized Production: Renewable energy can be generated locally, reducing dependence on
imported fuels and strengthening energy security.
• Conservation of Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels are also raw materials for the chemical industry (medicines,
chemicals, etc.) and must be conserved for future generations.
• Innovation and Future Growth: Advances in battery storage, smart grids, hydrogen fuel, and carbon
capture will further enhance renewable energy integration into modern systems.

Q2. Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Renewable Energy Sources Non-Renewable Energy Sources

Inexhaustible; replenished naturally Exhaustible; finite in nature

Freely available and environment-friendly Not freely available; causes pollution

Examples: Solar, Wind, Tidal, Hydro, Biomass Examples: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Nuclear

Higher initial cost, lower maintenance cost Lower initial cost, higher maintenance cost

Mostly do not cause pollution Major cause of air, water and land pollution

Locally available; enhances energy security Often imported; geopolitically sensitive

Q3. Briefly explain the classification of energy sources with a flowchart.

Energy sources are broadly classified into the following categories:

1. Based on Usability:
• Primary Energy Sources: Raw, natural energy forms found in nature that have not undergone any
conversion. Examples: Coal, Sun, Wind, Uranium.
 • Secondary Energy Sources: Produced by transforming primary sources into more usable forms.
Examples: Electricity, Gasoline.

2. Based on Traditional Use (Conventional vs Non-Conventional):

• Conventional Energy: Used from ancient times; available in limited amounts; likely to be exhausted.
Examples: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Water Power.
• Non-Conventional Energy: Also known as renewable sources. Examples: Solar, Bioenergy, Tidal,
Wind.

3. Based on Long-term Availability (Renewable vs Non-Renewable):

• Renewable: Naturally replenished; inexhaustible. Examples: Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass.
• Non-Renewable: Cannot be replenished; exhaustible. Examples: Coal, Natural Gas, Petroleum.

4. Based on Commercial Application:

• Commercial Energy: Available in the market at a definite price. Examples: Electricity, Coal, Refined
Petroleum.
• Non-Commercial Energy: Not bought/sold; gathered traditionally. Examples: Firewood, Cattle Dung,
Agricultural Waste.

5. Based on Origin:
• Fossil Fuels: Coal, Oil, Natural Gas; Nuclear; Solar; HEP; Tidal; Biomass; Wave; Geothermal; Ocean
Thermal; Fuel Cell.

Q4. Discuss the Role of Renewable Energy Sources for sustainable development.
Sustainable development is defined as 'development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.'
The role of renewable energy in sustainable development includes:
• Renewable energy sources are compatible with sustainable development as they are inexhaustible,
unlike fossil fuels.
• They significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, contributing to a cleaner
environment.
• They favor system decentralization and local solutions, somewhat independent of national networks,
enhancing flexibility and providing economic benefits to small isolated populations.
• Rapid and global transition to renewable energy is essential to achieve sustainable growth and avoid
catastrophic climate change.
Essential factors for sustainable development include:
• Public awareness and information dissemination.
• Environmental education and training.
• Innovative energy strategies.
• Promotion of renewable energy resources.
• Financing and monitoring tools.
Almost all national energy plans include four vital factors: (1) Increased harnessing of renewable supplies,
(2) Increased efficiency of supply and end-use, (3) Reduction in pollution, (4) Consideration of lifestyle.

Q5. List the Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy sources.

Advantages:
• Inexhaustible and naturally replenished – will not run out.
 • Environmentally friendly – produce little or no greenhouse gases or pollutants.
• Freely available in nature; reduce dependence on imported fuels.
• Decentralized power generation – can supply energy to remote areas.
• Lower operational and maintenance costs over the long term.
• Creates jobs and promotes economic growth in rural and urban areas.
• Promotes energy security and national independence.

Disadvantages:
• Higher initial capital/installation costs compared to conventional systems.
• Intermittent and variable – solar depends on sunlight, wind depends on wind speed.
• Energy storage is challenging and expensive.
• Large land area may be required (e.g., solar farms, wind farms).
• Some technologies (e.g., large hydro, biomass combustion) have environmental drawbacks.
• Energy density is generally lower, requiring larger systems.

Q6. Explain how different energy sources affect the environment.

Energy use causes major environmental impacts. Key impacts are:

Climate Change:
Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases (GHGs) like CO2 and methane, which trap heat and cause
global warming, leading to extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

Air Pollution:
Fossil fuels emit harmful pollutants including particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides,
contributing to respiratory and heart problems, as well as acid rain.

Water Pollution:
Energy production leads to water contamination from oil spills, toxic waste dumping, and release of heat
into water bodies.

Land Degradation:
Mining for fossil fuels, dam construction, and installation of large-scale renewable infrastructure can cause
land disturbance, deforestation, and habitat loss.

Biodiversity Loss:
Habitat destruction and water pollution from energy extraction severely impact wildlife and ecosystems.

Impact by Energy Source:

• Fossil Fuels: Leading source of GHG emissions, air, water, and land pollution.
• Nuclear Power: Fewer GHGs but generates radioactive waste and risks water contamination.
• Solar and Wind: Require significant land; can produce toxic chemicals during manufacturing.
• Hydropower: Can drastically alter river ecosystems and cause habitat loss.
• Biomass: Burning creates harmful ash; production involves significant land and water use.

Q7. Describe the Scope of renewable energy resources.

Renewable energy sources have a wide and growing scope across multiple sectors:

1. Electricity Generation:
• Solar PV plants convert sunlight directly into electricity.
• Wind turbines convert kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy.
 • Hydroelectric stations use potential energy of water in dams.
• Biomass plants produce power by burning organic waste or converting to biogas.
• Geothermal energy uses earth's internal heat to generate electricity.

2. Heating and Cooling:

• Solar water heaters for residential and commercial buildings.
• Geothermal heat pumps for space heating and cooling.
• Biogas and biomass for cooking, water heating, and space heating in rural areas.

3. Transportation:
• Biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel) blended with conventional fuels.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) powered by renewable electricity.

4. Agriculture:
• Solar-powered irrigation pumps reducing diesel and grid electricity use.
• Biomass energy from agricultural residues for crop drying and power generation.

5. Industrial and Commercial:

• Industries use renewable energy for equipment, heating water, and running boilers.
• Solar PV systems in factories and warehouses for power demands.

6. Rural Electrification:
• Micro-hydro, solar home systems, and wind-solar hybrids for remote villages.

7. Water Purification:
• Solar desalination units remove salt from seawater.

8. Public Utilities:
• Solar streetlights, solar lanterns, and rooftop solar panels reducing grid dependence.

Q8. Discuss availability of renewable Energy sources in India.

India has made remarkable progress in renewable energy. As of March 2025, India's total installed
renewable energy capacity was 220.10 GW, with a record addition of 29.52 GW in the 2024-25 fiscal year
alone.

Solar Power:
Solar energy leads with a total installed capacity of 105.65 GW as of March 2025, driven by the addition of
23.83 GW in FY 2024-25. India is now the third-largest producer of solar energy globally.

Wind Power:
Wind energy contributes 50.04 GW to the total capacity, with 4.15 GW added in the last fiscal year.

Hydroelectric Power:
Large hydro projects contribute 46.93 GW, while small hydro projects add 5.10 GW.

Bio Power:
This category, including biomass and biogas, accounts for 11.58 GW, utilizing agricultural waste and other
organic materials.

Global Ranking:
India holds the fourth position globally in terms of both overall renewable energy installed capacity and
wind power capacity.
Q9. Define Solar Energy? List the advantages and Limitations of utilization of Solar
Energy.
Solar Energy is the radiant energy emitted by the Sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The sun is
a large sphere of very hot gases with a diameter of 1.39×106 km. The mean distance between the Earth
and the Sun is 1.5×108 km. Solar energy is received in the form of radiation and can be converted directly
or indirectly into other forms of energy such as heat and electricity.
The Solar Constant is 1.353 kW/m2 — the rate at which solar energy arrives at the top of the atmosphere.

Advantages:
• Solar energy is inexhaustible and the most abundant source of energy available freely in nature.
• It is an environmentally clean source of energy with no harmful emissions during use.
• Since solar energy can be converted into various forms (heat, electricity), it has a wide range of
applications.
• No fuel cost – once the system is installed, energy is free.
• Suitable for remote areas where grid extension is not cost-effective.
• Low maintenance requirements once installed.

Limitations:
• The availability of solar energy varies with time of day, season, and weather conditions.
• Collection of solar energy is difficult; special components (collectors, PV panels) are required.
• Solar energy systems have high initial/installation costs.
• Energy storage (batteries) is expensive and adds to system cost.
• Efficiency of conversion is relatively low compared to conventional fuels.

Q10. With a line diagram describe utilization of Wind energy.

Wind energy is the kinetic energy of moving air, which can be economically used for electricity generation.
The combination of a wind turbine and generator is sometimes referred to as an AERO-GENERATOR.

Causes of Wind:
• Heating and cooling of the atmosphere generates convection currents due to the absorption of solar
energy on Earth's surface and in the atmosphere.
• The rotation of the Earth with respect to the atmosphere and its motion around the Sun.

Working Principle:
Wind possesses energy by virtue of its motion. The windmill works on the principle of converting kinetic
energy of the wind into mechanical energy.
Available Wind Power: Pa = 1/8 × ρ × π × D2 × V3 Watts
Where: ρ = density of air, D = diameter of rotor, V = wind speed

Three factors determine the output from a wind energy converter:

• Wind speed
• Cross section of wind swept by rotor
• Overall conversion efficiency of the rotor, transmission system, and generator

Components of Wind-Electric Power Plant:

• Blades (Rotor): Capture wind energy and rotate.
• Hub: Connects blades to the main shaft.
• Transmission (Speed Increaser): Drive shaft, clutch, coupling etc.
• Electrical Generator: Converts mechanical rotation into electrical energy.
 • Structure/Tower: Supports the wind turbine at suitable height.
• Control Building: Houses control and monitoring systems.
The energy available in the wind over the Earth's surface is estimated to be 1.6×107 MW.

Q11. Discuss the Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy.

Advantages:
• Wind is freely available in nature and environmentally friendly.
• Renewable energy resource – inexhaustible.
• Cheap source for power generation once installed.
• A good method of supplying energy to remote and rural areas.
• No fuel cost and low operating cost.
• No water consumption required.

Disadvantages:
• Wind energy is available in dilute form, hence bigger size energy conversion machines are required.
• Wind energy systems are noisy in operation.
• High initial and maintenance cost.
• Wind speed is variable and unpredictable, making energy supply unreliable.
• Requires large land areas for wind farms.
• Can impact bird and bat populations (wildlife hazard).

Q12. With a neat sketch explain working of Hydro power Plant. Discuss Advantages and
Limitations.
Hydroelectric power plants convert the hydraulic potential energy from water into electrical energy. They
are typically located in dams that impound rivers, raising the water level to create a high head.

Working Principle:
Water stored at height (head race) flows through a penstock (pipe) to the turbine at the base. The potential
energy of the water converts to kinetic energy and then to mechanical energy in the turbine. The turbine is
coupled to a generator to produce electrical energy.
Power Formula: P = ρ × Q × g × h
• P = Power in Watts
• ρ = density of water (kg/m3)
• Q = Flow rate (m3/sec)
• g = Acceleration due to gravity
• h = Height difference between inlet and outlet (head)

Main Components (from sketch):

• Head Race: Reservoir/dam storing water at height.
• Dam: Stores and controls water.
• Penstock: Large pipe carrying water from dam to turbine.
• Turbine with Vanes and Nozzle: Converts water energy to mechanical rotation.
• Generator: Converts mechanical rotation to electrical energy.
• Tail Race: Discharge channel for water after passing through turbine.

Advantages:
• Water is a natural resource, available at free of cost.
 • Environment-friendly source of energy – no emissions during operation.
• Electricity can be generated constantly (controllable output).
• Long service life and low operating cost.
• Reservoirs can be used for irrigation and water supply.

Disadvantages:
• Dependent on large quantity of water availability; affected by drought.
• It is expensive to build the dam.
• Finding a suitable site for the plant is very difficult.
• Large hydro projects affect wildlife, cause deforestation, and pose social problems.
• Reservoirs can submerge large areas of land and displace communities.

Q13. Explain the working of Tidal power plant with a diagram. List Advantages and
Disadvantages.
Tidal energy harnesses the periodic rise and fall of sea water (tides) caused by the gravitational attraction
of the Moon. When water is above mean sea level, it is called flood tide; when below, it is called ebb tide.

Working Principle:
• A dam is constructed separating a tidal basin from the sea, creating a difference in water level.
• During high tide: water flows from the sea into the tidal basin through the water turbine. The height of
tide is above that of tidal basin, so the turbine operates and generates power.
• By using reversible water turbines, power can be generated both during high tide and low tide.
• Potential energy of the water stored in the basin, as well as energy during high tide, is used to drive
the turbine coupled to a generator to produce electricity.
The potential in ocean tides resource is estimated at 550 billion kWh/year [120,000 MW] power.

Main Components:
• Tidal Basin: Basin separated from the sea by a barrage/dam.
• Barrage/Dam: Controls water flow between sea and basin.
• Turbine-Generator (T.G.): Generates electricity when water flows through.
Advantages:
• Environment-friendly – no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
• A highly predictable energy source – tides follow lunar cycles.
• High energy density.
• Operational and maintenance costs are low.

Disadvantages:
• High tidal power plant construction costs.
• Location limits – only suitable where tidal range is sufficiently large.
• Variable intensity of sea waves can affect output.

Q14. Discuss the utilization of Biomass Energy resources.

Biomass energy is a renewable and sustainable source of energy derived from organic matter. It can be
used to generate electricity and other forms of power.

Sources of Biomass:
Common materials used for biomass fuel include manure, forest debris, scrap lumber, mulch, sewage,
certain crops, and some kinds of waste residue.
Principle:
Biomass contains chemical energy stored through photosynthesis. Plants absorb CO2 and H2O using
sunlight to produce carbohydrates. When burned, this stored energy is released as heat.
Reaction: H2O + CO2 → CH2O + O2 (Photosynthesis)
CH2O + O2 → CO2 + H2O + 112 Kcal/mole (Combustion)

Utilization Methods:
• Direct Combustion: Burning biomass to produce heat for steam generation and electricity.
• Biogas Production: Anaerobic digestion of organic waste to produce methane (biogas) for cooking
and electricity.
• Biofuels: Chemical/biological transformation of biomass into liquid fuels like ethanol and biodiesel for
transportation.
• Producer Gas: Gasification of biomass to produce combustible gas.
• Charcoal: Pyrolysis of wood to produce charcoal for industrial and domestic use.

Advantages:
• Renewable source of energy.
• Energy storage is an in-built feature.
• Indigenous source requiring little or no foreign exchange.
• Supplies feedstocks to forestry and agricultural industries, providing economic opportunities in rural
areas.

Disadvantages:
• Comparatively inefficient compared to fossil fuels.
• Combustion of biomass requires a lot of space.
• Can lead to environmental degradation if not managed sustainably.

Q15. Explain with a neat sketch Utilization of Geothermal Energy Sources.

Geothermal energy is the heat energy stored within the subsurface of the Earth. This heat can be
extracted and used directly or converted into electricity. Most geothermal energy produces low-grade heat
at about 50–70°C for thermal applications, but high-enthalpy resources can drive steam turbines.

Working Principle:
• Wells are drilled 1 or 2 miles deep into the Earth to pump steam or hot water to the surface.
• Hot water is pumped from deep underground through a production well under high pressure.
• When water reaches the surface, pressure drops, causing water to turn into steam.
• The steam spins a turbine, which is connected to a generator that produces electricity.
• The steam cools off in a cooling tower and condenses back to water.
• The cooled water is pumped back into the Earth via an injection well to begin the process again.

Components (from diagram):

• Production Well: Brings hot water/steam to the surface.
• Heat Exchanger: Transfers heat from brine to a working fluid (organic fluid).
• Turbine and Generator: Convert thermal energy to electricity.
• Condenser: Cools and condenses the working fluid.
• Injection Well: Returns cooled water back underground.
• Geothermal Reservoir: Source of heat beneath the ground surface.

Advantages:
 • Geothermal energy sourcing is good for the environment – low emissions.
• High efficiency of geothermal systems.
• Little to no maintenance required once operational.

Disadvantages:
• High investment costs for geothermal systems.
• Possibility of depletion of geothermal sources over time.
• Limited to regions with geothermal activity.

Q16. Briefly describe utilization of OTEC and Wave Energy.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC):
Oceans and seas constitute about 70% of the Earth's surface and represent a large reservoir of solar
energy. About 95% of heat energy absorption takes place within 6 m depth.
OTEC utilizes the temperature difference between warm surface water (heat source) and cold deep water
(~1 km below, heat sink) in a heat engine to generate power.

OTEC Working Process:

• Warm water from the sea surface is circulated through a heat exchanger by a pump.
• In the heat exchanger, heat is absorbed by Freon (working fluid), generating Freon vapors at high
pressure.
• This vapor drives the turbine, which drives a coupled generator to produce electricity.
• Freon vapor is condensed in a condenser using cold deep water.
• Freon condensate is pumped back into the heat exchanger and the cycle repeats.
OTEC systems have very low efficiencies (~2.5%) due to the small temperature difference available, and
have very high capital costs.

OTEC Advantages:
• Ocean is an infinite heat reservoir receiving solar radiation throughout the year.
• Energy is freely available.

OTEC Disadvantages:
• Efficiency is very low (~2.5%) compared to 30–40% for conventional power plants.
• Capital cost is very high.

Wave Energy:
Wave energy uses the power of ocean waves to generate electricity. Oceans cover 71% of the Earth,
making this highly accessible.

Wave Energy Working:

• Wave power converts the periodic up-and-down movement of ocean waves into electricity.
• Equipment is placed on the ocean surface to capture wave energy (Oscillating Water Column
method): waves cause air in a chamber to oscillate, which drives a turbine connected to a generator.
• As wind passes over the ocean, kinetic energy is transferred to the water, generating waves.
• The kinetic energy of the wave turns a turbine attached to a generator, which produces electricity.

Wave Energy Advantages:

• Renewable and environment-friendly.
• Abundant and widely available.
• Low operational cost and less maintenance.

Wave Energy Disadvantages:

• Suitable only to certain locations with consistent wave patterns.
• Power extraction systems are exposed to extreme stormy conditions.
• High costs and difficult to transmit electricity from offshore locations.

CO1: Explain the fundamental principles of various renewable energy sources and their respective technological
applications.