Energy (150 min)

1. Energy policy: An energy policy of every country has to be formulated with objectives of ensuring adequate
energy supply at minimum cost, achieving self-sufficiency and protecting environment from adverse impact
of utilizing energy resources.
2. Main elements of the policy:
o Accelerated exploitation of domestic conventional energy resources.
o Exploration to increase indigenous production of oil and gas.
o Management of demand for oil and other energy sources.
o Energy conservation and management.
o Optimization of utilization of existing capacity in the country.
o Development and exploitation of renewable energy to meet energy requirement.
3. Energy Sources: The energy sources are the different origin from which we obtain power to do work, heat,
light, etc. The three categories:
o Renewable or non-conventional: These are natural resources that can be replenished naturally over a short
period of time. Renewable energy sources include wind power, solar power, tidal power, hydropower, fuel
cells, biomass, biogas, geothermal energy.
o Non-renewable or conventional: These are resources that exist in finite quantities and cannot be
replenished once they are depleted. Conventional energy includes all fossil fuels–coal, oil, gas and their
derivatives such as petrol and diesel. The conventional are finite in supply because formation rate is so slow.
o Sustainable: These are resources that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability involves using resources in a way that they remain
available long-term. Sustainable energy sources include solar power, wind power, hydro power, etc.
Sustainable energy is sometimes applied to nuclear power. The supplies are not exactly renewable but they
will last for a very long time.
4. Advantages and disadvantages of Renewable, Conventional and Sustainable energy.
Renewable
Advantage Disadvantage
Widely available. Unreliable supply.
Lower cost outlay, buildings, and equipment. Usually produced in small quantities.
Running cost generally low. Often very hard to store.
Decentralized power production. Currently more costly per energy unit produced.
Low pollution
Available for the foreseeable future.
Conventional
Advantage Disadvantage
Highly concentrated. Polluting energy sources
Easy to store. Occur in limited areas
Reliable supply. High capital costs
Costs per unit energy are low as mature technology. Significant running costs
Sustainable
Advantage Disadvantage
Highly reliable May have radioactivity threat.
Produces large amount of energy with no CO2 emissions. High waste disposal costs.
Uses small amount of raw material per unit energy production. Major costs in building and maintaining and equipment.
Small amount of waste produced per unit of energy Potentially dangerous installations.
 5. Difference among renewable, conventional and sustainable energy.
Renewable Conventional Sustainable
Natural resources that can be replenished Resources that exist in finite Resources that meet present needs
naturally over a short period of time. quantities and cannot be replenished without compromising the ability
when depleted. of future to meet their own needs.
Low cost of outlay, buildings, and equipment. High capital costs. High waste disposal costs.
Low pollution. High polluting energy sources. Radioactivity threat.
Currently more costly per unit energy Costs per unit energy are low as Uses small amount of raw material
produced. mature technology. cost per unit energy production.
Ex: Wind power, solar power, hydropower, Ex: All fossil fuels coal, oil, gas, their Sources involve nuclear power,
biomass, biogas, geothermal energy. derivatives such as petrol and diesel. solar power, etc.
6. Advantages and disadvantages of Fossil Fuel.
Advantage Disadvantage
Very large amounts of electricity can be generated. Main drawback of fossil fuels is pollution of environment.
Transporting oil and gas to the power stations is easy. Burning produces carbon dioxide, greenhouse effect
Gas-fired power stations are very efficient. Burning coal produces sulphur dioxide, a gas that contributes
to acid rain.
Fossil-fuelled power station can be built almost anywhere. Mining coal can be difficult and dangerous.
Generally cheaper to other energy sources. Many countries depend on imports of fossil fuel
7. Is nuclear energy a renewable energy source?
Nuclear energy is not a renewable energy source because it uses uranium, which is a limited resource found
on earth. Unlike sunlight, wind, or water, uranium cannot be replaced naturally in a short time. However,
nuclear energy is called low-carbon or sustainable energy because it produces a large amount of electricity
without releasing much greenhouse gas.
8. How nuclear power works?
Nuclear power is generated using Uranium, which is a metal mined in various parts of the world. Nuclear
power produces around 11% of the world's energy needs, and produces huge amounts of energy from small
amounts of fuel without the pollution that you'd get from burning fossil fuels.
How to work:
o The reactor uses Uranium rods as fuel, and the heat is generated by nuclear fission. Neutrons smash into
the nucleus of the uranium atoms, release energy in the form of heat.
o Heat is carried by coolant or other medium in reactor
o Heat transfer through heat exchanger from coolant to water
o Heated water makes steam, steam turns the turbine
o Turbine turn generator and electrical power is produced.
9. Advantages and disadvantages to using Nuclear Power.
Advantage Disadvantage
Nuclear power cost is about the same as coal. Although not much waste is produced, it is very dangerous
Does not produce smoke or CO2, so it does not contribute to Building and maintenance cost is expensive.
the greenhouse effect.
Produces huge amounts of energy from small amounts of Accident can cause severe health and environment
fuel. damage.
Produces small amounts of waste. Uranium is not a renewable energy, so limited fuel supply.
Nuclear power is reliable.
 10. Explain solar power/solar cell.
A solar cell, also called a photovoltaic cell or photoelectric cell, is a device that converts sunlight directly into
electricity. It works on the principle of the photovoltaic effect, where light energy is absorbed by a
semiconductor material and releases electrons. These electrons flow in a circuit and produce electric current.
Solar cells are combined together to make solar panels, which are used to generate power for homes, industries,
and satellites. They are clean, renewable, and pollution-free sources of energy.
11. Advantages and disadvantages of solar power.
Advantage Disadvantage
Solar energy is free and needs no fuel. Doesn't work at night.
Solar energy produces no waste or pollution. Can be unreliable unless you're in a very sunny climate.
It can be used where there is no easy way to get electricity. Very expensive to build solar power stations.
Handy for low-power such as garden lights, battery chargers Need large space or land to built for more power.
Well example of sustainable energy resources.
12. Explain how wind power works.
Wind power is the process of generating electricity using the force of moving air. When the wind blows, it
turns the blades of a wind turbine. These blades are connected to a shaft, which rotates and drives a generator.
The generator then converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Wind power is a clean and renewable
energy source because it does not produce pollution.
13. Advantages and disadvantages of wind power.
Advantage Disadvantage
Wind is free and wind farms need no fuel. The wind is not always predictable some days have no wind.
Produces no waste or greenhouse gases. Suitable areas are often near the coast, where land is expensive.
The land beneath can usually still be used for farming. Can kill birds - migrating flocks tend to like strong winds.
Wind farms can be tourist attractions. Can affect television reception if you live nearby.
A good method of supplying energy to remote areas. A wind generator makes a day and night.
14. Explain how hydro power works.
Hydropower is the process of generating electricity using the energy of flowing or falling water. Water from a
river or dam flows through turbines, making them spin. These turbines are connected to a generator, which
converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Hydropower is a clean and renewable energy source
because it uses natural water flow and does not produce pollution.
15. Advantages and disadvantages of hydro power.
Advantage Disadvantage
Once the dam is built, the energy is virtually free. The dams are very expensive to build.
No waste or pollution produced Building a large dam will flood a very large area upstream
Much more reliable than wind, solar or wave power. Finding a suitable site can be difficult
Water can be stored above the dam ready to cope with peaks Water quality and quantity downstream can be affected,
in demand. which can have an impact on plant life.
Electricity can be generated constantly.
16. Explain how biomass works.
Biomass is a type of renewable energy that comes from organic materials like plants, crop waste, wood, and
animal manure. These materials contain stored energy from the sun, which can be released by burning them or
converting them into gas or liquid fuels. The released energy is used to produce heat, which can boil water to
create steam. The steam spins a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. Biomass energy is
renewable and helps reduce waste, but it can produce some pollution if not managed properly.
 17. Advantages and disadvantages of biomass energy.
Advantage Disadvantage
It makes sense to use waste materials where we can. Collecting the waste in sufficient quantities can be difficult.
The fuel tends to be cheap. Burning the fuel, it makes greenhouse gases.
Less demand on the Earth's resources. Some waste materials are not available all year round.
18. Explain the geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the Earth’s interior. This heat can be found in hot rocks,
underground reservoirs of steam, and hot water beneath the surface. To generate electricity, wells are drilled
into these hot areas to bring steam or hot water to the surface. The steam or hot water spins turbines connected
to generators, producing electricity. Geothermal energy is renewable, reliable.
19. Advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy.
Advantage Disadvantage
No pollution, and no contribution to the There are not many places where we can build a geothermal power
greenhouse effect. station.
No fuel is needed. Sometimes geothermal site may run out of steam, perhaps for decades
The energy is almost free. Hazardous gases and minerals may come up from underground, and can
be difficult to safely dispose.
There is not much impact on the environment.
20. Explain water wave or tidal power.
Tidal power works by using the rise and fall of ocean tides to generate electricity. Large tidal barrages or dams
are built across tidal rivers or estuaries. When the tide comes in, water flows into the barrage and spins turbines.
When the tide goes out, water flows back through the turbines again. The spinning turbines drive generators,
which produce electricity. Tidal power is renewable, predictable, and does not produce pollution.
21. Advantages and disadvantages of tidal power.
Advantage Disadvantage
Once you've built it, tidal power is free. A barrage across an estuary is very expensive to build
It produces no greenhouse gases or Only provides power for around 10 hours each day, when the tide is actually
other pollution. moving in or out.
It needs no fuel. Barrage affects a very wide area to the environment
It produces electricity reliably.
Not expensive to maintain.
Tides are totally predictable.
22. Write short notes on solar tower.
A solar tower is a tall structure that uses many large mirrors, called heliostats, to focus sunlight onto a central
receiver at the top. The concentrated sunlight heats a fluid or water in receiver, producing steam that drives
turbines. This system is mainly used to produce large amounts of clean and renewable electricity efficiently.
23. What should be energy policies for a country like Bangladesh to ensure it sustainability for future
development?
Here is the Bangladesh’s energy policies:
o Use solar, wind, biomass, and small hydropower to reduce fossil fuel use.
o Apply standards for industries, buildings, and appliances to save energy.
o Develop a mix of renewables, nuclear, and cleaner fossil fuels.
o Improve electricity distribution and manage peak demand.
o Fund clean energy technologies and efficient systems.
o Educate people and provide subsidies for renewable energy.
o Ensure energy projects do not harm rivers, forests, or coastal areas.
24. Discuss current energy situation of Bangladesh in terms of installed capacity, present capacity and type
of fuel used. What are the limitations of generating energy in installed capacity?
a. Installed Capacity of electricity in Bangladesh including captive and renewable sources stands at
approximately 30,889 MW.
b. The highest electricity generation recorded was 16,603 MW recently.
c. Fossil fuels dominate the generation mix, accounting for approximately 96% of electricity. Gas/LNG around
44% of installed capacity. Coal roughly 21%. Oil (HFO and HSD) combined 29% of capacity. Electricity
import from India is about 2656 MW. Still minimal at about 4.6% of installed capacity is come from
renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, biomass and biogas.
Limitations of generating energy in installed capacity:
a. Fuel Shortage – Many plants cannot run at full load due to lack of gas, LNG, coal, or oil.
b. High-Capacity Payments – Idle plants are paid even when not generating, creating huge financial.
c. Low Demand vs. Capacity – Actual electricity demand is much lower than installed capacity, leading to
underutilization.
d. Inefficient Power Plants – Old and less efficient plants consume more fuel but generate less power.
e. Transmission & Distribution Problems – Grid, maintenance issues, and system loss reduce effective
supply.
f. Import Dependency – Reliance on imported fuel makes the system vulnerable to price hikes and crises.
25. Explain the present power scenario of Bangladesh.
Here’s the present energy scenario of Bangladesh:
1. Bangladesh is now fulfilled 100% capacity to provide electricity to people alone the entire area. There
are several power generation companies generate electricity by fossil fuel, renewable and sustainable
energy sources. Only one power transmission company available to transmit power and six distribution
companies in several regions distribute the electricity to the consumers effectively.
2. Bangladesh’s total installed generation capacity is approximately 30,889 MW, with grid-connected
capacity alone around 27,424 MW. Maximum peak demand stood at 16,603 MW. There are
about 144 power plants be installed.
3. Fossil fuels dominate the generation mix, accounting for approximately 96% of electricity. Gas/LNG
around 44% of installed capacity. Coal roughly 21%. Oil (HFO and HSD) combined 29% of capacity.
Electricity import from India is about 2656 MW.
4. Renewables: Still minimal at about 4.6% of installed capacity. This includes solar, hydro, biomass, and
wind. First commercial wind plant (60 MW) launched in Cox’s Bazar, and first commercial solar power
plant (50MW) launched in Mymensingh. The only one 230 MW hydroelectric power plant is situated at
Kaptai in Rangamati in Karnaphuli river.
5. Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: Bangladesh’s first nuclear project, with two 1,200 MW reactors
(total 2400 MW), is slated to begin operations in about December 2025.
26. Describe the Solar Photovoltaic Effect.
The photovoltaic effect is the process by which certain materials, called semiconductors, directly convert
sunlight into electricity. When light strikes the surface of a photovoltaic cell, the energy from photons is
absorbed by the semiconductor, which excites electrons and frees them from their atoms. This movement of
electrons creates an electric current when an external circuit is connected. The photovoltaic effect is the basic
principle behind solar cells, making it a clean and sustainable method of generating electricity from sunlight.
 Power Plant (120 min)

1. Classified thermal Power Plant.

2. Layout of thermal power plant.

3. What are the factors considering to site selection?

a. Population of the Region
b. Climate condition
c. Demographic Patterns
d. Accessibility by transportation and pedestrians
e. Visibility
f. Traffic counts
g. Physical barriers
h. Psychological barriers
i. Character of surrounding properties
j. Site Capacity
k. Utilities Availability
l. Infrastructure improvements
m. Drainage
4. What are the factors considering to site selection of thermal power plant?
o Availability of coal o Transport facility
o Availability of water o Availability of labour
o Ash disposal facility o Size of plant
o Land requirement o Public problems
o Nature of land o Future expansion
o Distance from load center o Availability of water
 5. Advantages and disadvantages of thermal power plant.
Advantage Disadvantage
Fuel used is cheaper and available in large quantities. Large quantity of water is needed.
Respond quickly to rapidly changing load on the plant Operation and maintenance cost is high
Space required is less compared to hydro power plants Handling of coal and disposal of ash is difficult.
Less transmission losses, as plant is located near load centre. Starting plant and bringing to service take more time.
The unit capacity of a thermal power plant is more. Flue gas emitted contribute to global warming.
Unskilled operators can operate the plant High fuel transportation cost if located away from mines
The time of installation is less compared to others. Number of equipment requires more compared to others.
6. Components and principle of coal power plant.
Main parts of the plant:
o Coal handling plant
o Pretreatment and dm plant
o Cooling tower
o Boiler and its components
o Ash handling plant
o Turbine
o Generator
o Transformers
o Switchyard
7. Draw the layout of Diesel power plant.

8. The five essential functions of a fuel injection system in Diesel engine.

The five essential functions of a fuel injection system are:
a. To deliver fuel from the storage to the fuel injector.
b. To raise the fuel pressure to the level required for atomization.
c. To measure and control the amount of fuel admitted in each cycle.
d. To control time of injection.
e. To spray fuel into the cylinder in atomized form for thorough mixing and burning.
9. Advantage, disadvantage and compare open cycle and close cycle gas turbine plant.
Open Cycle
Advantage Disadvantage
Simple design & low installation cost. Low thermal efficiency (20–30%).
Lighter in weight, good for aircraft, ships. More fuel consumption.
Quick start and shutdown possible. High exhaust loss
Less cooling water required. Life of turbine blades reduced due to direct exposure
to combustion gases.
Close Cycle
Higher efficiency compared to open cycle. Complex design and higher initial cost.
Longer life of turbine, blades are not directly exposed Larger in size and heavier, not suitable for aircraft.
to combustion gases
Lower fuel consumption. More cooling water required.
No exhaust gases released to atmosphere. Slower response to load changes.
Open Cycle Close Cycle
Used fresh atmospheric air Used recirculate air or other gas.
Exhaust gases released to atmosphere Exhaust gases not released to atmosphere
Lower efficiency (20–30%) Higher efficiency (30–40% or more)
Shorter turbine life Longer turbine life
Simple design and cheap cost Complex in design with cost expensive
Light in weight Heavy in weight
10. "Nuclear power is the promising next generation power generation system of Bangladesh" do you agree
with the argument? Strengthen your standing with reasoning.
Yes, I agree. Bangladesh needs a sustainable and reliable power source for future development. Nuclear power
is promising because:
o It produces large scale electricity continuously, base-load power.
o Low carbon emission compared to fossil fuels.
o Fuel efficiency is very high, small amounts of uranium produce huge energy.
o Less dependence on imported gas and oil, improves energy security.

However, challenges include high installation cost, safety, radioactive waste management, and skilled
manpower requirements, but overall, it is a strong candidate for future power generation.

11. Define nuclear reactor. What are the types of commonly used nuclear reactor? Describe the working
principle of boiling water reactor (BWR) with a clear sketch.
A nuclear reactor is a device in which a controlled chain reaction of nuclear fission takes place to produce heat
energy, which is later produce steam and spins turbine then generate electricity.

Commonly used types:

1. Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
2. Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
3. Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
4. Gas-cooled Reactor (GCR)
5. Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)
12. Write short notes on: i) control rod, ii) reactor coolants.
i) Control Rod: Made of neutron-absorbing materials (e.g., cadmium, boron). Used to control the fission chain
reaction by absorbing excess neutrons.

ii) Reactor Coolants: Substances used to remove heat from the reactor core. Common coolants are water,
heavy water (D₂O), carbon dioxide, liquid sodium, helium. They maintain safe core temperature, transfer heat
to steam generator or turbine, prevent overheating.
13. Describe the term hydrograph. Explain the hydrologic cycle.

The generation of electric energy from falling water is

only a small process in the mighty heat power cycle
known as “Hydrological cycle” or rain evaporation
cycle”.
It is the process by which the moisture from the surface of
water bodies covering the earth’s surface is transferred to
the land and back to the water bodies again. This cycle is
shown in Fig. The input to this cycle is the solar energy.

A hydrograph indicates the variation of discharge or flow

with time. It is plotted with flows as ordinates and time
intervals as abscissas. The flow is in m3/sec and the time
may be in hours, days, weeks or months.

Variable Load on Power Plant (120 min)

1. Draw daily load curve of a power plant. Why load curve is important in power generations?

Importance of daily load curves:

o The daily load curves have attained a great importance in generation as they supply the following
information readily
o The daily load curve shows the variations of load on the power station during different hours of the day.
 o The area under the daily load curve gives the number of units generated in the day. Which is very
important for power plant economics.
o The highest point on the daily load curve represents the maximum demand on the station on that day.
o The load curve helps in selecting the size and number of generating units.
o The load curve helps in preparing the operation schedule of the station.
2. Explain the following terms as applied to the power system: (i) Average load, (ii) Demand factor, (iii) Use
factor, (iv) Diversity factor, (v) Depreciation cost.
Average load: Average load is the load on the power station in a given period day or month or year.
Demand factor: Demand factor is the ratio of maximum demand to the connected load of a consumer.
Use factor: It is the ratio of energy produced in given time to the maximum possible energy that could have
been produced during the actual number of hours the plant.
Diversity factor: Diversity factor is the ratio of sum of individual maximum demands to the combined
maximum demand on power stations.
Depreciation cost is the gradual reduction in the value of an asset over time due to wear and tear, obsolescence
and usage over time.
3. Discuss different types of loads.
The various type of loads are as follows:
o Residential Load: It includes domestic lights, power needed for domestic appliances such as radio,
television, water heaters, refrigerators, electric cookers and small motor for pumping water.
o Commercial Load: It includes lighting for shop, advertisements and electrical appliances used in shops
and restaurants etc.
o Industrial Loud: It consists of load of various industries.
o Municipal Load: It consists of street lighting, power required for water supply and drainage purpose.
o Irrigation Load: Electrical Power need for pumps driven by electric motors to supply water to.
o Traction Load: It includes train ways.
4. Explain base load and peak load power plant.
Base load power plants: When capacity factor of plant is greater than 75%, the power plant is called base load
power plant. The capacity factor is the ratio of the average power to the rated power over given time interval.
Due to high capacity of this plant have high capital cost but low operating costs. Ex: Thermal power plant,
Hydro-electric power plant, and Nuclear power plant.

Peak load power plants: When capacity factor of plant is less than 23%, the power plant is called peak load
power plant. This plant is operated only to meet the power demands at a time of maximum demand. This plant
requires less investment cost but high operating cost. Ex: Diesel power plant , Gas turbine power plant , Pump
storage hydro-electric power plant.
5. A generating station has a maximum demand of 25MW, a load factor of 60%, a plant capacity factor of
50% and a plant use factor of 72%. Find,
i) the reserve capacity of the plant
ii) the daily energy production and
iii) maximum energy that could be produced daily, if the plant while running as per schedule, were fully
loaded.
6. A proposed station has the following daily load cycle:
 Draw the load curve and select the suitable generator unit from the 8, 16, 20 and 24MW. Prepare the
operation schedule for the machines schedule and determine the load factor from the curve.
7. The annual peak load on a 30 MW power, station is 25 MW. The power station (15) supplies loads having
maximum demands of 10 MW, 8.5 MW, 5 MW and 4.5 MW. The annual load factor is 45%. Find: (i)
Average load, (ii) Demand factor and
(iii) Diversity factor.
8. For a power station, the yearly load duration curve is a straight line from 30,000 to 4,000 kW. To meet
the load three turbo-generators are installed. The capacity of two generators is 15,000 kW each and the
third is rated as 5,000 kW. Determine the following: (i) Load factor, (ii) Capacity factor, and (iii)
Maximum demand.

Power Plant Economics (60 min)

1. Importance of power plant economics.

2. Various economic problems in power plant economics.
3. Comparative view of different energy sources.
4. Components of Annual Operating Cost.
5. Importance of Annual Operating Cost in Power Plant Planning.
6. Define depreciation. Why Depreciation is Important in Power Plant Economics?
7. Proved annual depreciation amount,

8. Objectives of Economic Selection.

9. Define energy rate/ tariff.
10. Components Affecting Energy Rate.
11. Significance of Energy Rate.
12. How to improve energy rate.

13. The equipment in a power station costs Tk. 15,60,000/- and has a salvage value of Tk. 60,000/- at the end of
25th year. Determine the depreciated value of the equipment at the end of 20th year on the following method:
i) Straight line method,
ii) Sinking fund method at 5% compound interest annually.
14. The maximum demand of a consumer is 20A at 220V and his total energy consumption is 8760kWh. If the
energy is charged at the rate of 20 paise per unit for 500 hours use of the maximum demand per annum plus
10 paise per unit for additional units, calculate
i) annual bill, ii) equivalent flat rate.
15. Estimate the generating cost per unit supplied from a power plant having the following data:
 Components & Design (60 min)

1. Define and classified cooling tower.

2. Components of Cooling Towers.
3. What are the factors influencing cooling tower performance?
4. Environmental impact of Cooling Towers.
5. Applications of Cooling Towers.
6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Cooling Towers.
7. Spray Pond.
8. Difference between Cooling Tower and Spray Pond.
9. Differentiate between water reservoir, storage and pondage.