Here are the answers to the mentioned questions:
1. Working of an open cycle OTEC system:
An open cycle Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system operates
by using warm surface seawater to produce steam at low pressure. This
steam drives a turbine to generate electricity. After passing through the
turbine, the steam is condensed back into liquid using cold deep seawater.
The process works because of the temperature difference between
surface and deep ocean water.
2. Limitations and applications of OTEC plants:
Limitations: High initial cost, limited to tropical regions with significant
temperature differences, environmental impact, and technological
challenges in constructing pipelines and platforms.
Applications: Electricity generation, desalination of seawater, aquaculture,
and cooling systems.
3. Fundamental principle of tidal energy:
Tidal energy is based on the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on
Earth’s water bodies, creating tides. The potential and kinetic energy of
these tides are harnessed to generate electricity using turbines.
4. Two main challenges of solar energy adoption:
Intermittency of solar power due to weather conditions.
High initial installation and maintenance costs.
5. Solar constant:
The solar constant is the average amount of solar radiation received per
unit area at the outer edge of Earth's atmosphere when the Earth is at its
mean distance from the sun, approximately 1361 W/m².
6. Uses of biogas:
Cooking and heating.
Electricity generation.
As a fuel for vehicles when compressed (CBG - Compressed Biogas).
7. Working of biogas:
Biogas is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste by
microorganisms in a biogas plant. The process releases methane (CH₄)
and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which can be used as a clean energy source.
8. Two types of wind turbines:
Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT).
Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT).
9. Main limitation of wind energy:
Wind energy is intermittent and site-dependent, as it requires consistent
and strong winds to be economically viable.
10. Solar pumping function with flowchart:
Solar pumps use solar panels to generate electricity, which powers a
motor. This motor drives a pump to lift or transfer water from sources like
wells or rivers for irrigation or domestic use.
Flowchart:
Solar Panel → Controller → DC/AC Motor → Pump → Water Transfer
11. Working of a flat plate collector with thermal analysis:
A flat plate collector absorbs solar radiation and transfers the heat to a
fluid (air or water) circulating through tubes attached to the absorber
plate. Insulation reduces heat loss. The thermal efficiency depends on
factors like material, design, and ambient conditions.
12. Use of anemometer in wind energy systems:
An anemometer measures wind speed and direction, essential for
assessing a site's potential for wind energy production.
13. Environmental impact of ocean energy systems:
Disruption to marine ecosystems due to underwater structures and noise
pollution.
14. Difference between combustion and pyrolysis:
Combustion: Complete oxidation of fuel in the presence of oxygen to
release heat energy.
Pyrolysis: Decomposition of organic material in the absence of oxygen,
producing bio-oil, syngas, and biochar.
Both generate energy, but pyrolysis is more sustainable.
15. Role of turbines in ocean energy:
Turbines convert the kinetic or potential energy of ocean currents, tides,
and waves into mechanical energy, which is then converted to electricity.
16. Tidal lagoon energy generation:
A tidal lagoon traps seawater at high tide. As water flows through turbines
during low tide, it generates electricity.
17. Bioenergy production from biomass:
Biomass is processed via anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, or combustion to
produce biogas, bio-oil, or direct heat energy.
18. Function of solar chimney with diagram:
A solar chimney uses solar energy to heat air in a tall chimney. The heated
air rises, creating an updraft that drives turbines to generate electricity.
19. Tidal stream generator:
A device that converts the kinetic energy of tidal currents into electricity
using underwater turbines.
20. Main components of a biogas plant:
Inlet chamber: Where organic waste is fed.
Digester: Enclosed chamber where anaerobic digestion occurs.
Gas holder: Collects the biogas produced.
Outlet chamber: Discharges the slurry (digested material).
21. Advantage of tidal energy over solar energy:
Tidal energy is more predictable than solar energy.
22. Why geothermal energy is not widely used:
Limited to regions with accessible geothermal resources, high initial costs,
and potential environmental concerns.
23. Advantages of geothermal energy:
Reliable and stable energy source.
Low greenhouse gas emissions.
24. Advantage of geothermal energy over solar and wind energy:
It provides continuous, baseload power.
25. Two types of solar energy technologies:
Photovoltaic (PV) cells.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP).