1. Explain the principle and working of Solar cooker or Solar desalination.

Ans:

1. A solar cooker consist of a insulated box. of blacken aluminium in which utensile with food
material can be kept
2. Reflector mirror hinge to one side of the box so that the angle of the reflector can be
adjusted
3. A glass cover consisting of two layers of clear-window glass sheets which also serve as the
box door

The box is kept in such a way that solar radiation fall directly on the glass cover and reflector
mirror is also adjusted in such a way that additional solar radiation after mirror reflection is also
incident on glass [Link] glass cover traps heat owing to the green house effect i,e short
wavelength radiation can pass inside the box but long wave length coming out from the box is
en trapped in the box there by providing more heating effect. The air tempt obtained inside the
box range but from 140° to 160°C which provide sufficient heat for boiling and cooking process.
2. Draw a block diagram to show the basic components of wind energy conversion system.

Ans:

3. Describe the energy extraction technique from geothermal energy by hard rock fracturing.

Ans: Energy extraction from geothermal sources using hard rock fracturing involves enhancing
the permeability of deep geothermal reservoirs to allow heat extraction from hot, dry rocks.
This method is part of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and operates as follows:
1. Drilling: Deep wells are drilled into hot, impermeable rock layers, often several kilometers
below the Earth's surface.
2. Fracturing: High-pressure fluid injections create fractures in the hard rock, increasing its
permeability to enable fluid movement.
3. Circulation: Water or another working fluid is injected into one well, heated by contact with
the fractured hot rock, and extracted through another well.
4. Heat Extraction: The heated fluid is brought to the surface, where its thermal energy is
converted into electricity using heat exchangers and turbines.
5. Sustainability: The cooled fluid is re-injected into the reservoir to maintain pressure and
ensure sustainable heat extraction.
This method allows hardnessing geothermal energy in regions without natural hydrothermal
reservoirs.
4. Explain the working of a double basin tidal energy plant with neat diagrams.

Ans: The double basin power plant has two basin at different level. The dam is provided
between basin and sea as well as between basins. One basin is called upper basin as the water
level in this basin is always maintain higher than that in the lower basin. The lower basin
discharger to the sea at low tide while the upper basin fill the rate with sea water at high tide.
The turbines are provided in the constructed dam seperating upper and lower basin. When
water is make to flow through turbine from upper basin to lower [Link] turbine run and
generator couple with them to generate power.

Single basin system

Single basin system is the simplest system to generate tidal power. The simple basin system
has only one basin two store water. The basin is seperated from the ocean by a dam. The
turbine and generator are mounted inside the dam. The simple basin system is further classified
into
1. Single ebb cycle system
2. Single tide cycle system.
3. Double cycle system
In single ebb cycle system the sea water fill up the basin through switch valve. When water
level rises in high tide, the power output from this system is interminent.
In single tide open system when high tide periods is over the sea level start falling which
reduces the head on the turbine. The basin is drain of water through valve or sea level is lower
during low tide. Therefore the power out is interminent.
In double cycle system reversible turbine are installed. The power is generated during both
filling and emptying of the basin filling of basin in done during high tide when water level in
basin is low. Emptying of basin is done during low tide when sea level in long and level in basin
is high.
The flow of water is therefore used in both direction to drive the reversible turbine. In this
system also continuous power generation in not possible as it take some time to change from
filling to emptying mode of the basin.
5. What is biogas? Explain with diagram the biogas production scheme from KVIC digester.

Ans: Biogas is a renewable energy source produced by the breakdown of organic matter by
certain bacteria under anaerobic conditions. It is a mixture of methane, hydrogen,
and carbon dioxide.

The plant consists of an inverted metallic drum to function as gas holder and underground
digester construction from masonary with a partition wall. The digestive chamber is provided
the wall at the centre so that the optimum condition for growth of acid forming bacteria and
methane forming bacteria can be provided so that biomass slurry should be acidic or basic for
the formation of bacteria. The pipe arrangement are provided to the digester for the supply
fresh biomass slurry and the removal of digested slurry as the digester has floating gas holder
the pressure inside the digester remain constant. There is no risk of expulsion due to preventing
low pressure of gas.
6. What is the principle of solar photovoltaic power generation ?
Ans: Solar photovoltaic power generation is based on the photoelectric effect, which is when
certain materials absorb light particles and release electrons, creating an electric current.
1. PV cells convert sunlight directly into electricity without creating any air or water pollution.
2. PV cells are made of at least two layers of semiconductor material.
3. One layer has a positive charge, the other negative.
4. When light enters the cell, some of the photons from the light are absorbed by the
semiconductor atorms, freeing electrons. from the cell's negative layer to flow through an
external circuit and back into the positive layer

7. Discuss the principle of MHD power generation.

Ans: MHD generator operates by passing a conductive fluid through a magnetic field. A/C to the
Faraday’s law of Electromagnetic induction, a voltage is induced when a conductor moves
through a magnetic field. The fluid is heated to high tempt allowing it to become ionised when
enhances the productivity.
Main components of MHD generator
1. Working fluid - The conductive fluid that carries the thermal energy. There can be molten
salt or liquid metal on plasma.
[Link] field - Create by magnet which interact with the moving conductive fluid.
3. Electrode - Located at the end of the generator and collect the generated electrical current
from the fluid.
4. Heating System - provide the necessary thermal energy to ionised the working fluid.
8. Describe with neat sketch the working of WECS with main components.

Ans: The wind turns the rotor which spins the main shaft. The primary shaft is linked to the
gearbox, which increases the rotor rotating speed The power converter convert DC into AC and
the step U transformer increase the voltage of the electricity. The electricity is then sent to the
wind form collection points.
The Components of WERS are-
[Link] - Blade have aero dynamic structure that capture wind energy and convert it into
mechanical energy
[Link] - central solid part of the turbine on which aerofoil blade's are fixed
[Link]- The gearbox is a device that increases the rotational speed of the rotor
[Link] - Brakes come used to ship the rotor from spring.
4. Nacelle - The nacelle is the housing that contains all of the electrical and mechanical
components
[Link] - The generator convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
6. Tower - Made from tubular steel wind speed is getting higher with height: Tall tower enable
to capture more energy and this way generate more electricity.
9. Describe one closed cycle system MHD
Ans: Closed Cycle MHD System
A closed cycle MHD system can either operate on seeded inert gas or liquid metal Seeded inert
gas closed cycle system: A closed cycle MHD system using helium or argon gas seeded with
Cesium is shown in Figure. Step by step working of the system is as under:
1. In this system, helium gas seeded with Cesium is heated to a very high temperature in a
nuclear reactor.
2. The hot helium gas is passed through a nozzle to increase its velocity and then supplied to
MHD duct to produce DC power. Here, some part of the internal energy of the gas is directly
converted into DC power.
3. In next step, the gas is passed through the heat exchanger (i.e. steam generator) to convert
feed water into steam. Now, this steam is used in a conventional steam power plant to
generate electricity.
4. The exhausted helium gas from steam generator is cooled in the cooler and compressed in
the compressor. Thereafter, it is supplied back to the nuclear reactor and complete cycle is
repeated again.
10. Describe the closed cycle OTEC system And Open cycle OTEC system.

Ans: Open OTEC

Warm surface sea water which is around 25°C pump into a low pressure chamber where it is
evaporated. The low pressure in the chamber allows the sea water to boil at a lower tempt than
it's normal boiling point. The resulting steam is then used to drive a turbine connected to a
generator producing electricity. The steam expansion through the turbine converts thermal
energy into mechanical energy which is converted into electrical energy. After passing through
the turbine the steam is cooled and condense back into liquid for using cold deep sea water
which is usually around 5°[Link] cold sea water absorb the heat from the steam in the
condenser. The condense water is then returned to the ocean and the cycle start again. The
cold deep sea water is also returned to its original depth.
Closed Cycle OTEC (Anderson cycle:)

Closed cycle OTEC is a method that uses a working fluid with a low boiling point to exploit the
tempt difference between warm surface sea water and cold deep sea, later to generate
electricity. Warm Surface sea water around.25°C is pumped through a heat exchanger where it
transfers it's heat to a working fluid with a low boiling point such as ammonia. The heat from
the sea water causes the working fluid to evaporate into a gas. Therefore, in this process the
fluid is chosen in such a way that it would be vaporized at the relatively low tempt provided by
the warm surface water. The vapour is directed to a turbine as the gas expands and flows
through the turbine. It drives the turbine blade which are connected to a generator. This
mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. After passing through the turbine the
working fluid is in a gaseous state and needs to be condensed back into a liquid. Cold deep sea
water around 5°C is used in a second heat exchanger to absorb heat from the working fluid
causing it to condense. Now liquid working fluid is pump back to the initial heat exchanger to
repeat the cycle and the cold sea water is return to the Ocean.

11. What are the factors affecting Bio digestion? Explain briefly.
Ans: The factors affecting bio digestion include:
1. Mixing or Agitator of the Content : Ensures uniform distribution of microbes and prevents
sedimentation.
2. Nutrients: Adequate nutrients (e.g., trace metals) are vital for microbial growth and activity.
3. Types of Feedstock: Determines the gas yield and digestion efficiency.
4. Pressure: Affects microbial activity and biogas production efficiency.
5. Acid Accumulation: Excess acids lower pH, inhibiting microbial growth.
6. CPH and Hydrogen Concentration: Balances microbial activities and optimizes hydrogen
production.
7. Temperature: Affects metabolic rates of microbes; mesophilic or thermophilic ranges are
optimal.
8. Total Solid Content: Determines substrate concentration and digester performance.

12. Compare between wave energy and tidal energy.

Ans: Tidal energy Wave energy

 It is harnessed from the rise and fall It is harnessed from waves moving
of sea levels. along the surface of the ocean.
 It occurs due to gravitational pull of the It occurs due to wind.
moon and sun on the Earth.
 Its intensity is effected by the location It’s intensity is affected by wind strength
and position of the earth.
 It includes kinetic and potential It includes kinetic energy.
energy.

13. Write the differences between Flat plate and Concentrating Plate Solar Collectors.

Ans: Flat plate collectors Concentrating type collectors

 Absorber area is high. Absorber area is small.

 Concentration ratio is 1. Concentration ratio is high.
 Low temperature applications. High temperature applications.
 Simple design. Complex design.

14. Give a brief description about Hydrox Fuel Cell.

Ans: The Hydrox Fuel Cell is a type of electrochemical cell that generates electricity by
combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing water as a byproduct. It is similar to a Proton
Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell but operates with a hydroxide ion (OH⁻) as the primary
charge carrier, instead of a proton (H⁺). The fuel cell consists of an anode, cathode, and an
electrolyte (usually alkaline). At the anode, hydrogen gas is split into electrons and protons,
while at the cathode, oxygen reacts with hydroxide ions to form water. The electrons flow
through an external circuit, generating electric power. Hydrox fuel cells are considered a
promising technology for clean energy due to their high efficiency, low environmental impact,
and potential for use in various applications such as vehicles and stationary power generation.
15. What do you mean by thermionic emission? Explain work function.

Ans: Thermionic emission is the process of releasing electrons from a metal's surface when it's
heated to a high temperature.

Work Function: The work function is the minimum amount of energy required to remove an
electron from the surface of a metal. It is usually measured in electron volts (eV) and depends
on the type of material. A higher work function means the material requires more energy for
thermionic emission.

16. What is a solar constant?

Ans: Solar constant- The energy received from the sun per unit time on a unit area
perpendicular to the sun is direction at the mean distance of the earth from the sun.

17. Differentiate between Conventional and Non-Conventional energy sources.

Ans: Conventional energy sources Non conventional energy sources

 Conventional sources of energy are Non-conventional sources of energy

limited and exhaustible. are abundant and inexhaustible.
 They cause pollution. They cause little or no pollution.
 Fuels produced from conventional Fuels produced from non-conventional
sources are comparatively expensive. sources are comparatively cheaper.
 Eg- Coal, natural gas etc Eg- Wind energy, solar energy etc.

18. What is solar insolation?

Ans: Solar insolation is the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface or
atmosphere. It's a measure of the sun's energy over a specific period of time.

Factors that affect solar insolation include:

Solar zenith angle: The angle of the sun in the sky

Earth's distance from the sun: The distance between the Earth and the sun, which varies

Length of daylight: The longer the day, the more insolation a region receives
19. Write notes on Vertical axis and Horizontal axis wind turbines.

Ans: A horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) is defined as a wind turbine with a horizontal
rotation axis parallel to the ground. HAWTs are the most common type used for large-scale
electricity generation. They usually have three blades like airplane propellers, though some
have two or one blade.

A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is defined as a wind turbine with a vertical rotation axis
perpendicular to the ground. VAWTs are less common than HAWTs but offer advantages for
small-scale and urban use. They typically have two or three straight or curved blades.

20. What is meant by anaerobic digestion?

Ans: Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a process that uses microorganisms to break down organic
materials in an environment without oxygen.

21. What are the different forms of biomass conversion?

Ans: The different forms of biomass conversion are thermal conversion (e.g., combustion,
pyrolysis), biochemical conversion (e.g., fermentation, anaerobic digestion), and chemical
conversion (e.g., trans esterification, gasification).

22. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a fuel cell?

Ans: Advantages of a Fuel Cell:

1. Environmentally Friendly: Produces electricity with minimal pollutants (mainly water as a

byproduct).

2. High Efficiency: More efficient than traditional combustion engines in converting fuel to
energy.

3. Quiet Operation: Fuel cells operate quietly compared to other power generation methods.

Disadvantages of a Fuel Cell:

1. Cost: Fuel cell systems and their components (e.g., catalysts) are expensive.

2. Hydrogen Storage: Storing and transporting hydrogen fuel is challenging and costly.

3. Limited Infrastructure: Lack of widespread refueling stations for hydrogen makes

it less practical.

23. Write the different applications of Hydrogen energy.

 It is used as a fuel in rocket

 It is used in chemical industry to make ammonia and manufacture of nitrogenous
fertilizers.
 It is used in the manufacture of many organic compounds.

24. What are the main components of a Tidal Power Plant?

Ans: There are three main components of a tidal power plant-

1. Dam or barrage 2. Sluice-ways from the hasins to the sea and vice versa. 3. Power house

25. What are the geothermal energy sources?

Ans: Geo thermal energy sources are classified into five categories

1. Hydro thermal convective system

(a) Vapour dominated system (b) Liquid dominated system (c) Hot water field

2. Geo-pressure Resources 3. Petro-chemical thermal or hot dry rocks (ADR)

4. Magma-resources 5. Volcanoes

26. What are the applications of geothermal energy?

Ans: 1. Space heating and cooling. 2. Generation of electrical power. 3. Industrial process
heat. 4. Other applications includes desalination of water, heavy water production, extraction
of minerals

27. Mention the main considerations in selecting the site for wind generators.

Ans: The main considerations for selecting a site for wind generators include:

1. Wind Speed and Consistency: The location should have strong, consistent winds to ensure
efficient energy generation.
2. Terrain and Accessibility: The site should have suitable terrain for installing turbines and
easy access for maintenance.

3. Proximity to Power Grid: The site should be near existing infrastructure for connecting the
generated electricity to the grid.

28. The steps involved in the formation of biogas during anaerobic digestion are:

1. Hydrolysis: Complex organic materials are broken down into simpler compounds by
microbial enzymes.

2. Acidogenesis: The simple compounds are further broken down by acidogenic bacteria into
volatile fatty acids, alcohols, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

3. Acetogenesis: Acetogenic bacteria convert the products from acidogenesis into acetic acid,
hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

4. Methanogenesis: Methanogenic bacteria convert acetic acid and hydrogen into methane
and carbon dioxide, forming the final biogas.

29. Differentiate between Beam radiation and Diffuse radiation.

Ans: Beam radiation Diffuse radiation

 Direct sunlight that reaches the Earth's Sunlight that has been scattered by the
surface without scattering, coming atmosphere, reaching the Earth's
straight from the sun. surface from all directions.
 Travels in a straight line from the sun Spreads in all directions due to
scattering.
 Originates directly from the sun. Comes from scattered sunlight by
clouds, atmospheric particles and gases.

30. Describe the working of Angstrom Pyrheliometer with diagram.

Ans: Here, A and B are identical strips, G is galvanometer, R is resistance and E is power supply.

The Angstrom pyrheliometer is manufactured for measuring the power of radiation from
sunlight. A thermocouple made up of copper Constantine is connected to two identical strips. A
galvanometer is also set up in this thermocouple circuit. When solar radiation is imparted over
the surface of one strip, the galvanometer shows a deflection, and the current is allowed to
pass through the one strip to the other strip. The sensor strip also acts as an electric resistor
and generates heat when a current flows between strips. In this process, the temperature
raised by solar radiation is compensated by heat.
Current flows in the thermocouple obtain the intensity of radiation. It also gives a relation that
the current in the circuit is squarely varied with solar radiation.