Geothermal Energy Sustainability Issues
Geothermal Energy Sustainability Issues
MODULE 01
1. Discuss the overview of global energy demand and the need for
renewable energy.
P
Overview of Global Energy Demand:
EE
1. Definition:
Global energy demand means the total energy required to support industrial,
D
transport, residential, and technological activities globally.
2. Environmental Benefits:
Renewables reduce CO₂, SO₂, and NOₓ emissions — fighting climate change.
3. Energy Security:
Reduces dependence on fuel imports by using local resources.
4. Economic & Job Growth:
Creates employment in green energy sector and lowers long-term costs.
5. Support from Governments:
Incentives, policies, and global agreements promote renewable adoption.
1
2. Distinguish between Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy
Sources.
P
short time (e.g., solar, years to form.
wind).
EE
2. Availability Abundant and Limited and depleting over
inexhaustible in nature. time.
D
3. Sustainability Highly sustainable for Unsustainable, will
4. Carbon
long-term use.
6. Operating Cost Low, since sun, wind, water High, includes fuel
are free after installation. extraction, transportation,
EP
and refining.
2
3. Explain the challenges and benefits of using renewable energy.
2. Sustainable Source: Sun, wind, water, etc. are naturally available and will
never run out.
P
3. Energy Security: Reduces dependency on imported fossil fuels by using
EE
local resources.
D
4. Low Operating Cost: Once installed, the energy from solar, wind, etc. is free
— maintenance cost is low.
SU
5. Job Creation & Rural Development: Creates employment in installation,
maintenance; helps in rural electrification.
BY
2. High Initial Cost: Installation of solar panels, wind turbines, etc. requires
high upfront investment.
EP
3. Storage Requirement: Needs battery systems to store energy for use during
PR
non-productive hours.
4. Large Land Requirement: Solar farms and wind parks need large open
areas, especially in urban regions.
3
4. Explain the need of non-conventional energy sources"
P
2. Environmental Pollution:
● Fossil fuel usage leads to CO₂ emissions, air and water pollution.
EE
● Non-conventional sources are clean, eco-friendly, and reduce climate
change impacts.
D
3. Energy Security:
SU
● Heavy dependence on oil imports affects national energy security.
● Using local renewable sources ensures energy independence.
BY
6. Sustainable Development:
PR
7. Government Support:
● Encouraged by policies, subsidies, and international agreements for clean
energy transition.
4
5. List the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and
non-renewable energy resources.
Advantages:
1. Environment friendly – Produces little or no pollution.
2. Sustainable – Never-ending sources like sun, wind, water.
P
3. Reduces import dependency – Uses locally available resources.
4. Low operating cost – Once installed, running cost is low.
EE
5. Job creation – Boosts green employment in new sectors.
D
Disadvantages:
SU
1. High initial cost – Expensive setup for solar, wind systems.
2. Intermittent supply – Depends on weather (sun, wind).
3. Storage needed – Requires battery systems for reliability.
4. Large land requirement – Big wind/solar farms need more space.
BY
Advantages:
AR
1. High energy output – Very efficient for continuous power supply.
2. Easily available infrastructure – Well-developed systems already exist.
3. Low setup cost – Initial investment is less compared to renewables.
EP
Disadvantages:
1. Pollution – Releases CO₂, SO₂, and other harmful gases.
2. Global warming – Major contributor to climate change.
3. Finite resources – Will exhaust in the future (coal, oil).
4. Health hazards – Causes respiratory and environmental problems.
5. Waste disposal issues – Especially in nuclear energy (radioactive waste).
5
Conclusion:
● Renewables are clean and sustainable but need better technology and
investment.
● Non-renewables are efficient and established but harmful to the
environment and limited in supply.
P
EE
Solar Constant:
● The solar constant is the amount of solar radiation received per unit area
D
per unit time on a surface perpendicular to the Sun’s rays at the outer edge
SU
of Earth’s atmosphere, when the Earth is at its mean distance from the Sun.
● Standard Value:
ED
Conclusion:
The solar constant defines the maximum solar power available at the top of the
atmosphere and is a critical parameter in solar energy system design.
6
7. Explain spectral distribution of extra-terrestrial radiation.
P
1. Ultraviolet C (UVC) Range:
● Wavelength: 0.1 μm to 0.28 μm
EE
● High-frequency radiation, invisible to human eyes
● Absorbed by atmosphere, only tiny amount reaches Earth
D
2. Ultraviolet B (UVB) Range:
● Wavelength: 0.28 μm to 0.315 μm
● Also absorbed by atmosphere
SU
● Along with UVC, responsible for ozone layer production
BY
7
8. What is extraterrestrial radiation, and how does it differ from
terrestrial radiation?
P
(approx. 1367 W/m²).
EE
Definition of Terrestrial Radiation:
● Terrestrial radiation refers to the radiation emitted by Earth’s surface and
D
atmosphere after absorbing solar energy.
SU
● It occurs in the infrared (longwave) region of the spectrum.
● It helps in maintaining the Earth’s energy balance through the greenhouse
effect.
BY
8
9. With schematic representation explain mechanism of absorption,
scattering beam and diffused radiation received at Earth’s surface
1. Absorption:
● Some portion of solar radiation is absorbed by atmospheric gases like ozone
(O₃), CO₂, H₂O vapor, and dust.
● This absorbed energy heats the atmosphere.
● Radiation in UV range is mostly absorbed before reaching the Earth's
P
surface.
EE
2. Scattering:
● When solar radiation hits air molecules, water droplets, or dust particles, it
D
gets scattered in various directions.
4. Diffused Radiation:
● Radiation that has been scattered by the atmosphere but still reaches the
PR
Earth.
● Non-directional – comes from all over the sky.
● Important in cloudy conditions and for fixed flat-plate solar collectors.
9
P
EE
D
Conclusion:
SU
Solar radiation reaching Earth undergoes absorption and scattering, and reaches
BY
the surface as beam (direct) and diffused components. Understanding this
mechanism helps in designing efficient solar energy systems.
ED
10. Discuss beam, diffuse and global radiation with a neat sketch.
AR
● Solar radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface without being scattered or
diffused.
● It travels in a straight line from the sun to the surface.
PR
● Available only when the sky is clear and the sun is visible.
● High intensity and useful for concentrating solar collectors (like parabolic
dishes).
2. Diffuse Radiation:
● Solar radiation that gets scattered by molecules, dust, and clouds in the
atmosphere before reaching the surface.
● It is non-directional — arrives from all directions in the sky.
10
● Even when the sun is not directly visible (like on cloudy days), diffuse
radiation is present.
● Important for flat-plate collectors and PV panels without sun-tracking.
3. Global Radiation:
● The total solar radiation received on a horizontal surface.
● It is the sum of beam and diffuse radiation.
● Represented as:
P
EE
● Global radiation varies with location, time, season, and atmospheric
conditions.
D
SU
BY
ED
AR
EP
PR
11
MODULE 02
1. Purpose:
● Pyranometer is used to measure global solar radiation (i.e., sum of beam
and diffuse radiation) falling on a horizontal surface.
P
EE
2. Principle of Operation:
● It works on the thermopile principle, where temperature difference
D
between hot and cold junctions produces a voltage.
● This voltage is proportional to the solar radiation intensity.
3. Construction: SU
● Black surface (sensor): Absorbs all solar radiation.
BY
● White surface (reference): Reflects radiation and stays cooler.
● Thermocouples: Measure temperature difference between black and white
surfaces.
ED
4. Working:
● Sunlight enters through the glass dome and strikes the black coated
EP
surface.
● The black surface absorbs radiation and becomes hotter than the white
PR
surface.
● This causes a temperature difference, which generates a small voltage in
the thermocouples.
● This voltage is calibrated and displayed as radiation intensity (W/m²).
12
P
EE
Fig : Pyranometer
D
SU
2. Explain the working principle of shading ring Pyrheliometer with
BY
neat sketch.
1. Purpose:
ED
2. Principle:
It works on the difference method:
EP
measured.
● By comparing readings with and without the ring, direct radiation can also
be calculated.
3. Construction:
● A pyranometer mounted on a horizontal surface.
● A shading ring is placed concentrically above the pyranometer.
● The ring is adjusted to continuously block the sun’s rays throughout the day
(usually mounted on a tilt-adjustable base).
13
P
EE
Fig : Shading ring Pyrheliometer
D
4. Working:
SU
● When the shading ring is in place, it prevents direct sunlight from falling on
the pyranometer.
BY
● The pyranometer then receives only the diffuse part of solar radiation.
● When the shading ring is removed, the pyranometer measures total global
radiation.
ED
AR
sketch?
PR
1. Purpose:
● A sunshine recorder is used to measure the duration of bright sunshine
hours during the day.
2. Principle:
● It works on the principle that direct solar radiation can burn or char a
specially prepared recording card when focused through a glass sphere.
14
3. Construction:
● A solid glass sphere (usually crystal) acts as a lens.
● A metal bowl holds the glass sphere and supports the recording card.
● Cards are placed in seasonal slots (summer, equinox, winter) to adjust for
sun’s position.
The card is calibrated with hourly marks.
P
EE
D
SU
BY
4. Working:
● As sunlight passes through the glass sphere, it gets concentrated on the
card placed behind it.
ED
● When the sun shines brightly, the focused rays burn a trace on the card.
● The length of the burn mark corresponds to the duration of bright
AR
sunshine.
● By measuring this burn trace against the time markings, sunshine hours are
determined.
EP
PR
15
4. With a neat sketch explain working of liquid flat plate collector.
1. Purpose:
● Used to collect solar energy and convert it into heat, which is then
transferred to a liquid (like water or antifreeze) flowing through tubes.
2. Principle:
P
● It works on the principle of absorbing solar radiation on a black surface,
converting it to heat energy, and then transferring the heat to a liquid
EE
medium through conduction.
D
3. Construction:
● Absorber Plate: A black-coated metal sheet (usually copper or aluminum)
to absorb solar radiation.
SU
● Transparent Cover (Glazing): A glass sheet that allows sunlight in but
BY
reduces heat loss by convection and radiation.
● Casing/Box:
Encloses all components and protects from environmental damage.
EP
PR
16
4. Working:
● Sunlight passes through the glass cover and is absorbed by the black
absorber plate.
● The absorber heats up and transfers heat to the liquid flowing in the tubes.
● The heated liquid is carried to a storage tank for use.
● The system is either open loop (direct heating) or closed loop (with heat
exchanger).
P
EE
5. Explain how a liquid flat plate collector can be used to heat water
D
in a solar thermal system.
radiation.
● This surface is black to maximize absorption and minimize reflection.
PR
17
4. Circulation of Heated Water:
● In natural circulation systems, hot water rises naturally to the storage tank
(thermosiphon effect).
● In forced circulation systems, a pump is used to circulate the water.
P
industrial, or commercial use.
EE
● If antifreeze is used, a heat exchanger is provided to transfer heat to the
water safely.
D
SU
6. Describe the construction and working of a parabolic dish
collector.
BY
1. Purpose:
A parabolic dish collector is used to focus solar radiation onto a single
ED
18
3. Support Structure:
○ A strong frame supports the dish and allows sun-tracking (either
manual or automatic).
○ Two-axis tracking ensures the dish always faces the sun for maximum
efficiency.
P
production).
EE
D
SU
BY
ED
2. Concentration:
○ The parabolic shape focuses all rays to a single focal point.
PR
19
7. Explain with neat sketch photovoltaic conversion system.
P
EE
D
SU
BY
ED
AR
EP
PR
20
P
EE
D
SU
8. Discuss the various parameters to be considered for the design of
solar power plants
BY
1. Solar Radiation Availability:
● The amount of solar insolation (sunlight) available at the site.
● Determines the energy output potential of the system.
ED
● Tilt angle and direction of panels must be optimized to maximize solar gain.
EP
21
5. System Sizing:
● Calculating the required capacity (in kW) based on load and solar
availability.
● Includes sizing of PV modules, inverters, batteries (if any), and backup
systems.
6. Shading Analysis:
● Ensuring no major shading from trees, buildings, or obstacles, especially
during peak sun hours.
P
● Even partial shading can reduce system efficiency.
EE
7. Grid Availability and Type of System:
D
● Deciding between grid-tied, off-grid, or hybrid systems.
● Grid-connected systems need synchronization; off-grid systems need
storage.
8. Economic Feasibility:
SU
BY
● Includes analysis of initial cost, return on investment (ROI), payback period,
and maintenance cost.
● Helps in financial planning and subsidy eligibility.
ED
9. Environmental Conditions:
● Consideration of temperature, humidity, dust, wind loads, and snowfall for
AR
22
9. Discuss how regular operation, maintenance, and performance
monitoring contribute to the long-term reliability of a solar power
plant.
P
EE
2. Scheduled Maintenance Prevents Failures
● Routine maintenance includes cleaning panels, checking connections,
inverter servicing, etc.
D
● It helps in identifying and fixing minor issues before they become major
faults.
disconnect, etc.
● Faster response reduces downtime and loss in energy production.
23
10. What is meant by solar shade analysis? Explain the steps
involved in reducing effect of shading analysis.
P
EE
D
SU
BY
ED
AR
EP
PR
24
MODULE 03
Types of Wind Mills: Wind machines are broadly classified into two types based
on the axis of rotation:
P
1. Horizontal Axis Wind Machines (HAWM):
EE
● Rotor shaft is horizontal to the ground and aligned parallel to wind
direction.
D
● Most commonly used for electricity generation.
● The machine must be oriented to face the wind using a yaw mechanism.
EP
2. Main Components:
● Rotor Blades: Capture wind energy through aerodynamic lift.
PR
25
3. Working Principle:
● Wind hits the rotor blades → creates lift force → blades rotate.
● This rotation drives the low-speed shaft, which connects to the gearbox.
● The gearbox increases the speed and turns the high-speed shaft, which
drives the generator.
● Generated electricity is then either used locally or fed to the grid.
P
EE
D
SU
BY
4. Advantages:
ED
conditions.
EP
5. Limitations:
● Requires yaw mechanism to track wind direction.
● Installation and maintenance at higher altitudes can be challenging.
PR
26
2. Describe the main consideration in selecting the site for wind
generator.
P
2. Wind Direction
EE
● Dominant wind direction should be known and stable.
● Helps in optimizing turbine orientation for maximum efficiency.
D
3. Topography and Terrain
SU
● Elevated and open landscapes (like hills, coastal areas) are preferred.
● Avoid valleys, forests, or obstacle-rich areas that cause turbulence or
shadowing.
BY
27
3. List the advantages and disadvantages of wind turbine.
2. Eco-Friendly
● Produces no air or water pollution.
P
● No emission of greenhouse gases like CO₂.
EE
3. Low Operating Cost
D
● Once installed, the operation and maintenance cost is minimal compared to
other power sources.
28
3. Noise and Aesthetic Impact
● Turbines produce noise during operation and may affect landscape beauty.
4. Threat to Wildlife
● Moving blades can be dangerous to birds and bats in the area.
P
EE
4. Explain with a neat sketch the working principle of a flash steam
D
cycle plant.
2. Basic Concept:
● When high-pressure hot water (usually above 180°C) from underground
AR
steam.
● This steam is used to rotate a turbine connected to a generator.
PR
3. Main Components:
● Production Well: Extracts high-temperature geothermal water from deep
underground.
● Flash Tank (Separator): At surface level, sudden pressure drop causes part
of water to flash into steam. Remaining water (brine) is re-injected into the
earth.
29
● Steam Turbine and Generator: The steam drives a turbine, which is
connected to a generator to produce electricity.
● Condenser: After doing work, steam is condensed back into water for
reuse or disposal.
● Cooling System: Removes heat from the condenser water using air or
water cooling methods.
P
EE
D
SU
BY
ED
AR
production well.
2. Enters the flash tank, where pressure drop causes partial vaporization
PR
(flashing).
3. The generated steam is separated from the liquid and directed to the steam
turbine.
4. Turbine rotates and drives the generator, producing electricity.
5. Used steam is passed to the condenser and turned back to liquid.
6. Remaining brine and condensed water are injected back into the reservoir
to maintain pressure and sustainability.
30
5. Describe with a neat sketch the working principle of a dry steam
cycle plant.
1. Purpose:
A dry steam cycle plant is used to generate electricity directly from natural dry
steam extracted from underground geothermal reservoirs.
P
EE
2. Basic Concept:
● In dry steam plants, steam comes out directly from the geothermal
reservoir without any liquid water.
D
● The steam is used to directly rotate a turbine, which drives a generator to
produce electricity.
3. Main Components:
SU
BY
● Production Well: Brings dry saturated steam from the geothermal source
to the surface.
ED
31
P
EE
D
4. Working Process (Step-by-Step): SU
BY
1. Dry steam is directly tapped from geothermal reservoir using production
wells.
2. Steam is sent through insulated pipes to a steam turbine.
ED
into water.
5. Water may be recycled or reinjected into the earth to sustain the
geothermal source.
EP
PR
32
6. Describe construction and working principle of geothermal
energy with schematic diagram.
1. Purpose:
● Geothermal energy is the heat energy stored beneath the Earth’s surface,
which can be used for electricity generation and heating applications.
P
EE
2. Construction of a Basic Geothermal Power Plant:
D
extract hot water or steam.
SU
● Steam Separator / Flash Chamber (if needed): If hot water is extracted, it
is partially flashed into steam using a pressure-reducing chamber.
BY
● Steam Turbine: The steam is sent to a turbine, where it rotates the blades.
● Condenser: After doing work, the used steam is condensed into water for
reuse or reinjection.
EP
● Reinjection Well: The cooled water is pumped back into the Earth to
maintain reservoir pressure and sustainability.
33
3. Working Principle:
P
EE
D
SU
BY
1. Heat energy from the Earth’s core heats underground water and forms hot
water or steam in natural reservoirs.
ED
2. Through production wells, this heat in the form of steam or hot water is
brought to the surface.
AR
3. If steam is available directly (dry steam system), it goes straight to the
turbine.
EP
4. If hot water is extracted (flash steam system), it is flashed into steam using
a flash tank, then sent to the turbine.
PR
5. Used steam is cooled, condensed, and reinjected into the reservoir,
completing the closed-loop cycle.
34
7. List and explain the problems associated with Geothermal
System operations.
2. Land Subsidence
P
● Withdrawal of underground fluids may cause the land above to sink or
EE
collapse, especially if reinjection is not done properly.
D
● Geothermal fluids often contain dissolved minerals and gases which cause
SU
corrosion of pipes and scaling on turbine blades and heat exchangers.
4. Environmental Pollution
● Although cleaner than fossil fuels, geothermal systems may release toxic
BY
gases like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), arsenic, and boron, which can be harmful
if not controlled.
ED
5. Noise Pollution
● Drilling operations and turbine machinery may produce significant noise,
especially during the initial stages of plant setup.
AR
35
MODULE 04
P
● Tidal power is highly predictable, as it depends on gravitational pull of the
EE
moon and sun.
● Tides occur in a fixed time cycle (typically two high and two low tides per
D
day).
4. Site Specific
● Suitable only in coastal areas with high tidal range (typically above 5
meters).
EP
36
7. Environmental Impact on Marine Life
● May affect local aquatic ecosystems, sediment flow, and fish movement
due to alteration of tidal patterns.
P
EE
2. What are the advantages and limitations of tidal energy?
D
Advantages of Tidal Energy:
SU
1. Renewable and Inexhaustible: Tidal energy is derived from gravitational
forces, making it naturally replenishable and endless.
BY
2. Predictable Energy Source: Tides follow a fixed and cyclic pattern, making tidal
energy highly predictable and reliable.
ED
4. Long Lifespan: Tidal power plants can function effectively for 50–100 years
with minimal wear and tear.
EP
5. Low Operating Costs: After installation, maintenance and operational costs are
PR
37
3. Environmental and Ecological Impact: Alteration in tidal flow may affect
marine life, fish migration, and local ecosystems.
5. Navigation and Sediment Issues: Tidal structures may hinder boat movement
and cause sediment accumulation.
P
EE
3. Explain with a neat sketch the working of a single ebb tide basin
D
cycle?
● The basin is filled during high tide, and generation occurs during low tide.
2. Construction Overview:
AR
electricity.
● One side is connected to the sea, and the other to the tidal basin.
PR
38
Step 1: High Tide – Basin Filling
● During rising tide, sluice gates are opened, allowing seawater to enter the
tidal basin.
● No power is generated at this stage.
Step 2: Sluice Gate Closure: Once the tide reaches maximum level (high tide),
sluice gates are closed to trap water in the basin.
Step 3: Low Tide Begins – Head Creation: As the sea level drops, a height
P
difference (head) is created between the basin and sea.
EE
Step 4: Turbine Operation – Power Generation
D
● When sufficient head is achieved, sluice gates near turbines are opened.
● Water flows from the basin back to the sea, passing through turbines.
SU
● The flowing water rotates the turbines, which are connected to a generator
→ electricity is produced.
BY
Step 5: Repeat Cycle: Once the basin is emptied and sea level starts rising again,
the cycle repeats with the next high tide.
ED
AR
● A double basin tidal power system uses two basins at different levels to
enable continuous or near-continuous power generation.
PR
● One basin stores water during high tide, and the other discharges it during
low tide, allowing controlled flow through turbines.
2. Construction Overview:
● Consists of:
39
○ Barrages/dams to separate basins
○ Turbines installed between the two basins
○ Sluice gates for controlled water flow
3. Working Principle:
P
EE
D
SU
BY
ED
● The head difference between basins allows steady flow and turbine
rotation, producing electricity.
40
5. Explain with a neat sketch the working of an open cycle OTEC.
P
2. Basic Construction:
Includes the following components:
EE
● Warm water intake pipe (from ocean surface)
● Flash evaporator chamber
D
● Low-pressure steam turbine
● Condenser (with cold deep seawater)
● Vacuum pumps and outflow pipe
SU
3. Working Process (Step-by-Step):
BY
ED
AR
EP
PR
41
2. Flash Evaporation
● Due to vacuum, the warm seawater boils at low temperature, producing
low-pressure steam.
● Only pure water vapor is formed — salts and impurities remain behind.
P
4. Steam Condensation
EE
● Cold seawater from deep ocean layers (~5°C) is pumped to the condenser.
● It condenses the steam back into desalinated water, which can be collected.
D
5: Discharge
SU
● The leftover brine and cold water are discharged back to the ocean.
BY
boiling point working fluid (like ammonia or propane) is used to drive the
turbine.
● Ocean water is used only as a heat source and cooling medium, not as the
EP
working fluid.
PR
2. Main Components:
● Warm surface seawater intake pipe
● Evaporator (heat exchanger)
● Turbine and generator
● Condenser (using cold deep seawater)
● Working fluid in a closed loop
42
3. Working Process (Step-by-Step):
P
EE
D
1. Warm Water Heats Working Fluid
SU
● Warm seawater (25–30°C) is pumped into a heat exchanger (evaporator).
● The heat is transferred to the working fluid (like ammonia), which boils due
BY
to its low boiling point.
● The vaporized working fluid expands and flows through a turbine, causing it
to rotate.
● This turbine is connected to a generator, which produces electricity.
AR
● After passing through the turbine, the vapor enters a condenser, where
cold deep seawater (~5°C) is circulated.
● This cools and condenses the vapor back to liquid form.
PR
4. Recirculation
● The liquid working fluid is pumped back to the evaporator, completing the
closed loop cycle.
43
7. What are the problems associated with OTEC.
1. High Initial Cost
P
● Since the temperature difference between surface and deep water is small
(about 20°C), the overall efficiency is very low (≈ 2–3%).
EE
3. Technological Challenges
D
● Handling corrosion, biofouling, and scaling in the marine environment is
SU
technically complex and requires advanced materials and coatings.
4. Environmental Concerns
● Discharge of cold deep water back into the ocean can disturb marine
BY
● OTEC plants can be set up only in tropical regions where surface water is
warm and deep water is cold — so site selection is limited.
AR
6. Transmission of Power
● If OTEC plant is offshore (floating), transmitting power to the land-based
EP
44
MODULE 05
P
EE
1. Animal Waste: Animal dung such as cow dung, poultry litter, and piggery waste
are the most commonly used biomass sources. These are easily available in rural
areas and rich in organic matter.
D
2. Agricultural Residues: This includes crop waste like wheat straw, rice husk, corn
SU
stalks, and groundnut shells. Though dry, they can be mixed with dung or
pre-treated to improve gas yield.
BY
3. Kitchen and Food Waste: Vegetable peels, leftover food, and fruit waste from
households, hotels, and restaurants are rich in moisture and nutrients, making
them excellent for biogas generation.
ED
4. Sewage and Sludge: Human waste from toilets and sewage treatment plants is
already semi-liquid and easy to digest by bacteria in biogas systems.
AR
6. Aquatic Plants and Algae: Water hyacinth, duckweed, and algae grow rapidly
and are suitable for use in regions where land-based biomass is limited.
PR
7. Forestry Waste: Materials like sawdust, wood chips, bark, and dry leaves can be
used after processing, though their digestion is slower.
Conclusion: Biomass for biogas can come from various sources like animal dung,
crop residues, kitchen waste, and industrial sludge. Utilizing these materials helps
generate renewable energy while managing organic waste effectively.
45
2. List the various factors that affects the biogas generation in a
biogas plant.
Biogas production depends on several factors that influence the efficiency of the
anaerobic digestion process. The key factors are as follows:
P
sensitive to temperature. The ideal temperature range is 30–40°C (mesophilic
range). Low temperature reduces bacterial activity, while high temperature can kill
EE
bacteria.
2. pH Level: The optimum pH range for biogas production is between 6.5 and 7.5.
D
If the slurry becomes too acidic or too alkaline, it negatively affects microbial
activity and gas production.
SU
3. Retention Time: This refers to the time the biomass remains in the digester.
BY
Longer retention time allows more complete digestion and higher gas yield.
Typically, 30–40 days is considered ideal.
4. C:N Ratio (Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio): The ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the
ED
feedstock affects microbial activity. The ideal C:N ratio is around 25:1 to 30:1. Too
much nitrogen leads to ammonia formation, which inhibits bacterial growth.
AR
5. Type and Quality of Feedstock: The nature of biomass used (cow dung, kitchen
waste, crop residues, etc.) influences gas yield. Easily degradable organic matter
EP
7. Loading Rate: Overloading the digester with too much feedstock can upset the
bacterial balance and reduce gas production. Proper daily loading is essential for
steady performance.
46
3. Describe with a neat sketch the working of floating dome type
biogas plant.
1. Introduction: The floating dome biogas plant, also called the KVIC model, is
commonly used in India to convert organic waste like cow dung into useful biogas
for cooking and lighting.
2. Main Components:
P
● Digester Tank: Underground sealed tank where anaerobic digestion of
EE
biomass occurs.
● Inlet Chamber: Used to feed the slurry (cow dung + water).
● Outlet Chamber: Removes digested slurry, which is used as organic
D
fertilizer.
3. Working:
1. A mixture of cow dung and water (called slurry) is prepared and poured
into the inlet chamber.
2. The slurry flows into the digester tank where it remains for several days.
3. Anaerobic bacteria decompose the organic matter and generate biogas.
47
4. The biogas gets collected in the floating drum, which rises as gas
accumulates.
5. The drum maintains a constant gas pressure due to its weight.
6. The gas is delivered to homes through the gas outlet pipe for cooking or
lighting.
7. The spent slurry flows into the outlet chamber and is periodically removed
for use as organic manure.
P
EE
4. Describe the main sources from which hydrogen can be obtained
for energy use.
D
SU
1. Electrolysis of Water: Electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and
oxygen. If renewable energy is used, it's a clean method.
3. Coal Gasification: Coal is reacted with steam and oxygen to produce a gas
ED
48
5. Explain with a neat sketch the production of hydrogen by using
electrolysis of water method .
P
Working Principle (Step-by-step):
EE
1. Electrolysis is carried out in a container called an electrolytic cell, which
contains water mixed with an electrolyte like dilute sulfuric acid or sodium
hydroxide to improve conductivity.
D
2. Two electrodes — anode (positive) and cathode (negative) — are inserted
SU
into the solution and connected to a DC power supply.
3. When electric current passes through the water, it splits into hydrogen (H₂)
and oxygen (O₂) gases.
BY
4. Hydrogen gas is liberated at the cathode, and oxygen gas at the anode.
5. The collected hydrogen is then stored or supplied for use as a clean energy
fuel in fuel cells, industries, or vehicles.
ED
AR
EP
PR
Chemical Reaction:
● Overall Reaction:
2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂
49
6. Explain the basic principle behind biochemical production of
hydrogen.
Basic Principals:
P
1. Microorganism-based Process: Hydrogen is produced using bacteria or algae,
EE
which break down organic matter.
D
microbes help in releasing hydrogen during their metabolism.
SU
3. Organic Substrates Used: Feedstock like agricultural waste, sewage, or sugars
are used as raw materials.
BY
5. Types of Fermentation:
Hydrogen is produced through:
AR
6. Low Energy Input: The process operates at low temperature and pressure,
making it energy-efficient.
PR
50
A flash steam cycle plant generates electricity from geothermal energy by flashing high-pressure geothermal water into steam due to a sudden pressure drop. This steam drives a turbine connected to a generator. The significance lies in its ability to utilize hot water from geothermal reservoirs effectively for electricity production, minimizing heat energy waste while sustaining reservoir pressure by reinjecting used water, thus maintaining an efficient and sustainable cycle .
In a dry steam cycle plant, the geothermal steam turbine converts the kinetic energy of high-pressure steam from underground reservoirs into mechanical energy by rotating the turbine blades. This mechanical energy is then transferred to an attached generator, converting it into electrical energy. The direct use of dry steam minimizes the need for water chemical treatment, increasing efficiency in electricity generation from underground heat sources .
Beam radiation is direct solar radiation that reaches the Earth without scattering, contributing to high-intensity solar energy, crucial for systems like concentrating solar collectors. Diffuse radiation, scattered by atmospheric particles, contributes non-directional energy important for systems without sun-tracking capabilities like fixed flat-plate collectors. The combination of both forms global solar radiation, which dictates the overall energy available for solar systems and influences the design by determining the type and positioning of collectors .
A pyranometer measures global solar radiation using the thermopile principle, where a temperature difference between hot and cold junctions produces a voltage proportional to the radiation intensity. Its construction includes a black surface that absorbs solar radiation, and a white surface that reflects it to create a measurable temperature difference. The glass dome protects the sensor and allows solar radiation to enter, ensuring accurate measurements by minimizing external influences .
Geothermal systems face challenges like reservoir depletion, land subsidence, corrosion and scaling, environmental pollution, noise pollution, and potential seismic risks. Solutions include implementing reinjection processes to maintain pressure, using corrosion-resistant materials and inhibitors to manage scaling, controlling toxic gas emissions, and conducting thorough geological assessments to minimize seismic activities. These measures improve system sustainability and mitigate environmental impacts .
A sunshine recorder measures the duration of bright sunshine using a glass sphere that focuses sunlight onto a recording card. As direct sunlight passes through, the concentrated rays burn a trace on the card. The duration of bright sunshine is determined by the length of the burn trace, measured against the calibrated time markings on the card. The consistency of the card’s burn indicates hours of sunshine .
Absorption occurs when solar radiation is absorbed by atmospheric gases, heating the atmosphere and reducing energy reaching the surface. Scattering involves solar radiation being deflected by molecules and particles, leading to directional spread of energy. Absorption predominantly affects ultraviolet radiation, while scattering affects shorter wavelengths through Rayleigh and Mie scattering. These processes influence the intensity and quality of solar energy available on Earth’s surface .
Extraterrestrial radiation comes from the Sun and is received before entering Earth's atmosphere, primarily in the shortwave range (0.3 to 3 μm), while terrestrial radiation is emitted by Earth's surface and atmosphere after absorbing solar energy and occurs in the longwave range (4 to 100 μm) after interacting with the atmosphere .
Advantages of wind turbines include being a renewable, eco-friendly energy source with low operating costs and potential for land use efficiency, leading to economic benefits like job creation. However, limitations include intermittent power supply, high initial setup costs, noise, aesthetic impact, potential wildlife threats, and the requirement for large open spaces. These aspects must be balanced when planning wind energy projects .
A liquid flat plate collector functions by absorbing solar radiation on a black-coated absorber plate beneath a transparent cover, converting it to heat energy, which is transferred to a liquid (such as water) flowing through tubes. Key components include the absorber plate for solar energy absorption, transparent glazing to minimize heat loss, insulation to reduce thermal losses, and a casing to protect the system .