Alternative Energy Sources: Solar energy – wind energy – Tidal Energy – Ocean Thermal

Energy Conversion (OTEC) – Geothermal Energy – Bio Energy – Hydrogen energy-

Magneto-hydro-dynamic (MHD) energy – Energy Management and audit.
Alternative Energy Sources
ENERGY RESOURCES
Growing energy needs:
Population explosion, Luxurious life, Industries, Agriculture, mining, transportation,
lighting, cooling, heating, building all need energy. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas
produce 95% of energy
Sources of energy
Renewable energy-resources which can be generated continuously in nature and are in
exhaustible and can be used again [Link], Tidal, Solar, wind, hydropower,
biomass, biofuel, geothermal, hydrogen
Non – renewable energy- Resources which have accumulated in nature over a long span
of time and cannot be quickly replenished when [Link], petroleum, natural gas

Energy Renewable Non Renewable

Advantage 1. Wide availability 1. Available in

2. Low cost high
3. Decentralized power concentrated form
production 2. Easy to store
4. Low pollution 3. Reliable supply
5. Available for 4. Lower cost
the future
Disadvantage 1. Unreliable supply 1. highly pollution
2. Produced in small 2. Available only in few
quantity places
3. Difficult to store 3. High running cost
4. Cost more 4. Limited supply and will
exhausted

ALTERNATE ENERGY SOURCES:

[Link] ENERGY SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
Solar energy conversion is the process of conversion of direct sunlight into more useful
forms. This solar energy conversion occurs by the following two mechanisms.
1. Thermal conversion.
2. Photoconversion.
 1. Thermal conversion:- Thermal conversion involves absorption of thermal energy
in the form of IR radiation. Solar energy is an important source for low- temperature heat
(temperature below 100°C), which is useful for heating buildings, water and
refrigeration.
Methods of thermal conversion
1. Solar heat collectors.
2. Solar water heater.
1. Solar heat collectors
Solar heat collectors consist of natural materials like stones, bricks (or) materials like
glass, which can absorb heat during the day time and release it slowly at night.
Uses
It is generally used in cold places, where houses are kept in hot condition using solar heat
collectors.
2. Solar water heater

Fig 7.6 Solar Water Heater

It consists of an insulated box inside of which is painted with black paint. It is also
provided with a glass lid to receive and store solar heat. Inside the box it has black
painted copper coil, through which cold water is allowed to flow in, which gets heated
up and flows out into a storage tank. From the storage tank water is then supplied
through pipes.
2. Photoconversion
Photoconversion involves conversion of light energy directly into electrical energy by the
photoelectric effect.
When the energy of solar radiation falls on the surface of a metal, it is absorbed and used
to excite and eject electrons from the surface. These ejected electrons move in a circuit
and generate electric current.

Methods of photoconversion
Photo conversion can be made by the following method. Photogalvanic cell (or) Solar cell

SOLAR CELL (or) PHOTOGALVANIC CELL

Definition
Solar cell (or) Photogalvanic cell is the one, which converts the solar energy (energy
obtained from the sun) directly into electrical energy.
Principle
The basic principle involved in the solar cells is based on the photovoltaic (PV) effect.
When the solar rays fall on a two layer of semi-conductor devices, a potential difference
between the two layer is produced. This potential difference causes flow of electrons and
produces electricity.
Construction
Solar cells consist of a p-type semiconductor (such as Si doped with B) and n- type
semiconductor (such as Si doped with P). They are in close contact with each other.

Fig. 7.7 Solar cell Working

When the solar rays fall on the top layer of p-type semiconductor, the electrons from the
valence band get promoted to the conduction band and cross the p-n junction into n-type
semiconductor. There by potential difference between two layers is created, which
causes flow of electrons (ie., an electric current). Thus, when the p and n layers are
connected to an external circuit, electrons flow from n- layer to p-layer, and hence
current is generated.
The potential difference and hence current increases as more solar rays falls on the surface
of the top layer.
1. Applications of solar cells
1. Lighting purpose
Solar cells can be used for lighting purpose. Now a days electrical street lights are
replaced by solar street lights.
 2. Solar pumps run by solar battery
When a large number of solar cells are connected in series it form a solar battery. Solar
battery produces more electricity which is enough to run, water
pump, street-light, etc., They are also used in remote areas where conventional electricity
supply is a problem.

3. Solar cells are used in calculators, electronic watches, radios and TVs.
4. Solar cells are superior to other type of cells, because these are non-polluting and
eco-friendly.
5. Solar energy can be stored in Ni-Cd batteries and lead-acid batteries.
6. Solar cells can be used to drive vehicles.
7. Solar cells, made of silicon, are used as a source of electricity in space craft and
satellites.
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of solar cells Advantages (or) Merits
1. Solar cells can be used in remote and isolated areas, forests and hilly regions.
2. Maintenance cost is low.
3. Solar cells are noise and pollution free.
4. Their lifetime is long.
5. They operate at ambient temperature.
6. They need not be recharged.

Disadvantages (or) Demerits

1. Capital cost is higher.
2. Storage of solar energy is not possible.
3. It produces only DC voltage.
4. Solar energy is not available throughout day and night.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SOLAR CELL MATERIALS

A typical solar cell consists of semiconducting materials such as p- and n-type silicon. In
order to achieve maximum solar-to-electricity efficiency, innovative solar energy
materials, at low cost, are being used.
1. Types of highly investigated solar cell materials
Some types of highly investigated semiconducting materials now used are
1. Crystalline Si
2. Thin films
 3. Next generation Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs)
4. Solar paints
5. Transparent solar windows
6. Thermoradiative PV devices
7. Solar distillation

1. WIND ENERGY
Moving air is called wind. Energy recovered from the force of wind is called wind
energy. Energy possessed by the wind is due to its high speed. Kinetic energy of the
wind is converted into mechanical energy.
1. Methods of harnessing wind energy
1. Wind mill
It is a device used to convert wind energy into mechanical energy.
Sequence of energy conversion
Wind Energy → Kinetic Energy → Mechanical Energy → Electrical Energy

Construction and working of a wind mill

It consists of a wheel containing number of blades. The wheel rotates about an axle
mounted on a pole (Fig. 7.11). The wind energy is used to rotate the wheel. One end of
the axle is connected to the armature of a generator, which rotates between two poles
(north and south poles) of a strong magnet.

Wind

Another end of the axle is connected to the shaft of the wind mill. When wind falls on the wheel of a wind mill, it
rotates and electric current is produced. Thus, the kinetic energy of the wind is converted into electric energy.
2. Wind farm
The electricity produced by a single wind mill is very small, which cannot be used for
commercial purpose. To produce electricity on a large scale, a large number of wind
mills are connected.
Thus, the region where large number of wind mills are erected to produce electricity is
called wind energy farm. The small amount of electricity produced by each generator
connected to each wind mill is combined to get electricity on a large scale.
3. Other methods
Other methods adopted for harnessing wind energy are
(a) Sky sail.
(b) Ladder mill.
(c) Kite ship (Large free flying sails).
(d) Sky wind power (Flying electric generator).
(e) Briza technologies (Hovering wind turbine).
(f) Sequoia automation (The kite wind generator).

Advantages and Disadvantages of wind energy Advantages (or) Merits

(i) It does not cause any pollution.
(ii) It is very cheap and economic.
(iii) It is renewable.
Disadvantages (or) Demerits
1. Public resists for locating the wind farms in populated areas due to noise generated
by the machines and loss of aesthetic appearance.
2. Wind farms located on the migratory routes of birds will cause hazards.
3. Wind farms produce unwanted sound.
4. Wind turbines interfere with electromagnetic signals (TV, Radio signals).
5. Wind energy is not sufficient to operate very heavy machine.
Uses of wind energy
1. Wind energy is used to move the sail boats in lakes, rivers and seas.
2. It is used to operate water pumps.
3. It is used to run the flour mill to grind the grains.
4. It is also used to produce electricity.

3 .OCEAN ENERGY
It can be generated by following ways.
1. Tidal energy (or) Tidal power
Ocean tides, produced by gravitational forces of sun and moon, contain enormous amount
of energy.
  The “high tide” and “low tide” refer to the rise and fall of water in the
oceans.
 The tidal energy can be harnessed by constructing a tidal barrage.
 During high tide, the sea-water is allowed to flow into the reservoir of the
barrage and rotates the turbine, which intern produces electricity by rotating the
generators.
 During low tide, when the sea level is low, the sea water stored in the
barrage reservoir is allowed to flow into the sea and again rotates the turbine.
Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon
and the sun. The gravitational force of the moon is stronger than that of the sun, and it
causes two high tides and two low tides each day. Tides are predictable and follow a
regular pattern based on the positions of the moon and the sun.
Waves, on the other hand, are caused by the wind blowing over the surface of the
water. Waves can be generated by local winds or winds far away from the location
where the waves are observed. Waves can be small ripples or huge swells, and they can

travel long distances across oceans. Waves can be unpredictable, and their size and
frequency can vary greatly
Concept: Tidal energy or tidal power is a form of ocean energy that is harnessed by
converting tidal energy into useful forms of power. Tidal energy is obtained from the rise
and fall of tides. Tidal barrages and dams are constructed across a narrow opening to the
sea, where water rushes into the dam when the sea level rises which moves the blade of
the turbines which helps in the generation of electricity.
Tidal energy is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the power of the tides to
generate electricity. Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun,
and as the water moves in and out with the tides. Tidal energy conversion is the process
of generating electricity from the movement of ocean tides. This is typically done by
placing turbines in tidal currents or using underwater turbines that are driven by the
kinetic energy of moving water. As the tides move in and out, the turbines spin and
generate electricity, which can then be used to power homes, businesses, and other
electrical devices.
There are two main types of tidal energy systems: tidal stream and tidal barrage. Tidal
stream systems use underwater turbines that are placed in areas with strong tidal
currents, such as narrow channels or between islands. The turbines are turned
by the movement of the water, generating electricity that can be transmitted to shore.
Tidal barrage systems, on the other hand, use large dams or barrages to trap the incoming
tide and then release it through turbines as the tide goes out. This method is similar to
hydroelectric power generation, but uses the power of the tides rather than the flow of
a
ri
Tidal energy has the potential to be a significant source of renewable energy, especially in
coastal areas with strong tidal currents. However, there are also challenges associated
with the technology, including high upfront costs and potential impacts on marine life
and ecosystems. As with other forms of renewable energy, ongoing research and
development are needed to improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of tidal energy
systems.

APPLICATIONS OF TIDAL ENERGY

 Electricity can be generated from the tidal energy
 Tidal energy is used to grinning mills for the mechanical crushing of grains.
 Tidal energy is used to rotate at turbine
 Tidal energy is used to store energy in hydroelectric Dam acting as large energy
storage
 Tidal barrage and reservoirs can be modified to store energy
 Tidal barrages are capable of preventing damages to the coast during high storms
 Tidal barrage is also help to create easy transport.
Advantages of tidal energy
 It is environment friendly
 It is cheaper, efficient and predictable
 Low operating and maintenance cost
 Protects coastal flooding
 Power output is highly predictable
Disadvantages of tidal energy
 Construction of title Power Plant is expensive.
 Equipment maintenance difficult
 Storage capacity is required.
 Negative influence on marine life forms.
 Location Limited
 0

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Ocean thermal energy *OTE)

There is often large temperature difference between the surface level and deeper level of
the tropical oceans.
*This temperature difference can be utilized to generate electricity.
*The energy available due to the difference in temperature of water is called ocean
thermal energy.
Condition
The temperature difference should be of 200C or more is required between surface water
and deeper water.
Definition The energy available due to the difference in temperature of ocean water is
called Ocean Thermal Energy. The temperature difference between the surface level and
deep level in the ocean can be utilised to generate electricity. The temperature
difference should be of 20 degrees Celsius or more.
Basic Principle
OTEC operates on the thermodynamic Rankine cycle. The idea is:
 Warm surface seawater (around 25–30°C) is used to vaporize a working
fluid (e.g., ammonia) with a low boiling point.
 The vapor drives a turbine, which generates electricity.
 Then cold deep-sea water (around 5°C), typically pumped from depths of
1000m, is used to condense the vapor back into liquid form.
 This cycle repeats continuously.
Process
 *The warm surface water of ocean is used to boil a low boiling liquid like
 ammonia.
 *The high vapour pressure of the liquid, formed by boiling is then to turn the
 turbine of the generator and generates electricity.
 *The cold water from the deeper ocean is pumped to cool and condense the
vapour
 into liquid.
Types of OTEC Systems
1. Closed-cycle OTEC
o Uses a working fluid (like ammonia).
o Heat exchangers transfer heat between seawater and the working fluid.
2. Open-cycle OTEC
o Uses seawater itself as the working fluid.
o Warm seawater is evaporated in a low-pressure chamber, and the steam
drives a turbine.
 3. Hybrid OTEC
o Combines both open and closed systems.

Advantages
 Renewable and sustainable
 Base-load power (24/7) unlike solar or wind
 No greenhouse gas emissions
 Can also produce freshwater (via open-cycle systems)
 Useful in tropical coastal regions
◆ Disadvantages
 High initial cost
 Limited to tropical regions
 Deep-sea pipes are expensive and complex to install
 Potential environmental impact (marine ecosystem disruption)
◆ Applications
 Electricity generation (main purpose)
 Desalination (freshwater production)
 Aquaculture (cool water can support fish farming)
 Air conditioning (using cold deep-sea water)
 GEO-THERMAL ENERGY
Geothermal energy is the energy that is derived from the heat within the earth's crust. The
earth's crust contains a large amount of heat, which is generated by the radioactive decay
of minerals and the residual heat left over from the earth's formation. This heat can be
used to generate electricity through the use of geothermal power plants.
• GTE is used for space heating and cooling
• GTE is used to generate electricity
• It is also used for industrial process heat
• geothermal heat pumps are used to heat buildings in the winter and
cool them in summer

Temperature of the earth increases at a rate of 20 – 75°C per km, when we move down the
earth surface. High temperature and high pressure steam fields exist below the earth's
surface in many places. The energy harnessed from the high temperature present inside
the earth is called geothermal energy.
1. Natural geysers
In some places, the hot water (or) steam comes out of the ground through cracks naturally
in the form of natural geysers.

2. Artificial geysers
In some places, we can artificially drill a hole up to the hot region and by sending a pipe in
it, we can make the hot water or steam to rush out through the pipe with very high
pressure.
Thus, the hot water (or) steam coming out from the natural (or) artificial geysers is
allowed to rotate the turbine of a generator to produce electricity.
Significance of geothermal energy
1. The power generation level is higher for geothermal than for solar and wind
energies.
2. Geothermal power plants can be brought on line more quickly than most other
energy sources.

CONCEPT
Geothermal technology extracts the heat found within the subsurface of the earth, which
can be used directly for heating and cooling or converting it to electricity. The steam
comes from the reservoirs of hot water found a few miles below the earth surface rotate a
turbine that activates a generator, which produces electricity.
POWER PLANTS OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY:
Geothermal power plant uses hydro thermal resources that have both water and heat.
Geothermal power plants require high temperature hydro thermal resources that come
from either dry steam wells or from hot water wells. Generally, we use this resources
by drilling wells into the earth and then piping
steam or hot water to the surface. The hot water or steam rotates a turbine that
generates electricity, the depth of the geothermal Wells is as much as two miles.
TYPES OF GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS:
There are 3 basic types of geothermal power plants
1) Dry steam power plant
It uses steam directly from here geothermal reservoir to drive generator’s turbine
[Link] steam power plant
It takes high pressure hot water from deep inside the earth and Converts it into steam to
drive generator’s turbine. When the steam cools, it condenses to water and is injected
back into the ground to be used again. Most thermal power plants are flash steam plants.

[Link] cycle power plants

.
It transfers the heat from geothermal hot water to another liquid. The heat causes the
second liquid to convert it into steam which is used to drive a generator’s turbine.

Advantages of geothermal Disadvantages

energy
 GT energy is  Location is restricted
environmentally friendly  There are many other
 GT is a source of gases released into the
renewable energy atmosphere
 The potential of GTE is  May cause earthquakes
huge  It is expensive resource,
 GTE is natural management is required to
maintain sustainability
[Link] ENERGY

Hydrogen
 The fuel that has potential of being widely used in the future is hydrogen gas
( H ).
 Like natural gas hydrogen can be burned to heat buildings, cook food and produce
electricity in power plants.
 Hydrogen possess high calorific value.
 It is non-polluting, because the combustion product is water.
 2H + O −−−−−> 2H O + 150 kJ
 H gas can be compressed in a fuel tank and used to power cars and buses.
Sources of hydrogen
 Plentiful hydrogen is available from water (H O). Water can be split into gaseous
H and O by an electrolysis process.
 Hydrogen can also be produced from natural gas and biomass resources.
 Ethanol reacts with high-temperature steam to produce hydrogen.
 Biomass is converted into sugar-rich feed stocks that can be fermented to produce
hydrogen.
 Microbes such as green algae, consume water in the presence of sun light and
produce hydrogen as a by-product.

Hydrogen fuel cell

 Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells.
 The electrons in hydrogen atoms generate electricity in the fuel cell. The
combination of H and O creates water and heat from the reaction.
 The heat may be used to produce electricity.

 At anode, hydrogen is split into protons and electrons.

 The electrons moves to cathode and generates electricity. Electrical power plants
can be built using large banks of fuel cells, but small groups of cells provide electricity
for individual home and commercial buildings.
 Problem
 Difficulties in storing enough hydrogen for motor vehicles to run long
distances.
 Infrastructure to refuel these vehicles.
 Highly inflammable and explosive in nature.
  Safe handling is required.


. Hydrogen Fuels
 Hydrogen can be produced by thermal dissociation (or) photolysis (or) electrolysis
of water.
 It possess high calorific value.
 It is non -polluting, because the combustion product is water.
2H + O −−−−−> 2H O + 150 kJ

Disadvantages of hydrogen fuel

 Hydrogen is highly inflammable and explosive in nature.
 Safe handling is required.
It is difficult to store and transport.

[Link] ENERGY

 Biomass energy is a form of renewable energy derived from organic materials

such as wood, crop waste, animal manure, and food scraps.
 Most of the biomass is burned directly for heating, cooling and industrial purposes.
 Eg: Wood, crop residues, seeds, cattle dung, sewage, agricultural wastes.
 It is used to produce heat, electricity, and biofuels.
 Biomass can be burned directly or converted into biofuels like biogas, bioethanol,
and biodiesel.
 1. Biogas
*Mixture of methane, carbondioxide, hydrogen sulphide, ete.
*It contains about 65% of methane gas as a major constituent
*Biogas is obtained by the anaerobic fermentation of animal dung or plant wastes
in the presence of water.
2. Bio fuels
Biofuels are the fuels, obtained by the fermentation of biomass. Eg: Ethanol, Methanol
*a)Ethanol

Ethanol can be easily produced from the sugarcane. Its calorific value is less
when compared to petrol, and produces much less heat than petrol.
*b)Methanol
Methanol can be easily obtained from ethanol or sugar-containing plants. Its calorific
value is also too low when compared to gasoline and diesel.
*c)Gasohol
Gasohol is a mixture of ethanol+gasoline.
*In India trial is being carried out to use Gasohol in cars and buses.
*Gasohol is common fuel in Brazil and Zimbabwe for running cars and buses.
*Methanol is very useful since it burns at a lower temperature than gasoline or diesel. Due
to its high calorific value, hydrogen can serve as an excellent fuel.
*Moreover it is non-polluting and can be easily produced.
*Presently H2 is used in the form of liquid hydrogen as a fuel in spaceships. Bioenergy"
(also called bio energy) refers to energy derived from biomass — organic material from
plants, animals, and microorganisms. It’s a renewable energy source because biomass
can be replenished naturally over a relatively short time.
ç˘⬛l Forms of Bioenergy
1. Solid Biomass – wood, crop residues, animal manure, etc.
2. Liquid Biofuels – ethanol, biodiesel (used in transportation).
3. Biogas – methane-rich gas produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter
(used for heating, electricity, or fuel).

BIOGAS

Biogas is a renewable fuel

mainly composed of:

 Methane (CH₄) – 55–65%

 Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – 30–40%
 Small amounts of H₂S, H₂, and water vapor
Biogas is produced by the anaerobic digestion (decomposition in the absence of oxygen)
of organic waste by microorganisms.

2. Raw Materials (Feedstock)

 Animal dung (especially cow dung)

 Food waste
 Agricultural waste (straw, crop residues)
 Sewage sludge
 Green leaves or kitchen waste

3. Steps in Biogas Preparation (Anaerobic Digestion Process)

Step 1: Collection of Biomass

 Organic waste is collected (e.g., cow dung mixed with water to form a slurry).

Step 2: Feeding into Digester

 The slurry is fed into an air-tight biogas digester tank (typically underground
to maintain stable temperature).

Step 3: Anaerobic Digestion (Main Stage)

 Inside the digester, anaerobic bacteria break down organic matter in stages:
1. Hydrolysis – Breakdown of complex molecules into simple sugars,
amino acids, etc.
2. Acidogenesis – Conversion into fatty acids, CO₂, H₂.
3. Acetogenesis – Conversion to acetic acid.
 4. Methanogenesis – Methane-producing bacteria convert acetic acid, CO₂,
and H₂ into CH₄ (methane).
Step 4: Biogas Collection

 The generated gas accumulates in the gas dome and is drawn through a pipe
to be used for cooking, heating, or electricity.

Step 5: Slurry Outlet

 The digested slurry (called bio-slurry) is removed and used as a natural

fertilizer.

5. Uses of Biogas

 Domestic cooking fuel

 Electricity generation
 Heating for industrial or rural uses
 Organic farming (bio-slurry as fertilizer)

6. Advantages

 Clean and renewable energy source

 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions (if managed properly)
 Reduces dependence on firewood and fossil fuels
 Provides organic fertilizer as a byproduct
 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from untreated waste

Disadvantages:
o Can cause deforestation
o Emits pollutants if not properly controlled
o May compete with food crops for land
7. Limitations

 Requires temperature control (works best at 30–40°C)

 Initial construction cost of plant

 Needs regular feeding and maintenance

c’) Example: India

 KVIC model biogas plants widely used in rural areas

 Supported under the GOBAR-DHAN Yojana and National Biogas and
Manure Management Programme (NBMMP)

[Link]-HYDRO-DYNAMIC (MHD) ENERGY

Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic (MHD) Energy:
MHD energy conversion is a method of generating electricity directly from a hot,
electrically conductive fluid (usually plasma) moving through a magnetic field. The
principle relies on Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction.
How it Works
1. A conductive fluid (such as ionized gas or plasma) flows through a duct placed
inside a strong magnetic field.
2. As the fluid moves, it induces an electric current perpendicular to both the fluid
flow and magnetic field (right-hand rule).
3. Electrodes on the duct walls collect this current, producing electrical power.
Basic Design Components
1. Plasma Duct (Channel): A chamber where hot ionized gas (plasma) flows.
2. Magnetic Field (B): Applied perpendicular to the flow using strong
electromagnets or superconducting magnets.
3. Electrodes: Placed on the duct walls to extract electric current.
4. Working Fluid: Usually a seeded plasma (e.g., hot combustion gases mixed
with potassium or cesium to increase conductivity).
5. Power Conditioning System: Converts the extracted DC power to usable form
(AC if needed).
Works (Simplified Steps)
1. A hot, conductive gas flows at high speed through a magnetic field.
2. The interaction between the magnetic field (B) and fluid velocity (v) induces a
voltage (Faraday's Law):
E⃗=v⃗×B⃗
Electrodes collect the induced electric current, which is directed to an external circuit.
Diagram of MHD Generator
Here's a simple labeled diagram for clarity:

Applications of MHD Generators

 Fossil-fuel power plants: As a topping cycle to improve overall efficiency.
 Space propulsion systems: Especially in concepts like plasma thrusters.
 Fusion reactors: MHD principles are used in plasma control and energy
extraction.
 Military/Defense: Potential use in high-speed electromagnetic propulsion
systems.
Advantages
 No moving parts → Lower mechanical wear and noise.
 High-temperature operation → Higher thermal efficiency.
 Compact design compared to turbines.
 Can produce direct current (DC) without mechanical generators. Disadvantages
 Requires very high temperatures (~2000–3000 K).
 Materials must withstand corrosion, heat, and electromagnetic stress.
 Efficiency is still lower than expected for widespread use.
 High initial costs and technological complexity.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND AUDIT.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Energy management includes planning and operation of energy production and energy
consumption units as well as energy distribution and storage. For the past decades energy
generation has been shifted to alternative energy sources like renewable energy forms
such a solar wind and biomass energy. Apart from the growth in the energy sector there
has been an equivalent increase in business and Organisations. Energy Management
introduced in an organisation can effectively manage how much energy they produce
and how to control and monitor. Energy and money can be saved by employing Energy
Management principles.
Aims of Energy Management:
• Resource conservation
• Climate protection
• Cost savings minimise waste
• Minimise Environmental effects
• The Ultimate aim or objectives of this process is not only to save the cost but also to
achieve complete environmental sustainability

Principles of Energy Management:

Reducing needless energy use
• Increasing energy efficiency
• Purchasing energy at a lesser cost
• Changing operations to allow for lower cost energy purchases
Following five steps are important in the process of Energy Management
Step 1 Collecting and analysing continuous data Step 2 Identify optimisation in equipment
schedules
Step 3 Calculate return on investment
Step 4 Execute energy optimization solutions
Step 5 Repeat step 2 to continue optimising Energy Efficiency
Importance of Energy Management:

Primary goal of energy management is design and maintain optimal energy consumption
Energy Management is a best strategy for lowering direct and immediate energy use
Managing and reducing energy usage not only results in financial savings but also
benefits the environment and a company’s reputation. Energy should be considered a
business cost.

ENERGY AUDIT
An energy audit is a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of energy consumption
within a facility, building, or process to identify areas of energy inefficiency and wastage.

An Energy Audit is a systematic examination of how energy is used in a facility, system,

or process — with the goal of identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption
and improve efficiency.
Type of Energy Audit
The type of Energy Audit to be performed depends on:
- Function and type of industry
- Depth to which final audit is needed, and
- Potential and magnitude of cost reduction desired
Thus Energy Audit can be classified into the following two types.
i) Preliminary Audit
ii) Detailed Audit
1. Preliminary Energy Audit Methodology
Preliminary energy audit is a relatively quick exercise to:
• Establish energy consumption in the organization
• Estimate the scope for saving
• Identify the most likely (and the easiest areas for attention
• Identify immediate (especially no-/low-cost) improvements/ savings
• Set a 'reference point'
• Identify areas for more detailed study/measurement
• Preliminary energy audit uses existing, or easily obtained data

2. Detailed Energy Audit Methodology

A comprehensive audit provides a detailed energy project implementation plan for a
facility, since it evaluates all major energy using systems.
This type of audit offers the most accurate estimate of energy savings and cost. It considers
the interactive effects of all projects, accounts for the energy use of all major equipment,
and includes detailed energy cost saving calculations and project cost.
In a comprehensive audit, one of the key elements is the energy balance. This is based on
an inventory of energy using systems, assumptions of current operating conditions and
calculations of energy use. This estimated use is then
compared to utility bill charges. The energy audit process
Energy audits typically involve a systematic approach encompassing several phases:
1. Preparation: Defining the audit scope, criteria, and objectives; forming an audit
team; gathering historical data (utility bills, equipment specifications); and conducting
preliminary analysis.

2. Execution: On-site inspection, data collection and measurement using tools like
thermal cameras and data loggers, and in-depth analysis of energy use patterns.
 3. Reporting: Compiling a comprehensive report summarizing findings, analyses,
recommendations for energy efficiency measures, cost-benefit analysis, and an action
plan.

4. Implementation and Post-Audit: Implementing the recommended measures,

potentially involving equipment upgrades or operational changes, and ongoing
monitoring and verification to track progress and identify further opportunities.

Existing baseline information and reports are useful to get consumption pattern, production
cost and productivity levels in terms of product per raw material inputs. The audit team
should collect the following baseline data:
- Technology, processes used and equipment details
- Capacity utilisation
- Amount & type of input materials used
- Water consumption
- Fuel Consumption
- Electrical energy consumption
- Steam consumption
- Other inputs such as compressed air, cooling water etc
- Quantity & type of wastes generated
- Percentage rejection / reprocessing
- Efficiencies / yield Advantages of Energy Audits:

 Cost Savings
 reducing energy usage
 smaller carbon footprint
 Improved Comfort and Safety
 Supports green certifications and long-term energy strategies.
 Enhances Workplace Safety
Disadvantages of Energy Audit
 Conducting a professional audit can be expensive for small businesses.
 Time-Consuming
 Needs trained auditors or external consultants.
 May require shutdowns during inspection or testing phases.
 Needs regular audits to keep track of energy performance.