THEORY EXAMINATION (SEM–VI) 2016-17 NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES & UTILIZATION

NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES & UTILIZATION (EME021),
strictly prepared from the uploaded question paper 

NON-CONVENTIONAL-ENERGY-RESOURC…

Language is simple, clear, and scoring-oriented, exactly suitable for B.Tech / BTEUP / AKTU exams.

NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES & UTILIZATION (EME021)
 

Section-wise Solved Answers & Notes

SECTION – A (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)

Very short & precise answers

(a) Non-conventional energy resources

These are renewable energy sources that are naturally replenished and cause less pollution, such as solar, wind, biomass, tidal, and geothermal energy.

(b) Basic principle of wind energy conversion

Wind energy is converted into mechanical energy using a wind turbine, which is then converted into electrical energy using a generator.

(c) Various non-conventional energy resources

• Solar energy                                                          • Wind energy
• Biomass energy                                                     • Tidal energy
• Geothermal energy                                                • Ocean energy
• Hydrogen energy

(d) Working of solar power plant

Solar radiation is collected using solar collectors or PV panels and converted into electricity through thermal or photovoltaic conversion.

(e) Principle of conversion of solar energy into heat

Solar radiation is absorbed by a surface and converted into heat energy due to the greenhouse effect.

(f) Fuel cell

A fuel cell converts chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen directly into electrical energy through electrochemical reaction.

(g) Principle of Magneto-Hydro Dynamic (MHD) power generation

Electricity is generated when an electrically conducting fluid passes through a magnetic field, inducing an electric current.

(h) Solar pond

A solar pond is a water body that collects and stores solar heat due to salt gradient, preventing convection losses.

(i) Open cycle fossil fuelled MHD system

Hot combustion gases are ionized and passed through a magnetic field to generate electricity directly, then exhausted to atmosphere.

(j) Classification of energy storage systems

• Mechanical storage                                                  • Electrical storage
• Thermal storage                                                       • Chemical storage
• Electrochemical storage

SECTION – B (Any 5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

Write detailed answers in exam using these points

(a) Classification of Biogas Plants

Biogas plants are classified into:                                 Fixed dome type

Floating drum type

Advantages:                                                              • Uses waste
• Eco-friendly                                                              • Produces clean fuel

Disadvantages:
• Initial cost                                                                 • Gas leakage

Applications:                                                             • Cooking
• Lighting                                                                    • Power generation

(b) Conversion of solar energy into heat

Solar radiation is absorbed by a collector surface, converted into heat, and transferred to a working fluid.
(Neat diagram compulsory)

(c) Nature of wind & affecting factors

Wind is movement of air due to pressure differences.

Factors affecting wind:
• Temperature gradient                                              • Earth’s rotation
• Surface roughness                                                    • Altitude
• Atmospheric pressure

(d) Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

OTEC works on temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep water to run a turbine.

Environmental effects:
• Marine disturbance                                                 • Thermal pollution

(e) Seebeck thermoelectric effect

When two dissimilar metals are joined and temperature difference is maintained, an EMF is produced.

Seebeck coefficient varies with temperature and material.

(f) Wave energy conversion machine

Wave motion is used to compress air or move turbines to generate electricity.

Example: Oscillating water column device.

(g) Solar Absorption Refrigeration System

Uses solar heat instead of electricity for cooling.

Main components:
• Generator                                                                 • Absorber
• Condenser                                                                • Evaporator

Used for space cooling.

(h) Solar thermal energy storage

Classified as:                                                               • Sensible heat storage
• Latent heat storage                                                  • Thermochemical storage

SECTION – C (Any 2 × 15 = 30 Marks)

Q3: Solar Radiation Angles (with diagram)

(i) Solar azimuth angle

Angle between projection of sun’s rays on horizontal plane and south direction.

(ii) Altitude angle                                                         Angle between sun’s rays and horizontal plane.

(iii) Zenith angle                                                          Angle between sun’s rays and vertical line.

(Neat labelled diagram is compulsory)

Q4: Primary & Secondary Energy Resources              Primary Energy

Energy available directly from nature.                        Examples: coal, solar, wind, hydro.

Secondary Energy                                                       Energy derived from primary sources.
Examples: electricity, hydrogen.                                  Future of NCER in India

• Reduces fossil fuel dependency                               • Clean environment
• Energy security                                                         • Government support (solar mission, wind policy)

Q5: Short Notes

(i) Limitations of tidal energy

• High initial cost                                                         • Limited sites
• Environmental impact

(ii) Safety precautions of hydrogen as fuel

• Proper ventilation                                                     • Leak detection
• Flame arrestors                                                         • Avoid high pressure storage risks