(SEM IV) THEORY EXAMINATION 2023-24 ENERGY SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

This document is a B.Tech (Semester IV) Theory Examination Question Paper for the subject BOE404 – Energy Science & Engineering, conducted in the academic year 2023–2024.
The exam is 3 hours, carries 70 marks, and evaluates the student’s knowledge of thermodynamics, nuclear energy, solar energy, wind energy, tidal & ocean thermal energy, semiconductors, IC engines, green building, and national energy scenario.
 

The paper includes short conceptual questions, analytical explanations, diagram-based questions, numerical problems, and energy system descriptions.

SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (14 Marks Total)

Students answer all 7 questions (2 marks each). These cover core energy concepts:

Entropy of the universe and second law of thermodynamics

Control rods in nuclear reactors (absorb neutrons & regulate reaction)

Short note on V–I characteristics of solar cells

Definitions:

Tip speed ratio (wind turbines)                                           Pitch angle

Brief overview of India’s energy scenario                          Alternatives to energy crisis (renewable energy, conservation, efficiency)

Difference between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors

This section tests fundamental understanding of multiple energy systems.

SECTION B – Descriptive / Diagram-Based Questions (21 Marks)

Attempt any three of the five 7-mark questions.

a. Phase Energy Conversion Mechanism

Explains how energy interacts between system & surroundings using phase changes.

b. Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)

Neat labeled sketch required.
Includes water moderation, pressurizer, steam generator, reactor vessel, along with merits & demerits.

c. Direct vs Diffuse Solar Radiation

Difference with diagrams:                         Direct beam radiation

Diffuse sky radiation                                 Total radiation concepts

d. Tidal Energy in India

Status and why tidal energy isn’t widely utilized (site limitations, cost, technology).

e. Green Buildings & Energy Conservation

Integrated concept including:

Energy conservation principles                  LEED ratings

Green building/architecture concepts

This section evaluates analytical explanation and diagram interpretation skills.

SECTION C – Long Answer / Advanced Analytical Questions (35 Marks Total)

Students must attempt one part from each number.

3. Steam Power Plant / IC Engines (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Draw layout of coal-fired steam power plant including boiler, economizer, turbine, condenser, cooling tower, feed pump.
Explain Rankine cycle using P–V and T–S diagrams.

Option (b)
Describe working of internal combustion engines and compare 4-stroke petrol vs diesel engines.

4. Nuclear Physics Concepts / Nuclear Fission (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Explain:

Nuclear chain reaction                                     Quantum mechanics basics used in nuclear physics

Radioactivity & decay types                             Nuclear energy levels

Half-life

Option (b)
Explain nuclear force, binding energy, and the fission process with suitable examples.

5. Semiconductor Physics / Solar Angles Calculation (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Concepts of semiconductors:                           Carrier generation & recombination

Carrier transport                                               Semiconductor junction basics

Option (b)
Calculate Local Apparent Time (LAT) & solar declination for Ahmedabad (given longitude & date).

6. OTEC / Wind Power Fluid Dynamics (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Classify OTEC systems.
Draw & explain Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion system with neat sketch.

Option (b)
Explain:

Fluid dynamics in wind energy conversion

Betz law for maximum power extraction

Influence of rotor blade number on performance

7. Energy Awareness / Embodied Energy (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Explain Energy Awareness Campaign—its importance in conservation programs.

Option (b)
Explain embodied energy analysis and its role in measuring sustainability of building materials.

Overall Purpose of the Document

This exam paper comprehensively evaluates knowledge in:

Renewable Energy Technologies

Solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, OTEC systems.

Nuclear Science & Engineering

Chain reactions, reactors (PWR), radioactivity, binding energy.

Thermodynamics & Engines

Entropy, Rankine cycle, IC engine comparison.

Electrical & Semiconductor Concepts

Solar cell V–I curve, semiconductor physics.

Green Building & Sustainability

LEED ratings, embodied energy, green architecture.

India’s Energy Scenario & Crisis Management

Energy resources, alternatives, conservation principles.

The paper includes definitions, diagrams, derivations, numerical calculations, and applied energy engineering concepts, ensuring a full assessment of Energy Science & Engineering.