(SEM IV) THEORY EXAMINATION 2022-23 ENERGY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

This question paper belongs to B.Tech Semester IV, subject Energy Science and Engineering (KOE-043).
The exam carries 100 marks and the duration is 3 hours.

The paper evaluates students' understanding of:

Basic concepts of energy, nuclear physics & quantum physics

Renewable energy sources (wind, solar, bio-energy, ocean energy)

Green building science & sustainability

Classical thermodynamic cycles (Carnot & Brayton)

Semiconductor physics

Wind mill working principles

Energy auditing and nuclear fuel cycles

The paper is divided into three major sections – A, B, and C.

2. Section A – Short Conceptual Questions (20 Marks)

Section A contains 10 short questions, each worth 2 marks, aimed at fundamental understanding.

Topics include:

● Potential Energy

Examples from mechanical or natural systems.

● Energy Quantization

Discrete energy levels in quantum systems.

● Electricity Consumption Calculation

Simple power-time relationship (kWh).

● Charge Carriers in Semiconductors

Electrons and holes.

● Bio-Energy Conversion

How energy is generated from biomass, biofuel, biogas.

● Wind Farm Life

Typical operational lifespan of wind turbines.

● Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

Why OTEC is considered renewable.

● Green Building Characteristics

Energy efficiency, materials, ventilation, sustainability.

● LEED Rating Criteria

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification requirements.

● Embodied Energy

Method of calculating total energy used in producing a material.

This section checks basic theoretical understanding of energy science.

3. Section B – Detailed, Derivation & Explanation-Based Questions (30 Marks)

Students must attempt any three (3) questions; each question carries 10 marks.

Topics include:

● Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation

Quantum mechanics foundation derivation.

● Binding Energy Calculation

Using mass defect formula for nuclei.

● Radioactive Decay Law

Showing that decay follows an exponential relationship.

● Solar Radiation Measuring Devices

Pyranometer, Pyrheliometer etc. with diagrams.

● Green Building Concept

Sketch, features, factors making a building eco-friendly.

This section focuses on derivations, nuclear calculations, solar instrumentation, and sustainability concepts.

4. Section C – Advanced, Application-Oriented & Cycle-Based Questions (50 Marks)

Section C contains five parts, and students must attempt one question from each part, each carrying 10 marks.

Part 3 – Thermodynamic Cycles

Choice between:

● Carnot Vapour Power Cycle

T–s diagram + efficiency derivation.

OR

● Brayton Cycle

Gas turbine cycle explanation + efficiency in terms of pressure and temperature ratios.

Part 4 – Nuclear Energy & Reactors

Choice between:

● Binding Energy Meaning + Calculation

Binding energy per nucleon for carbon-12.

OR

● Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)

Construction, working, merits & demerits with neat sketch.

Part 5 – Semiconductor & Solar Devices

Choice between:

● p-n Junction

Operation under forward and reverse bias.

OR

● V–I and P–V Characteristics of PV Cell

Derivation + behavior under illumination.

Part 6 – Wind Energy & Fluid Mechanics

Choice between:

● Continuity Equation + Wind Power Derivation

1-D fluid flow + wind power formula.

OR

● Wind Mill Power Generation

Principle, derivation of maximum theoretical efficiency (Betz limit).

Part 7 – Energy Audit & Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Choice between:

● Energy Audit Methodology

Steps + key instruments (lux meter, flue gas analyzer, power analyzer, etc.).

OR

● Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Stages: mining → milling → fuel fabrication → reactor use → storage → reprocessing.

This section tests analytical thinking, engineering application, renewable energy depth, thermodynamic understanding, and practical energy system knowledge.

Final Summary (Meaning of WHAT DESCRIPTION)

This WHAT DESCRIPTION gives a complete, long, structured, section-wise explanation of:

The structure of the question paper

The purpose of each section

The type of questions asked

The subject topics covered

Expected depth of understanding

It helps the student quickly understand what the exam covers and how it is organized.