ES-301 Energy & Environmental Engineering - Jun 2024 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 14 Marks
   How is an ecosystem evolved? Write different components of an ecosystem. How is balance maintained in an ecosystem? Comment on the statement, "An ecosystem with large population is not healthy".
   How to answer

   • Describe ecological succession leading to ecosystem development.
   • List and describe biotic (producers, consumers, decomposers) and abiotic components.
   • Explain mechanisms of ecological balance (nutrient cycles, energy flow, feedback mechanisms).
   • Critique the statement regarding overpopulation exceeding carrying capacity causing resource depletion and instability.
2. 14 Marks
   What is Biodiversity? Discuss about the different kinds of diversity in organisms. Write in detail about conservation of biodiversity.
   How to answer

   • Definition of biodiversity.
   • Explanation of three main levels: Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem diversity.
   • Need for conservation of biodiversity.
   • Methods of conservation: In-situ (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves) and Ex-situ (zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks).
3. 7 Marks
   aGive the classification of hydro-electric power plant. What are the criteria of site selection for hydroelectric plant?
   How to answer

   • Classification based on head (low, medium, high), capacity, and load supplied.
   • Classification based on availability of water (run-of-river, storage, pumped storage).
   • Site selection criteria: Availability of water, water head, catchment area, accessibility, land cost, geological structure.
4. 7 Marks
   bDifferentiate between single-basin and double-basin tidal plants. Explain briefly the various components of tidal power plants.
   How to answer

   • Tabular comparison between single-basin and double-basin schemes (continuous vs intermittent generation, construction cost, operational flexibility).
   • Key components of tidal power plant: Barrage/dam, sluice gates, basin(s), turbine and generator unit.
5. 14 Marks
   Explain the term Solid waste. What are adverse effects of solid wastes in society? Discuss various methods for disposal of solid wastes.
   How to answer

   • Definition and sources/types of solid waste.
   • Adverse effects on public health, soil and groundwater contamination, aesthetic degradation, vectors and disease spread.
   • Methods for disposal: Landfilling, composting, incineration, pyrolysis, recycling, and reduction.
6. 14 Marks
   Write short notes on any two of the following:

   1. a)Fossil fuels
   2. b)Ozone layer depletion
   3. c)Acid rain
   How to answer

   • For Fossil fuels: Formation, types (coal, oil, natural gas), environmental impacts, depletion.
   • For Ozone layer depletion: Stratospheric ozone, Chapman cycle, role of CFCs/halons, environmental consequences.
   • For Acid rain: Causes ($SO_2$ and $NO_x$), chemical reactions forming $H_2SO_4$ and $HNO_3$, ecological and structural impacts.
7. 7 Marks
   aWhat is Food Chain? Explain various types of food chains.
   How to answer

   • Definition of food chain and trophic levels.
   • Grazing food chain (GFC) with an example (Producer -> Herbivore -> Carnivore).
   • Detritus food chain (DFC) with an example (Dead organic matter -> Decomposers).
   • Differences between grazing and detritus food chains.
8. 7 Marks
   bExplain aquatic Ecosystem.
   How to answer

   • Definition of aquatic ecosystem.
   • Classification: Freshwater (lentic like ponds/lakes, lotic like rivers/streams) and Marine ecosystems (oceans, estuaries).
   • Biotic components (plankton, nekton, benthos) and abiotic factors (light, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen).
9. 7 Marks
   aWhat do you understand by concept of Green building? Explain.
   How to answer

   • Definition and core principles of green building design.
   • Key features: Energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable building materials, indoor air quality.
   • Benefits: Environmental, economic, and social.
   • Rating systems (e.g., GRIHA, LEED).
10. 7 Marks
    bWhat is Energy conservation? Write down different methods of energy conservation.
    How to answer

    • Definition of energy conservation vs energy efficiency.
    • Methods in domestic sector (energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, smart thermostats).
    • Methods in industrial sector (waste heat recovery, energy audits, efficient motors).
    • Methods in transportation (public transit, electric vehicles).
11. 14 Marks
    Write brief notes on any two of following:

    1. i)Ecological pyramid
    2. ii)Ethics
    3. iii)Global warming
    4. iv)Disaster management
    How to answer

    • Ecological pyramid: Definition, types (pyramid of numbers, biomass, energy), inverted vs upright.
    • Ethics: Concept of environmental ethics, anthropocentrism vs ecocentrism, responsibility towards nature.
    • Global warming: Greenhouse gases ($CO_2$, $CH_4$), enhanced greenhouse effect, consequences and mitigation.
    • Disaster management: Mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of the disaster management cycle.