EX-503-A Electrical Power Generation and Economy - Dec 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. 7 Marks
   aWith neat diagram, explain the layout of hydroelectric power plant showing all its components?
   How to answer

   • Definition and function of hydroelectric plant layout
   • List of main components - reservoir, dam, penstock, turbine, generator, etc.
   • Explanation of water flow path and power conversion
   • Neat labelled diagram of layout
2. 7 Marks
   bWhat is hydrograph? Why it is used?
   How to answer

   • Definition of hydrograph
   • What parameters it plots - discharge vs time
   • Uses in load study, site selection and plant capacity
3. 7 Marks
   aDescribe briefly the functions of following components in thermal power plant.

   1. i)Steam turbines
   2. ii)Economiser
   3. iii)Feed water heater
   4. iv)Cooling Towers
   How to answer

   • Function of steam turbine - convert steam energy to mechanical
   • Function of economiser - preheat feed water using flue gas
   • Function of feed water heater - improve thermal efficiency
   • Function of cooling tower - condense/recool circulating water
4. 7 Marks
   bWhat is water treatment plant in thermal power plant? What is its need?
   How to answer

   • Definition of water treatment plant in thermal plant
   • Need to avoid scale, corrosion in boiler/turbine
   • Brief treatment steps
5. 7 Marks
   aWhat are different components of thermo-electric conversion system?
   How to answer

   • Principle of thermo-electric conversion
   • List of components - thermocouple, heat source, heat sink, etc.
   • Function of each component
6. 7 Marks
   bExplain how electricity is generated from wind? Draw diagram also.
   How to answer

   • Wind energy to mechanical to electrical conversion principle
   • Main parts - rotor, gearbox, generator
   • Working steps
   • Neat diagram of wind power system
7. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the classification of gas turbine power plants with layout of any one.
   How to answer

   • Basis of classification of gas turbine plants
   • Types - open, closed, combined cycle etc.
   • Layout and working of any one type
   • Neat layout diagram
8. 7 Marks
   bExplain CANDU reactor with neat sketch. Give its advantages and disadvantages.
   How to answer

   • Construction and working of CANDU reactor
   • Moderator, coolant, fuel features
   • Neat sketch
   • Advantages and disadvantages
9. 7 Marks
   aExplain pumped storage power plant with its merits and demerits.
   How to answer

   • Principle of pumped storage plant
   • Pumping and generating modes of operation
   • Layout description
   • Merits and demerits
10. 7 Marks
    bDescribe the importance of nuclear waste management.
    How to answer

    • Sources of nuclear waste
    • Hazards of radiation
    • Need for safe disposal and management
    • Methods of management
11. 7 Marks
    aDefine Tariff? Discuss and compare various tariff used in practical.
    How to answer

    • Definition of tariff
    • Objectives of tariff
    • Types of tariffs used in practice
    • Comparison of tariffs
12. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the cost of electricity generation. What are various types of cost associated with power generation?
    How to answer

    • Concept of cost of electricity generation
    • Fixed, semi-fixed and running costs
    • Types of costs associated with power generation
    • Effect on tariff
13. 7 Marks
    aA central power station has annual factors as follows : Load factor = 60%, Capacity factor = 40% and use factor = 45%. Power station has a maximum demand of 15000 kW. Determine the annual energy production, reserve capacity over and above peak load hours per year not in service.
    How to answer

    • Formulas for load factor, capacity factor, use factor
    • Calculate annual energy from load factor and max demand
    • Calculate plant capacity and reserve capacity
    • Calculate hours not in service from use factor
14. 7 Marks
    bWhat are advantages of non-conventional power plants over conventional power plants?
    How to answer

    • Definition of conventional vs non-conventional plants
    • Advantages - renewable, pollution-free, low running cost
    • Comparison points
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any two.

    1. a)Flow duration curve
    2. b)Load curves
    3. c)Radiation shielding
    4. d)Magneto-Hydro dynamic systems
    How to answer

    • Brief definition and purpose of each topic
    • Key curves/diagrams and terms
    • Applications in power system planning
    • Any two topics in detail for full marks