EX-503-C Renewable Power Generation - 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
   aWhat are the advantages and limitations of renewable energy sources? Explain the prospects on non-conventional energy sources in India.
   How to answer

   • Define renewable vs non-conventional sources
   • List advantages e.g. inexhaustible, clean, decentralized
   • List limitations e.g. intermittent, low density, high capital cost
   • Discuss prospects in India: potential, programmes, installed capacity
2. 7 Marks
   bBriefly discuss renewable Energy Scenario in Tamil Nadu.
   How to answer

   • Outline renewable energy mix
   • Mention Tamil Nadu wind, solar, biomass potential
   • State installed capacity and policies
   • Conclude with trends and challenges
3. 7 Marks
   aHow agriculture and organic waste causing considerable environment problem?
   How to answer

   • Sources of agricultural and organic waste
   • Decomposition, methane, leachate, burning effects
   • Air, water and soil pollution aspects
   • Health and environmental consequences
4. 7 Marks
   bCalculate the sun's altitude and azimuth angle at 9 AM solar time on September $1^{st}$ at latitude of $23^{\circ}N$.
   How to answer

   • Determine declination for Sept 1st
   • Calculate hour angle for 9 AM solar time
   • Apply altitude formula sin alpha
   • Apply azimuth formula and find angle
5. 7 Marks
   aExplain the principle of conversion of solar energy into heat energy.
   How to answer

   • Principle of solar thermal conversion
   • Absorption, greenhouse effect
   • Heat transfer to working fluid
   • Efficiency factors
6. 7 Marks
   bDescribe the classification of solar energy collectors.
   How to answer

   • Criteria for classification
   • Flat plate, concentrating, evacuated tube types
   • Stationary vs tracking collectors
   • Applications of each type
7. 7 Marks
   aCalculate fill factor, maximum power and cell efficiency with following parameters - $V_{oc} = 0.24$ volt, $I_{sc} = 10$ mAmp, $V_{m} = 0.14$ volt, $I_{m} = 6.5$ mAmp., Intensity $= 24$ $W/m^{2}$, Area $= 4$ $cm^{2}$.
   How to answer

   • Formula for fill factor FF = Vm*Im / Voc*Isc
   • Calculate maximum power Pm = Vm*Im
   • Calculate input power = Intensity*Area
   • Calculate efficiency = Pm / Pin
8. 7 Marks
   bIdentify the different factors and their effects on performance of solar collector.
   How to answer

   • Incident radiation, ambient temperature effects
   • Design, orientation, tilt, dust effects
   • Heat loss, flow rate effects
   • Summary of performance impact
9. 7 Marks
   aWhat is the principle of wind power generation?
   How to answer

   • Kinetic energy of wind conversion
   • Betz limit and aerodynamic lift/drag
   • Rotor to electrical conversion chain
   • Power equation P = 0.5 rho A V^3 Cp
10. 4 Marks
    bDraw a neat diagram of horizontal shaft wind mill with all required components and explain the function of each.
    How to answer

    • Neat labelled diagram of horizontal shaft wind mill
    • Components: rotor, gearbox, generator, yaw, tower
    • Function of each component
    • Power flow explanation
11. 3 Marks
    cDiscuss wind characteristics, performance and limitations in energy conversion system.
    How to answer

    • Wind speed distribution and variability
    • Power curve and capacity factor
    • Energy conversion efficiency aspects
    • Limitations: intermittency, noise, siting
12. 7 Marks
    aExplain with the help of neat diagram of power generation system using land fill gas. What are its basic advantages?
    How to answer

    • Landfill gas formation and collection
    • Neat diagram of gas collection to power generation
    • Engine/turbine and power conditioning
    • Basic advantages: waste to energy, emission reduction
13. 4 Marks
    bIllustrate community biogas plant. List the main problems encountered in its operation.
    How to answer

    • Layout of community biogas plant
    • Working and gas distribution
    • Operational problems: scum, temperature, feed
    • Maintenance issues
14. 3 Marks
    cGive a list of the materials used for biogas generation.
    How to answer

    • Categories of feedstock
    • Animal dung, agricultural residues
    • Human, kitchen and industrial waste
    • Suitability for anaerobic digestion
15. 7 Marks
    aExplain briefly the site selection for tidal power plant.
    How to answer

    • Tidal range, basin, grid proximity criteria
    • Geological and environmental factors
    • Cost and accessibility considerations
    • Examples of suitable sites
16. 3 Marks
    bBriefly explain about Hybrid systems.
    How to answer

    • Definition of hybrid energy system
    • Combinations e.g. solar-wind, solar-diesel
    • Advantages of reliability
    • Applications
17. 4 Marks
    cExplain the different methods used for hydrogen storage. Discuss their advantage and disadvantage.
    How to answer

    • Compressed gas, liquid, metal hydride methods
    • Working principle of each storage
    • Advantages e.g. density, maturity
    • Disadvantages e.g. cost, safety, energy penalty
18. 7 Marks
    aHow hydrogen fuel cells are classified?
    How to answer

    • Basis of classification: electrolyte, temperature
    • Types: PEMFC, AFC, PAFC, MCFC, SOFC
    • Operating characteristics
    • Applications of each type
19. 7 Marks
    bDraw and discuss the schematic layout of a tidal power house.
    How to answer

    • Schematic layout of tidal powerhouse
    • Barrage, sluice, turbine-generator units
    • Operation in ebb and flood cycles
    • Power flow discussion