ME-702-C Power Plant Engineering - Jun 2025 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
   aWrite a short note on classification of energy resources.
   How to answer

   • Define energy resources and need for classification
   • Primary vs secondary; conventional vs non-conventional / renewable vs non-renewable
   • Examples of each category
   • Brief comparison and Indian context
2. 7 Marks
   bHow can wind energy be converted in Electrical Energy.
   How to answer

   • Principle of wind kinetic energy to mechanical to electrical
   • Components: rotor, gearbox, generator, tower, yaw and control
   • Working steps and power formula $P = 0.5 \rho A V^3 C_p$
   • Neat schematic of wind electric system
3. 14 Marks
   Explain various processes of Biomass energy conversion to useful energy.
   How to answer

   • Define biomass and types of feedstock
   • Thermo-chemical routes: combustion, gasification, pyrolysis
   • Bio-chemical routes: anaerobic digestion, fermentation
   • End uses: heat, power, biogas, biofuels with flow diagrams
4. 7 Marks
   aWhat are the factors to be considered for selecting a site for thermal power plant.
   How to answer

   • Load, fuel, water availability and transport
   • Land, geology, ash disposal and environment
   • Grid proximity, labour and cost factors
   • Summary of ideal site requirements
5. 7 Marks
   bDraw an explain layout of a ash handling system.
   How to answer

   • Need for ash handling and types of ash
   • Layout: furnace to ESP to hydraulic/mechanical/pneumatic system
   • Neat labelled layout diagram
   • Working and disposal/utilization
6. 7 Marks
   aWrite a note on feed water treatment plant.
   How to answer

   • Purpose: prevent scale, corrosion, carryover in boiler
   • Steps: clarification, filtration, softening/demineralization
   • Internal treatment and deaeration
   • Block diagram of feed water treatment plant
7. 7 Marks
   bState the use and working principle of cooling tower.
   How to answer

   • Use: reject condenser heat, conserve cooling water
   • Principle: evaporative / convective heat transfer
   • Types: natural vs mechanical draught
   • Working with sketch
8. 7 Marks
   aDifferentiate between fission and fusion reaction with example.
   How to answer

   • Definition of fission with $^{235}U$ example and energy release
   • Definition of fusion with D-T example and energy release
   • Tabular differences: fuel, condition, products, control
   • Applications in power plants vs sun/stars
9. 7 Marks
   bWhat is Moderator? Discuss property of a commonly used moderator in power plants.
   How to answer

   • Define moderator and its role in slowing fast neutrons
   • Desired properties: low absorption, high slowing down power
   • Common moderators: water, heavy water, graphite
   • Properties and comparison of commonly used moderator
10. 14 Marks
    Explain the following terms related with hydro power station.

    1. i)Rainfall runoff
    2. ii)Water hammer
    3. iii)Penstock
    4. iv)Micro hydro machine
    How to answer

    • Rainfall runoff, water hammer definitions with causes
    • Penstock function and construction features
    • Micro hydro machine capacity and application
    • Relevance to hydro power station design/operation
11. 7 Marks
    aDefine maximum demand, load factor and plant factor.
    How to answer

    • Define maximum demand with formula
    • Define load factor = average load / maximum demand
    • Define plant factor / capacity factor
    • Significance in economics and sizing
12. 7 Marks
    bCompare hydro and nuclear power.
    How to answer

    • Basis: fuel, site, capital vs running cost
    • Environmental, safety and waste aspects
    • Suitability for base vs peak load
    • Tabular comparison conclusion
13. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any three.

    1. i)MHD converter
    2. ii)Thermal plant draught system
    3. iii)Nuclear power in Indian context
    4. iv)Estimation of maximum load
    5. v)Interconnected system
    How to answer

    • Select any three topics with principle and sketch
    • Key components and working for each
    • Advantages, limitations and applications
    • Relevance to power plant engineering