ME-702-C Power Plant Engineering - Nov 2023 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
   aClassify direct methods of converting various energy sources to electric power. Explain any two in detail.
   How to answer

   • Classification of direct energy conversion methods - thermoelectric, thermionic, photovoltaic, MHD, fuel cell, etc.
   • Principle of any two methods with working and governing equations
   • Neat sketch of systems and applications/limitations
2. 7 Marks
   bOn what factors solar intensity and wind velocity depends? Give some data related to India at various locations of states.
   How to answer

   • Factors affecting solar intensity - latitude, season, time, cloud cover, altitude, aerosols
   • Factors affecting wind velocity - pressure gradient, terrain roughness, height, temperature
   • Indian solar and wind data for various states/locations with values
3. 7 Marks
   aWhat are hybrid energy systems? Discuss various possible and feasible options in India.
   How to answer

   • Definition of hybrid energy system
   • Need and advantages for Indian conditions
   • Possible feasible combinations - solar-wind, solar-diesel, wind-diesel, biomass etc. with examples
4. 7 Marks
   bDefine fuel cell. Draw and discuss working principle of any one type of fuel cell with thermodynamic equations involved.
   How to answer

   • Definition of fuel cell and thermodynamic basis $\Delta G = -nFE$
   • Neat diagram of one type e.g. hydrogen-oxygen / PEM fuel cell
   • Working principle, electrode reactions and Nernst / efficiency equations
   • Advantages, limitations and applications
5. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss recent trends in Boiler size, selection and operations for a steam power plant.
   How to answer

   • Need for large capacity high pressure boilers
   • Trends in size, once-through, supercritical, fluidized bed
   • Selection and operation aspects - automation, efficiency, emissions control
6. 7 Marks
   bExplain element of feed water treatment plant for thermal power station.
   How to answer

   • Purpose of feed water treatment - scale, corrosion prevention
   • Elements - filtration, softening, demineralization, deaeration, dosing
   • Flow scheme of treatment plant for thermal station
7. 7 Marks
   aWhat do you mean by plant heat balance? Discuss with example for the case of fossil fuel power plant.
   How to answer

   • Definition of plant heat balance - energy in vs useful out + losses
   • Sankey / heat balance diagram for fossil fuel plant
   • Example with boiler, turbine, condenser, losses quantification
8. 7 Marks
   bWrite short technical note on fuel burning systems in fossil fuel power stations.
   How to answer

   • Types of fuel burning - stoker, pulverized coal, fluidized bed, oil/gas burners
   • Working of each system with sketch
   • Selection criteria and combustion control
9. 7 Marks
   aCompare thermal and fast breeder reactors.
   How to answer

   • Basis of comparison - neutron spectrum, fuel, moderator, breeding ratio
   • Features of thermal reactor vs fast breeder reactor in table
   • Merits, limitations and Indian context
10. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss reliability features for a nuclear power plant.
    How to answer

    • Definition of reliability in nuclear plant context
    • Redundancy, containment, ECCS, control and safety systems
    • Regulatory and operational reliability features
11. 7 Marks
    aDiscuss site selection criteria for hydro power stations. Compare fossil fuel power plant, hydro power plant and renewable energy power plants.
    How to answer

    • Site selection factors - hydrology, head, storage, geology, load centre, access
    • Comparison table - fuel, cost, efficiency, pollution, life, gestation
    • Suitability of fossil, hydro and renewable plants
12. 7 Marks
    bCompare Micro and Pico hydro machines.
    How to answer

    • Definition and capacity range of micro vs pico hydro
    • Comparison on head, power output, components, cost, application
    • Examples of use in remote / hilly areas
13. 7 Marks
    aDefine the following terms related to power plant economics: Maximum demand, Load factor, Diversity factor, Plant factor.
    How to answer

    • Define maximum demand, load factor, diversity factor, plant factor with formulas
    • Relation between factors and significance in economics
    • Illustrative example / load curve reference
14. 7 Marks
    bA power plant costs Rs. 90,000 and has a useful life of 15 years. If the salvage value is 5,000 determine the amount which should be saved annually for both methods: sinking fund method and straight line method. Assume 6% rate of interest.
    How to answer

    • Given $P=Rs. 90,000$, $S=Rs. 5,000$, $n=15$ years, $i=6\%$
    • Straight line method: $(P-S)/n$ annual saving
    • Sinking fund method: $(P-S)\cdot i/[(1+i)^n-1]$ annual saving and numerical values
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on following (any two)

    1. a)Cooling towers
    2. b)Principles of reactor control
    3. c)Flow and power duration curves
    4. d)Types of tariffs
    How to answer

    • Principle, types and working with sketch for chosen topics
    • Key equations / curves - duration curves, tariff structures, control methods
    • Advantages, applications in power plants