PART-A
1. Definition of a Renewable Energy Source:
A renewable energy source is an energy source that is naturally replenished on a human
timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. These sources are
sustainable and do not deplete over time.
2. Why Ocean, Wave, and Tidal Energies Are Not Considered Main
Renewable Sources:
High Initial Cost: The infrastructure for harnessing these energies is expensive.
Limited Availability: Tidal and wave energy depend on specific coastal locations.
Environmental Impact: Marine ecosystems may be disrupted by energy extraction.
Technological Challenges: Efficient technology for large-scale extraction is still
under development.
3. Three Methods of Solar Energy Conversion:
1. Photovoltaic Conversion: Direct conversion of sunlight into electricity using solar
cells.
2. Solar Thermal Conversion: Using solar heat to generate electricity or provide
thermal energy.
3. Photosynthesis (Biological Conversion): Plants convert sunlight into chemical
energy, which can be used as biofuels.
4. Status of Non-Conventional Energy Sources in India:
India is rapidly developing its renewable energy sector. As of recent years:
Solar energy capacity is expanding under government initiatives.
Wind energy is a significant contributor, especially in states like Tamil Nadu and
Gujarat.
Biomass and small hydro projects are being encouraged.
India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
5. Types of Renewable Energy Sources Used in India:
1. Solar Energy (Photovoltaic & Solar Thermal)
2. Wind Energy
3. Hydropower (Small & Large Scale)
4. Biomass Energy (Biogas, Biofuels, Waste-to-Energy)
5. Geothermal Energy
6. Tidal and Wave Energy (in limited experimental stages)
6. Types of Concentrating Collectors:
1. Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC)
2. Parabolic Dish Collector
3. Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR)
4. Central Receiver System (Solar Tower)
7. Zones in a Solar Pond:
1. Upper Convective Zone (UCZ): The top layer, with uniform temperature, loses heat
to the environment.
2. Non-Convective Zone (NCZ): The middle insulating layer, which prevents heat loss.
3. Lower Convective Zone (LCZ): The bottom layer where heat is stored for extended
periods.
8. Reasons for Using Solar Pumping:
No dependency on fossil fuels.
Cost-effective in remote areas.
Environmentally friendly and reduces carbon emissions.
Long lifespan with minimal maintenance.
9. Need for Solar Crop Drying:
Reduces post-harvest losses.
Increases the shelf life of crops.
Provides an alternative to conventional fuel-based drying.
Low-cost and sustainable for rural farmers.
10. Use of Solar Kilns:
Drying wood for industrial use.
Enhancing wood quality while reducing moisture content.
Reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based kilns.
Providing a cost-effective and sustainable drying method.
11. 1. Classification of Energy Resources:
Energy resources are classified into:
1. Renewable Energy Sources: Replenished naturally (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, biomass,
geothermal).
2. Non-Renewable Energy Sources: Finite and depletable (e.g., coal, petroleum, natural gas,
nuclear).
12. Factors Causing Winds:
Solar Heating: Uneven heating of the Earth's surface creates temperature differences.
Earth’s Rotation (Coriolis Effect): Deflects wind direction due to Earth's spin.
Pressure Differences: Air moves from high-pressure to low-pressure areas.
Geographical Features: Mountains, valleys, and water bodies influence wind patterns.
13. Three Categories of Biomass Resources:
1. Primary Biomass: Directly from plants (wood, crops, algae).
2. Secondary Biomass: Derived from waste (agricultural, industrial, animal waste).
3. Tertiary Biomass: Processed biomass (biofuels, biogas, ethanol, biodiesel).
14. Energy from Biomass:
Biomass is converted into useful energy through combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, and
fermentation.
It produces heat, electricity, and biofuels like biogas, ethanol, and biodiesel.
15. Importance of Renewable Energy in Rural Development:
Provides electricity to remote areas.
Supports agriculture (solar water pumps, biogas for cooking).
Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Creates local employment opportunities.
Improves health by reducing indoor air pollution.
16. Definition of Beam Radiation:
Beam radiation (or direct solar radiation) is solar radiation received directly from the sun
without being scattered by the atmosphere.
17. Major Components of a Flat Plate Collector:
1. Absorber Plate (converts sunlight to heat)
2. Transparent Cover (Glazing) (reduces heat loss)
3. Insulation Layer (minimizes heat loss)
4. Collector Box (holds components together)
5. Fluid Tubes/Piping (transfers heat to the working fluid)
18. Importance of a Sunshine Recorder:
Measures the duration of sunshine in a day.
Helps in analyzing solar energy potential.
Useful for agriculture, weather forecasting, and solar power generation.
19. Comparison of Solar Azimuth Angle and Zenith Angle:
Parameter Solar Azimuth Angle Solar Zenith Angle
Angle between the sun and true north, Angle between the sun and the
Definition
measured along the horizon. vertical direction.
Measurement Measured in the horizontal plane. Measured in the vertical plane.
Determines the sun’s height in the
Effect Determines the sun’s direction (East-West).
sky.
20. Definition of Hour Angle:
The hour angle (H) is the angular displacement of the sun east or west of the local
meridian due to Earth’s rotation. It is measured in degrees, with 15° per hour (negative in
the morning, positive in the afternoon)
