 While the cost of solar panels has decreased significantly, the upfront costs of installation

can still be expensive for some individuals and businesses.

 Energy Storage: Energy storage systems, such as batteries, are required to store energy
generated by solar panels for later use. These storage systems can be expensive and require
maintenance.
 Environmental Impact: The manufacturing of solar panels and storage systems can have
environmental impacts, such as the use of toxic materials and the generation of waste.

6. Wind energy:
Moving air is called wind. Energy recovered from the force of wind is called wind energy.
Energy possessed by wind is because of its high speed. Wind energy is harnessed by making
use of windmills.
7. Biomass energy:
Biomass is the organic matter produced by plants or animals used as sources of energy most
of the biomass is burned directly for heating, cooling and industrial purposes.
Examples are wood, crop, residues of agricultural waste.

3. Discuss in detail about HYDROGEN ENERGY and its application

Hydrogen energy is a type of renewable energy that uses hydrogen gas as a fuel to generate
electricity or power vehicles. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and it
can be obtained from a variety of sources such as natural gas, biomass, and water.
The process of generating hydrogen involves separating it from other elements in a process
called electrolysis. This process uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and
oxygen. Once the hydrogen is separated, it can be stored and transported to be used as a fuel.
One of the main advantages of hydrogen energy is that it produces zero emissions, as the only
by product of hydrogen combustion is water vapour.
Applications of Hydrogen Energy:
 Hydrogen is a reagent used in many industries including chemicals, textile fibre
manufacturing, glass electronic and metallurgy.
 It is also used as a fuel for rocket launchers.
 In electronics hydrogen is used as a carrier gas, for manufacture of electronic components.
 In industry hydrogen combines with nitrogen to produce ammonia, base for fertilizers.
 It is a good reagent for textile fibres like nylon.
 Hydrogen is used in metallurgy for heat treatment process mechanical parts or to alter their
properties.
 Atomic hydrogen welding (AHW) is a type of arc welding which utilizes hydrogen
environment.
 A mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen is used to prevent oxidation in flat glass production.
 Hydrogen is used to create semiconductors, LEDs and display units.
 Hydrogen gas is used as a therapeutic gas for a number of different diseases.
 Hydrogen fuel cell uses hydrogen as a fuel in an electrochemical process to produce
electrical energy with water and heat.
 Two main applications of hydrogen fuel cells are
 Stationery power sources are used to power office buildings, data centres, grocery
stores and telecommunication towers, it is used as a part of UPS system.
 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are a type of electric vehicle that use hydrogen gas as
their primary fuel source. The hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks and is combined with
oxygen from the air in a fuel cell to generate electricity. The electricity is then used to power
an electric motor, which drives the vehicle's wheels. Hydrogen fuel cell trains have now
appeared. Hydrogen fuel cells are found a number of marine applications.
Advantages of hydrogen energy:
 Hydrogen is readily available
 It does not produce harmful emissions
 It is environmentally friendly
 Efficient and more powerful than fossil fuels
 It is renewable
 It reduces carbon footprints
 It can be used for long time
Disadvantages of hydrogen energy:
 The production of hydrogen is highly energy-intensive, requiring large amounts of
energy and expensive technologies
 Storage and Transportation: Unlike traditional fuels, hydrogen is lightweight and
highly volatile. It requires specialized storage and transportation Highly inflammable
 Safety concerns: Hydrogen is highly flammable, which raises serious safety concerns.
Any leakage or exposure to oxygen can potentially result in an explosion.
 Limited availability: Hydrogen is not readily available at gas stations and service
stations, making it difficult to refuel vehicles.

4. Discuss the concept of OCEAN ENERGY and its applications

Ocean energy refers to the renewable energy generated from the ocean's tides, waves, currents,
temperature differences, and salinity gradients.

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. The
gravitational force of the moon is stronger than that of the sun, and it causes two high tides and two low tides each
day. Tides are predictable and follow a regular pattern based on the positions of the moon and the sun.
Waves, on the other hand, are caused by the wind blowing over the surface of the water. Waves can be
generated by local winds or winds far away from the location where the waves are observed. Waves can be small
ripples or huge swells, and they can travel long distances across oceans. Waves can be unpredictable, and their size
and frequency can vary greatly.
Concept: Tidal energy or tidal power is a form of ocean energy that is harnessed by converting
tidal energy into useful forms of power. Tidal energy is obtained from the rise and fall of tides.
Tidal barrages and dams are constructed across a narrow opening to the sea, where water rushes
into the dam when the sea level rises which moves the blade of the turbines which helps in the
generation of electricity.
Important applications of ocean energy:

 Electricity generation: Ocean energy resources can be used to generate electricity using
different technologies such as tidal turbines, wave energy converters, and ocean thermal
energy conversion systems.
 Desalination: Ocean energy can be used to power desalination plants, which convert
seawater into fresh water for drinking and irrigation.
 Aquaculture: Ocean energy resources can be used to create favourable conditions for fish
and other aquatic species in fish farms, promoting their growth and improving the yield.
 Transportation: Ocean energy can be used to power ships and other marine vessels,
reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable transportation.
 Oil and gas exploration: Ocean energy can be used to power offshore oil and gas
exploration and production platforms, reducing the environmental impact of such
operations.
 Recreation: Ocean energy resources can be used for recreational activities such as surfing,
sailing, and kiteboarding, promoting tourism and improving the economy of coastal
regions.

Advantages of ocean energy

1. Ocean energy is cheaper and efficient
2. It is environment friendly
3. Operational and maintenance cost or low
4. Tidal energy sources can last for decades
5. It protects coastal flooding due to the stability of rock armor

Disadvantages of ocean energy:

1. High capital costs: The initial capital costs of building ocean energy systems can be very
high, which can make it difficult to attract investors and finance these projects.
2. Location-dependent: Ocean energy systems are highly dependent on the location of the
ocean currents, tides, and waves, which may limit their deployment in certain areas.
3. Environmental impacts: Some ocean energy technologies can have negative impacts on
the marine environment, such as disrupting the migration patterns of marine animals or
altering the seabed.
4. Maintenance costs: The harsh ocean environment can increase the maintenance costs of
ocean energy systems, which may require regular repairs and replacements of components.
5. Interference with shipping and fishing: Some ocean energy systems, such as tidal
turbines, can interfere with shipping and fishing activities, which can be a source of conflict
with local communities.
5. Discuss about the TIDAL ENERGY and its advantages & disadvantages.
Tidal energy is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the power of the tides to generate
electricity. Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, and as the water
moves in and out with the tides. Tidal energy conversion is the process of generating electricity
from the movement of ocean tides. This is typically done by placing turbines in tidal currents
or using underwater turbines that are driven by the kinetic energy of moving water. As the tides
move in and out, the turbines spin and generate electricity, which can then be used to power
homes, businesses, and other electrical devices.
There are two main types of tidal energy systems: tidal stream and tidal barrage.
Tidal stream systems use underwater turbines that are placed in areas with strong tidal currents,
such as narrow channels or between islands. The turbines are turned by the movement of the
water, generating electricity that can be transmitted to shore.
Tidal barrage systems, on the other hand, use large dams or barrages to trap the incoming tide
and then release it through turbines as the tide goes out. This method is similar to hydroelectric
power generation, but uses the power of the tides rather than the flow of a river.
Tidal energy has the potential to be a significant source of renewable energy, especially in
coastal areas with strong tidal currents. However, there are also challenges associated with the
technology, including high upfront costs and potential impacts on marine life and ecosystems.
As with other forms of renewable energy, ongoing research and development are needed to
improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of tidal energy systems.
APPLICATIONS OF TIDAL ENERGY
 Electricity can be generated from the tidal energy
 Tidal energy is used to grinning mills for the mechanical crushing of grains.
 Tidal energy is used to rotate at turbine
 Tidal energy is used to store energy in hydroelectric Dam acting as large energy storage
 Tidal barrage and reservoirs can be modified to store energy
 Tidal barrages are capable of preventing damages to the coast during high storms
 Tidal barrage is also help to create easy transport.
Advantages of tidal energy
 It is environment friendly
 It is cheaper, efficient and predictable
 Low operating and maintenance cost
 Protects coastal flooding
 Power output is highly predictable
Disadvantages of tidal energy
 Construction of title Power Plant is expensive.
 Equipment maintenance difficult
 Storage capacity is required.
 Negative influence on marine life forms.
 Location Limited

6) Write brief notes on GEOTHERMAL ENERGY (GTE) and types of geothermal power
plants
Geothermal energy is the energy that is derived from the heat within the earth's crust. The
earth's crust contains a large amount of heat, which is generated by the radioactive decay of
minerals and the residual heat left over from the earth's formation. This heat can be used to
generate electricity through the use of geothermal power plants.
 GTE is used for space heating and cooling
 GTE is used to generate electricity
 It is also used for industrial process heat
 geothermal heat pumps are used to heat buildings in the winter and cool them in summer

CONCEPT
Geothermal technology extracts the heat found within the subsurface of the earth, which can
be used directly for heating and cooling or converting it to electricity. The steam comes from
the reservoirs of hot water found a few miles below the earth surface rotate a turbine that
activates a generator, which produces electricity.
POWER PLANTS OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY:
Geothermal power plant uses hydro thermal resources that have both water and heat.
Geothermal power plants require high temperature hydro thermal resources that come from
either dry steam wells or from hot water wells. Generally, we use this resources by drilling
wells into the earth and then piping steam or hot water to the surface. The hot water or steam
rotates a turbine that generates electricity, the depth of the geothermal Wells is as much as two
miles.
TYPES OF GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS:
There are 3 basic types of geothermal power plants
1) Dry steam power plant
It uses steam directly from here geothermal reservoir to drive generator’s turbine

2) Flash steam power plant

It takes high pressure hot water from deep inside the earth and Converts it into steam to drive
generator’s turbine. When the steam cools, it condenses to water and is injected back into the
ground to be used again. Most thermal power plants are flash steam plants.
3) Binary cycle power plants
It transfers the heat from geothermal hot water to another liquid. The heat causes the second
liquid to convert it into steam which is used to drive a generator’s turbine.

(Binary Cycle power plant)

Advantages of geothermal energy: Disadvantages

GT energy is environmentally friendly  Location is restricted
GT is a source of renewable energy  There are many other gases released into the
The potential of GTE is huge atmosphere
GTE is natural  May cause earthquakes
 It is expensive resource, management is
required to maintain sustainability

7. Write brief notes on wind energy

Air in motion is referred to as wind. wind has a lot of energy since it moves quickly. Wind
energy is the power that has been harnessed from the winds force it is captured using wind
turbines.
The basic principle involves converting the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy
through the use of wind turbines, and then converting that mechanical energy into electrical
energy using generators. Here's a breakdown of the concept:

1. Wind: Wind is created by the movement of air masses in the atmosphere.

2. Wind Turbines: Wind turbines are designed to capture the energy of the wind and
convert it into rotational motion. They consist of three main components:
 o Blades: The turbine blades are typically made of lightweight materials such as
fiberglass or carbon fiber and are shaped to maximize the capture of wind
energy.
o Rotor: The rotor connects the blades to the main shaft and transfers the
rotational energy to the generator.
o Generator: The generator is located inside the nacelle, which is the housing at
the top of the wind turbine tower. As the rotor spins, it drives the generator,
which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. The electricity
generated is usually in the form of alternating current (AC).

3. Power Distribution: The electrical energy produced by the wind turbine is transmitted
through power lines to a transformer, where it is converted to a higher voltage. The
electricity can then be distributed to homes, businesses, or the power grid for use.
4. Environmental Benefits: Wind energy is considered a clean and renewable energy
source. It does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants during operation,
helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change. Wind energy
also helps to conserve water resources, as it does not require significant amounts of
water for cooling or operation like some other power generation methods.

Wind energy harvesting

Wind mill:
Wind mill structure consists of huge rotating blades mounted on a tower. The winds impact
causes the windmills blade to rotate indefinitely. Numerous machineries such as water pumps,
grain mills and electric generators or powered by the blades rotation. The windmill Converts
wind energy into rotational energy by means of the blades.
Wind farms:
When several windmills are built and join together in a specific way a wind farm is created.
Wind farms provide a significant quantity of power. The lowest speed necessary for a wind
generator to function properly is 15 km/ hour.
Advantages of wind energy:
 Wind is stable and endless renewable energy source
 Wind energy is inexpensive
 Using wind energy instead of fossil fuels minimises carbon emission
 Low operating expenses

Disadvantages:
 production of electricity depends upon the speed and direction of the Wind.
 Birds and marine life habitats may be harmed by wind turbines.
 Building wind farms could be expensive

8. Write in detail about Solar energy.

Definition: Solar energy refers to the energy derived from the Sun's radiation, that can be
harnessed and converted into electricity or used for various other applications.
Method of harnessing solar energy:

1. Photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. These panels
consist of numerous solar cells made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon. When
sunlight strikes these cells, it excites electrons, creating an electric current.

 Solar panels are comprised of several individual solar cells which are themselves
composed of layers of silicon, phosphorous (which provides the negative charge),
and boron (which provides the positive charge).
 Solar panels absorb the photons and in doing so initiate an electric current.
 The solar energy striking the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be
knocked out of their atomic orbits and released into the electric field generated by
the solar cells which then pull these free electrons into a directional current. This
entire process is known as the Photovoltaic Effect.
2. Solar heat harvesting refers to the process of capturing and utilizing solar energy in the
form of heat. Solar heat harvesting focuses on capturing the Sun's thermal energy for
various applications.

There are several methods and technologies used for solar heat harvesting:

A. Solar Water Heating: Solar water heaters capture the Sun's heat to warm water for
domestic, commercial, or industrial use. These systems typically consist of solar
collectors, which absorb sunlight and transfer the heat to water or a heat transfer fluid
circulating through the collectors. The heated water or fluid is then stored in a tank for
later use.
B. Solar Thermal Power Generation: Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants use
mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a receiver, which contains a working fluid. The
concentrated sunlight heats the fluid, generating steam that drives a turbine to produce
electricity. CSP plants are often used for large-scale power generation.
C. Solar Air Heating: Solar air heating systems capture solar energy to heat air for space
heating or drying applications. These systems typically consist of solar collectors that
absorb sunlight and transfer the heat to air, which is then circulated and used for heating
indoor spaces or industrial processes.
D. Solar Cooking: Solar cookers or solar ovens use sunlight to heat and cook food. These
devices typically use reflective panels or surfaces to concentrate sunlight onto a cooking
vessel, converting solar energy into heat for cooking purposes.

Advantages:

1. Renewable and Clean Energy: Solar energy is a renewable energy source and
producing no emissions or pollution during use.
2. Cost-effective: The cost of solar panels and installation has decreased significantly
over the years.
3. Low Maintenance: Solar panels require little maintenance and have a long lifespan.
4. Energy Independence: Solar energy provides energy independence.
5. Job Creation: The solar industry is a growing industry that creates jobs in
manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

Disadvantages:

1. Intermittent: Solar energy is only available during daylight hours and can be
affected by weather conditions. This means that energy storage systems are required
to provide energy when the sun is not shining.
2. Land Use: Solar panels require a significant amount of land to generate large amounts
of energy.
3. Upfront Costs: While the cost of solar panels has decreased significantly, the upfront
costs of installation can still be expensive for some individuals and businesses.
4. Energy Storage: Energy storage systems, such as batteries, are required to store energy
generated by solar panels for later use. These storage systems can be expensive and
require maintenance.
5. Environmental Impact: The manufacturing of solar panels and storage systems can
have environmental impacts, such as the use of toxic materials and the generation of
waste.