POWER PLANT ENGINEERING [Q&A]:-

BEU 7 TH SEM

UNIT 1:-COAL BASED THERMAL POWER PLANT

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION [7 marks]

Draw the general layout of thermal power plant and explain the working of
different circuits.

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General Layout of a Thermal Power Plant:

 1. Boiler:
• Converts water into steam using heat from burning fuel.
2. Turbine:
• Steam from boiler drives turbine blades, causing them to rotate.
3. Generator:
• Connected to turbine, converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy.
4. Condenser:
• Condenses steam back into water using cooling water from a
nearby source.
5. Cooling Tower:
• Cools hot water from condenser using ambient air, recycling it
back to condenser.
6. Coal Handling Plant:
• Receives coal from mines, crushes it, and transports it to boiler for
combustion.
7. Ash Handling Plant:
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• Collects ash generated from combustion and transports it for
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disposal.
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8. Electrical Substation:
• Distributes generated electricity to the grid or consumers.
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Working of Different Circuits:

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1. Boiler Circuit:
• Fuel burned in boiler, heat produced converts water into steam.
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2. Turbine Circuit:
• Steam from boiler expands in turbine, rotates turbine blades.
3. Generator Circuit:
• Turbine rotation drives generator, producing electricity.
4. Condenser Circuit:
• Steam exhausted from turbine condensed back into water in
condenser.
5. Cooling Tower Circuit:
• Cools hot water from condenser using air, returns cooled water to
condenser.
6. Coal Handling Circuit:
• Coal transported from storage to boiler, where it's burned to
produce heat.
7. Ash Handling Circuit:
• Collects ash from boiler, transports it for disposal or reuse.
Explain in detail about Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC) boiler.[IMP]

Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC) Boiler:

1. Fluidized Bed: Combustion process occurs in a bed of solid particles

suspended in a high-velocity stream of air or gas.
2. 2. Fuel Flexibility: Can efficiently burn a wide range of fuels including
coal, biomass, and waste.
3. 3. Fuel Mixing: Fuel particles are mixed with inert bed material (sand or
limestone) to promote even combustion and reduce emissions.
4. 4. Temperature Control: Control of combustion temperature is achieved
by regulating the airflow velocity and the amount of fuel and bed
material.
5. 5. Emissions Reduction: Lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and
nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to conventional boilers due to lower
combustion temperatures and the use of sorbents like limestone.
6. 6. Efficiency: Can achieve high combustion efficiency due to better fuel
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mixing and heat transfer within the fluidized bed.
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7. 7. Ash Management: Ash from combustion is collected as a dry, free-

flowing material, reducing ash disposal costs.
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8. 8. Clinker Formation: Reduced risk of clinker formation due to the

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fluidized bed's ability to maintain uniform temperatures and prevent hot

spots.
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Explain in detail about supercritical boiler.
1. Operating Principle:
• Operates above critical pressure and temperature of water, where
it exists as a single-phase fluid with no distinct liquid-vapor
boundary.
2. Efficiency:
• Achieves higher efficiency compared to conventional subcritical
boilers due to higher temperature and pressure, leading to better
heat transfer and reduced heat losses.
3. Construction:
• Features high-strength materials capable of withstanding extreme
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4. Performance:
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• Generates steam at higher temperatures and pressures, enhancing
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thermal efficiency and power output.

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5. Advantages:
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• Improved efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower

emissions of greenhouse gases.
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6. Applications:
• Widely used in modern power plants for electricity generation due
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to superior efficiency and performance.

Explain types of condenser used in modern thermal power plant.

Types of Condensers Used in Modern Thermal Power Plants:

1. Surface Condenser:
• Most common type in large power plants.
• Steam from turbine is condensed on surface of tubes by cooling
water circulating outside tubes.
2. Jet Condenser:
• Steam is condensed by direct contact with cooling water, forming
a mixture of condensate and cooling water.
• Suitable for small and medium-sized plants.
3. Barometric Condenser:
• Operates at sub-atmospheric pressure.
• Uses a water seal to maintain vacuum, allowing steam to be
condensed at lower temperatures.
4. Evaporative Condenser:
• Combines cooling water with ambient air to cool and condense
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steam.
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• Ideal for water scarcity regions or where discharge of cooling
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water is restricted.
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Explain basic rankine cycle with HS and TS diagram.

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The Rankine cycle is a thermodynamic cycle used in thermal power plants to generate
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electricity. It consists of the following stages:

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1. Heat Addition: Water is heated in a boiler by burning fuel (e.g., coal, natural
gas) to produce high-pressure steam.
2. Expansion: The high-pressure steam expands through a turbine, generating
mechanical work as it drives the turbine blades.
3. Heat Rejection: After passing through the turbine, the low-pressure steam is
condensed back into liquid form in a condenser, releasing heat to a cooling
medium (usually water).
4. Compression: The condensed liquid is then pumped back to high pressure,
restarting the cycle.
What the are different ways of increasing thermal efficiency in thermal power
plant.[IMP]

Different Ways to Increase Thermal Efficiency in Thermal Power Plants:

1. Superheating Steam:
• Heating steam to higher temperatures in the boiler increases
energy output per unit mass of steam.
2. Regenerative Feedwater Heating:
• Preheating feedwater using extracted steam from the turbine
reduces heat loss and improves efficiency.
3. Reheat Cycle:
• Reheating steam between turbine stages reduces moisture content
and improves overall cycle efficiency.
4. Improved Combustion Techniques:
• Optimizing fuel-air mixture, combustion temperature, and
combustion chamber design enhances efficiency.
5. Advanced Turbine Designs:
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• Utilizing high-efficiency turbines with improved blade designs and
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materials increases energy conversion efficiency.
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6. Condenser Vacuum Optimization:

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• Maintaining lower pressure in the condenser reduces backpressure

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on the turbine, enhancing efficiency.

7. Reduced Cooling Water Requirements:
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• Implementing dry or hybrid cooling systems minimizes water

usage and improves overall plant efficiency.
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8. Combined Heat and Power (CHP):

• Utilizing waste heat for cogeneration of electricity and useful heat
increases overall plant efficiency.

Describe coal handling system with block diagram.

1. Coal Reception:
• Receives coal from mines or transportation and unloads it at the
plant.
2. Coal Storage:
• Stores coal temporarily before it is processed or used for
combustion.
3. Coal Crushing:
• Reduces large coal chunks into smaller particles suitable for
combustion.
4. Coal Conveying:
 • Transports crushed coal to storage or directly to the boiler for
combustion.
5. Coal Preparation:
• Removes impurities and moisture from coal to improve
combustion efficiency.
6. Ash Handling:
• Collects and disposes of ash produced during combustion to
prevent environmental pollution.

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Explain different types of modern ash handling system used in large steam
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power plant.

1. Dry Ash Handling:

• Uses pneumatic or mechanical conveying to transport dry ash.
• Suitable for bottom and fly ash, reduces water usage.

2. Wet Ash Handling:

• Transports ash as a slurry using water.
• Reduces dust emissions and facilitates handling of fine ash.

3. Submerged Scraper Conveyor (SSC):

• Conveys bottom ash submerged in water-filled troughs.
• Ideal for abrasive and high-temperature ash.

4. Dry Bottom Ash Handling:

• Collects and transports bottom ash dry, without water.
 • Prevents ash caking and slag formation.
5. Ash Slurry Disposal:
• Forms ash slurry with water for disposal in ponds or landfills.
• Efficient for large ash quantities.

6. Mechanical Conveying:
• Uses belt, screw, or bucket conveyors for ash transport.
• Offers flexibility for various ash types.

7. Hydraulic Ash Handling:

• Uses hydraulic systems for ash slurry transport.
• Suitable for long-distance and remote disposal sites.

Explain natural draught and mechanical draught.

Natural Draught:

1. Relies on the buoyancy of hot gases to create airflow.

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2. No external fan or blower is used.
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3. Utilizes the height difference between the boiler and chimney for airflow.
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4. Simple and low-cost method.

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5. Limited control over airflow rate.

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Mechanical Draught:
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1. Involves the use of fans or blowers to create airflow.

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2. Provides greater control over airflow rate and direction.

3. Can be induced draught (fan at chimney exit) or forced draught (fan at
boiler inlet).
4. Requires energy input to operate fans.
5. Suitable for situations where natural draught is insufficient or
impractical.

Classify different types of a draught system which is most draught system and
why?
 1.Natural Draught:

•Relies on the natural buoyancy of hot gases.

• Uses the height differential between the combustion zone and the
chimney outlet for airflow.
2. Mechanical Draught:
• Utilizes fans or blowers to create airflow.
• Can be induced draught (fan at chimney exit) or forced draught
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The most common and efficient system is the Mechanical Draught:
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• Provides greater control over airflow rate and direction.

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• Can be adjusted to meet varying operational demands.

• Suitable for a wide range of industrial applications and plant
configurations.
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• Offers reliability and consistency in draught performance, especially in

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challenging environmental conditions.

What is superheater? How boiler efficiency improves by superheater?

Superheater:
1. Definition: A superheater is a heat exchanger within a boiler that further
heats steam to a temperature higher than its saturation point.
2. Location: Typically installed in the path of flue gases after the primary boiler
heat transfer surfaces.
3. Function: Converts saturated steam into superheated steam by adding more
heat energy.
4. Construction: Consists of a series of tubes exposed to high-temperature flue
gases, with steam passing through them.
5. Types: Can be radiant, convection, or combination types, depending on their
location and heat transfer mechanism.
Improvement in Boiler Efficiency by Superheater:
1. Increased Temperature: Superheating steam increases its temperature,
leading to higher thermodynamic efficiency.
2. Enhanced Heat Transfer: Superheated steam transfers more heat energy to
the turbine, resulting in improved turbine efficiency.
3. Prevention of Moisture: Superheating eliminates moisture content in steam,
reducing the risk of erosion and corrosion in turbine blades.
4. Reduced Heat Losses: Superheated steam experiences lower heat losses
during expansion in the turbine, enhancing overall efficiency.
5. Optimized Heat Utilization: Superheaters maximize the utilization of heat
energy in the boiler, resulting in higher thermal efficiency

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 UNIT 3:-NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Draw and explain block diagram of Nuclear power plant and write few
advantages and disadvantages?

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Block Diagram of Nuclear Power Plant:

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1. Nuclear Reactor:
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• Core where nuclear fission reactions occur to generate heat.

2. Steam Generator:
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• Converts heat from the reactor into steam.

3. Turbine:
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• Receives steam and drives the generator to produce electricity.

4. Generator:
• Converts mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical
energy.

Advantages of Nuclear Power:

• Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

• High Energy Density.
• Reliable and Stable Energy Supply.

Disadvantages of Nuclear Power:

• Radioactive Waste Management.

• Potential for Accidents (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima).
• High Initial Investment Costs.
Write about principle of nuclear energy and chain reaction.

Principle of Nuclear Energy:

1. Nuclear Fission:
• Splitting of heavy atomic nuclei (such as uranium-235) into lighter
nuclei.
• Releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat.
2. Heat Conversion:
• Heat produced by nuclear fission is used to generate steam.
• Steam drives turbines, which in turn generate electricity.

Chain Reaction:

1. Initiation:
• Neutron bombardment of a fissile material (e.g., uranium-235).
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• Causes a nucleus to split, releasing more neutrons.
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2. Propagation:
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• Released neutrons collide with other fissile nuclei, causing them to

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split.
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• Releases additional neutrons, continuing the chain reaction.

3. Control:
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• Control rods inserted into the reactor absorb neutrons to regulate

the reaction rate.
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• Prevents runaway reactions and ensures safe operation.

Draw and explain the construction and working principle of Pressurized
Water Reactor (PWR).Discuss special features of PWR.

Construction of Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR):

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1. Reactor Core:
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• Contains fuel assemblies made of uranium dioxide pellets.

• Moderators like water slow down neutrons to sustain the nuclear
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reaction.
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2. Reactor Vessel:
• Thick steel container that houses the reactor core and coolant.
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3. Steam Generator:
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• Transfers heat from the reactor coolant to water, producing steam.

4. Turbine:
• Receives steam from the steam generator and converts its energy
into mechanical energy.
5. Generator:
• Converts mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical
energy.

Working Principle of PWR:

1. Nuclear Fission:
• Uranium fuel undergoes controlled fission reactions, releasing
heat.
2. Coolant Circulation:
• Pressurized water circulates through the reactor core, absorbing
heat from the fuel.
3. Heat Transfer:
 • Hot pressurized water transfers heat to a secondary water loop in
the steam generator.
4. Steam Production:
• Secondary water boils and produces steam, which drives the
turbine.
5. Electricity Generation:
• Turbine rotation generates electricity through the connected
generator.
Special Features of Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR):

1. Utilizes water both as a coolant and moderator for nuclear reactions.

2. Features redundant safety systems for emergency shutdowns.
3. Operates continuously with high fuel efficiency.
4. Maintains coolant under high pressure to enhance heat transfer
efficiency.
5. Produces low greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner energy
production.
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Draw and explain the construction and working principle of
CANDU Reactor .Discuss special features of CANDU reactor.

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Construction and Working Principle of CANDU Reactor:

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1. Fuel Assembly:
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• Contains natural uranium fuel bundles, typically in the form of

ceramic pellets.
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2. Moderator and Coolant:

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• Heavy water (deuterium oxide) serves as both moderator and

coolant.
• Slows down neutrons to sustain the nuclear chain reaction and
removes heat from the reactor core.
3. Pressure Tubes:
• Vertical tubes containing fuel bundles and heavy water.
• Maintain pressure and facilitate heat transfer from fuel to coolant.
4. Steam Generator:
• Converts heat from the primary coolant into steam for turbine
operation.
5. Turbine and Generator:
• Steam from the generator drives turbines, producing electricity via
the connected generator.

Special Features of CANDU Reactor:

1. Natural Uranium Fuel:

 • Utilizes unenriched uranium fuel, reducing fuel processing costs.
2. Heavy Water Moderator:
• Heavy water allows efficient moderation of neutrons without
requiring enriched fuel.
3. Online Refueling:
• Can refuel individual fuel channels while the reactor operates,
minimizing downtime.
4. Pressure Tube Design:
• Pressure tubes contain fuel bundles and heavy water, enhancing
safety and heat transfer efficiency.
5. Flexible Fuel Options:
• Can use various fuels, including recycled uranium and thorium,
offering fuel flexibility and resource utilization.

Draw and explain construction and working principle of Boiling Water Reactor
[BWR].
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Construction and Working Principle of Boiling Water Reactor (BWR):

1. Reactor Core:
• Contains uranium fuel assemblies where nuclear fission reactions
occur.
2. Reactor Pressure Vessel:
• Houses the reactor core and primary coolant (water) under
pressure.
3. Control Rods:
• Regulate the nuclear reaction by absorbing neutrons to control
power output.
 4. Coolant Circulation:
• Water in the core absorbs heat from the fuel and boils to produce
steam.
5. Steam Generation:
• Steam produced in the reactor vessel directly drives turbines
connected to generators.

Special Features of BWR:

1. Direct Steam Generation: Steam directly powers turbines.

2. Simplified Cooling: Single-loop coolant system.
3. Moderate Pressure: Operates at lower pressures.
4. Efficient Design: Fewer components, lower maintenance.
5. Continuous Operation: Provides stable electricity output.

Draw and explain construction and working principle of Liquid metal cooled
nuclear reactor.
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Construction and Working Principle of Liquid Metal Cooled Nuclear Reactor:

1. Reactor Core:
• Contains fuel assemblies where nuclear fission reactions occur.
2. Coolant Circulation:
• Liquid metal coolant (such as sodium or lead) circulates through
the core to absorb heat generated by the fission reactions.
3. Heat Exchange:
• Heat from the coolant is transferred to a secondary coolant loop or
directly to a steam generator.
 4. Steam Generation:
• Heat from the coolant generates steam, which drives turbines
connected to generators for electricity production.
5. Control Systems:
• Control rods and other systems regulate the nuclear reaction to
maintain safe and stable operation.
Special features:-

1. Efficient heat transfer with liquid metal coolant.

2. High temperature operation for increased efficiency.
3. Reduced risk of coolant boiling accidents.
4. Enhanced safety with natural circulation and passive cooling.
5. Flexibility in design and fuel types.

Explain the working principle of Fast Breeder Reactor and Gas-

cooled reactor.

Working Principle of Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR):

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1. Utilizes fast neutrons to sustain nuclear fission reactions.

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2. Uses liquid metal (such as sodium) coolant for efficient heat transfer.
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3. Converts fertile material (like uranium-238) into fissile material (like

plutonium-239) through neutron capture and subsequent decay.
4. Produces more fissile material than it consumes, hence termed "breeder"
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reactor.
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5. Generates heat, which is transferred to a secondary coolant loop for

steam generation and electricity production.

Working Principle of Gas-cooled Reactor:

1. Utilizes gas (such as carbon dioxide or helium) as coolant instead of

water.
2. Moderates and absorbs neutrons to sustain nuclear chain reactions.
3. Heat generated in the reactor core is transferred to the coolant gas.
4. The hot gas is circulated through heat exchangers to produce steam.
5. Steam drives turbines connected to generators for electricity production.

Explain different methods of nuclear waste disposal.

1. Burial Underground: Bury waste deep underground in secure containers.
2. Storage on Surface: Temporarily keep waste in specialized facilities on
the surface.
 3. Changing Radioactivity: Convert long-lasting radioactive materials into
less harmful forms.
4. Reusing Materials: Extract useful substances from waste for recycling.
5. Encapsulation: Seal waste in durable materials for long-term
containment underground.
6. Monitoring and Regulation: Implement strict monitoring and regulatory
measures to ensure safe handling and disposal.
7. Public Engagement: Involve the public in decision-making processes
regarding nuclear waste management to ensure transparency and
accountability.

UNIT 4-POWER FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY

Draw the Layout diagram of Hydro electric Power Plant and also explain the
components and working of Hydro electric power plant?
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Components and Working of Hydroelectric Power Plant:

1. Dam:
• Creates a reservoir by blocking a river's flow.
• Stores water at a higher elevation to create potential energy.
2. Reservoir:
• Stores large quantities of water.
• Regulates flow to ensure continuous power generation.
3. Penstock:
 • Pipe that carries water from reservoir to turbine.
• Water flows through penstock at high pressure.
4. Turbine:
• Converts hydraulic energy of flowing water into mechanical
energy.
• Rotates when water passes through, connected to a shaft.
5. Generator:
• Converts mechanical energy from turbine into electrical energy.
• Rotates within a magnetic field to produce electricity.
6. Transmission Lines:
• Transmit generated electricity to distribution networks and
consumers.
Advantages of Hydroelectric Power Plants:

1. Renewable Energy Source: Utilizes the natural flow of water, which is

replenished by precipitation.
2. Low Operating Costs: Once constructed, hydroelectric plants have
relatively low operating and maintenance costs.
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3. Clean Energy: Produces electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or
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pollutants.
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4. Reliable Power Generation: Can provide continuous and stable power

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output, especially in areas with consistent water flow.

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5. Flood Control: Dams can regulate water flow, mitigating the risk of
floods downstream.
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6. Water Supply: Reservoirs created by dams can serve as water sources for
irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes.
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Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Power Plants:

1. Environmental Impact: Construction of dams and reservoirs can disrupt

ecosystems, alter river habitats, and displace wildlife.
2. Limited Reservoir Capacity: Dependence on rainfall and seasonal
variations can lead to fluctuating power generation.
3. High Initial Costs: Construction of hydroelectric facilities involves
significant upfront investment and lengthy approval processes.
4. Sedimentation: Reservoirs can accumulate sediment over time, reducing
storage capacity and affecting plant efficiency.
5. Social Impacts: Reservoir creation may necessitate the relocation of
communities, resulting in social and cultural disruptions.
6. Vulnerability to Climate Change: Changing precipitation patterns and
water availability due to climate change can affect long-term
hydroelectric viability.
Explain the principle of wind electric system. State the basic
Components and their working in wind electric system.
Kinetic Energy Conversion: Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of
moving air to generate electricity through rotational motion.

Basic Components and Their Working:

1. Wind Turbine: Blades capture wind energy, causing the rotor to spin.
2. Rotor: Converts wind energy into rotational mechanical energy.
3. Generator: Converts mechanical energy from the rotor into electrical
energy.
4. Tower: Supports the turbine and elevates it to capture higher wind
speeds.
5. Controller: Monitors wind speed and direction, adjusting turbine
orientation for optimal performance.
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6. Inverter: Converts the generated electricity from DC to AC for grid
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integration.
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7. Grid Connection: Transmits electricity generated by the wind turbine to

the electrical grid for distribution and consumption.
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Explain the construction and working principle of solar

thermal power plant.
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Construction and Working Principle of Solar Thermal Power Plant:

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1. Solar Collectors: Array of mirrors or lenses focus sunlight onto a receiver.

2. Receiver: Absorbs concentrated sunlight, heating a fluid (often molten
salt) to high temperatures.
3. Heat Exchanger: Transfers heat from the fluid to water, generating
steam.
4. Steam Turbine: Steam drives a turbine, converting thermal energy into
mechanical energy.
5. Generator: Turbine rotation generates electricity through
electromagnetic induction.
6. Condenser: Condenses steam back into water for reuse in the cycle.
7. Cooling System: Circulates cooling water to maintain optimal operating
temperatures.
8. Grid Connection: Transmits generated electricity to the electrical grid for
distribution.
Explain how electrical energy can be generated in single basin two
way cycle of tidal power generation.
Single Basin Two-Way Cycle of Tidal Power Generation:

1. Inflow Phase:
• During high tide, water flows into the basin through turbines.
• Turbines generate electricity as water flows inward.
2. Outflow Phase:
• During low tide, water flows out of the basin through turbines.
• Turbines generate electricity as water flows outward.
3. Reversible Turbines:
• Turbines are designed to operate bidirectionally, capturing energy
from both inflow and outflow phases.
4. Generator:
• Electricity is generated by the turbines as they rotate in response
to tidal currents.
5. Grid Connection:
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• Generated electricity is transmitted to the electrical grid for
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distribution and consumption.
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Explain with a neat sketch the working principle of Geothermal

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Power plant. What are the advantages and disadvantages of

Geothermal energy.
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Working Principle of Geothermal Power Plant:

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1. Geothermal Reservoir:
• Underground reservoirs of hot water or steam are accessed
through drilling.
2. Production Well:
• Steam or hot water is extracted from the reservoir through
production wells.
3. Steam Separator:
• Steam is separated from water to ensure purity before entering
turbines.
4. Turbines:
• Steam drives turbines, generating mechanical energy.
5. Generator:
• Turbines rotate generators, converting mechanical energy into
electricity.
6. Condenser:
• Used steam is condensed back into water for reuse in the cycle.
 7. Cooling Tower:
• Heat from the condenser is dissipated into the atmosphere or
nearby water bodies.
8. Grid Connection:
• Generated electricity is transmitted to the electrical grid for
distribution.

Advantages of Geothermal Energy:

1. Renewable and Sustainable

2. Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3. Reliable and Predictable Energy Source
4. Minimal Land Use

Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy:

1. Location Dependency
2. High Initial Investment
3. Potential for Ground Subsidence R
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4. Limited Resource Availability
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Explain the working principle of fuel cell.

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Working Principle of Fuel Cell:

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1. Electrochemical Reaction:
• Hydrogen fuel is fed into the anode (negative electrode) of the
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fuel cell.
• Oxygen (usually from air) is supplied to the cathode (positive
electrode) of the fuel cell.
2. Ion Exchange:
• Hydrogen molecules (H2) are split into protons (H+) and electrons
(e-) at the anode.
• Protons move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode,
while electrons flow through an external circuit, generating
electric current.
3. Rejoining of Protons and Electrons:
• At the cathode, oxygen molecules (O2) combine with protons and
electrons to form water (H2O), releasing heat energy as a
byproduct.
4. Electricity Generation:
 •The flow of electrons through the external circuit produces electric
current, which can be used to power electrical devices or stored in
batteries.
5. Continuous Operation:
• As long as hydrogen fuel is supplied to the anode and oxygen to
the cathode, the fuel cell can continuously generate electricity with
minimal emissions, as water is the only byproduct.

UNIT 5:-ENERGY,ECONOMIC AND ENVIRNOMENTAL ISSUES

OF POWER PLANTS

Explain site Selection of site for Nuclear, hydro and

thermal Power Station.

Nuclear Power Station:

1.
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Water Source Proximity: Necessary for cooling and safety.
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2. Geological Stability: Ensures plant safety against natural disasters.
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3. Population Density: Avoids risks to nearby communities.

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4. Transportation Infrastructure: Facilitates fuel and personnel transport.

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5. Regulatory Compliance: Adheres to nuclear safety standards.

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Hydro Power Station:

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1. Water Availability: Critical for consistent power generation.

2. Suitable Topography: Steep terrain aids water flow.
3. Environmental Impact: Considers ecological consequences.
4. Resettlement Issues: Addresses community displacement concerns.
5. Accessibility: Ensures construction and grid connection access.

Thermal Power Station:

1. Fuel Proximity: Fuel source availability for continuous operation.

2. Water Supply: Necessary for cooling and steam generation.
3. Pollution Control: Compliance with emission regulations.
4. Transportation Network: Facilitates fuel and waste transport.
5. Land Requirements: Adequate space for plant and auxiliary facilities.

Explain the methods to control pollution in thermal and

nuclear power plants.
Thermal Power Plants:

1. Flue Gas Desulfurization: Removes sulfur dioxide (SO2) from exhaust

gases.
2. Electrostatic Precipitators: Captures particulate matter (PM) from flue
gas.
3. Low NOx Burners: Reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions during
combustion.
4. Scrubber Systems: Removes pollutants by injecting water or chemicals
into exhaust.
5. Ash Handling Systems: Proper disposal of ash to prevent air and water
contamination.

Nuclear Power Plants:

1. Radioactive Waste Management: Safe handling and storage of

radioactive materials.
2. Cooling Water Treatment: Ensures cooling water discharges meet
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3. Radiation Shielding: Minimizes exposure to radiation through shielding
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materials.
4. Spent Fuel Reprocessing: Recycling and reusing spent nuclear fuel to
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reduce waste.
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5. Environmental Monitoring: Regular monitoring to detect and mitigate

potential releases.
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Explain the capital cost and operating cost of different power

plants.
1. Nuclear Power Plants:
• Capital Cost: High initial investment for construction and safety
measures.
• Operating Cost: Relatively low fuel and maintenance costs, but
high regulatory compliance expenses.
2. Hydroelectric Power Plants:
• Capital Cost: Moderate to high construction costs for dam and
infrastructure.
• Operating Cost: Low fuel and maintenance costs, but may incur
periodic maintenance expenses for turbines and generators.
3. Thermal Power Plants (Coal, Gas, Oil):
• Capital Cost: Moderate to high initial investment for plant
construction and pollution control equipment.
 • Operating Cost: Varies based on fuel prices, with higher costs for
coal and lower for gas; maintenance costs can be significant.
4. Wind Power Plants:
• Capital Cost: Moderate investment for turbine installation and grid
connection.
• Operating Cost: Low fuel costs as wind is free, but maintenance
costs can be relatively high.
5. Solar Power Plants:
• Capital Cost: Moderate to high investment for solar panel
installation and grid connection.
• Operating Cost: Very low fuel costs, but maintenance costs for
panels and inverters can be significant.
6. Geothermal Power Plants:
• Capital Cost: Moderate to high investment for drilling and
infrastructure.
• Operating Cost: Low fuel costs, but maintenance expenses for
wells and equipment can add up.
7. Biomass Power Plants:
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• Capital Cost: Moderate investment for plant construction and fuel
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processing facilities.
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• Operating Cost: Variable depending on biomass fuel prices and

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maintenance requirements for boilers and turbines.

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Explain the Energy, economic and environmental issues of power

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plants.
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Energy, Economic, and Environmental Issues of Power Plants:

1. Energy:
• Energy Efficiency: Ensuring maximum energy output from fuel
sources.
• Energy Security: Reliable access to fuel and power supply to meet
demand.
• Renewable Energy Transition: Shift towards sustainable energy
sources for long-term energy security.
2. Economic:
• Cost of Electricity: Balancing affordability for consumers with
profitability for utilities.
• Capital Investment: High upfront costs for plant construction and
infrastructure.
• Job Creation: Providing employment opportunities in construction,
operation, and maintenance of power plants.
3. Environmental:
• Air Pollution: Emission of pollutants such as CO2, SO2, NOx
contributing to smog and climate change.
• Water Usage: Consumptive water use for cooling and
environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
• Land Use: Land requirements for power plant construction and
potential habitat disruption.
• Waste Management: Proper disposal of ash, radioactive waste, and
other byproducts to prevent environmental contamination.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Minimizing ecological impacts and
preserving biodiversity in areas affected by power plant
operations.

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