(Question # 01)

Part A: How is nuclear energy created and how does it work in nuclear power
plant?

Nuclear energy is the energy that is released from the nucleus of atoms, either
by splitting them (fission) or fusing them (fusion). Nuclear energy can be used
to generate electricity.

Nuclear fission: This is the most common way of producing nuclear energy. It
involves breaking apart the nuclei of heavy atoms, such as uranium-235, by
bombarding them with neutrons. This releases a large amount of energy, as well
as more neutrons that can cause a chain reaction. The energy is used to heat
water and produce steam, which then drives a turbine and a generator to
produce electricity. Nuclear fission also produces radioactive waste, which
needs to be safely stored and disposed of.

Nuclear fusion: This is the opposite of nuclear fission. It involves fusing the
nuclei of light atoms, such as hydrogen, to form heavier atoms, such as helium.
This also releases a large amount of energy, but it is much harder to achieve
and control. Nuclear fusion requires very high temperatures and pressures,
which are difficult to create and maintain. Nuclear fusion does not produce
radioactive waste, but it may produce other environmental and safety issues.
Nuclear fusion is still in the research and development stage, and no
commercial power plant based on this technology exists yet.

A nuclear power plant works by using the energy released from splitting atoms
to heat water and produce steam, which then drives a turbine and a generator
to produce electricity. Here is a short summary of the main steps:

Nuclear fuel, such as uranium-235, is placed in a reactor core, where it

undergoes fission and releases energy and neutrons.

A moderator, such as water, slows down the neutrons and helps sustain the
chain reaction.

A coolant, such as water, removes heat from the reactor core and transfers it to
a steam generator.

The steam generator converts water into steam, which spins a turbine and a
generator to produce electricity.

The steam is then condensed back to water and reused in the system.

The reactor core is surrounded by a shield or a containment structure, which

protects the environment from radiation and prevents the escape of radioactive
material.
(Part B): How does Nuclear Energy Impact the Environment?

Some environmental impacts of nuclear energy are:

1. Nuclear energy does not emit greenhouse gases or air pollutants during
operation, which can help reduce global warming and improve air quality.
2. However, nuclear energy does emit carbon dioxide and other gases
during the mining, construction, transportation, and decommissioning
stages, which can contribute to climate change and environmental
degradation.
3. Nuclear energy produces radioactive waste, which is hazardous and can
remain active for thousands of years. Radioactive waste can pose a risk of
contamination, leakage and its exposure to humans and animals can
cause health problems or even death.
4. Radioactive waste also requires careful storage and disposal, which can
be costly and challenging.
5. Nuclear energy can cause accidents, such as meltdowns, explosions, or
fires, which can have devastating consequences for the environment and
the society.

(Part C): Explain the nuclear fission process inside the reactor of the nuclear
power plant.

The following are the steps inside the reactor of a nuclear power plant.

1. The reactor core contains fuel rods that are made of uranium-235, a type
of atom that can split easily when hit by a neutron. The fuel rods are
surrounded by water, which acts as both a coolant and a moderator. A
coolant is a substance that removes heat from the reactor core and
transfers it to a steam generator. A moderator is a substance that slows
down the neutrons produced by fission, which helps sustain the chain
reaction.
2. The reactor also has control rods, which are made of a material that can
absorb neutrons, such as boron. The control rods can be inserted or
withdrawn from the reactor core to adjust the rate of fission and the
power output.
3. The fission process starts when a neutron is absorbed by a uranium-235
nucleus, which makes it unstable and causes it to split into two smaller
 nuclei, called fission products. This releases a large amount of energy, as
well as two or three more neutrons.
4. The neutrons then collide with other uranium-235 nuclei, causing them to
split as well. This creates a chain reaction which is self-sustaining, as
long as there are enough neutrons and uranium-235 nuclei in the reactor
core.
5. The energy released by fission heats up the water in the reactor core,
which turns into steam. The steam then flows to a turbine, which spins a
generator to produce electricity. The steam is then condensed back to
water and returned to the reactor core, where it is heated again by
fission.
6. The fission products, which are radioactive, remain in the fuel rods and
gradually decay over time. The fuel rods need to be replaced periodically,
when they become too damaged. The spent fuel rods are then stored or
disposed of safely, as they pose a risk of radiation exposure and
contamination.

(Part d): What is the function of a moderator inside a nuclear reactor?

The function of a moderator inside a nuclear reactor is to slow down the fast
neutrons that are produced by the fission of atoms, such as uranium-235. By
slowing down the neutrons, the moderator makes them more likely to be
absorbed by other uranium-235 nuclei, which can cause more fission events and
sustain the nuclear chain reaction. The moderator also helps to control the
power output of the reactor by adjusting the rate of fission.

Some common materials used as moderators are water, heavy water, and
graphite. These materials have a low neutron absorption cross-section, which
means they do not capture many neutrons themselves, and a high neutron
scattering cross-section, which means they can effectively bounce off and
reduce the speed of neutrons. The choice of moderator depends on the type and
design of the reactor, as well as the cost and availability of the material.

(Part E): Enumerate and explain the essential components of a nuclear power
plant.

The essential components of a nuclear power plant are:

1. Nuclear reactor: This is the device where the nuclear fission reaction
takes place. It contains the fuel rods, which are made of fissile material,
such as uranium-235. The fuel rods are arranged in a core, which is
surrounded by a moderator, such as water, that slows down the neutrons
and helps sustain the chain reaction. The reactor also has control rods,
which are made of a material that can absorb neutrons, such as boron.
The control rods can be inserted or withdrawn from the core to adjust the
power output and the rate of fission. The reactor also has a shield or a
containment structure, which protects the environment from radiation
and prevents the escape of radioactive material.
2. Steam generator: This is a heat exchanger that converts water into steam
by using the heat produced in the reactor core. The steam generator is
part of the secondary circuit, which is separate from the primary circuit
 that contains the reactor coolant. The steam generator transfers the heat
from the primary circuit to the secondary circuit without mixing the
fluids. The steam generator is used in pressurized water reactors (PWRs),
which are the most common type of nuclear reactors.
3. Turbine: This is a device that extracts mechanical energy from the
pressurized steam and uses it to spin a shaft. The turbine is connected to
a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
The turbine is also part of the secondary circuit, and it receives the steam
from the steam generator. The turbine can have multiple stages, which
increase the efficiency and the power output.
4. Condenser: This is a device that cools down and condenses the steam
back into water. The condenser is also part of the secondary circuit, and
it receives the steam from the turbine. The condenser uses a cooling
water system, which can be either a closed loop or an open loop. A closed
loop system recirculates the cooling water and uses a cooling tower to
dissipate the heat. An open loop system uses a natural water source, such
as a river or a lake, to cool down the water and returns it back to the
source. The condenser reduces the pressure and the temperature of the
steam, which improves the efficiency and the safety of the system.
5. Feedwater system: This is a system that pumps the water from the
condenser back to the steam generator. The feedwater system is also part
of the secondary circuit, and it completes the cycle of water and steam.
The feedwater system also has a heater, which uses the steam from the
turbine to preheat the water before it enters the steam generator. This
increases the thermal efficiency and the performance of the system.

(Question # 02)

(Part A): Describe the essential features of hydro-electric power plant.

A hydro-electric power plant is a type of power plant that uses water to

generate electricity. The basic principle of a hydro-electric power plant is to
convert the potential energy of stored water or the kinetic energy of flowing
water into mechanical energy, and then into electrical energy. The essential
features of a hydro-electric power plant are the components that are necessary
for the generation of electricity from water. These components are:

1. A dam or a reservoir that collects and stores water at a high elevation.

The water in the reservoir has potential energy due to its height and
gravity.
 2. A penstock or a pipe that carries water from the reservoir to the turbine.
The water in the penstock gains kinetic energy due to its speed and
pressure.
3. A turbine or a wheel that rotates when water hits its blades. The turbine
converts the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy, which is
used to spin a generator.
4. A generator or a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy. The generator produces alternating current (AC) electricity,
which is then transmitted to the grid or the consumers.
5. A tailrace or a channel that returns water from the turbine to the river or
the sea. The water in the tailrace has less energy than the water in the
reservoir.

(Part B): What are the key benefits of a draft tube inside a hydro-electric power
plant?

The key benefits of a draft tube inside a hydro-electric power plant are:

1. It increases the pressure of the water at the exit of the turbine, which
reduces the risk of cavitation and improves the efficiency and the output
of the turbine. Cavitation is a phenomenon where water vapor bubbles
form and collapse in low-pressure regions, which can damage the turbine
blades and reduce the performance.
2. It recovers some of the kinetic energy of the water that would otherwise
be wasted, which increases the overall efficiency and the power output of
the power plant. The draft tube works by converting some of the kinetic
energy of the water into useful pressure energy.

(Part C): What is a spill way? Why are spillways required and what are the
different types of spillways?

A spillway is a passage for surplus water to run over or around an obstruction,

such as a dam, when the reservoir is full. Spillways are important for preventing
water from damaging the dam or flooding the downstream areas. There are
different types of spillways, such as controlled and uncontrolled, depending on
whether they have gates or other structures to regulate the water flow.

Spillways are required for the safety and efficiency of dams, as they can prevent
the following problems:

1. Overtopping: This is when water flows over the top of the dam, which can
cause erosion, damage, or failure of the dam.
2. Flooding: This is when water rises above the normal level and covers land
that is usually dry. Flooding can occur upstream or downstream of the
dam, depending on the amount and timing of water release.
3. Pressure: This is the force exerted by water on the dam and its
foundation. Pressure can increase when the water level in the reservoir
rises or when the water flow in the river increases.

There are different types of spillways, depending on the design, location, and
function of the dam. Some of the common types of spillways are:
 1. Chute spillway
2. Ogee spillway
3. Shaft spillway
4. Siphon spillway
5. Side channel spillway

(Part d): Explain in detail, the working of hydro power station with the sketch.

The hydro power station works as follows:

1. The water stored in a reservoir or a dam has potential energy due to its
height and gravity. The reservoir also helps to regulate the flow of water
according to the demand and the season.
2. The water flows through a pipe called a penstock, which carries the water
from the reservoir to the turbine. The water in the penstock gains kinetic
energy due to its speed and pressure. The penstock also has a valve,
which can stop or regulate the flow of water.
3. The water hits the blades of a turbine, which is a machine that rotates
when water or steam passes through it. The turbine converts the kinetic
energy of water into mechanical energy, which is used to spin a
generator. The turbine also has a nozzle, which directs the water to the
blades at a high speed.
4. The generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy. The generator produces alternating current (AC) electricity,
which is then transmitted to the grid or the consumers. The generator is
connected to the turbine by a shaft.
5. The water leaves the turbine and enters a draft tube, which is a device
that increases the pressure of the water at the exit of the turbine. This
reduces the risk of cavitation and improves the efficiency and the output
of the turbine. The draft tube also allows the turbine to be placed above
the tail race, which makes it easier to inspect and maintain the turbine.
6. The water returns to the river or the sea through a channel called a tail
race. The water in the tail race has less energy than the water in the
reservoir. The tail race also helps to maintain a low pressure at the exit of
the turbine.

(Part E): Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydro-electric power plant.

Advantages:

1. Hydro-electric power plant is a renewable source of energy, which means

it does not lessen the natural resources and can be refilled by the water
cycle.
2. Hydro-electric power plant does not emit greenhouse gases or air
pollutants during operation, which can help reduce global warming and
improve air quality.
3. Hydro-electric power plant is reliable and adjustable, as it can provide a
steady and flexible supply of electricity, unlike some renewable sources
that depend on weather conditions.
4. Hydro-electric power plant is efficient and cost-effective, as it can
produce a lot of electricity from a small amount of water and fuel. It also
has low operation and maintenance costs compared to other sources of
energy.
5. Hydro-electric power plant can create reservoirs that can be used for
other purposes, such as irrigation, fishing, recreation, and flood control.

Disadvantages:

1. Hydro-electric power plant can affect the environment and the

ecosystem, as it can alter the natural flow of water, the habitat of aquatic
life, and the sedimentation of rivers.
2. Hydro-electric power plant can be expensive and complex to build and
maintain, as it requires a lot of land, materials, and labor. It also depends
on the availability and suitability of water sources and locations.
3. Hydro-electric power plant can pose a risk of accidents or disasters, such
as dam failures, earthquakes, or landslides, which can cause flooding,
damage, or loss of life.
4. Hydro-electric power plant can emit carbon dioxide and methane during
the construction, transportation, and decommissioning stages, as well as
from the decomposition of organic matter in the reservoirs. These gases
can contribute to climate change and environmental degradation.

(Question # 03)

(Part A): Explain the classification of hydro turbine power.

A hydro turbine power is the power output of a hydro turbine, which is a device
that converts the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy. Hydro
turbines are used in hydroelectric power plants, which generate electricity from
the potential energy of water stored in dams or reservoirs. The power output of
a hydro turbine depends on the water flow rate, the water head, the turbine
efficiency, and the generator efficiency. The power output of a hydro turbine
can be calculated by the following formula:

P=ηρgQH

where:

P is the power output in watts

η is the overall efficiency of the turbine and the generator

ρ is the density of water in kilograms per cubic meter

g is the acceleration due to gravity in meters per second squared

Q is the water flow rate in cubic meters per second

H is the water head in meters.

Classification of hydro turbine power is the process of grouping different types

of hydro turbines based on their characteristics and functions. Hydro turbines
are devices that convert the kinetic energy and potential energy of water into
mechanical energy, which can then be used to generate electricity. There are
different ways of classifying hydro turbines, but some of the common criteria
are:

1. The direction of flow of water: This refers to how the water enters and
exits the turbine. There are three main types of flow: tangential, radial,
and axial. Tangential flow turbines have water flowing tangentially to the
path of rotation, such as Pelton turbines. Radial flow turbines have water
flowing radially inward or outward, such as Francis turbines. Axial flow
turbines have water flowing parallel to the axis of rotation, such as
Kaplan turbines.
2. The available head of water: This refers to the difference in height
between the water level in the reservoir and the water level in the tail
race. The head of water represents the potential energy of water that is
converted into kinetic energy by the turbine. There are three main ranges
of head: high, medium, and low. High head turbines operate under a head
of water above 300 m, such as Pelton turbines. Medium head turbines
operate under a head of water between 60 m and 300 m, such as Francis
turbines. Low head turbines operate under a head of water below 60 m,
such as Kaplan turbines.
3. The specific speed of the turbine: This refers to the speed of rotation of
the turbine at its maximum efficiency. The specific speed is a
dimensionless number that depends on the power output, the head of
water, and the diameter of the turbine. There are three main ranges of
specific speed: low, medium, and high. Low specific speed turbines have
a specific speed below 50, such as Pelton turbines. Medium specific
speed turbines have a specific speed between 50 and 250, such as
Francis turbines. High specific speed turbines have a specific speed
above 250, such as Kaplan turbines.
4. The action of water on the turbine: This refers to whether the water
changes its pressure as it passes through the turbine. There are two main
types of action: impulse and reaction. Impulse turbines have water
flowing at atmospheric pressure and changing its velocity only, such as
Pelton turbines. Reaction turbines have water flowing at varying pressure
and changing both its velocity and direction, such as Francis and Kaplan
turbines.

(Part B): Explain with a neat sketch, a pumped storage hydro plant, state its
advantages.
A pumped storage hydro plant is a type of hydroelectric power plant that can
store and generate electricity by using water. It works by pumping water from a
lower reservoir to a higher reservoir when there is excess or cheap electricity
available, and then releasing the water back to the lower reservoir through a
turbine when there is high demand or price for electricity. By doing this, a
pumped storage hydro plant can act like a giant battery that can balance the
supply and demand of electricity on the grid.

Some of the advantages of a pumped storage hydro plant are:

1. It can provide a reliable and flexible source of electricity, as it can

respond quickly to changes in demand and supply, and can operate for
long durations.
2. It can support the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar
and wind, which are intermittent and variable. By storing the excess
electricity from these sources and releasing it when needed, a pumped
storage hydro plant can reduce the wastage of renewable energy, and
improve the stability and reliability of the grid.
3. It can improve the efficiency and the economics of the power system, as it
can use low-cost or surplus electricity to pump water, and then generate
high-value or peak electricity when the demand or price is high. By doing
this, a pumped storage hydro plant can reduce the operating costs and
increase the revenues of the power system.

(Part C): Explain the diesel power station with the help of block diagram.
A diesel power station is a type of power station that uses a diesel engine as the
prime mover to drive an alternator and generate electricity. A diesel power
station works as follows:

The diesel engine burns diesel fuel in a combustion chamber, where it converts
the chemical energy of the fuel into mechanical energy. The diesel engine has a
piston that moves up and down in a cylinder, where it compresses air and
injects fuel. The fuel-air mixture ignites and expands, pushing the piston down
and creating a power stroke. The power strokes of different cylinders are
synchronized to produce a smooth and continuous rotation of the crankshaft.

The crankshaft is connected to the alternator by a coupling or a belt. The

alternator converts the mechanical energy of the crankshaft into electrical
energy. The alternator produces alternating current (AC) electricity.

The diesel power station also has several auxiliary systems and components that
support the operation of the engine and the alternator. These include the air
intake system, the exhaust system, the fuel supply system, the cooling system,
the lubrication system, and the starting system.

(Question # 04)

Draw and explain the layout of modern diesel power plant showing the following
systems.

1. Fuel supply system

2. Lubrication system
Fuel supply system: This system consists of a fuel tank for the storage of fuel,
fuel filters, and pumps to transfer and inject the fuel. The fuel oil is supplied
from the tank through the filter to the fuel injectors. The fuel injector injects the
fuel into the cylinder and mixes it with compressed air. The injected fuel gets
ignited and combustion takes place. This liberates the huge amount of energy
which is utilized to run the generator to produce electric power.

Lubrication system: This system consists of a lubricating oil tank, a pump, a

filter, a cooler, and a network of pipes and valves. The lubricating oil is supplied
from the tank through the filter and the cooler to the engine parts. The
lubricating oil reduces the friction and the wear and tear of the engine parts,
such as the piston, the cylinder, the crankshaft, and the bearings. The
lubricating oil also helps to remove the heat and the dirt from the engine parts.
The lubricating oil is then returned to the tank, where it is filtered and cooled
again.

The layout of a diesel power plant refers to the arrangement and configuration
of the components and systems that are involved in the generation of electricity
from diesel fuel. The layout of a diesel power plant has changed over time due
to the advances in technology and the best practices in the industry. Some of
the main differences between old and modern layout of diesel power plant are:
the use of combined cycle gas turbine instead of simple open cycle gas turbine,
the use of multi-shaft configuration instead of single shaft configuration, and the
use of electronic systems and components instead of mechanical systems and
components. These differences result in higher efficiency, lower emissions,
better reliability, and lower cost for the modern diesel power plant.

(Question # 05)

(Part A): Environmental effects of nuclear power plant.

Some environmental impacts of nuclear energy are:

1. Nuclear energy does not emit greenhouse gases or air pollutants during
operation, which can help reduce global warming and improve air quality.
2. However, nuclear energy does emit carbon dioxide and other gases
during the mining, construction, transportation, and decommissioning
 stages, which can contribute to climate change and environmental
degradation.
3. Nuclear energy produces radioactive waste, which is hazardous and can
remain active for thousands of years. Radioactive waste can pose a risk of
contamination, leakage, or exposure to humans, animals, and plants, and
can cause health problems, genetic mutations, or death.
4. Radioactive waste also requires careful storage and disposal, which can
be costly and challenging.
5. Nuclear energy can cause accidents, such as meltdowns, explosions, or
fires, which can have devastating consequences for the environment and
the society.

(Part B): Environmental effects of Wind Turbine.

Some of the environmental impacts of wind turbine are:

1. Wind turbine does not emit greenhouse gases or air pollutants during
operation, which can help reduce global warming and improve air quality.
However, wind turbine does emit carbon dioxide and other gases during
the construction, transportation, and decommissioning stages, which can
contribute to climate change and environmental degradation.
2. Wind turbine produces noise and visual impacts, which can affect the
aesthetic and acoustic quality of the landscape. Wind turbine can also
interfere with the radar, radio, and television signals, which can affect
the communication and navigation systems.
3. Wind turbine can affect the wildlife and the habitat, especially birds and
bats, which can collide with the turbine blades or experience changes in
air pressure. Wind turbine can also alter the vegetation, soil, and water
resources, which can affect the biodiversity and the ecosystem services.
4. Wind turbine can create social and economic benefits, such as job
creation, income generation, and community development. Wind turbine
can also reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and increase the energy
security and resilience.

(Part C): Solar panels works on what component of solar radiation and why?

Solar panels work on the component of solar radiation that is called photons,
which are the smallest units of light that carry energy. Solar panels use a
process called the photovoltaic effect to convert the energy of photons into
electricity. The photovoltaic effect occurs when photons hit the surface of a
solar cell, which is made of a material called silicon, and create electron-hole
pairs. These are pairs of free electrons and positively charged spaces in the
silicon structure. The solar cell has an electric field that separates the electron-
hole pairs and pushes them to opposite sides of the cell, creating an electric
current. The electric current from many solar cells is then combined to form a
solar panel, which can produce more power.

(Part D): What is carbon capturing?

Carbon capturing is the process of recovering carbon dioxide (CO2) from the
emissions produced by industrial facilities and power plants and moving it to
locations where it can be kept from entering the atmosphere. The main goal of
carbon capturing is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate
change.

(Question # 06)

(Part A): Wind turbine power plant.

A wind turbine power plant is a type of power plant that uses wind turbines to
generate electricity from the kinetic energy of wind. Wind turbines are devices
that have propeller-like blades that rotate when wind blows over them. The
rotation of the blades drives a generator that produces alternating current (AC)
electricity, which can be transmitted to the grid or the consumers.

Wind turbine power plants are renewable and clean sources of energy, as they
do not deplete the natural resources and do not emit greenhouse gases or air
pollutants. However, wind turbine power plants also have some disadvantages,
such as noise and visual impacts, wildlife and habitat effects, and variability and
intermittency of wind.

(Part B): Geothermal power plants.

A geothermal power plant works by using the heat from the Earth to generate
electricity. The basic steps are:

1. A production well is drilled into a geothermal reservoir, where hot water

or steam is trapped under high pressure.
2. The hot water or steam is brought to the surface and used to spin a
turbine, which is connected to a generator.
3. The electricity is transmitted to the grid or used locally.
4. The water or steam is cooled and re-injected into the reservoir to
maintain the pressure and sustain the resource.

The type of geothermal power plant depends on the temperature and quality of
the geothermal resource. There are three main types: dry steam, flash steam,
and binary cycle.

(Part C): Nuclear hazards and safety practices.

Some of the main nuclear hazards and safety practices are:

Internal hazards: These are the hazards that originate from within the nuclear
facility, such as equipment failures, human errors, fires, explosions, or
sabotage. Internal hazards can cause accidents that release radioactive
materials into the environment or expose workers and the public to radiation.
To prevent or mitigate internal hazards, nuclear facilities need to have reliable
design, operation, maintenance, and emergency preparedness and response
systems.

External hazards: These are the hazards that originate from outside the nuclear
facility, such as earthquakes, floods, storms, landslides, aircraft crashes, or
terrorist attacks. External hazards can damage the nuclear facility or its safety
systems, or interfere with its normal operation. To prevent or mitigate external
hazards, nuclear facilities need to have robust design, site selection, and
protection measures that take into account the potential natural and human-
induced events that could affect the facility.

Radiation protection: This is the practice of limiting the exposure of workers,

the public, and the environment to ionizing radiation from nuclear sources.
Radiation protection involves the use of shielding, distance, time, and
administrative controls to reduce the radiation dose received by people and the
environment. Radiation protection also involves the monitoring and assessment
of radiation levels and doses, and the provision of medical care and follow-up for
those who are exposed to radiation.

(Part D): Ocean Wave and tidal energy power plants.

An ocean wave and tidal energy power plant is a system that uses the movement
of seawater to generate electricity from renewable sources. The working
principle of an ocean wave and tidal energy power plant is based on converting
the mechanical energy of the seawater into electrical energy. The mechanical
energy can be in the form of potential energy (due to the difference in water
levels), kinetic energy (due to the water flow), or both. The electrical energy is
generated by using turbines, generators, and other devices that are connected
to the power grid or other loads.