BGS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Mahalakshmi layout, Bengaluru- 560086

RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT

(BME654B)

MODULE - 01
 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)

Syllabus: Module-1
Introduction to Renewable Energy: Overview of global energy demand and the need for
renewable energy, Comparison of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, Environmental
benefits and challenges of renewable energy.
Solar Radiation: Extra-terrestrial radiation, spectral distribution of extra-terrestrial radiation,
solar constant, solar radiation at the earth's surface, beam, diffuse and global radiation
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Introduction to Renewable Energy

Definition:
Renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural sources that are replenished continuously.
Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form and are limited in supply, renewable energy
sources are sustainable and have a lower environmental impact.

Types of Renewable Energy Sources:

1. Solar Energy: Captured from the sun using solar panels, photovoltaic cells, and solar thermal
systems.
2. Wind Energy: Harnessed using wind turbines to generate electricity.
3. Hydropower: Generated by the movement of water in rivers, dams, or tidal systems.
4. Biomass Energy: Derived from organic materials like wood, crop waste, and animal manure.
5. Geothermal Energy: Utilizes heat from the Earth's core to generate electricity or provide
direct heating.
6. Tidal and Wave Energy: Captures the energy of ocean tides and waves for power
generation.

Advantages of Renewable Energy:

 Sustainability: Unlike fossil fuels, renewable sources do not deplete over time.
 Environmentally Friendly: Lower greenhouse gas emissions reduce pollution and climate
change effects.
 Economic Benefits: Creates job opportunities in the energy sector and reduces reliance on
imported fuels.
 Energy Security: Diversifies energy sources, reducing dependence on finite resources.
 Low Operating Costs: After installation, renewable energy systems have minimal fuel costs.

Challenges of Renewable Energy:

 Intermittency: Some sources, like solar and wind, depend on weather conditions.
 High Initial Investment: The cost of setting up renewable energy infrastructure can be
significant.
 Space Requirements: Large-scale projects, like solar farms and wind farms, require
substantial land or water areas.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)
 Storage and Distribution: Efficient energy storage and grid integration are required for
continuous supply.

India and Global Energy Scenario

The global energy landscape is undergoing significant transformations, driven by increasing

demand, technological advancements, and policy shifts towards sustainability. Both globally and
within India, energy consumption patterns are evolving, reflecting economic growth and efforts to
transition to cleaner energy sources.

Global Energy Scenario

 Energy Consumption Trends: In 2023, global energy consumption reached a record high,
increasing by 2% to 620 exajoules (EJ). This surge was primarily driven by fossil fuels, which
contributed 81.5% to the global primary energy mix, a slight decrease from 81.9% in the
previous year.
 Electricity Generation: Global electricity generation grew by 2.5% in 2023, reaching 29,925
terawatt-hours (TWh). This growth rate was 25% faster than the overall increase in global
primary energy consumption, indicating a trend toward electrification in the energy system.
 Fossil Fuels: Despite global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, consumption reached a
record high in 2023, increasing by 1.5% to 505 EJ. This growth was driven by coal (up 1.6%)
and oil (up 2%), with oil consumption surpassing 100 million barrels per day for the first
time.
 Renewable Energy: Renewable energy sources continue to grow, but the pace needs to
accelerate to meet global climate targets. The share of renewables in the energy mix is
increasing, driven by policy support and technological advancements.

India's Energy Scenario

 Energy Consumption: India's energy demand is growing rapidly, with significant

implications for the global energy market. The country's per capita electricity consumption
increased to 1,395 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a 45.8% rise
from 957 kWh in 2013-14.
 Electricity Generation Capacity: As of March 2024, India's total electricity generation
capacity reached 442 gigawatts (GW). The composition of this capacity includes coal (49%),
solar (18%), hydro (11%), and wind (10%). Notably, non-fossil-based electricity capacity
constituted 45% of the total, moving towards the target of 50% by 2030.
 Policy Initiatives: The Indian government has implemented various policies to boost oil and
gas exploration, aiming to reduce dependence on imports and enhance energy security.
Recent legislation seeks to attract more investments by stabilizing policies, allowing
international arbitration, and extending lease periods.
 Renewable Energy Expansion: India is making significant strides in expanding its
renewable energy capacity. Solar and wind energy installations are increasing, supported by
favorable policies and investments.

Both globally and in India, the energy sector is witnessing a dynamic shift towards sustainability.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)
While fossil fuels continue to dominate the energy mix, there is a clear trend towards increased
adoption of renewable energy sources. India's proactive policies and significant investments in
renewable energy are positioning it as a key player in the global energy transition.

Need for Non-Conventional (Renewable) Energy Sources

With the growing energy demand and depletion of fossil fuels, the need for non-conventional energy
sources has become crucial. Non-conventional energy sources, also known as renewable energy
sources, include solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy.

Reasons for the Need for Non-Conventional Energy Sources

1. Limited Availability of Fossil Fuels

o Conventional energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas are depleting rapidly.
o Renewable sources provide a sustainable alternative.
2. Environmental Concerns
o Fossil fuels cause air pollution, global warming, and climate change.
o Renewable energy is eco-friendly and reduces carbon emissions.
3. Rising Energy Demand
o With industrialization and urbanization, global energy needs are increasing.
o Renewable sources can help meet this demand without harming the environment.
4. Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
o While the initial investment is high, non-conventional energy sources reduce long-
term energy costs.
o Solar and wind energy have low maintenance costs.
5. Energy Security and Independence
o Many countries rely on imported fossil fuels, making them vulnerable to price
fluctuations.
o Renewable energy promotes self-reliance and energy security.
6. Rural Electrification
o Remote and rural areas often lack access to electricity.
o Renewable sources like solar and biomass can provide power in off-grid locations.
7. Sustainability for Future Generations
o Renewable energy ensures a continuous supply without harming future generations.
o It helps in achieving sustainable development goals.

The shift towards non-conventional energy sources is essential for a cleaner, greener, and more
sustainable future. Governments and individuals must invest in and adopt renewable energy
technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect the environment.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)

Differences Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Resources

Environmental Benefits and Challenges of Renewable Energy

Introduction

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, play a crucial role in
sustainable development. They provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources. However, despite their
benefits, renewable energy also presents certain challenges that must be addressed for efficient
implementation.

Environmental Benefits of Renewable Energy

1. Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

o Renewable energy sources do not produce significant carbon dioxide or other
greenhouse gases, which helps mitigate climate change.
o Wind and solar energy generate electricity without emitting pollutants.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)

2. Decreased Air and Water Pollution

o Unlike coal and natural gas power plants, renewable energy sources do not release
harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter.
o Hydroelectric and wind power systems do not require water for cooling, reducing the
risk of water pollution.
3. Conservation of Natural Resources
o Fossil fuels are finite, whereas solar, wind, and hydropower are renewable and
sustainable.
o Biomass energy, when sourced responsibly, can help maintain ecological balance by
utilizing organic waste efficiently.
4. Reduced Dependency on Non-Renewable Energy
o Transitioning to renewable energy reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, ensuring
energy security and economic stability.
5. Preservation of Ecosystems and Biodiversity
o Unlike fossil fuel extraction and mining, renewable energy installations have a lower
impact on ecosystems when planned and managed properly.
o Offshore wind farms, for example, can serve as artificial reefs, supporting marine
biodiversity.

Challenges of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power offer sustainable
alternatives to fossil fuels. However, there are several challenges associated with their adoption and
integration.

1. Intermittency and Reliability

 Renewable sources depend on environmental conditions (e.g., sunlight, wind speed), making
energy production inconsistent.
 Energy storage solutions (e.g., batteries) are needed to ensure a steady power supply.

2. Energy Storage and Management

 Efficient storage systems like lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro are required to handle
fluctuations in supply and demand.
 Advanced energy management systems help optimize energy usage and distribution.

3. Grid Integration and Stability

 Integrating renewable energy into the existing power grid is complex due to voltage
fluctuations and frequency variations.
 Smart grids and real-time monitoring help maintain stability and efficiency.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)
4. High Initial Costs and Infrastructure Challenges

 The installation of renewable energy systems involves high capital investment in equipment
and infrastructure.
 Long-term benefits and cost reductions through technological advancements need to be
considered.

5. Data Management and Optimization

 Large volumes of data from sensors and smart meters require efficient processing and
storage.
 Advanced analytics and AI-driven forecasting improve energy efficiency and reliability.

6. Geographical Limitations

 Certain renewable sources require specific locations (e.g., hydropower near rivers, solar in
sunny regions).
 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies assist in site
selection and planning.

7. Scalability and Adoption

 Transitioning from traditional energy sources to renewable systems requires policy support
and public acceptance.
 Governments and industries need effective strategies for large-scale implementation.

Despite its challenges, renewable energy remains a vital solution for sustainable power generation.
Addressing issues such as intermittency, grid stability, and storage will lead to greater adoption and
efficiency in the future.

Solar Radiation

Introduction

Solar radiation refers to the electromagnetic energy emitted by the Sun, which reaches the Earth in
the form of light and heat. This energy is essential for various natural and technological processes,
including climate regulation, photosynthesis, and solar power generation.

Composition of Solar Radiation

Solar radiation consists of different types of electromagnetic waves, including:

 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Short-wavelength radiation that contributes to ionization and

chemical reactions.
 Visible light: The portion of solar radiation that is detectable by the human eye.
 Infrared (IR) radiation: Longer-wavelength radiation responsible for heat energy.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)

Energy from the sun is called solar energy. The Sun’s energy comes from nuclear fusion reaction that
takes place deep in the sun. Hydrogen nucleus fuses into helium nucleus. The energy from these
reactions flow out from the sun and escape into space.
Solar energy is sometimes called radiant energy. These are different kinds of radiant energy emitted by
sun. The most important are light infrared rays. Ultra violet rays, and X- Rays. The sun is a large sphere
of very hot gases. Its diameter is 1.39×106 km while that of the earth is 1.27×104 km.
The mean distance between the two is 1.5×108 km. Although sun is large, it subtends an angle of only
32 minutes (0.53o) at the earth’s surface.
This is because of the large distance between two. Thus beam radiation received from the sun on the
earth is almost parallel. The brightness of the sun varies from its center to the edge.

The beam radiation received from the sun on the earth is reflected into space, another 15% is absorbed
by the earth's atmosphere and the rest is absorbed by the earth’s surface. This absorbed radiation
consists of light and infrared radiation without which the earth would be barren.
All life on the earth depends on solar energy. Green plants make food through photosynthesis. Light is
essential form in this process to take place. This light usually comes from the sun. Animal get their food
from plants or by eating other animals that feed on plants. Plants and animals also need some heat to
stay alive. Thus plants are storehouses of solar energy. The solar energy that falls on India in one
minute is enough to supply the energy needs of our country for one day. Man has made very little use of
this enormous amount of solar energy that reaches the earth.

EXTRATERRESTRIAL RADIATIONS

The intensity of solar radiation keeps on attenuating as it propagates away from the surface of the sun,
though the wavelengths remain unchanged. Solar radiation incident on the outer atmosphere of the
earth is known as Extraterrestrial Radiation, Iext. The extraterrestrial radiation deviates from solar
constant value due to two reasons. The first is the variation in the radiation emitted by the sun itself.
The variation due to this reason is less than ±1.5 per cent with different periodicities.

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The second is the variation of earth-sun distance arising from earth's slightly elliptic path.
The variation due to this reason is ±3 per cent and is given by:

Iext = Isc [1+0.033 cos (360 n/365)] W/m².

where n is the day of the year starting from January 1.

The extraterrestrial radiation, being outside the atmosphere, is not affected by changes in atmospheric
conditions. While passing through the atmosphere it is subjected to mechanisms of atmospheric
absorption and scattering depending on atmospheric conditions, depleting its intensity. A fraction of
scattered radiation is reflected to space while the remaining is directed downwards. Solar radiation
that reaches the earth's surface after passing through the earth's atmosphere is known as Terrestrial
Radiation.
The terrestrial radiation expressed as energy per unit time per unit area (i.e. W/m²) is known as Solar
Irradiation.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)

Spectral Distribution of Extra-Terrestrial Radiation

Extra-terrestrial radiation refers to the solar energy received at the outer edge of Earth's atmosphere
before it interacts with atmospheric gases, aerosols, and clouds. Its spectral distribution spans
ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) wavelengths, peaking in the visible range (~0.5 µm).

The graph shows two curves:

1. Extra-terrestrial radiation (top curve): Represents the solar irradiance without atmospheric
interference, closely following the blackbody radiation curve of the Sun (approximately 5778 K).

2. Terrestrial radiation (lower curve): Depicts the solar irradiance that reaches Earth's surface
after absorption and scattering by atmospheric components, such as ozone (absorbing UV),
water vapor, and carbon dioxide (absorbing infrared).

The difference between these curves highlights the impact of the atmosphere on solar radiation,
reducing energy levels across all wavelengths, especially in the ultraviolet and infrared regions.
Understanding this distribution is crucial for solar energy applications, climate modeling, and
atmospheric studies.

• It is defined as the rate at which energy is incident on a surface per unit area of the earth's
surface. The incident energy per unit area on a surface can be found by the integration over a
spectral time, usually an hour or a day
• The spectral distribution of extra-terrestrial radiation refers to the wavelengths and intensities
of radiation coming from sources outside of Earth's atmosphere.
• extra-terrestrial radiation can provide valuable insights into the composition and behaviour of
celestial bodies, as well as help us understand the physical processes occurring in the universe.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)

Solar Constant

The solar constant (Isc) is the rate at which solar energy arrives at the top of Earth's atmosphere. It
represents the amount of energy received per unit time on a unit area perpendicular to the Sun’s
direction at the average Earth-Sun distance.

Since the Sun's distance and activity vary throughout the year, the actual value of the solar constant
fluctuates by up to 3% in either direction.

Standard Values of Solar Constant (NASA):

 1970 Value: 1353 W/m²

 Revised Value: 1367 W/m²
 In Langley’s per hour: 116.5 Langley/h (1 Langley = 1 cal/cm² per day)
 In British Thermal Units (BTU): 429.2 BTU/ft²/h

Significance of the Solar Constant:

 Helps in climate studies and understanding Earth’s energy balance.

 Plays a key role in solar energy applications.
 Essential for meteorological and space research.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)

Solar Radiation at Earth’s Surface

When solar radiation reaches the Earth's atmosphere, it undergoes significant modification before
arriving at the surface. This is primarily due to the processes of absorption and scattering, which alter
the intensity and composition of the incoming solar energy.

Absorption of Solar Radiation

Absorption occurs when certain atmospheric gases and particles capture specific wavelengths of solar
radiation, converting them into heat energy. The main absorbers of solar radiation in the atmosphere
include:

 Ozone (O₃): Primarily found in the stratosphere, ozone absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet
(UV) radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface.
 Water Vapor (H₂O): Present in varying amounts, water vapor absorbs infrared radiation and
contributes to atmospheric heating.
 Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): A greenhouse gas that absorbs infrared radiation, playing a role in
global warming.
 Other Gases: Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen (O₂), and methane (CH₄)
also absorb certain portions of the solar spectrum, though to a lesser extent.
 Particulate Matter: Dust, smoke, and aerosols in the atmosphere also contribute to absorption,
altering the balance of incoming solar energy.

As a result of absorption, the internal energy of the atmosphere increases, leading to localized heating,
cloud formation, and weather variations.

Scattering of Solar Radiation

Scattering occurs when solar radiation interacts with molecules and particles in the atmosphere,
causing it to be redirected in multiple directions. Unlike absorption, scattering does not convert
radiation into heat but instead redistributes it. There are different types of scattering:

 Rayleigh Scattering: Caused by gas molecules (such as nitrogen and oxygen), this type of
scattering is more effective for shorter wavelengths (blue and violet light). This is why the sky
appears blue during the day.
 Mie Scattering: Caused by larger particles like dust, smoke, and water droplets, this type of
scattering affects all wavelengths more evenly, contributing to the white or grayish appearance
of the sky during hazy or overcast conditions.
 Non-selective Scattering: Occurs when particles are much larger than the wavelength of light,
such as in thick clouds, causing all wavelengths to be scattered equally and resulting in a white
appearance.

Some of the scattered radiation is redirected back into space, reducing the amount of energy that
reaches the Earth's surface. However, a portion of this scattered radiation continues downward, adding to
the diffuse solar radiation received at the surface.
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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)

Types of Solar Radiation

Solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface is classified into three main components: Direct (Beam)
Radiation, Diffuse Radiation, and Global Radiation. These components are influenced by
atmospheric absorption, scattering, and reflection.

1. Direct or Beam Radiation

Direct or beam radiation refers to solar radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface without being
scattered or absorbed by the atmosphere. It travels in a straight path from the sun and casts well-
defined shadows.

 It is the most intense form of solar radiation.

 The amount of direct radiation varies depending on atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover,
air pollution, and the angle of the sun.
 On clear days, a significant portion of solar energy received at the surface is in the form of direct
radiation.

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 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PLANT (BME654B)
2. Diffuse Radiation

Diffuse radiation consists of solar radiation that has been scattered or reflected by atmospheric
particles, gases, clouds, and aerosols before reaching the Earth’s surface. Unlike direct radiation, it
comes from all directions in the sky rather than a single source.

 It occurs because atmospheric particles scatter solar radiation in multiple directions.

 Even on cloudy or hazy days, some solar radiation reaches the surface in the form of diffuse
radiation.
 Shadows appear less defined when diffuse radiation is dominant.

3. Global Radiation

Global radiation, also known as total solar radiation, is the sum of direct (beam) and diffuse
radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

Global Radiation = Direct Radiation + Diffuse Radiation

 It represents the total amount of solar energy available at a given location.

 Global radiation is an essential parameter for solar energy applications, such as photovoltaic
(PV) systems and solar thermal collectors.

Key Differences
Type of
Source Direction Influence of Atmosphere
Radiation
Direct (Beam) Comes straight from the Travels in a single Minimally affected; reaches
Radiation sun direction surface without scattering
Diffuse Scattered by atmospheric Arrives from all parts of Significantly affected; changes
Radiation particles the sky direction due to scattering
Global Combination of direct and Includes radiation from Depends on atmospheric
Radiation diffuse radiation the sun and the sky conditions

The distribution of solar radiation components varies depending on weather conditions, time of day,
and location. On a clear day, direct radiation dominates, while on a cloudy day, diffuse radiation is
the primary component. Understanding these components is crucial for designing solar energy
systems and predicting solar power generation efficiency.

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