ENERGY TECHNOLOGY

Bio-Gas
Main source for production is wet cow dung or wet livestock and even human waste. Particular significance for India because of its large cattle population. Sources of bio-gas are: (i) Sewage, (ii) crop residue, (iii) vegetable wastes (iv) animal wastes (v) Algae.

Bio-Gas
In cities, the main source is sewage and the produced biogas contains 84% methane. Hence, is a high quality fuel. In rural areas, it is used in cooking, lighting, generation of electricity.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

Indirect method of utilizing solar energy. Large amount of solar energy is collected and stored in tropical oceans. Temperature difference is 20-25K. Mainly found in France.

OTEC
Utilization of this energy, with its associated temperature difference and its conversion into work, forms the basis of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems The surface water which is at higher temperature could be used to heat some low boiling organic fluid, the vapours of which would run a heat engine.

TIDAL ENERGY
Periodic rise and fall of the water level of sea is called tide. Tides in the sea are the result of the universal gravitational effect of heavenly bodies like sun and moon on the earth. When the water is above the mean sea level, it is called flood tide and when the level is below the mean sea level, it is called ebb tide.

TIDAL ENERGY

TIDAL ENERGY
The use of tides is practical in a few favourably situated sites where the geography of an inlet or bay favours the construction of a large scale hydroelectric plant. A dam would be built, across the mouth of the bay. It will have large gates in it and also low head hydraulic reversible turbines are installed in it. A tidal basin is formed, which gets separated from the sea, by dam.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Energy lies within the earth in can be used in two ways: Heat energy transferred to working fluid which operates the power cycle (Useful at places of fresh volcanic activity). Hot geothermal water/steam is used to operate turbine. Generally, hot water is not used only steam because of dissolved salts.

HYDROGEN ENERGY
Has highest energy content per unit mass than any chemical fuel.
Has increased combustion efficiency.

Difficulties/Problems: Production, storage, transportation

FUEL CELL

FUEL CELL
It is distinguished from a battery in that it operates with continuous replenishment of the fuel and the oxidant at active electrode area and does not require recharging. Main components of a cell are (i) a fuel electrode, (ii) an oxidant or air electrode and (iii) an electrolyte. Eg: hydrogen, oxygen (H2,O2); Hydrazine (N2H4, O2); carbon/coal (C,O2); methane (CH4,O2). Primary drawbacks: low voltage, high initial costs and low service life.

ADVANTAGES OF FUEL CELL

It is a direct conversion process and does not involve a thermal process, so it has high operating efficiency. Present day fuel cell efficiency is 38% and it is expected to reach 60%. The unit is lighter, smaller and needs less maintenance. Fuel power plants may further cut generation costs by reducing transmission losses. Little pollution, little noise, so that it can be readily acceptable in residential areas.

Magneto Hydro-Dynamics (MHD) Generator

Magneto Hydro-Dynamics (MHD) Generator

Direct conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. Works on Faradays Principle. Conductors are ionized gas/liquid metal. Temperature in excess of 2800oC is required to produce ionized gas.

THERMIONIC CONVERTER

THERMIONIC CONVERTER
Two electrodes with ionized cesium vapour. Heat energy is converted to electrical energy. Anode: Barium & Strontium oxides Cathode: Tungsten impregnated with barium Efficiency 8% Used in space power applications.