Question

1. What is a CHP system and why is it efficient?

2. Explain the direct use of geothermal energy and a geothermal heat pump.

3. Describe the types of biomass energy that can be used in buildings.

4. Describe photovoltaic (PV) power and where it can be used in buildings.

5. How does elevation of a wind turbine affect turbine output?

6. Explain the components of a run-of-the-river hydropower system.

7. With respect to a rainwater harvesting system, explain first-flush washing

Answer 1

1) in CHP system the energy generated is used and the heat which is wasted is made the best use of. CHP system means combined heat and power system. It is very efficient technology in terms of energy production because it generates energy and utilizes the heat released in the process which otherwise will be wasted. The captured heat is used to heat the water and reduce the steam thereby enhancing the efficiency of the plant as a whole.This system of energy generation is commonly used in industrial applications.

2) In geothermal process the heat of the inner Earth is utilised to generate the energy. The geo-thermal energy is directly used for various heating purposes like cooking, heating multiple buildings , space heating etc . The hot water under earth's surface is pumped out with the help of the geo-thermal heat pump.

3) The term biomass itself stands for biological mass that is the biological waste, food waste, spills etc is utilised. The biomass energy generated from the decomposable woods ,and other agricultural waste products.

4) In photovoltaic system the energy is harnessed by converting sun's heat energy into electricity. The PV cell or photovoltaic module captures the heat emanating from Sun and does the process of conversion. The PV system can be very easily installed on the roof top of a building and small applications of lighting can be done in a building with the help of this energy.

5) when turbine of windmill rotates then it generates electricity. Higher the speed of the wind larger will be the rotation of the turbine. We know that at higher altitude the wind blows most steadily therefore if we increase the elevation of the wind turbine it increases the turbine output. Power increases with the factor of cube as the elevation after wine increases.

6)In hydro power system the force of the running water rotates the turbine which in turn drives the generator. This water is again fed back into the main river. This water level difference creates run-off of the water. In this system reservoir is not needed establish the flow of water.

7) Rainwater harvesting system is an efficient technique to conserve water. When it rains the initial water carries all the dust and pebbles into the reservoir (in technical terms it is known as cistern) . This contaminated water is flushed out with the help a device. This process is called first flush washing in the context of rainwater harvesting system. This process helps in storing high quality water and needs no further fliteration before it seeps underground .