Unit 1 BME-1[1]

Unit I: Energy and Its Utilization

  • Instructor: Dr. Shijo Thomas, B.E, M.E, MBA, PhD

  • Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automobile Engineering

  • Email: shijo.thomas@christuniversity.in

Textbooks

  1. K.R. Gopalkrishna, "A Text Book of Elements of Mechanical Engineering", Subhash Publishers, Bangalore.

  2. S. Trymbaka Murthy, "A Text Book of Elements of Mechanical Engineering", 3rd revised edition, I.K. International Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 2010.

  3. P.K. Nag, "Engineering Thermo Dynamics", Tata McGraw-Hill Education, 2005.

Reference Books

  1. SKH Chowdhary, AKH Chowdhary, Nirjhar Roy, "The Elements of Workshop Technology", Vol. I & II, Media Promoters and Publishers, Mumbai.

  2. Ghosh Mallik, "Manufacturing Technology", TMH.

  3. HMT, "Production Technology", TMH.

  4. Dr. R. P. Reddy, N. Kapilan, "Elements of Mechanical Engineering", 1st Edition, Himalaya Publishing House, New Delhi.

Energy Resources

Conventional Energy Sources

  • Definition: Energy sources that are relatively cheaper and mostly used for daily needs.

  • Examples: Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas), nuclear fuel.

Non-Conventional Energy Sources

  • Definition: Alternate sources of energy needed where conventional sources are insufficient.

  • Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, ocean thermal energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy.

Introduction to Energy

  • Definition: The capacity to do work in various forms.

Sources of Energy

  1. Conventional / Non-renewable Sources: Includes fossil fuels, nuclear fuels.

  2. Non-conventional / Renewable Sources: Includes solar, hydro, wind, geothermal, tidal, biomass, ocean thermal, wave energy.

Energy Resources Analysis

Classification

Conventional Energy Sources

  • Characteristics: Generally inexpensive, widely available.

  • Examples:

  • Fossil fuels (petroleum, coal, natural gas) formed from ancient organic material under heat and pressure.

  • Nuclear fuels, derived from radioactive materials like uranium and plutonium.

Non-conventional Energy Sources

  • Characteristics: Renewable, sustainable alternatives.

  • Examples:

  • Solar (energy from the sun), wind (kinetic energy converted to power), geothermal (heat from the earth), biomass (organic materials).

Types of Fuels

1. Conventional Fuels

Solid Fuels

  • Examples: Coal, peat, lignite.

  • Types:

    • Naturally occurring: wood, peat, lignite.

    • Prepared: charcoal, coke, pulverized coal.

2. Liquid Fuels

  • Examples: Crude oil, naphtha, alcohols.

  • Classification:

    • Light oils (used in IC engines)

    • Heavy oils (used in furnaces).

3. Gaseous Fuels

  • Examples: Natural gas (methane), LPG.

  • Classification:

    • Naturally occurring.

    • Produced through processing of solid fuels.

    • Derived from petroleum.

Comparison of Fuel Types

Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Solid Fuels:

    • Advantages: Easily stored and transported.

    • Disadvantages: High ash content, inefficient combustion.

  • Liquid Fuels:

    • Advantages: High calorific value, easy handling.

    • Disadvantages: Expensive, requires specific infrastructure for storage.

  • Gaseous Fuels:

    • Advantages: Clean combustion, easy to store and transport.

    • Disadvantages: Infrastructure expenses, safety concerns.

Nuclear Energy

  • Definition: Energy from nuclear reactions, particularly nuclear fission.

  • Nuclear Fuels: Uranium-235, plutonium-239.

  • Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Includes extraction, processing, enrichment, and use as reactor fuel.

  • Risks: Radioactive waste, contamination, regulation needs.

Non-Conventional Resources Overview

  • Importance due to limited availability of conventional sources.

  • Encourages research in alternative energy technologies to meet power generation needs.

Renewable Energy Types

1. Solar Energy

  • Types:

    • Thermal collectors: Absorb solar energy for heat.

    • Photovoltaic cells: Convert solar energy directly into electricity.

2. Wind Energy

  • Definition: Conversion of wind kinetic energy into mechanical/electrical energy using wind turbines.

  • Advantages: Free, renewable, low maintenance.

  • Disadvantages: High setup cost, efficiency varies with wind conditions.

3. Ocean Thermal Energy

  • Utilizes temperature differences between warm surface water and cold deep water for energy generation.

4. Biomass and Biofuels

  • Biomass: Organic materials (wood, agricultural waste).

  • Biofuels: Used as an alternative for diesel and gasoline. Includes biodiesel and bioethanol.

5. Geothermal Energy

  • Harnesses heat from the earth for power generation.

  • Challenges: Limited to certain locations, environmental concerns regarding mineral content.

6. Tidal Energy

  • Based on tidal patterns to drive turbines.

  • Advantages: Predictable and environmentally friendly.

  • Disadvantages: High infrastructure costs and ecological impacts.

Applications of Non-Conventional Resources

  • Water heating, electricity generation, refrigeration, cooking, and industrial processes.