Renewable Energy Course Notes

Course Outcomes

  • C305-4.1: Explain the need for renewable energy sources, environmental impacts, challenges in electric grid and Smart Grid.
  • C305-4.2: Analyze solar radiation basics, solar photovoltaics, and balance of PV systems.
  • C305-4.3: Analyze wind energy resources and the design of wind generators.
  • C305-4.4: Illustrate biomass energy resources and the extraction process.

Detailed Syllabus Lecture-Wise Breakup

Module 1: Introduction (4 Lectures)

  • Overview of energy use and related issues.
  • Major energy options and supply/demand issues.
  • Energy conversions and global climate change issues.
  • Effects on ecology and biodiversity.
  • Status of renewable energy in India.

Module 2: Solar Energy (10 Lectures)

  • Fundamentals of solar radiation.
  • Solar resource assessment, photovoltaic fundamentals, balance of PV systems.
  • Solar thermal energy discussion.

Module 3: Wind Energy (8 Lectures)

  • Wind resource assessment and basics of aerodynamics.
  • Maximum power extraction from wind - fundamental equations.
  • Basic design concepts of wind energy generators.

Module 4: Biomass Energy (6 Lectures)

  • Overview of biomass resources and energy extraction methods.
  • Landfill gas and waste-to-energy conversion.
  • Energy balances and economics of biomass energy.

Module 5: Electric Grid (2 Lectures)

  • Basic operations and performance issues.
  • New developments and current challenges in the electric grid.

Renewable Energy Overview

  • Definition: Energy collected from resources that naturally replenish, like sunlight, wind, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.
  • Waste-to-energy conversion processes include:
    • Methanation: Anaerobic digestion of organic waste into biogas.
    • Incineration: Combustion of waste to produce electricity through steam.
    • Gasification & Pyrolysis: Decomposition of materials using heat in controlled environments.

Electricity Production Process

  • Electrical power production involves:
    • Generators converting mechanical energy into electrical power via turbines.
    • Steam generated from water in boilers using various energy sources (thermal, nuclear, geothermal).
    • Transmission through transformers and electrical grids to end-users.

Waste-to-Energy Technologies

  • Bio-Methanation: Involves anaerobic digestion leading to biogas and manure.
  • Incineration: Complete combustion of waste to recover heat and produce electricity.
  • Gasification: Uses high temperatures to produce synthetic gas (syngas) for energy recovery.
  • Pyrolysis: Breaks down materials into gases, liquids, and solids without oxygen.

Comparisons of Waste Treatment Methods

  • Similarities: All use heat for waste disposal and energy recovery.
  • Differences:
    • Incineration focuses on burning waste, producing ash and emissions.
    • Pyrolysis operates without oxygen producing char and bio-oil.
    • Gasification produces a mixture of gases by reacting feedstocks with limited oxygen/steam.

Non-Renewable vs Renewable Energy

  • Non-Renewable Energy: Includes petroleum products, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy.
  • Predominantly consumed in the U.S. and globally.

Indian Energy Scenario (2003 Data)

  • Coal constitutes 55% of India’s electricity supply.
  • Growth in natural gas share from 10% to 13% over several years.
  • Increasing reliance on renewables with significant targets set for 2028.

Energy and Environment Impact

  • Major pollutants include Sulphur dioxide, NOx, and heavy metals.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels

  • Advantages: Cost-effectiveness, high energy yield.
  • Disadvantages: Pollution and depletion of resources, endanger miners' livelihoods.

Nuclear Energy Overview

  • Used for electricity and other applications; no waste gases produced.
  • Risks include hazardous waste disposal and potential radiation leaks.

Role of Renewable Energy

  • Essential for reducing pollutants, preserving ecology, and combating climate change.
  • Provides infinite sources unlike fossil fuels, critical for future energy needs.

Solar Energy Applications

  • Solar thermal systems for heating, solar PV for electricity conversion.
  • Advantages: Eco-friendly, renewable and versatile.
  • Disadvantages: Weather-dependent production, high initial investment.

Wind Energy Fundamentals

  • Emerging source; operates on the principles of aerodynamics through turbine designs.
  • Advantages: Clean energy, renewable, usable land beneath turbines.
  • Disadvantages: Requires consistent wind; visual and noise pollution challenges.

Current Trends in Renewable Energy in India

  • Commitment to bolster renewable sectors post-COVID-19 through economic stimulus.
  • Significant investments projected for electric transport and energy sectors, promoting sustainability and resilience.