ESPOL FIMCP

Energy Conversion Systems

1. A solar photovoltaic (PV) panel is attached to a satellite vehicle which orbits just
above the Earths atmosphere. The panel is fixed so that it always faces the sun. If
the PV panel has an overall solar to electricity conversion efficiency of 10%, estimate
the area of the PV panel required to generate 200 watts of electricity. Assume that
the solar radiation outside the earths atmosphere is 1367 Wm-2.
2. The visible light is the solar radiation contained in the electromagnetic wave
spectrum 0.4 to 075 micrometre. Conversion of the energy contained in this
spectrum requires the use of semiconductor materials to form photovoltaic cells.
Explain why semiconductors materials are particularly suitable for conversion of the
sun light.
3. With the aid of sketches, explain why biomass can be considered as a renewable
energy resource, considering that burning biomass also releases carbon dioxides,
similar to burning fossil fuels.
4. Briefly described the difference between ocean wave energy and ocean tidal energy.
5. Give a brief review of the environmental impact factors associated with wind farm
developments.
6. Using IV curves, show how changes in the available solar radiation and the
temperature of a PV cell influence the IV characteristics of a given photovoltaic cell.
7. What area (m2) of land is needed to supply an energy crop for the following micoscale biomass power generator? The rating power generator is 20 kW (electricity).
During the course of a year it operates at full load for 6000 hrs. Its electric power
generation efficiency is 20%. The biomass power generator is to be supplied from a
dedicated energy crop which has an average energy value of 15 GJ/dry tonne. The
average yield of the energy crop is 10 dry tonne per hectare per year (1 hectare =
10000 m2, 1 kWh = 3.6 MJ).
8. Closed loop solar heating systems are suitable for domestic solar water heating and
solar space heating. Sketch a diagram of such a solar system identifying all its
components and the function of each.
9. Calculate the wind power available for a wind turbine with rotor diameter 46 m when
the wind velocity is 8 m/s and the density of air is 1.2 kg/m3. Under these conditions
the electrical power generated by the turbine is 180 kW. Calculate the turbine
generating efficiency. Given that the density of air changes with temperature
recalculate the available power for a colder climate assuming a 10% change in
density for the value given.