About this previous year paper
This question paper is from the B.Tech Semester III examination for the subject Energy Science and Engineering (KOE033).
It carries 100 marks and covers the complete syllabus related to energy fundamentals, nuclear physics, solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, conservation techniques, and environmental sustainability.
The exam duration is 3 hours, and the paper is divided into three structured sections: A, B, and C, each designed to test conceptual knowledge, analytical ability, and engineering-level understanding.
SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (20 Marks)
This section contains 10 questions of 2 marks each, covering core concepts:
Entropy and the statement “entropy of universe tends to be maximum”
BTU (British Thermal Unit) significance
Fusion vs fission nuclear reactions
Binding energy dependence on atomic number
Working of solar cells
Solar radiation terms: latitude angle, hour angle
Warm springs in geothermal energy
Limitations of OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion)
Energy audit and its types
Alternatives to tackle global energy crisis
These questions test basic definitions, scientific principles, and fundamental energy concepts.
SECTION B – Analytical & Theoretical Questions (30 Marks)
Students must attempt any three out of five questions (each 10 marks). Topics include:
Concept of quantum and quantization of energy
Nuclear forces and energy scales in nuclear energy
P-type vs N-type semiconductor with band diagrams
Tidal power plant — working principle, advantages, limitations, India’s status
Nuclear waste disposal methods & understanding the energy crisis
This section evaluates the student’s ability to explain principles, differentiate technologies, and elaborate energy systems.
SECTION C – Long, Engineering-Oriented Questions (50 Marks)
This section has five major questions, each with two choices. Students must attempt one part from each.
Q3 – Thermodynamic Cycles (10 marks)
Carnot heat engine working with P-V & T-S diagrams
OR Phase change energy conversion + Rankine cycle with diagram
Q4 – Nuclear Energy (10 marks)
Binding energy curve, stability, fusion & fission explanation
OR nuclear fission reactor design + PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor)
Q5 – Semiconductor & Solar PV (10 marks)
Carrier transport, generation, recombination, semiconductor junction physics
OR Solar PV cell: construction, working, performance curve, fill factor, efficiency
Q6 – Wind & Geothermal Energy (10 marks)
Fluid dynamics of wind energy, Betz law, rotor blade effects
OR Geothermal power plant construction, working & limitations
Q7 – Environment & Conservation (10 marks)
Global warming and its environmental impact
OR energy conservation principles, lighting systems, LEED ratings, green building & green architecture
This section assesses engineering applications, diagrams, cycle analysis, environmental understanding, and renewable energy mechanisms.
OVERALL SUMMARY
The Energy Science and Engineering (KOE033) question paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of:
Thermodynamics & entropy
Nuclear energy fundamentals
Semiconductor and solar PV concepts
Tidal, wind, and geothermal energy systems
Energy conservation methods
Green buildings & environmental sustainability
Global energy crisis solutions
It tests both theoretical clarity and practical engineering understanding, preparing students for advanced energy-related fields.