About this previous year paper
This document is a B.Tech (Semester IV) Theory Examination Question Paper for the subject BOE404 – Energy Science & Engineering, conducted in the academic year 2023–2024.
The exam is 3 hours, carries 70 marks, and evaluates the student’s knowledge of thermodynamics, nuclear energy, solar energy, wind energy, tidal & ocean thermal energy, semiconductors, IC engines, green building, and national energy scenario.
The paper includes short conceptual questions, analytical explanations, diagram-based questions, numerical problems, and energy system descriptions.
SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (14 Marks Total)
Students answer all 7 questions (2 marks each). These cover core energy concepts:
Entropy of the universe and second law of thermodynamics
Control rods in nuclear reactors (absorb neutrons & regulate reaction)
Short note on V–I characteristics of solar cells
Definitions:
Tip speed ratio (wind turbines) Pitch angle
Brief overview of India’s energy scenario Alternatives to energy crisis (renewable energy, conservation, efficiency)
Difference between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors
This section tests fundamental understanding of multiple energy systems.
SECTION B – Descriptive / Diagram-Based Questions (21 Marks)
Attempt any three of the five 7-mark questions.
a. Phase Energy Conversion Mechanism
Explains how energy interacts between system & surroundings using phase changes.
b. Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
Neat labeled sketch required.
Includes water moderation, pressurizer, steam generator, reactor vessel, along with merits & demerits.
c. Direct vs Diffuse Solar Radiation
Difference with diagrams: Direct beam radiation
Diffuse sky radiation Total radiation concepts
d. Tidal Energy in India
Status and why tidal energy isn’t widely utilized (site limitations, cost, technology).
e. Green Buildings & Energy Conservation
Integrated concept including:
Energy conservation principles LEED ratings
Green building/architecture concepts
This section evaluates analytical explanation and diagram interpretation skills.
SECTION C – Long Answer / Advanced Analytical Questions (35 Marks Total)
Students must attempt one part from each number.
3. Steam Power Plant / IC Engines (7 Marks)
Option (a)
Draw layout of coal-fired steam power plant including boiler, economizer, turbine, condenser, cooling tower, feed pump.
Explain Rankine cycle using P–V and T–S diagrams.
Option (b)
Describe working of internal combustion engines and compare 4-stroke petrol vs diesel engines.
4. Nuclear Physics Concepts / Nuclear Fission (7 Marks)
Option (a)
Explain:
Nuclear chain reaction Quantum mechanics basics used in nuclear physics
Radioactivity & decay types Nuclear energy levels
Half-life
Option (b)
Explain nuclear force, binding energy, and the fission process with suitable examples.
5. Semiconductor Physics / Solar Angles Calculation (7 Marks)
Option (a)
Concepts of semiconductors: Carrier generation & recombination
Carrier transport Semiconductor junction basics
Option (b)
Calculate Local Apparent Time (LAT) & solar declination for Ahmedabad (given longitude & date).
6. OTEC / Wind Power Fluid Dynamics (7 Marks)
Option (a)
Classify OTEC systems.
Draw & explain Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion system with neat sketch.
Option (b)
Explain:
Fluid dynamics in wind energy conversion
Betz law for maximum power extraction
Influence of rotor blade number on performance
7. Energy Awareness / Embodied Energy (7 Marks)
Option (a)
Explain Energy Awareness Campaign—its importance in conservation programs.
Option (b)
Explain embodied energy analysis and its role in measuring sustainability of building materials.
Overall Purpose of the Document
This exam paper comprehensively evaluates knowledge in:
Renewable Energy Technologies
Solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, OTEC systems.
Nuclear Science & Engineering
Chain reactions, reactors (PWR), radioactivity, binding energy.
Thermodynamics & Engines
Entropy, Rankine cycle, IC engine comparison.
Electrical & Semiconductor Concepts
Solar cell V–I curve, semiconductor physics.
Green Building & Sustainability
LEED ratings, embodied energy, green architecture.
India’s Energy Scenario & Crisis Management
Energy resources, alternatives, conservation principles.
The paper includes definitions, diagrams, derivations, numerical calculations, and applied energy engineering concepts, ensuring a full assessment of Energy Science & Engineering.