About this previous year paper
This question paper belongs to B.Tech Semester IV, subject Energy Science and Engineering (KOE-043).
The exam carries 100 marks and the duration is 3 hours.
The paper evaluates students' understanding of:
Basic concepts of energy, nuclear physics & quantum physics
Renewable energy sources (wind, solar, bio-energy, ocean energy)
Green building science & sustainability
Classical thermodynamic cycles (Carnot & Brayton)
Semiconductor physics
Wind mill working principles
Energy auditing and nuclear fuel cycles
The paper is divided into three major sections – A, B, and C.
2. Section A – Short Conceptual Questions (20 Marks)
Section A contains 10 short questions, each worth 2 marks, aimed at fundamental understanding.
Topics include:
● Potential Energy
Examples from mechanical or natural systems.
● Energy Quantization
Discrete energy levels in quantum systems.
● Electricity Consumption Calculation
Simple power-time relationship (kWh).
● Charge Carriers in Semiconductors
Electrons and holes.
● Bio-Energy Conversion
How energy is generated from biomass, biofuel, biogas.
● Wind Farm Life
Typical operational lifespan of wind turbines.
● Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
Why OTEC is considered renewable.
● Green Building Characteristics
Energy efficiency, materials, ventilation, sustainability.
● LEED Rating Criteria
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification requirements.
● Embodied Energy
Method of calculating total energy used in producing a material.
This section checks basic theoretical understanding of energy science.
3. Section B – Detailed, Derivation & Explanation-Based Questions (30 Marks)
Students must attempt any three (3) questions; each question carries 10 marks.
Topics include:
● Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation
Quantum mechanics foundation derivation.
● Binding Energy Calculation
Using mass defect formula for nuclei.
● Radioactive Decay Law
Showing that decay follows an exponential relationship.
● Solar Radiation Measuring Devices
Pyranometer, Pyrheliometer etc. with diagrams.
● Green Building Concept
Sketch, features, factors making a building eco-friendly.
This section focuses on derivations, nuclear calculations, solar instrumentation, and sustainability concepts.
4. Section C – Advanced, Application-Oriented & Cycle-Based Questions (50 Marks)
Section C contains five parts, and students must attempt one question from each part, each carrying 10 marks.
Part 3 – Thermodynamic Cycles
Choice between:
● Carnot Vapour Power Cycle
T–s diagram + efficiency derivation.
OR
● Brayton Cycle
Gas turbine cycle explanation + efficiency in terms of pressure and temperature ratios.
Part 4 – Nuclear Energy & Reactors
Choice between:
● Binding Energy Meaning + Calculation
Binding energy per nucleon for carbon-12.
OR
● Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
Construction, working, merits & demerits with neat sketch.
Part 5 – Semiconductor & Solar Devices
Choice between:
● p-n Junction
Operation under forward and reverse bias.
OR
● V–I and P–V Characteristics of PV Cell
Derivation + behavior under illumination.
Part 6 – Wind Energy & Fluid Mechanics
Choice between:
● Continuity Equation + Wind Power Derivation
1-D fluid flow + wind power formula.
OR
● Wind Mill Power Generation
Principle, derivation of maximum theoretical efficiency (Betz limit).
Part 7 – Energy Audit & Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Choice between:
● Energy Audit Methodology
Steps + key instruments (lux meter, flue gas analyzer, power analyzer, etc.).
OR
● Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Stages: mining → milling → fuel fabrication → reactor use → storage → reprocessing.
This section tests analytical thinking, engineering application, renewable energy depth, thermodynamic understanding, and practical energy system knowledge.
Final Summary (Meaning of WHAT DESCRIPTION)
This WHAT DESCRIPTION gives a complete, long, structured, section-wise explanation of:
The structure of the question paper
The purpose of each section
The type of questions asked
The subject topics covered
Expected depth of understanding
It helps the student quickly understand what the exam covers and how it is organized.