Diploma in Electrical and Electronics

I Semester
Basics of Electrical Power System- 20EE11T
Oct / Nov 2021

Scheme and Model Answers

Section -1
1a Any five points on importance→ 5 x 1 = 5
1b. Meaning + Effect + Prevention of water hammer → 2+2+1=5
1c. Any 10 points on advantages or disadvantages → 10 x 1 =10

2a. Any five factors on selection → 5 x 1 = 5

b. Environmental impact of thermal power plant → Any 5 points 5x 1 = 5
c. Schematic diagram + working of thermal power plant→ 5+5

Section-2
3a. Comparison → Any 5 points → 5 x 1 =5
b. Schematic diagram + explanation → 6 + 2 x 2
c. Any five advantages → 5 x 1 = 5

4a.Definition + Sketch + Construction +Working of solar cell 2+ 3+3+2

4b. Any 10 points on advantages or disadvantages 10 X 1 = 10

Section -3
5a. Any 5 applications on solar PV system → 5 x 1 = 5
5b. Sketch + explanation of horizontal axis wind turbine → 5+5
5c. Any five factors affecting the distribution → 5 x 1 = 5

6a. Block diagram of MSW to energy incineration plant → 6

6b. Any two types of biogas plant → 2 x 2
6c. Any five factors for site selection→ 5 x 1 = 5
6d. Definition + any three types of fuel cells → 2+3

Section-4
7a. Block diagram + explanation of PV-Wind hybrid system → 5+5
7b. Definitions → 5 x 2 =10

8a. Any five advantages of combined operation → 5 x 1 =5

8b. Formula + Calculation →2 + 3 = 5
8c. Single line diagram + explanation of AC transmission and distribution → 5+5

Section-5
9a. Block diagram + explanation of HVDC transmission → 5+5
9b. Any four requirements + definitions 4+ 3 x 2 =10

10a. Labelled single line diagram of 11kV/400V→ 6

10b. Definitions 2 x 2= 4
10c. Any five functions of power generation and distribution companies. 5+5
Section -1
1a Explain the importance of electrical power generation 5 x 1 = 5
The electrical power generation is important due to following reasons:
i. Convenient form: Electrical energy is a very convenient form of energy. It can be
easily converted into other forms of energy like heat, light, mechanical energy, chemical
energy, etc.
ii. Easy control: The electrically operated machines have simple and convenient starting,
control and operation.
iii. Greater flexibility: Electrical energy offers greater flexibility and it can be easily
transported from one place to another with the help of conductors.
iv. Cheap: Electrical energy is much cheaper than other forms of energy. Thus it is
economical to use electrical energy for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes.
v. Cleanliness: Electrical energy is not associated with smoke, fumes or poisonous gases.
Hence it is non-polluting.
vi. High transmission efficiency: Electrical energy can be transmitted conveniently
and efficiently from the centres of generation to the consumers with the help of
transmission lines.

1b. Explain the meaning of water hammer and its effect. Name the component used to
prevent water hammer. 2+2+1=5
Water hammer and its effect:
• Whenever there is sudden reduction in the load on the turbine, the governor closes the
gates of the turbine to reduce the water flow.
• It causes pressure to increase abnormally in the penstock.
• This results in hammering action in the penstock known as water hammer.
• If the water hammer is not prevented it may result in bursting of penstock.

Water Hammer – Its Prevention:

• Surge tank is used to prevent water hammering effect.

1c. List the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power plant ? 10 x 1 =10
Advantages
 It requires no fuel as water is used for the generation of electrical energy.
 It is neat and clean since no smoke and ash is produced.
 It requires low running cost (operating cost) because water is freely available in nature.
 It is simple in construction and requires less maintenance.
 It does not require long starting time like thermal power stations. It can be put into service
instantly.
 It is robust and has a long life.
 It does not need highly skilled persons for operation.
Disadvantages of hydroelectric power plant:
 It requires high capital cost (initial cost) due to construction of dam.
 It requires large land area.
 The duration required for construction of dam is very long (about 10years) ▪ Skilled and
experienced persons are required to build the plant.
 Power generation depends on weather conditions.
 Transmission cost and losses are very high because hydroelectric plants are located in hilly
areas which are away from load centres.
 Due to construction of dams and reservoirs, a large portion of area is submerged in water
which leads to environmental and social problems.
2a. List any five factors for selection of site of thermal power plant Any 5 points 5x1=5
1. Supply of fuel:
The steam power station should be located near the coal mines so that the transportation
cost of fuel is minimum.
2. Availability of water:
Huge amount of water is required to produce steam and to condense exhaust steam from
the turbine.
3. Transportation facilities:
The power station should be well connected by road or rail for the transportation of men,
material and machinery.
4. Cost and type of land:
The cost of land should be less and also it should be capable of bearing the load of heavy
equipments.
5. Nearness to load centre:
The plant should be located near the load centre to reduce the transmission cost and
transmission losses.
6. Distance from populated area:
The plant should be located at a considerable distance from the populated area because
large amount of smoke and fumes are produced as huge amount of coal is burnt in
thermal power station, which pollute the surrounding area.

b. Explain the environmental impact of thermal power plant → Any 5 points 5x 1 = 5

Impact on Atmosphere:
1. Thermal power plants are known to pump out a lot of greenhouse gases like
Co2, So2, No2 and ash.
2. Carbon dioxide is one of the main contributors of global warming.
3. Oxides of Sulphur and Nitrogen are also produced. Sulphur dioxide affects the scattering
of incoming sunlight and the formation of clouds.
4. Sulphur dioxide forms Sulphuric acid in the atmosphere and returns to Earth as acid rain
and impact various ecosystems.
5. Nitrogen oxides cause visibility and respiratory issues, and they can also combine with
other atmospheric gases and moisture to form acid rain and smog.
6. Ash have multiple effects on waterways and soil. They change the alkaline level of the
soil/water, which can render the soil useless for agricultural purposes and water becomes
non-potable. It can also cause visibility issues, respiratory illness etc.

Impact on Lithosphere
1. Large amount of land is used to dispose fly ash from the coal based plants.
2. Due to the fly ash the natural soil properties changes and becomes more alkaline.

Impact on Biosphere
Regular exposure to high noise levels emanating from power plants from the usage of
equipment like boilers, turbines and crushers, affects people working in the plants.

Impact on Hydrosphere
1. Thermal power plant uses large quantity of water.
2. The dust from coal-cleaned water contaminates groundwater.
3. The hot water, if let out into water bodies without cooling, causes a rise in
temperature and affects aquatic flora and fauna.
2c. With the help of a schematic diagram explain the working of nuclear power plant 5+5

A generating station in which nuclear energy is converted into electrical energy is known as
nuclear power station.
• In nuclear power station, enriched Uranium (U235) is subjected to controlled nuclear
fission in a special apparatus known as nuclear reactor.
• The heat energy released during nuclear fission is carried by the coolant to the heat
exchanger which produces steam at high pressure and temperature.
• This steam runs the steam turbine which converts heat energy of steam into mechanical
energy.
• The turbine in turn drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy.
• The exhaust steam from the turbine is condensed in the cooling system.

Section-2

3a. Compare thermal power plant with nuclear power plant 5 x 1 =5

Sl.
Nuclear power station Thermal power station
No.
Heat released due to nuclear Heat released due to combustion of
1 fission of U235 is used for steam coal is used for steam generation.
generation.
Amount of fuel required is very Large amount of fuel is required.
2
less.
3 Transportation cost of fuel is less. High transportation cost of fuel.
Space required for the nuclear Space required is more when compared
4
power plant is less. to nuclear power plant.
Low running cost and high capital High running cost and relatively low
5
cost. capital cost.
A large deposit of nuclear fuel is Due to depletion of fossil fuel, this
available. Hence these plants method of power generation cannot
6
ensure continuous supply of sustain for many years.
electrical energy for 1000 of years.
 It produces radioactive waste and Does not produce radioactive waste
hence disposal of waste is very and hence waste disposal is not very
7
difficult. difficult.

It uses dry steam and its temperature

It uses wet steam of relatively low and pressure is high when compared to
8
temperature and pressure. nuclear power plant.

b. Draw the labelled schematic diagram of gas turbine plant and briefly explain the
working of any two of the following parts 6+4
i. Combustion chamber ii. Gas turbine

Combustion chamber:
• Preheated compressed air from the regenerator is fed into the combustion chamber.
• Oil or natural gas is also injected into the combustion chamber at high pressure.
• The oil mixes with compressed air and undergoes combustion.
• The hot high-pressure gases produced in the combustion chamber is then fed to the gas
turbine.
Gas turbine:
• Gases at high pressure and temperature from the combustion chamber are passed into the
gas turbine.
• Gases while passing over the turbine blades expand and cause the turbine blades to rotate.

c. Mention any five advantages of diesel power plant. Any 5 points 5 x 1 =5

• Simple in design and layout
• It occupies Less Space
• It can be located at any place
• It can be started quickly
• It can pick up load in short time
• It requires less water for cooling
• Overall cost is much less than steam power station of the same capacity.
• Thermal efficiency is higher than that of steam power plant
 • Requires fewer operating staff.

4a. What is solar cell ? With a neat sketch, explain the construction and working of solar
cell 2+ 3+5
A solar cell or a photovoltaic cell is a semiconductor device that converts light energy into
electric energy using photovoltaic effect.

▪ Figure shows the construction of solar cell. It consists of a pn semiconductor junction

having an n-type diffused layer on p-type base material.
▪ At the bottom of the cell, a metallic conducting layer is formed and a terminal is taken
out.
▪ At the top of the cell, a metallic grid is formed and another terminal is taken out. There is
an antireflective coating at the top to direct maximum solar radiation towards the
junction.
▪ When a bright sunlight strikes the photovoltaic cell, the photons of the sunlight penetrate
the junction and create electron-hole pairs.
▪ The barrier field existing across the pn junction causes the electron hole pair to separate.
▪ The free electrons thus created move towards the n-side and the holes move towards the
p-side. So, a voltage is set up which is known as photo voltage.
▪ When the cell is connected to an external circuit, the free electrons diffuse from n-side to
p-side causing the electric current to flow.

4b. List the advantages and disadvantages of photo voltaic system Any 10 points 10 X 1 = 10
Advantages of solar photovoltaic system:
a) Solar PV panels provide clean – green energy as there are no harmful greenhouse gas
emissions.
 b) Solar energy is freely available in nature.
c) Operating and maintenance costs of PV panels are very less compared to costs of other
renewable energy systems.
d) PV panels have no moving parts. Hence require less maintenance.
e) PV panels are totally silent, producing no noise at all.
f) They produce electricity by direct conversion of sun light.
g) They have long life.
h) They can be easily started as no starting time is required.
i) They can be installed at load centers and hence saves cost of transmission and
distribution.
j) Residential solar panels are installed on rooftops without any interference to residential
lifestyle.
Disadvantages of solar photovoltaic system:
a) Solar power plants require large area of land
b) They need high capital cost
c) Solar energy is unreliable and therefore storage batteries are needed
d) Solar panels require inverters to convert DC to AC in order to be used for AC loads.
e) Efficiency of solar panels is low (between 14% - 25%) when compared to the efficiency
of other renewable energy systems.
f) Solar PV panels are fragile and can be damaged easily.
g) Manufacturing of solar array requires heavy labour.

Section 3

5a. List the applications of solar PV systems 5x1 = 5

1. Grid interactive photo voltaic power generation: In grid interactive solar photovoltaic
system, the power generated by PV system is fed to the central power grid.
2. Water Pumping: The photovoltaic power generated is used in water pumping for drinking
and irrigation.
3. Lighting: The photovoltaic power generated is used for street lighting and in portable solar
lantern.
4. Medical Refrigeration: Many life saving drugs and vaccines require refrigerators for
storage and transportation. Solar photovoltaic refrigerators are used for such applications.
5. Village Power: Solar photovoltaic power is also used for feeding power to small, isolated
and remote villages.
5b. With a neat sketch explain the working of horizontal axis wind turbine generator 5+5
 a) Rotor blades: Rotor blades are used to convert the kinetic energy of wind into
mechanical energy. These blades are made up of fiber glass-reinforced polyester or
wood-epoxy. About 2 or 3 blades are mounted on the rotor hub.
b) Nacelle: A housing which contains all the components which are essential to operate the
turbine is called a nacelle. It is fitted at the top of a tower and includes the gear box, low-
and high-speed shafts, generator, electronic controller, yaw mechanism and brakes.
c) Shaft: Rotational energy of the wind turbine is transferred to the electric generator using
shaft.
d) Gear box: Gear box increases the speed of the turbine shaft from 30 – 60 rpm so that
it matches with generator speed of about 1000 – 1800 rpm.
e) Yaw mechanism: Yaw mechanism aligns the rotor with the direction of wind to
capture maximum wind energy.
f) Brakes: Brakes stop the rotation of shaft in case of overload or system failure.
g) Electronic controller: It controls the yaw mechanism by sensing the wind speed
and wind direction. It also gives signal to the brakes to shut down the turbine in case of
malfunction.
h) Generator: Generator converts rotational energy of the shaft into electrical energy.
i) Tower: Tower supports the entire set up at higher elevation so that blades can
freely rotate away from the ground.

5c. List the factors affecting the distribution of wind 5 x 1 = 5

• High mountains affect the circulation of global wind.
• Wind speed increases while passing through narrow mountain gaps where it gets
channelized.
• Turbulence results in wind velocity to get reduced.
• The friction caused by hills, trees, buildings, etc obstruct the circulation of wind.
• Frictional effect is less on smooth surface of seas and therefore wind speed is high on
seashore.
• Climatic disturbances such as rainfall affect the circulation of local wind.

6a. Draw the block diagram of municipal solid waste to energy incineration plant. 6
6b. List the types of biogas plants. 4
Biogas plants are classified
i) Batch type
ii) Continuous type.
a) Fixed dome type
b) Floating drum type

6c. List any five factors to be considered for site selection of biomass power plant → any 5
factors 5 x 1 = 5
➢ Distance: The distance between the plant and the load center must be less in order to
minimise the losses.
➢ Minimum gradient: For conveying the gas a minimum gradient of 1% must be available
in the line.
➢ Open space: The sunlight should fall on the plant as temperature between 15 oC and 30oC
is essential for the gas generation at good rate.
➢ Distance from wells: The seepage of fermented slurry may pollute the well water. Hence
a minimum of 15m should be maintained from the wells.
➢ Space requirement: Sufficient space must be available for day to day operation and
maintenance.
➢ Availability of water: Plenty of water must be available as cow dung slurry with a solid
concentration of 7% to 9% is used.
➢ Source of cow dung: The distance between the cow dung source and the gas plant
should be less to reduce the transportation cost.

6d. What is a fuel cell? Mention any three types of fuel cells 2+3
Fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy of the
fuel directly into DC electrical energy.

Classification of fuel cell

Based on the type of electrolyte used, fuel cells are classified as:
• Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC)
• Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC)
• Polymer Electrolytic Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
• Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC)
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

Section-4
7a. With the help of block diagram explain the working of PV-wind hybrid system. 5+5
 ➢ Figure shows the arrangement of PV-wind hybrid system.
➢ The variation of the wind velocity results in large changes in the frequency and output
voltage of the generator. Hence the AC output of the wind generator is first converted to
DC and then converted back to AC through the inverter.
➢ The DC output of the PV array and the rectified output of wind generator are connected in
parallel to the DC link.
➢ The main drawback of this system is that both PV array and wind generator are unreliable
sources and hence in the absence of sun and wind, a large battery bank is needed to meet
the load demand.

7b. Define the following 5 x 2 =10

i. Connected load
The Sum of Continuous rating of all the equipments (bulbs, tubes, CFLs, Fans,
Electrical Motors, Socket Outlets, and Power Plugs etc) connected to Electrical
Supply System is known as Connected Load.
ii. Maximum demand
It is the greatest demand of load on the Power Station during a giving period is
known as Maximum Demand.
iii. Plant capacity factor
The Plant Capacity Factor is the ratio of average demand on the Power Station
divided by the maximum installed capacity of the power station.
Average Demand on the Power Station
Plant Capacity Factor =
Maximum Installed Capacity of the Power Station

iv. Diversity factor :- The ratio of the sum of individual Maximum Demands to the
Maximum Demand on power station
Sum of Individual Maximum Demands
Diversity Factor = Maximum Demand on Power Station

v. Load factor
The Ratio of Average Load to the Maximum Demand during a given period is known
as load factor.
Average Load
Load Factor = Maximum Demand

8a. What are the advantages of combined operation of power station Any 5 points 5 x 1 = 5

1. Greater reliability of supply to the consumers.

2. When one of the stations fails to operate the consumers can be fed from the other
stations, thus avoiding complete shutdown.
3. The overall cost of the energy per unit of an interconnected system is less.
4. There is more effective use of transmission line facilities at higher voltage.
5. Less capital investment required.
6. Less expenses on supervision, operation and maintenance.
7. Spinning reserve required is reduced.
8b. The maximum demand on power station is 100 MW. If the annual load factor is 40%,
calculate the total energy generated in a year. 5
Given Data:
Maximum Demand = 100MW = 100 * 103 kW Annual Load Factor = 40% = 40/100 = 0.4
Total no. of days in year = 365
Total no. of hours in year = 365 * 24 hours of the day = 8760
To Find:
Total Energy Generated in a Year.
Formulae Used:
Energy generated in a year or Unit Generated/Annum
= =Maximum Demand (in kW) * Load Factor * Number of hours in a Year
Solution:
Substitute all the values in given data to the above mentioned formula.
= (100 * 103) * 0.4 * 8760
Answer: Energy generated in a year / Annum = 3504 * 105 kWh

8c. . Draw the single line diagram of AC transmission and distribution system and briefly
explain its components. 5+5

The large network of conductors between the power station and its
consumers can be divided into two parts – transmission system and distribution system. Each
part can be further subdivided into two – primary transmission and secondary transmission and
primary distribution & secondary distribution.
Figure shows a typical ac power supply system by a single line diagram.
1. Generating station (GS) – GS is where electric power is produced by 3-ph alternators
operating in parallel. The usual generating voltage is 11kv. For economy in transmission
of electric power, the generation voltage is stepped up to 132 kv (or more) at the
generating station with the help of 3-ph transformers.
2. Primary transmission – the electric power at 132kv is transmitted by 3ph 3 wire
overhead system to the outskirts of the city. This forms the primary transmission.
3. Secondary transmission – the primary transmission line terminates at the receiving
station (RS). At the RS, the voltage is reduced to 33kv by step-down transformers. From
this station, electric power is transmitted at 33kv by 3-ph, 3 wire overhead system to
various sub-stations (SS) located at points in the city. This forms secondary transmission.
4. Primary distribution – at the substations the voltage is reduced from 33kv to 11kv. The
11kv lines run along the important road sides of the city. This forms the primary
distribution.
 5. Secondary distribution – Electric power from the distribution lines (11kv) is delivered
to distribution sub-stations (DS). Theses sub-stations are located near the consumer
localities and step-down the voltage to 400v, 3ph, 4 wire for secondary distribution. The
1ph residential lighting load is connected between any one ph and neutral, whereas 3ph,
400v motor load is connected across 3-ph lines directly.

Section-5
9a. Draw the block diagram of HVDC transmission and explain the functions of each block
5+5

1. Electric power is generated in AC at low voltage and it is stepped up to high voltage

using a step up transformer.
2. This high voltage is converted into DC by using a converter-rectifier.
3. Now the electrical power in high voltage DC is transmitted over long distances through
transmission lines.
4. The high voltage DC is then converted into AC at the receiving end using converter-
inverters. Now the available AC power at high voltage is reduced to low voltage using
step down transformers.
5. Finally low voltage AC power is sent for distribution.

9b. Identify the requirements of an ideal distribution system. Distinguish between feeder,
distributor and service main. Any four points 4 + 3 x 2 =10
The necessary requirements of a good distribution system are,
1. The continuity in the power supply must be ensured. Thus system should be reliable.
2. The specified consumer voltage must not vary more than the prescribed limits.
3. The efficiency of the lines must be as high as possible.
4. The system should be safe from consumer point of view. There should be no leakage.
5. The lines should not be overloaded.
6. The layout should not affect the appearance of the site or locality.
7. The system should be economical.

Feeder is a line which supplies power without being tapped at any intermediate points.
The feeder may be defined as the line carrying current from the secondary substation to the
distribution substation or as a primary distribution line.
Distributor is a line from which tapping are taken along its length for providing supply
to the consumer.
A service main is generally a small cable which connects the distributor to the
consumer's terminals.
10a. Draw the labelled single line diagram of 11kV/400V substation. 6

10b. Define brown out and blackout. 2 x 2 = 4

A brownout is an intentional or unintentional drop in voltage in an electrical power
supply system. Intentional brownouts are used for load reduction in an emergency. The reduction
lasts for minutes or hours,.
A blackout is a total loss of electrical power to particular area. It is caused by an
imbalance between power generation and consumption. Blackouts can last for just a few minutes
or in the worst-case scenario stretch into several hours, days, or even weeks.

10c. Explain the functions of power generation and distribution companies. Any 5 points
each 5+5

Roles of generation companies:

1. Identify the primary sources of generation.
2. Identify the suitable location and setting up of power plant so as to reduce ecological
imbalance, the transmission cost/losses.
3. Operation and maintenance of the power plant so as to provide the economical and
reliable power to consumer.
4. Generation of power as per the demand in coordination with load dispatch center based
on merit order.
5. Timely improvement/ up gradation of systems so as to reduce the auxiliary consumption,
increase the efficiency and reduce the energy cost.
6. Operation/up-gradation of the power plant as per the grid code to maintain the grid
stability.
7. Effective utilization of resources/renewable energy to reduce the environmental impacts
like pollution, resource depletion.
8. Adopt best maintenance practices to reduce faults and down time.
Functions of power distribution company
 1. Distribution of Power to consumers as per tariff Regulations.
2. Supply of power at specified voltage and frequency.
3. Operation and maintenance distribution network/equipments to ensure reliable and
quality power supply.
4. Reduce the distribution losses to improve the efficiency Augmentation of infrastructure
to meet the demand.
5. Ensuring safety by taking preventive actions to minimize risk of accidents.
6. Perspective planning of activities in relation to demand and supply of Power.

Note:- Any alternative and suitable answers may also be considered for awarding the marks.

Keerthi K
Sel Gr Lecturer
Smt. L.V Polytechnic Hassan
Mob No. 9448869456