ASSIGNMENT-II

MODULE-II- ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

1. Discuss the Principle of Energy Management
2. List the various thermal energy storage methods. Explain
sensible heat and latent heat storage methods.
3. Define Energy audit. Explain the need for energy audit.
4. Write a short note on energy demand estimation.
5. "Can pumped hydro, nature's battery, unlock a sustainable
energy future? Additionally, could you provide a diagram
illustrating the concept?"
6. Examine the advantages associated with thermal energy
storage
7. Explain in the detail the various phases of energy audit
methodology.

MODULE-III- ENVIRONMENT
1. Define Environment. Mention its scope. Discuss the need for
public awareness
 MODULE -2

1 . List the various thermal energy storage methods. Explain

sensible heat and latent heat storage methods.

Thermal energy storage (TES) methods are used to store and retrieve heat energy for
later use. They play a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency and managing the
intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. There are two main types of thermal
energy storage: sensible heat storage and latent heat storage.

Sensible Heat Storage:

1. This method stores thermal energy by raising the temperature of a material.

2. Common storage materials include water, rocks, concrete, and molten salts.
3. The amount of energy stored depends on the specific heat capacity of the
material and the temperature change.
Advantages:

Simple and mature technology.

Relatively low cost.
Efficient for short-term storage.

Disadvantages:

Lower energy density compared to other methods.

Larger storage volumes required for the same amount of energy.
Heat losses can occur over time.

Latent Heat Storage:

 This method stores thermal energy by changing the phase of a material (e.g., solid to
liquid, liquid to gas).
The energy absorbed or released during the phase change process is much higher
than the sensible heat of the material.
Common phase-change materials (PCMs) include paraffin wax, ice slurries, and
salt hydrates.

Advantages:

Higher energy density compared to sensible heat storage.

Smaller storage volumes required for the same amount of energy.
Isothermal heat storage (no temperature change during phase change).

Disadvantages:

More complex technology compared to sensible heat storage.

Higher cost due to PCMs.
Slower heat transfer rates.

Thermo-chemical Heat Storage:

 This method stores thermal energy through reversible chemical reactions.
The energy is stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules.
This method is still under development but has the potential for very high energy
density.

Advantages:
Potentially very high energy density.
Long-term storage possible.

Disadvantages:
Complex technology with limited commercial applications currently.
High cost.
Potential for side reactions and degradation.

2. Define Energy audit. Explain the need for energy audit.

What is an Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a systematic inspection and analysis of energy use in a building or

facility. It's like a health check for your energy consumption, identifying areas where
you're using too much energy and suggesting ways to improve your efficiency.

Think of it like checking your car's fuel efficiency. You wouldn't just keep pouring gas
in without knowing where it's going, right? An energy audit helps you understand how
your building uses energy, so you can make informed decisions about how to use it
more wisely.
Key Steps:

1. Data Collection: Gathering information on utility bills, equipment specifications,

and building characteristics.
2. On-Site Inspection: A thorough physical examination of energy-related systems
like lighting, HVAC, appliances, and insulation.
3. Analysis: Evaluating the collected data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities
for improvement.
4. Recommendations: Proposing specific measures and technologies to enhance
efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
5. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Assessing the economic feasibility of implementing
recommendations, considering initial costs and potential savings.
6. Report: Presenting a comprehensive report outlining findings, recommendations,
and expected benefits.

Why are Energy Audits Important?

1. Cost Savings: Identify and address inefficiencies to lower energy bills by up to

30%.
2. Environmental Impact: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to
sustainability goals.
3. Compliance: Ensure compliance with energy efficiency regulations.
4. Equipment Performance: Identify issues with equipment performance for timely
maintenance or upgrades.
5. Resource Conservation: Promote responsible resource management by
conserving energy.
6. Competitive Advantage: Enhance your reputation as a sustainability-conscious
organization.
Who Benefits from Energy Audits?

Everyone! From homeowners and businesses to government agencies and non-profit

organizations, anyone who uses energy can benefit from a comprehensive audit.

Investing in an energy audit is an investment in your future. By optimizing energy use,

you can save money, minimize environmental impact, and improve the overall
performance of your building or facility.

3. Write a short note on energy demand estimation.

Energy Demand Estimation: Predicting the Future of Energy Use
Energy demand estimation is the critical process of forecasting future energy
consumption. It's like predicting the ingredients needed for a delicious meal, but on a
vast scale, impacting everything from power grid planning to climate change
mitigation strategies.

Why is it important?

1. Planning energy infrastructure: Power plants, transmission lines, and distribution

networks need to be sized to meet future demand.
2. Ensuring energy security: Governments and energy companies need to anticipate
potential shortages and ensure reliable supply.
3. Investing in renewables: Estimating future demand for renewable energy sources
helps guide investment decisions.
4. Formulating energy policies: Data-driven policies can promote energy efficiency
and combat climate change.
How is it done?

Several methods are used, each with its strengths and limitations:

1. Historical data analysis: Identifying trends and patterns in past energy

consumption can provide insights into future needs.
2. Econometric models: These models incorporate economic factors like GDP and
population growth to predict energy demand.
3. Engineering models: These models simulate energy use in buildings, industries,
and transportation systems based on specific technologies and efficiencies.
4. Machine learning: Advanced algorithms can learn from vast datasets and identify
hidden patterns to improve forecasting accuracy.

Challenges and uncertainties:

1. Unforeseen events: Economic shocks, natural disasters, and technological

advancements can disrupt historical trends.
2. Policy changes: Government policies on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and
climate change can significantly impact demand.
3. Consumer behavior: Changes in consumer preferences and lifestyles can be
difficult to predict.
4. Can pumped hydro, known as nature's battery, be pivotal for
sustainable energy? Can you provide an accompanying
diagram to illustrate the concept?

Pumped Hydro: Nature's Battery for a Sustainable Future?

Concept: Pumped hydro uses water stored at different elevations to store and
generate electricity, acting like a giant battery for the grid.
Operation:
1. Pumping Up: Excess electricity pumps water from a lower to a higher reservoir
during low demand periods.
2. Storing Potential: Water held at the higher elevation stores potential energy like a
charged battery.
3. Generating Power: When needed, water flows back down through turbines,
generating electricity.
Benefits:
1. Large-scale storage: Ideal for balancing the grid and integrating intermittent
renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
2. Long lifespan: Facilities can last 50-100 years, offering a long-term investment in
energy storage.
3. High efficiency: Up to 80% of stored energy can be recovered, making it one of the
most efficient technologies.
4. Flexible operation: Can be quickly brought online to meet peak demand, enhancing
grid stability.
Challenges:
1. High upfront costs: Building infrastructure like dams, tunnels, and turbines
requires significant investment.
2. Limited suitable sites: Finding locations with necessary elevation and water
availability can be difficult.
3. Environmental impact: Construction can disrupt ecosystems and displace
communities, requiring careful planning and mitigation.
Unlocking a Sustainable Future:
1. Facilitates renewable energy integration: Stores excess renewable energy and
provides reliable backup power.
2. Reduces reliance on fossil fuels: Provides clean and reliable energy storage,
contributing to climate change mitigation.
3. Improves grid stability: Offers flexible and responsive power generation during
peak demand periods.
5 . Examine the advantages associated with thermal energy

storage
Advantages of Thermal Energy Storage:

1. Reduced Energy Costs:

a. Peak Shaving: TES shifts energy consumption to off-peak hours, leading to
significant cost savings.
b. Integration of Renewable Energy: TES stores excess solar and wind power,
reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels.
c. Improved Energy Efficiency: Optimizes energy use, reduces waste heat, and
enhances overall energy efficiency.

2. Enhanced Grid Stability and Reliability:

a. Load Balancing: Acts as a buffer, absorbing excess energy during high
generation and releasing it during peak demand, stabilizing the grid.
b. Increased Flexibility: Provides additional grid capacity, making it more
adaptable to fluctuating renewable energy sources.
c. Improved Grid Resilience: Mitigates power outages by offering backup power
for critical infrastructure.

3. Environmental Benefits:
a. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Lowers reliance on fossil fuels,
contributing to reduced emissions and mitigating climate change.
b. Increased Use of Renewable Energy: Facilitates the integration of renewable
sources for a low-carbon future.
c. Improved Air Quality: Reduces the need for peak-demand power plants,
contributing to cleaner air in urban areas.
4. Increased Comfort and Convenience:
 a. Improved Thermal Comfort: Provides consistent temperatures by storing and
releasing heat or cold as needed.
b. Enhanced Building Performance: Improves energy efficiency and reduces
reliance on traditional HVAC systems.
c. Reduced Noise Pollution: Operates silently, eliminating noise associated with
traditional HVAC equipment.

5. Versatility in Applications:
a. Various Sectors: Applicable in residential, commercial, and industrial
settings.
b. Heating and Cooling Solutions: Versatile in providing solutions for diverse
industrial processes.

.6. Long Storage Duration:

a. Extended Energy Supply: Some technologies can store energy for extended
periods, ensuring reliability during low renewable energy production.

.7. Scalability:
a. Customizable Design: Systems can be designed and scaled according to
specific application or facility needs, suitable for a wide range of sizes and
capacities.

6 . Define Environment. Mention its scope. Discuss the

need for public awareness

Defining Environment: The Interwoven Fabric of Life

The term "environment" encompasses everything surrounding and influencing an
organism or a system, including both living and non-living components. It's like the
interwoven fabric of life, where everything interacts and shapes the conditions under
which life thrives.

Scope of the Environment:

The environment is not a single entity, but rather a complex tapestry of interconnected
elements. Its scope encompasses:

 Physical components: Air, water, land, soil, minerals, and natural resources.
 Biological components: Plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems.
 Social components: Human settlements, infrastructure, cultural practices, and
economic activities.
 Chemical components: Gases, liquids, and solids that make up the air, water, and
soil.
 Energy components: Solar radiation, wind, water currents, and geothermal energy.

Why Public Awareness Matters:

Understanding and appreciating the environment's intricate scope is crucial for several
reasons:

Sustainability: Recognizing the interconnectedness of the environment fosters

responsible behavior towards its resources. Increased public awareness can drive
individuals and communities towards sustainable practices that minimize
environmental impact and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
 Climate Change: Understanding the human impact on the environment,
particularly our contribution to climate change, empowers individuals to advocate for
responsible policies and adopt practices that mitigate climate risks.

Conservation Efforts: Public awareness fuels support for conservation initiatives

aimed at protecting endangered species, preserving ecosystems, and safeguarding
biodiversity.

Personal Health and Well-being: A healthy environment is directly linked to

human health. Awareness about environmental factors like air and water quality,
pollution levels, and access to green spaces can motivate individuals to make choices
that promote their own well-being and that of their communities.

Decision-making: Increased public understanding of environmental issues can

empower individuals to participate in informed decision-making processes, from local
policies to global agreements, shaping a future that prioritizes environmental
sustainability.