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Unit 5

The document outlines various renewable energy sources, focusing on biomass, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), wave and tidal energy, and waste recycling management. It provides definitions, availability, conversion theories, and processes for biomass, including direct combustion, thermochemical, and biochemical methods like anaerobic digestion. Additionally, it discusses the steps involved in anaerobic digestion and the production of biogas.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views24 pages

Unit 5

The document outlines various renewable energy sources, focusing on biomass, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), wave and tidal energy, and waste recycling management. It provides definitions, availability, conversion theories, and processes for biomass, including direct combustion, thermochemical, and biochemical methods like anaerobic digestion. Additionally, it discusses the steps involved in anaerobic digestion and the production of biogas.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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‭UNIT 5 RER‬

‭TO DO‬
‭1.‬ ‭Biomass‬
‭a.‬ ‭Definition‬
‭b.‬ ‭Availability‬
‭c.‬ ‭Conversion Theory‬(‭𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠‬→ ‭‭𝑒‬ 𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦‬‭/‬‭𝑏𝑖𝑜𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑠‬)
‭i.‬ ‭Direct Combustion‬
‭ii.‬ ‭Thermochemical Combustion‬
‭iii.‬ ‭Biochemical Combustion‬
‭1.‬ ‭Anaerobic Digestion‬(‭𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠‬→ ‭‭𝐵
‬ 𝑖𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑠‬)
‭d.‬ ‭Gasification process of solid biomass‬

‭2.‬ ‭Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)‬


‭a.‬ ‭Working Principle‬
‭b.‬ ‭Types of system‬
‭i.‬ ‭Closed Cycle (Anderson cycle) System‬
‭ii.‬ ‭Open Cycle (Claude cycle) System‬
‭c.‬ ‭Adv, DisAd, App, Environmental effect of OTEC System‬

‭3.‬ ‭Wave and Tidal Wave Energy‬


‭a.‬ ‭Working Principle‬
‭b.‬ ‭Performance‬
‭c.‬ ‭Limitations‬

‭4.‬ ‭Waste recycle management‬


‭a.‬ ‭Definition‬
‭b.‬ ‭steps‬
‭BIOMASS‬
‭DEFINITION‬

‭➔‬‭Biomass refers to organic material derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms‬
‭that can be used as a renewable energy source.‬

‭➔‬‭It is essentially any form of biological matter that can be converted into energy‬
‭through various processes like combustion, digestion, or gasification.‬

‭➔‬‭Biomass is considered carbon-neutral because the carbon dioxide released during its‬
‭combustion is roughly equal to the amount absorbed by the plants during their‬
‭growth, making it a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.‬

‭➔‬‭It is a derivative of solar energy as plants grow by the process of photosynthesis by‬
‭absorbing C0, from the atmosphere to form hexose (dextrose, glucose, etc.)‬
‭expressed by the reaction‬

‭6‬‭‭𝐶
‬ 𝑂‬‭2‭‬ ‭‬‬ + ‭‭6
‬ ‬‭‭𝐻
‬ ‬‭2‭𝑂

‭‬‭‬‬ ‭𝐶‬‭6‭𝐻 ‬ ‭𝑂‬ ‭‬ + ‭‭‬‭6
‬ ‭12‬ ‭6‬
‬ ‬‭‬‭𝑂‭2‬ ‬

‭Common types of biomass include:‬

‭‬
● ‭ ood‬‭(logs, chips, and pellets)‬
W
‭●‬ ‭Agricultural residues‬‭(straw, corn stalks, etc.)‬
‭●‬ ‭Animal waste‬‭(manure)‬
‭●‬ ‭Algae‬‭(microalgae or seaweed)‬
‭●‬ ‭Food and yard waste‬

‭ iomass can be utilized for heat, electricity generation, and even biofuels like ethanol and‬
B
‭biodiesel.‬
‭AVAILABILITY‬

‭ iomass is widely available and can be sourced from a variety of environments and‬
B
‭processes. The availability of biomass depends on geographic location, agricultural‬
‭practices, forest resources, and waste production.‬

‭Key sources of biomass availability include:‬

‭●‬ A
‭ gricultural Waste‬‭: Large quantities of biomass come from crops like corn, wheat,‬
‭rice, and sugarcane, which generate residual biomass such as husks, stalks, and‬
‭leaves after harvesting. These residues can be collected and converted into energy.‬

‭●‬ F
‭ orestry Residues‬‭: Forests produce biomass in the form of wood residues from tree‬
‭harvesting, such as sawdust, wood chips, and bark, which can be used as feedstock‬
‭for bioenergy.‬

‭●‬ A
‭ nimal Waste‬‭: Livestock farms produce manure, which can be processed to generate‬
‭biogas (through anaerobic digestion). This waste is a constant source of biomass.‬

‭●‬ M
‭ unicipal Solid Waste (MSW)‬‭: Urban areas produce significant quantities of waste‬
‭that contain organic materials (food scraps, paper, etc.), which can be converted into‬
‭biogas, bioethanol, or compost.‬

‭●‬ A
‭ lgae‬‭: Algae are a promising biomass source due to‬‭their rapid growth and high lipid‬
‭content, which can be used to produce biofuels. They do not require arable land or‬
‭freshwater, making them a potentially more sustainable source than terrestrial crops.‬

‭●‬ E
‭ nergy Crops‬‭: Some crops are specifically grown for energy production, such as‬
‭switchgrass, miscanthus, and fast-growing tree species like poplar and willow. These‬
‭crops are cultivated on land set aside for energy production rather than food‬
‭production, helping to meet energy demands without competing with food crops.‬
‭CONVERSION THEORY‬
(‭𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠‬→ ‭‭𝑒‬ 𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦‬‭/‬‭𝑏𝑖𝑜𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑠‬)

‭ onversion theory explains the methods and principles used to transform biomass into‬
C
‭usable forms of energy, such as heat, electricity, or fuels. Biomass contains stored‬
‭chemical energy from sunlight through photosynthesis, and it can be converted into energy‬
‭via physical, chemical, or biological processes.‬

‭Key types of conversions include:‬

‭ .‬ ‭Direct Combustion‬‭: Burning biomass to release energy as heat.‬


1
‭2.‬ ‭Thermochemical Conversion‬‭: Using heat and chemical processes to transform‬
‭biomass.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Biochemical Conversion‬‭: Using microorganisms or enzymes to break down biomass.‬

‭1. Direct Combustion‬

‭ irect combustion is the simplest and most common method of using biomass for energy.‬
D
‭In this process, biomass is burned directly to produce heat, which can then be used for:‬

‭‬ H
● ‭ eating homes and buildings.‬
‭●‬ ‭Generating steam to drive turbines for electricity.‬

‭Examples:‬

‭‬ B
● ‭ urning wood in fireplaces or stoves for cooking and heating.‬
‭●‬ ‭Using agricultural residues like straw or husks as fuel in furnaces.‬

‭Advantages:‬

‭‬ S
● ‭ imple and cost-effective.‬
‭●‬ ‭Can utilize a wide variety of biomass sources.‬

‭Challenges:‬

‭‬ P
● ‭ roduces emissions like CO2 and particulate matter.‬
‭●‬ ‭Requires efficient combustion technologies to minimize pollution.‬
‭2. Thermochemical Combustion‬

‭ hermochemical combustion involves using high temperatures to convert biomass into‬


T
‭fuels or energy. The main types are:‬

‭1.‬ ‭Pyrolysis‬‭: Heating biomass in the absence of oxygen to produce:‬

‭ ‬ ‭Bio-oil (liquid fuel).‬



‭○‬ ‭Biochar (solid fuel or soil amendment).‬
‭○‬ ‭Syngas (gaseous fuel).‬
‭ .‬ ‭Gasification‬‭: Heating biomass with a controlled amount‬‭of oxygen to produce syngas,‬
2
‭which is a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane. Syngas can be used‬
‭for:‬

‭ ‬ ‭Generating electricity.‬

‭○‬ ‭Producing synthetic fuels.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Combustion‬‭: Burning biomass in the presence of oxygen‬‭to release energy as heat,‬
3
‭typically for steam and electricity production.‬

‭Advantages:‬

‭‬ C
● ‭ an produce multiple types of fuels.‬
‭●‬ ‭High energy efficiency in modern systems.‬

‭Disadvantages:‬

‭‬ R
● ‭ equires advanced technology and infrastructure.‬
‭●‬ ‭High initial costs for setup.‬
‭3. Biochemical Combustion‬

‭ iochemical combustion involves biological processes to convert biomass into energy-rich‬


B
‭compounds. It primarily uses microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) to break down organic‬
‭matter.‬

‭1.‬ ‭Anaerobic Digestion‬‭:‬

‭○‬ B ‭ iomass (like animal manure, food waste) is decomposed in the absence of‬
‭oxygen to produce‬‭biogas‬‭(mainly methane and CO2).‬
‭○‬ ‭Biogas can be used as a fuel for cooking, heating, or generating electricity.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Fermentation‬‭:‬
2

‭○‬ S
‭ ugars in biomass (e.g., sugarcane, corn) are fermented by microorganisms to‬
‭produce‬‭ethanol‬‭, a renewable liquid fuel.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Composting‬‭:‬
3

‭○‬ W
‭ hile primarily used for waste management and soil improvement, the‬
‭decomposition of organic waste generates heat, which can be harnessed in‬
‭some cases.‬

‭Advantages:‬

‭‬ E
● ‭ nvironmentally friendly (reduces methane emissions from waste).‬
‭●‬ ‭Produces valuable by-products like fertilizers (from digested biomass).‬

‭Disadvantages:‬

‭‬ R
● ‭ equires controlled conditions for efficiency.‬
‭●‬ ‭Limited to biodegradable materials.‬
‭ANAEROBIC DIGESTION‬

‭➔‬‭Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that breaks down organic material (such‬
‭as food waste, agricultural waste, and sewage) in the absence of oxygen.‬
‭➔‬‭This process occurs naturally in environments like swamps, landfills, and the‬
‭intestines of animals, but it can also be controlled and optimized for waste‬
‭management and energy production.‬

‭➔‬‭The primary goal of anaerobic digestion is to produce biogas, a mixture of methane‬


‭(CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which can be used for energy.‬

‭➔‬‭The output gas obtained from anaerobic digestion can be directly burnt, or upgraded‬
‭to superior fuel gas (methane) by removal of CO₂, and other impurities.‬

‭➔‬‭The residue may consist of protein-rich sludge and liquid effluents which can be used‬
‭as annual feed or soil treatment after certain processing.‬

‭➔‬‭There are 3 steps in the process:‬

‭1. Hydrolysis (Breaking Down Large Organic Molecules)‬

‭●‬ P ‭ urpose:‬‭The goal of hydrolysis is to break down complex‬‭organic matter (such as‬
‭fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) into simpler compounds that can be further‬
‭digested by microorganisms.‬
‭●‬ ‭Process:‬
‭○‬ ‭Large, insoluble organic polymers (e.g., proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) are‬
‭broken down into their smaller monomers (amino acids, fatty acids, and‬
‭sugars).‬
‭○‬ ‭This step is carried out by hydrolytic bacteria that secrete enzymes (such as‬
‭proteases, lipases, and amylases) to break down the complex molecules.‬
‭○‬ ‭For example:‬
‭■‬ ‭Proteins → Amino acids‬
‭■‬ ‭Carbohydrates → Sugars‬
‭■‬ ‭Lipids → Fatty acids and glycerol‬
‭●‬ D
‭ uration:‬‭Hydrolysis is typically slow and can be rate-limiting in the entire anaerobic‬
‭digestion process.‬

‭2. Acidification (Fermentation of Simple Molecules)‬

‭●‬ P ‭ urpose:‬‭The simpler molecules produced from hydrolysis‬‭are fermented into volatile‬
‭fatty acids (VFAs), alcohols, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. This step helps create‬
‭compounds that can be used by acetogenic bacteria in the next step.‬
‭●‬ ‭Process:‬
‭○‬ ‭The hydrolyzed products (e.g., sugars and amino acids) are further broken‬
‭down by acidogenic (fermentative) bacteria into simpler organic acids (like‬
‭acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid) and gases (hydrogen and carbon‬
‭dioxide).‬
‭○‬ ‭The fermentation process generates organic acids and alcohols that serve as‬
‭substrates for the next group of microorganisms (acetogens).‬
‭○‬ ‭This phase also produces small amounts of biogas (methane, hydrogen, and‬
‭CO₂) but not in significant quantities.‬
‭●‬ ‭Duration:‬‭This is a relatively faster phase compared‬‭to hydrolysis.‬

‭3. Methane Formation (Methanogenesis)‬

‭●‬ P ‭ urpose:‬‭This final step is where methane gas is produced,‬‭the key product of‬
‭anaerobic digestion. Methanogens, a group of archaea, are responsible for converting‬
‭the products of acidogenesis into methane.‬
‭●‬ ‭Process:‬
‭○‬ ‭Acetogenic bacteria‬‭convert the volatile fatty acids‬‭and alcohols into‬‭acetate‬‭,‬
‭hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.‬
‭○‬ ‭Methanogenic archaea‬‭then use these products to produce‬‭methane. There are‬
‭two primary pathways for methane formation:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Acetoclastic methanogenesis:‬‭Acetate is converted‬‭directly into methane‬
‭and carbon dioxide.‬
‭■‬ ‭Acetate → Methane (CH₄) + Carbon dioxide (CO₂)‬
‭2.‬ ‭Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis:‬‭Hydrogen reacts with‬‭carbon dioxide‬
‭to form methane.‬
‭■‬ ‭CO₂ + 4H₂ → CH₄ + 2H₂O‬
‭○‬ ‭This is the most critical stage, as it is responsible for producing the majority of‬
‭the biogas (methane).‬
‭●‬ ‭Duration:‬‭This step is the slowest but also the most important for methane‬
‭production.‬
‭Summary of Steps:‬

‭1.‬ ‭Hydrolysis:‬‭Breakdown of complex organic compounds‬‭into simpler molecules (e.g.,‬


‭sugars, fatty acids, amino acids).‬
‭2.‬ ‭Acidification (Fermentation):‬‭Conversion of simple molecules into volatile fatty acids,‬
‭alcohols, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Methane Formation (Methanogenesis):‬‭Conversion of‬‭volatile fatty acids, hydrogen,‬
‭and carbon dioxide into methane by methanogenic archaea.‬

‭Overall Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion:‬

‭‬ W
● ‭ aste Management:‬‭Efficiently processes organic waste,‬‭reducing landfill waste.‬
‭●‬ ‭Energy Production:‬‭The methane produced can be used‬‭to generate electricity or‬
‭heat, offering a renewable energy source.‬
‭●‬ ‭Digestate Production:‬‭The remaining material (digestate)‬‭can be used as a‬
‭nutrient-rich fertilizer.‬
‭GASIFICATION PROCESS OF SOLID BIOMASS‬
‭ asification‬‭is a thermo-chemical process that converts solid biomass into a combustible‬
G
‭gas mixture called syngas (or producer gas) through partial oxidation at high temperatures‬
‭(700°C–1400°C). This process occurs in a controlled environment with limited oxygen or‬
‭air, preventing complete combustion.‬

‭ he syngas produced primarily contains carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H₂), methane‬
T
‭(CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Syngas is used as a fuel for electricity generation, heat‬
‭production, or as a feedstock for chemical synthesis.‬

‭The gasification process involves the following four key stages:‬

‭1. Drying‬

‭‬ P
● ‭ urpose:‬‭To remove moisture content from the biomass.‬
‭●‬ ‭Process:‬
‭○‬ ‭Biomass typically contains 10%–35% moisture. When heated to around‬‭100°C‬‭,‬
‭the moisture evaporates, forming water vapor.‬
‭○‬ ‭No chemical changes occur in this stage; only physical water removal takes‬
‭place.‬
‭●‬ ‭Reaction:‬‭𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠‬‭‬ + ‭‭𝐻‬ 𝑒𝑎𝑡‬‭‬→ ‭‬‭𝐷𝑟𝑦‬‭‭𝐵
‬ 𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠‬‭‬ + ‭‬‭𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚‬

‭2. Pyrolysis‬

‭●‬ P ‭ urpose:‬‭To decompose dry biomass into solid, liquid,‬‭and gaseous products in the‬
‭absence of oxygen.‬
‭●‬ ‭Process:‬
‭○‬ ‭As heating continues beyond 200°C, the biomass undergoes‬‭thermal‬
‭decomposition‬‭(pyrolysis).‬
‭○‬ ‭This results in the formation of:‬
‭■‬ ‭Solid:‬‭Charcoal (carbon-rich solid residue).‬
‭■‬ ‭Liquid:‬‭Tar and oils.‬
‭■‬ ‭Gases:‬‭Flammable gases such as methane (CH₄), carbon‬‭monoxide (CO),‬
‭and hydrogen (H₂).‬
‭●‬ ‭Reaction:‬

‭𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠‬‭(‬ ‭𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑥‬‭‭𝑂
‬ 𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑐‬‭‭𝐶
‬ 𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑠‬)‭‭→
‬ ‭‬‬‭𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑎𝑙‬ + ‭𝑇𝑎𝑟‬ + ‭𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑒‬‭‭𝐺
‬ 𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑠‬
‭3. Oxidation‬

‭●‬ P ‭ urpose:‬‭To provide heat for the process through partial‬‭combustion of biomass or‬
‭charcoal.‬
‭●‬ ‭Process:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Air or oxygen‬‭is introduced into the gasifier.‬
‭2.‬ ‭At temperatures of‬‭700°C to 1400°C‬‭, the solid carbon‬‭(charcoal) reacts with‬
‭oxygen to produce‬‭carbon dioxide (CO₂)‬‭and release‬‭heat.‬
‭3.‬ ‭This heat drives the endothermic reactions in the subsequent reduction stage.‬
‭●‬ ‭Reactions:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Carbon reacts with oxygen:‬

‭𝐶‬‭‬ + ‭‭𝑂
‬ ‭2‬ ‭‬ ‭‬‬→ ‭‬‭𝐶‭𝑂
‬ ‭2‬ ‬ + ‭𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡‬‭‬

‭2.‬ ‭Some carbon dioxide reacts with more carbon to produce carbon monoxide‬

‭𝐶‬‭𝑂‬‭2‭‬ ‬ + ‭‭𝐶
‬ ‭‬‬→ ‭‬‭2‭𝐶
‬ 𝑂‬

‭4. Reduction‬

‭‬ P
● ‭ urpose:‬‭To produce syngas by converting CO₂ and steam‬‭into useful gases.‬
‭●‬ ‭Process:‬
‭○‬ ‭Under‬‭reducing conditions‬‭(limited oxygen) and high‬‭temperatures, the‬
‭following key reactions occur:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Water-gas reaction:‬‭Carbon reacts with water vapor to produce carbon‬
‭monoxide and hydrogen.‬

‭𝐶‬‭‬ + ‭‭𝐻
‬ ‭2‬ ‬‭𝑂‭‬‬→ ‭‬‭𝐶𝑂‬‭‬ + ‭‭𝐻
‬ ‬‭2‬

‭2.‬ ‭Water-gas shift reaction:‬‭Carbon monoxide reacts with water vapor to‬
‭form carbon dioxide and hydrogen.‬

‭𝐶𝑂‬‭‬ + ‭‭𝐻
‬ ‭2‬ ‭𝑂

‬‭‬→ ‭‭𝐶
‬ ‭𝑂
‬ ‬‭2‭‬ ‬ + ‭‬‭𝐻‬‭2‬

‭3.‬ ‭Methanation reaction:‬‭Carbon reacts with hydrogen to produce methane.‬

‭𝐶‬‭‬ + ‭‭2
‬ ‬‭𝐻‭2‬ ‭‬ ‬→ ‭‭𝐶
‬ ‬‭𝐻‬‭4‬

‭●‬ T
‭ he combination of these reactions results in a mixture of gases, including‬‭CO, H₂,‬
‭CH₄, CO₂, and trace amounts of other gases‬‭.‬
‭Applications of Gasification‬

‭ .‬ ‭Energy Production:‬‭Syngas is used for power generation‬‭in gas engines or turbines.‬


1
‭2.‬ ‭Industrial Processes:‬‭Syngas serves as a raw material‬‭for chemical synthesis (e.g.,‬
‭ammonia, methanol).‬
‭3.‬ ‭Waste Management:‬‭Efficiently converts solid waste‬‭into energy, reducing landfill‬
‭dependency.‬

‭ asification is an efficient and eco-friendly method for utilizing solid biomass, offering a‬
G
‭pathway to renewable energy and sustainable waste management.‬
‭OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION (OTEC)‬
‭ cean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a technology that generates electricity by‬
O
‭harnessing the temperature difference between the warm surface water of the ocean and‬
‭the colder deep water. This temperature gradient is used to drive a heat engine, which‬
‭produces electrical power.‬

‭ he technology works best in tropical regions where the temperature difference between‬
T
‭surface water (about 25–30°C) and deep water (about 5–10°C) is significant, typically at‬
‭least 20°C.‬

‭PRINCIPLE‬

‭ cean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) works on the principle of utilizing the‬
O
‭temperature difference‬‭between warm surface seawater‬‭and cold deep seawater to‬
‭produce electricity.‬

‭●‬ W ‭ arm surface water‬‭heats a working fluid with a low‬‭boiling point, causing it to‬
‭vaporize.‬
‭●‬ ‭The vapor drives a‬‭turbine‬‭connected to a generator,‬‭producing electricity.‬
‭●‬ ‭Cold deep seawater‬‭cools and condenses the vapor back into liquid, completing the‬
‭cycle.‬

‭ his process is most effective in tropical regions with a temperature gradient of at least‬
T
‭20°C.‬

‭TYPES OF OTEC SYSTEM‬


‭1.‬ ‭Closed Cycle (Anderson Cycle) System‬
‭In a closed-cycle OTEC system, a working fluid with a low boiling point (such as‬
‭ammonia, propane, or a refrigerant) circulates in a closed loop. The system uses the‬
‭temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater to‬
‭generate electricity.‬

‭Working Steps‬‭:‬

‭○‬ E
‭ vaporation‬‭: Warm surface seawater passes through a heat exchanger,‬
‭transferring its heat to the working fluid. This causes the working fluid to‬
‭evaporate into high-pressure vapor.‬
‭○‬ T
‭ urbine Operation‬‭: The high-pressure vapor drives a turbine, which is connected‬
‭to a generator to produce electricity.‬
‭○‬ C
‭ ondensation‬‭: Cold seawater from the ocean's depths is pumped through a‬
‭second heat exchanger, cooling and condensing the vapor back into a liquid.‬
‭○‬ R
‭ ecirculation‬‭: The liquid working fluid is pumped back into the cycle to repeat‬
‭the process.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Key Features‬‭:‬

‭○‬ T
‭ he system is entirely closed, meaning the working fluid does not interact with‬
‭the ocean water.‬
‭○‬ H
‭ ighly efficient for continuous operation in areas with a significant temperature‬
‭gradient.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Advantages‬‭:‬

‭○‬ ‭No environmental contamination, as the working fluid is contained.‬


‭○‬ ‭Efficient for long-term energy production.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Disadvantages‬‭:‬

‭○‬ ‭High installation and maintenance costs.‬

‭○‬ ‭Requires sophisticated heat exchangers to handle the working fluid effectively.‬

‭2.‬ ‭Open Cycle (Claude Cycle) System‬


‭In an open-cycle OTEC system, seawater itself acts as the working fluid. Warm‬
‭surface seawater is used to produce steam, which drives a turbine to generate‬
‭electricity.‬

‭Working Steps‬‭:‬

‭○‬ E
‭ vaporation‬‭: Warm seawater is pumped into a low-pressure chamber, causing it‬
‭to boil and produce steam. This is possible because of the low pressure in the‬
‭chamber, which reduces the boiling point of water.‬
‭○‬ T
‭ urbine Operation‬‭: The steam drives a turbine connected to a generator,‬
‭producing electricity.‬
‭○‬ C
‭ ondensation‬‭: Cold seawater from the ocean's depths is used to condense the‬
‭steam back into liquid form, producing fresh desalinated water as a byproduct.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Key Features‬‭:‬

‭○‬ T
‭ he system uses seawater directly, eliminating the need for a separate working‬
‭fluid.‬
‭○‬ P
‭ roduces freshwater as a valuable byproduct, which is beneficial in regions‬
‭facing water scarcity.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Advantages‬‭:‬

‭○‬ ‭Simpler design compared to closed-cycle systems.‬


‭○‬ ‭Provides freshwater as a byproduct, in addition to electricity.‬
‭○‬ ‭Environmentally friendly, as it does not require synthetic working fluids.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Disadvantages‬‭:‬

‭○‬ ‭Limited efficiency compared to closed-cycle systems.‬


‭○‬ ‭Requires large volumes of seawater to generate sufficient steam.‬

‭○‬ ‭The low-pressure chamber must be well-maintained to ensure efficiency.‬

‭Comparison of Closed and Open Cycle Systems‬


‭Feature‬ ‭Closed Cycle‬ ‭Open Cycle‬

‭Working Fluid‬ ‭ ow-boiling-point fluid (e.g.,‬


L ‭Seawater itself‬
‭ammonia)‬

‭Complexity‬ ‭ ore complex due to working‬


M ‭Simpler design‬
‭fluid handling‬

‭Efficiency‬ ‭Higher efficiency‬ ‭Lower efficiency‬

‭Byproducts‬ ‭None‬ ‭Freshwater‬

‭ nvironmental‬
E ‭No discharge or contamination‬ ‭ inimal, only seawater‬
M
‭Impact‬ ‭interaction‬

‭Applications‬ ‭Energy generation‬ ‭Energy + desalination‬


‭Advantages of OTEC Systems‬
‭1.‬ ‭Renewable Energy Source‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭OTEC uses the temperature difference in the ocean, which is a virtually‬
‭inexhaustible and sustainable energy source.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Continuous Operation‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Unlike solar or wind energy, OTEC systems can operate 24/7 because the ocean‬
‭temperature gradient is stable and consistent.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Environmentally Friendly‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Produces minimal greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Freshwater Production‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Open-cycle OTEC systems produce desalinated water as a byproduct, which is‬
‭valuable in regions facing water scarcity.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Base Load Power Generation‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Provides stable and predictable electricity, making it a reliable energy source for‬
‭grids.‬
‭6.‬ ‭Resource Abundance‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Most of the world's tropical and subtropical regions have access to sufficient‬
‭ocean temperature gradients for OTEC.‬

‭Disadvantages of OTEC Systems‬


‭1.‬ ‭High Initial Costs‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Building and installing OTEC plants require significant investment in technology‬
‭and infrastructure.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Technological Complexity‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Advanced technologies are required for efficient heat exchangers and‬
‭deep-water pumping systems.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Limited Geographic Suitability‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭OTEC requires a temperature gradient of at least 20°C, restricting its application‬
‭to tropical and subtropical regions.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Low Energy Conversion Efficiency‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭OTEC systems typically have an efficiency of about 2-3% because of the small‬
‭temperature difference used.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Environmental Impact During Construction‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭The construction of OTEC plants can disturb marine ecosystems and cause‬
‭noise pollution.‬
‭Applications of OTEC Systems‬
‭1.‬ ‭Electricity Generation‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭OTEC plants provide renewable electricity to coastal communities and islands,‬
‭reducing reliance on imported fuels.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Desalination‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Open-cycle systems produce freshwater, which is critical in arid coastal regions.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Aquaculture‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Cold nutrient-rich water brought to the surface can support marine farming for‬
‭fish and algae.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Cooling Systems‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Cold seawater from OTEC processes can be used for air conditioning and‬
‭refrigeration in nearby facilities.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Hydrogen Production‬‭:‬
‭○‬ ‭Excess energy generated by OTEC plants can be used for producing hydrogen‬
‭as a clean fuel.‬

‭Environmental Effects of OTEC Systems‬


‭1.‬ ‭Positive Effects‬‭:‬

‭ ‬ ‭Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, helping mitigate climate change.‬



‭○‬ ‭Produces desalinated water, which can alleviate water scarcity in arid regions.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Negative Effects‬‭:‬
2

‭○‬ ‭Marine Ecosystem Disruption‬‭:‬


‭■‬ ‭The intake of large volumes of seawater could harm marine organisms‬
‭like plankton, fish larvae, and other small sea creatures.‬
‭○‬ ‭Temperature Imbalance‬‭:‬
‭■‬ ‭Pumping cold deep water to the surface might affect local ocean‬
‭temperatures and marine ecosystems.‬
‭○‬ ‭Chemical Leaks‬‭:‬
‭■‬ ‭Closed-cycle systems using working fluids like ammonia pose a risk of‬
‭leaks, which could harm marine life.‬
‭○‬ ‭Construction Impacts‬‭:‬
‭■‬ ‭Building offshore plants or pipelines can disturb marine habitats and‬
‭cause temporary pollution.‬
‭WAVE AND TIDAL WAVE ENERGY‬
‭Wave Energy‬

‭ ave energy is the energy generated by the movement of the surface water of the oceans‬
W
‭caused by wind. It is a renewable energy resource that captures the kinetic and potential‬
‭energy of ocean waves to generate electricity.‬

‭Tidal Wave Energy‬

‭ idal energy, also known as tidal power, is the energy that can be generated from the‬
T
‭periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun‬
‭on Earth's oceans. This energy is harnessed through devices like tidal turbines, barrages,‬
‭and underwater systems to generate electricity.‬

‭WORKING PRINCIPLE‬
‭ cean waves are formed when the wind blows across the surface of the ocean. The wind‬
O
‭interacts with the water, transferring energy to it, and this energy comes from the sun.‬
‭Here's how it works:‬

‭1.‬ ‭Wind and Water‬‭:‬

‭○‬ T
‭ he wind is created by pressure differences in the atmosphere due to the sun‬
‭heating the Earth unevenly. This wind pushes on the ocean's surface, creating‬
‭waves.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Wave Formation‬‭:‬
2

‭○‬ E
‭ ach water particle moves up and down in a circular path, and this motion is‬
‭passed on to the next particle. This creates the wave pattern we see.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Energy Types‬‭:‬
3

‭○‬ T
‭ he energy the wind transfers to the water is both‬‭kinetic‬‭(motion) and‬
‭potential‬‭(stored energy). The amount of energy depends‬‭on how fast the wind‬
‭blows, how long the wind blows, and how far it travels over the ocean.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Wave Movement‬‭:‬
4

‭○‬ W
‭ aves can travel long distances because they are continuously strengthened by‬
‭the wind as they move. Even if the wind dies down, the waves can still carry‬
‭energy across the sea.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Water vs Wave‬‭:‬

‭○‬ I‭t's important to understand that the‬‭water itself doesn't move with the wave‬‭.‬
‭Instead, it's the wave that travels in the direction the wind blows, while the water‬
‭particles only move up and down in a circular motion.‬

I‭n short, wave energy is created by wind moving across the ocean, transferring energy to‬
‭the water in the form of waves. These waves carry energy but the water itself doesn't move‬
‭with them.‬

‭Wave and Tidal Wave Energy: Performance and Limitations‬


‭Performance of Wave and Tidal Wave Energy‬

‭ ave Energy‬‭: Wave energy is considered a promising renewable energy source due to‬
W
‭several key performance characteristics:‬

‭1.‬ ‭High Energy Density‬‭:‬

‭○‬ O
‭ cean waves carry a large amount of energy because water has high density‬
‭and waves can store kinetic and potential energy over large areas. In‬
‭comparison to wind or solar energy, wave energy is often more predictable and‬
‭reliable because ocean waves tend to have high energy density and can‬
‭produce continuous energy when there are strong waves.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Predictability‬‭:‬
2

‭○‬ U
‭ nlike wind or solar power, the movement of ocean waves is relatively‬
‭predictable. By studying the wind patterns and tide schedules, it is possible to‬
‭forecast wave behavior, which makes wave energy more reliable as a source of‬
‭power. The consistency of wave energy is important for grid stability and‬
‭planning.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Scalability‬‭:‬
3

‭○‬ W
‭ ave energy systems can be scaled to suit the energy needs of coastal‬
‭communities or larger grids. With the appropriate infrastructure, many wave‬
‭energy devices can be deployed along the coast to form large-scale power‬
‭plants.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Efficiency‬‭:‬
4

‭○‬ S
‭ ome systems like oscillating water columns (OWC) and point absorbers can‬
‭achieve energy conversion efficiencies of around 30% to 40%, making wave‬
‭energy a viable option for power generation. However, it still lags behind more‬
‭mature renewable sources like wind and solar in terms of conversion efficiency.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Potential for Off-Grid Areas‬‭:‬

‭○‬ W
‭ ave energy is particularly useful for remote islands or coastal regions that are‬
‭not connected to the main power grid. By tapping into the wave energy near‬
‭their shores, these areas can generate their own clean electricity and reduce‬
‭reliance on imported fossil fuels.‬

‭ idal Energy‬‭: Tidal energy harnesses the regular rise‬‭and fall of tides and is considered‬
T
‭highly reliable because tidal patterns are predictable years in advance.‬

‭1.‬ ‭High Predictability and Reliability‬‭:‬

‭○‬ T
‭ he movement of tides is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun,‬
‭which is highly predictable and reliable. Unlike wind or solar energy, tidal power‬
‭is less affected by weather fluctuations, making it a more stable and consistent‬
‭energy source.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Higher Energy Efficiency‬‭:‬
2

‭○‬ T
‭ idal energy systems, especially tidal turbines and barrages, tend to have higher‬
‭energy conversion efficiency than some wave energy systems, with efficiencies‬
‭sometimes reaching 40% or more. This makes tidal energy a strong candidate‬
‭for reliable, long-term energy generation.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Long-Term Sustainability‬‭:‬
3

‭○‬ T
‭ idal energy provides a sustainable, low-maintenance energy source. Once‬
‭installed, tidal power plants typically require minimal maintenance compared to‬
‭other energy systems, such as wind turbines, which need regular repairs due to‬
‭harsh environmental conditions.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Potential for Large-Scale Generation‬‭:‬
4

‭○‬ B
‭ ecause tides are predictable and occur with high regularity, tidal energy has‬
‭the potential to produce large amounts of electricity for both local and national‬
‭power grids. Many countries with coastlines and large tidal ranges are‬
‭considering large-scale tidal projects.‬
‭Limitations of Wave and Tidal Wave Energy‬
‭ hile wave and tidal energy systems show great promise, they come with several‬
W
‭limitations:‬

‭Wave Energy‬‭:‬

‭1.‬ ‭Intermittency and Variability‬‭:‬

‭○‬ E
‭ ven though waves are generally predictable, the intensity of waves can vary‬
‭significantly depending on the season, weather patterns, and geographic‬
‭location. This can result in periods of low wave energy production, which may‬
‭affect the stability of energy output, especially if used as the primary energy‬
‭source for a grid.‬
‭ .‬ ‭High Initial Costs‬‭:‬
2

‭○‬ T
‭ he technology required to harness wave energy is still in the development‬
‭phase and tends to be expensive to build, install, and maintain. Building‬
‭offshore wave energy farms requires specialized equipment and infrastructure,‬
‭which leads to higher capital costs.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Environmental Impact‬‭:‬
3

‭○‬ W
‭ ave energy systems can impact marine ecosystems. Devices placed in the‬
‭ocean may interfere with local sea life and habitats. The construction of wave‬
‭energy systems can also lead to noise pollution and disrupt the migration of‬
‭marine animals.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Maintenance Challenges‬‭:‬
4

‭○‬ T
‭ he harsh marine environment causes wear and tear on wave energy‬
‭equipment, including saltwater corrosion and the effects of storms. Maintaining‬
‭and repairing devices in the open ocean is costly and difficult.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Limited Suitable Locations‬‭:‬
5

‭○‬ N
‭ ot all coastal areas are suitable for wave energy development. Wave energy‬
‭systems require specific wave conditions (strong and consistent waves) to be‬
‭effective. Thus, their application is limited to certain geographical locations,‬
‭usually in regions with strong wave patterns.‬

‭Tidal Energy‬‭:‬

‭1.‬ ‭Geographical Limitations‬‭:‬

‭○‬ T
‭ idal energy can only be harnessed in regions with significant tidal ranges (the‬
‭vertical difference between high and low tides). These suitable locations are‬
‭relatively few, as tidal patterns vary greatly across the globe. Coastal areas with‬
‭small tidal ranges are not ideal for tidal energy generation.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Environmental Impact‬‭:‬

‭○‬ S
‭ imilar to wave energy, tidal energy systems can have environmental effects on‬
‭local marine ecosystems. For example, tidal barrages can affect fish migration‬
‭patterns, alter water flow, and disrupt estuarine ecosystems. The construction‬
‭and operation of large tidal power plants can change tidal patterns and‬
‭sedimentation in coastal areas.‬
‭ .‬ ‭High Capital Investment‬‭:‬
3

‭○‬ T
‭ idal energy projects are capital-intensive and require significant upfront‬
‭investments. The infrastructure needed to harness tidal energy, especially‬
‭large-scale tidal turbines or barrages, is expensive, making these projects less‬
‭economically viable for some regions.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Operational Efficiency‬‭:‬
4

‭○‬ T
‭ idal energy systems depend on the timing of tidal cycles, which means they‬
‭only generate electricity during specific periods (high and low tide). The‬
‭intermittent nature of tidal power (based on the tidal schedule) makes it less‬
‭flexible for continuous power generation, especially in areas where tides are‬
‭less frequent or have small ranges.‬
‭ .‬ ‭Space and Location Constraints‬‭:‬
5

‭○‬ T
‭ he construction of tidal power plants like tidal barrages requires vast areas of‬
‭the seabed to be dedicated to the turbines, and this space is often limited. The‬
‭availability of suitable sites for large-scale tidal projects is constrained by the‬
‭geography and human activity in coastal regions.‬

‭Conclusion‬

‭ oth wave and tidal wave energy are promising renewable energy sources with the‬
B
‭potential to provide clean, sustainable electricity. However, their effectiveness depends on‬
‭location, technological development, and overcoming challenges such as high costs,‬
‭environmental impact, and energy intermittency. Despite these limitations, they represent a‬
‭key part of the future of ocean-based renewable energy.‬
‭WASTE RECYCLE MANAGEMENT‬
‭RECYCLING‬

‭➔‬‭Recycling involves a series of processes, which includes collection of recyclable‬


‭materials and sorting out and using it as raw material after palletizing.‬

‭➔‬‭It also includes processing, manufacturing and selling of final products.‬

‭➔‬‭The collected materials are sorted and cleaned out for manufacturing into two‬
‭products.‬

‭➔‬‭Some of the household materials, which can be recycled and used further, include‬
‭newspapers and paper towels, aluminum, plastic and glass, soft drink containers,‬
‭steel cans, and plastic laundry bottles.‬

‭➔‬‭The reuses of recycled material fall in the field of recovered glass, in roadway asphalt‬
‭or recovered plastic in carpeting, park benches, and pedestrian bridges.‬

‭WASTE RECYCLING MANAGEMENT‬


‭1.‬ ‭Waste recycling management is a part of energy conservation.‬

‭2.‬ ‭The typical route for recycling the waste material involved is collection, transport,‬
‭processing and/or disposal of waste materials.‬

‭3.‬ ‭Recycling plays a major role in waste management. Though it is an uncommon‬


‭activity, it earns good income in developing countries.‬
‭Steps Involved in Waste Management‬
‭1.‬ ‭The various steps included in waste recycling management are :‬

‭a.‬ ‭Find out the various alternate waste recycling options.‬

‭b.‬ ‭Listing of steps included in the process.‬

‭c.‬ ‭Economical analysis of recycling process.‬

‭d.‬ ‭Organising.‬

‭e.‬ ‭Execution and monitoring of program.‬

‭2.‬ ‭The hazardous waste is to be disposed off in a properly lined landfill or containers to‬
‭prevent serious health effects.‬

‭3.‬ ‭The biodegradable waste goes for composting or biomethanation (biogas) process to‬
‭produce energy and the remaining goes for land filling.‬

‭4.‬ ‭The reuse of material like glass, plastics reduces the wastes considerably after‬
‭recycling into new products, plastics which can be molded to usable material.‬

‭5.‬ ‭The wood and agricultural residues are used to produce biomass, biomass‬
‭briquettes.‬

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