Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad B.Tech III ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION Previous Question Paper (February/March - 2022 - R16)

Energy exists in several fundamental forms, including mechanical (kinetic and potential), thermal, chemical, electrical, radiant, and nuclear. Kinetic energy is associated with motion, while potential energy is stored energy due to position or configuration. Thermal energy relates to the internal motion of atoms and molecules, chemical energy is stored in the bonds of compounds, and electrical energy results from the movement of electrons.

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In any isolated system, the total energy remains constant. Mathematically, for a closed system, the change in internal energy is equal to the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system:

The global energy scenario is characterized by a heavy reliance on fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), which account for over 80% of primary energy consumption. Developed nations exhibit high per-capita energy consumption with a significant shift toward natural gas and renewables, while global trends show a rapid transition toward decarbonization and energy efficiency to meet climate goals.

In contrast, the Indian energy scenario is defined by a high dependence on coal for power generation, which meets more than 50% of the country's primary energy needs. India's per-capita energy consumption is significantly lower than the global average but is growing rapidly due to industrialization and urbanization. Key differences include:

• Energy Mix: While the world is diversifying rapidly, India remains coal-dominant, though it has set ambitious targets for solar and wind capacity expansion.
• Consumption Patterns: Global consumption is shifting toward electricity and cleaner fuels, whereas India still relies heavily on biomass for rural cooking and coal for base-load power.
• Security and Imports: India is a major net importer of crude oil and coal, making energy security a critical policy driver, whereas many developed nations have more stable or diversified supply chains.
• Policy Focus: Global focus is primarily on net-zero emissions, while India balances the dual challenge of providing affordable, reliable energy for development alongside its commitment to renewable energy growth.