SRI KRISHNA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

An Autonomous Institution, (Approved by AICTE and affiliated to Anna University)

Accredited by NAAC with “A” Grade
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
END SEMESTER REGULAR EXAMINATIONS – NOV / DEC 2019
(Scheme of Evaluation)
Programme Course Code Course Title
B.E Mechanical ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES FOR IC
16ME412
Engineering ENGINES
Time: Three Hours Max Marks: 100

Course Outcomes:
CO 1: Interpret the need, availability and difficulty in alternative fuel [U]
CO 2: Illustrate the standards followed and properties of alternative fuels [U]
CO 3: Determine the performance and emission characteristics of engines using alternative fuels [AP]
CO 4: Identify the most effective alternative resource [AP]
Part – A (10 X 02 = 20 Marks)
RBT CO Marks
Answer All Questions
1 Define LPG. U CO1 2
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a portable, clean and efficient energy source which is readily
available to consumers around the world. LPG is primarily obtained from natural gas and oil
production but is also produced increasingly from renewable sources; its unique properties make it a
versatile energy source which can be used in more than 1,000 different applications.
2 Enumerate the desirable properties of alcohol as engine oil. U CO1 2
Alcohol has a low cetane number, high octane number, high auto-ignition temperature, high latent
heat of vaporization and low level of heating value. Because of the above reasons, the original
diesel fuel system would be maintained when this diesel engine is converted to ethanol/alcohol
blend fuel.
3 What is the effect of high sulphur content on the performance of SI U CO1 2
and CI Engines?
Sulphur is a naturally occurring compound in crude oil. When fuel is burned the sulphur combines
with oxygen (SOx) to create emissions that contribute to decreased air quality and have negative
environmental and health effects.
4 What is the main problems with alcohol-gasoline blends? U CO1 2
Alcohols burn more completely then petroleum- based fuels, thus increasing combustion efficiency.
Advantages of mixing alcohol with gasoline are that alcohol tends to increase the octane rating and
reduce carbon monoxide and other tailpipe emissions. Mixing alcohol with gasoline produces
gasohol.
5 What are the barriers in implementing alternative fuels? U CO2 2
The success of implementing alternative fuels for road transport depends on their cost, performance
and reliability.
6 List some prominent alternative fuels and classify them. R CO2 2
Ethanol, Natural Gas, Electricity, Hydrogen, Propane, Biodiesel and Methanol.

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 7 What is esterification process? U CO3 2
Esterification is a chemical reaction that forms at least one ester (= a type of compound produced by
reaction between acids and alcohols). Esters are produced when acids are heated with alcohols in a
process called esterification.

8 Mention various vegetableoils used for engines. U CO3 2

Soybean oil, canola oil, palm oil, Mahua oil, Jatropha oil and sunflower oil can be directly used in
diesel engines as biofuel.

9 List out the merits and demerits of lithium iron batteries. U CO4 2
Merits
 High energy density - potential for yet higher capacities.
 Does not need prolonged priming when new. One regular charge is all that's needed.
 Relatively low self-discharge - self-discharge is less than half that of nickel-based batteries.
 Low Maintenance - no periodic discharge is needed; there is no memory.
 Specialty cells can provide very high current to applications such as power tools.
Demerits
 Requires protection circuit to maintain voltage and current within safe limits.
 Subject to aging (not in use)-storage in a cool place at 40% charge reduces the aging effect.
 Transportation restrictions - shipment of larger quantities may be subject to regulatory
control. This restriction does not apply to personal carry-on batteries.
 Expensive to manufacture - about 40 percent higher in cost than nickel-cadmium.
 Not fully mature - metals and chemicals are changing on a continuing basis.

10 List out the limitations of electric vehicles. R CO4 2

Charging Woes, Traveling Distance (Range), Lack of Power, Overloaded Batteries and They Are
Expensive.

Part – B (05 X 16 = 80 Marks) RBT CO Marks

Answer any Five Questions
11 What are the blends of alcohols used as alternative fuels? Give AP CO1 16
their merits and dmerits.
Ethanol is blended with gasoline in various amounts for use in vehicles.
i. E10 is a low-level blend composed of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. It is approved by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in any conventional, gasoline-powered
vehicle. The use of E10 was spurred by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (and
subsequent laws), which mandated the sale of oxygenated fuels in areas with unhealthy levels
of carbon monoxide. This kicked off the modern U.S. ethanol industry growth. Today, E10 is
sold in every state. More than 98% of U.S. gasoline contains up to 10% ethanol to boost
octane, meet air quality requirements, or satisfy the Renewable Fuel Standard. E10 does not
qualify as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct). (3 Marks)

ii. E15 is a low-level blend composed of 10.5% to 15% ethanol and gasoline. In 2011, the EPA
approved E15 for use in model year 2001 and newer light-duty conventional vehicles. There
are several EPA requirements and regulations that stations must adhere to when selling E15.
The most significant requirement is an implementation of a misfueling mitigation plan.
Misfueling—when the wrong fuel is used in a vehicle—is a concern for conventional vehicles
older than model year 2001. While E15 also doesn't qualify as an alternative fuel under EPAct,
it does help meet the federal Renewable Fuel Standard. (3 Marks)

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 iii. E85 (or flex fuel) is an ethanol-gasoline blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending
on geography and season, and qualifies as an alternative fuel under EPAct. E85 can be used in
flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), which have an internal combustion engine and are designed to
run on E85, gasoline, or any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%. E85 is not approved for
use in conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. (3 Marks)

Advantages of using alcohol as a fuel (3 Marks)

 It can be obtained from both natural and manufacturing methods.

 It has a very high octane number (above 100) and a very good flame speed.
 It produces less emissions than gasoline (petrol).
 Due to cooler intake, volumetric efficiency of engine running on alcohol is good.
 Alcohol has low sulphur content in fuel.
 More moles of exhaust gases produced provide more power to expansion stroke.

Disadvantages of using alcohol as a fuel (4 Marks)

 Calorific value of alcohols are almost half to that of gasoline. So we need almost double
amount of alcohol to travel same distance as on using gasoline.
 Combustion of alcohols produce aldehydes and aldehydes emission will be a serious
problem.
 Alcohol is corrosive in nature. Hence, design consideration are there when using it as a
fuel.
 It is difficult to start the engine when the temperature of the engine is below 10 °C while
using alcohol.
 Alcohol has poor ignition characteristics.
 Alcohols produce almost invisible flames while burning, it may cause serious safety
problems.
 Many people find odor of alcohol offensive. It may cause headaches and dizziness.
 There is possibility of vapour lock in fuel delivery systems.

12 Write short notes about LPG, CNG & Bio gas with their merits U CO2 16
and dmerits.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Varieties of LPG bought and sold include mixes that are
primarily propane (C3H8), primarily butane (C4H10) and, most commonly, mixes including both
propane and butane and isobutane depending on the season in winter more propane, in summer
more butane. (2 Mark)
Advantages (2 Mark)
i. LPG is cheaper than petrol (up to 50%).
ii. It produces less exhaust emissions than petrol.
iii. It is better for the engine and it can prolong engine life.
iv. In some vehicles, it can provide better performance.
v. Has a higher octane rating than petrol (108 compared to 91).
Disadvantages (2 Mark)
i. It isn't highly available.
ii. The initial cost for converting your vehicle to LPG can cost up to $3000.
iii. It has a lower energy density than petrol.
iv. No new passenger cars come readily fitted with LPG (they have to be converted)
v. The gas tank takes up a considerable amount of space in the car boot.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a fuel source that is made from compressing natural gas to
less than 1% of its standard atmospheric volume. CNG can be used in place of gasoline or diesel
in any vehicle with a CNG conversion kit available or CNG engine. Primary component is
Methane (CH4). Vehicles powered by CNG produce less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon

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 (HC) emission. The ignition temperature of CNG is about 550°C. (2 Mark)

Advantages of CNG: (2 Mark)

i. Environment Friendly
ii. CNG is Economic than petrol and LPG.
iii. CNG is good for car engine and it doesn’t harm to car engine which happens in LPG.
iv. Ease of use and flexibility
v. It requires less lubrication.
vi. CNG is safer than petrol and diesel.

Disadvantages of CNG: (1 Mark)

i. CNG Gas stations have limited availability.
ii. CNG tank requires need large space and it is heavy.
iii. CNG gas kit Cost: CNG gas kit prices are between 20000 Rs to 30000 Rs.

Biogas typically refers to a gas produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of
oxygen. It is a renewable energy source, like solar and wind energy. Biogas can be produced
from regionally available raw materials and recycled waste and is environmentally friendly and
CO2 neutral. Biogas comprises primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and may have
small amounts of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and moisture. (2 Mark)
Advantages of Biogas: (2 Mark)
i. It’s a renewable source of energy and lesser pollution generating energy.
ii. It provides manure for the agriculture and gardens.
iii. Biogas energy is relatively cheaper and reliable.
iv. Recycling of waste reduces pollution and spread of diseases.
v. Heat energy that one gets from biogas is 3.5 times the heat from burning wood.
vi. Because of more heat produced the time required for cooking is lesser.

Disadvantages of Biogas: (1 Mark)

i. Cost of construction of biogas plant is high, so only rich people can use it.
ii. Some people don’t like to cook food on biogas produced from sewage waste.
iii. Biogas plant requires space and produces dirty smell.
iv. Due to improper construction many biogas plants are working inefficiently.
v. It is difficult to store biogas in cylinders.
vi. Transportation of biogas through pipe over long distances is difficult.

13 With the help of a detailed diagram, explain the modifications AP 3 16

required to be done in SI engine to use LPG .
 LPG is a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as a fuel in heating appliances and
vehicles.
 LPG is prepared by refining petroleum or "wet" natural gas, and is almost entirely derived
from fossil fuel sources, being manufactured.
 During the refining of petroleum (crude oil), or extracted from petroleum or natural gas
streams as they emerge from the ground.
 LPG is a mixture of propane and butane (this is called autogas).
 LPG has higher octane number of about 112, which enables higher compression ratio to be
employed and gives more thermal efficiency.
 Engine life is increased for LPG engine and spark plug deposits are reduced.
 LPG system requires more safety. In case of leakage LPG has tendency to accumulate near
ground as it is heavier than air.
 LPG operation increases durability of engine and life of exhaust system is increased.
 The normal components of LPG are propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10).
 Small concentrations of other hydrocarbons may also be present.
Ethane - 0.20%, Propane - 57.30%, Butane - 41.10% & Pentane - 1.40% (7 Marks)

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 (9 Marks)

14 Outline the biogas energy production method. Also state the AP 4 16

advantages and disadvantages of biogas system.
 Biogas typically refers to a gas produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence
of oxygen.
 It is a renewable energy source, like solar and wind energy.
 Biogas can be produced from regionally available raw materials and recycled waste and is
environmentally friendly and CO2 neutral.
 Biogas is produced by the fermentation of biodegradable materials such as manure, sewage,
municipal waste, green waste, plant material, and crops.
 Biogas comprises primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and may have small
amounts of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and moisture. (2 Marks)
Advantages of Biogas . (3 Marks)
 It’s a renewable source of energy.
 It’s a comparatively lesser pollution generating energy.
 It provides manure for the agriculture and gardens.
 Biogas energy is relatively cheaper and reliable.
 Generated from everyday human & animal wastes, vegetable & agriculture left-over etc.
 Recycling of waste reduces pollution and spread of diseases.
 Heat energy that one gets from biogas is 3.5 times the heat from burning wood.
 Because of more heat produced the time required for cooking is lesser.

. (Diagram 8 Marks)
Disadvantages of Biogas. (3 Marks)
 Cost of construction of biogas plant is high, so only rich people can use it.

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  Some people don’t like to cook food on biogas produced from sewage waste.
 Biogas plant requires space and produces dirty smell.
 Due to improper construction many biogas plants are working inefficiently.
 It is difficult to store biogas in cylinders.
 Transportation of biogas through pipe over long distances is difficult.

15 Explain how the LPG engine works and what safety precautions AP CO3 16
to be taken.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is commonly called Autogas when used as fuel for vehicles with
Internal Combustion Engines. It can also be used for fixed ICE installations, like generators.
Autogas is either propane or a propane and butane mix. The LPG system works by pumping
LPG at high pressure from the LPG vehicle tank to the engine inlet manifold via a set of liquid
LPG injectors. The injectors spray the liquid LPG into the intake manifold. The fuel vaporising
in the intake manifold cools and increases the density of the intake air. (5 Marks)

Working Principle: (6 Marks)

i. The first stroke is called intake stroke, in which air is sucked into the cylinder and mixed with
LPG as the piston moves downward in the cylinder.
ii. The second stroke is called compression stroke, happens when the piston moves back into the
cylinder, compressing the air and fuel mixture.
iii. The third stroke called power stroke, starts when the spark plug ignities the bcompressed air and
fuel mixture, causing a combustion reactionin the cylinder and forcing the piston down.
iv. The exhaust stroke, happens when the exhaust value open and the piston forces the exhaust gases
out of the cylinder.
v. The exhaust passes through the catalytic converter, which is an emission control device. It works
b y rearranging the chemical composition of the harmful pollutants into harmless substance such
as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water.

When using LP Gas cylinders: (5 Marks)

i. Always ensure adequate ventilation and never use indoors or in confined spaces.
ii. Always read the manufacturers operating instructions.
iii. Do not connect or disconnect cylinders near a naked flame.
iv. Do not use LPG in windy conditions.
v. Always keep cylinders cool and away from flames, sparks and heat.

16 Explain the performance and emission chracteristics of a vegitable U CO2 16

oil in CI engines.
i. The physical and chemical properties of Bio-diesel are similar to those of petroleum diesel.
ii. It is environmentally friendly, nonhazardous and bio-degradable.
iii. The applications of Bio-diesel range from transport vehicles to farming equipment to industrial
machinery.
iv. Decrease in CO2 from burning fuel is taken up by plants growing next crop of fuel feedstock.
v. The influence of biodiesel on emissions varies depending on the type of biodiesel (soybean,
rapeseed, or animal fats).
vi. The type of conventional diesel to which the biodiesel is added due to differences in their chemical
composition and properties.
vii. These show the average of the trends observed in a number of investigations.
viii. Use of biodiesel results in reduction of CO, HC and PM, but slight increase in NOx emissions.
ix. Reduction in CO emissions is attributed to presence of oxygen in the fuel molecule.
x. A slight increase in NOx emissions results perhaps due to advancement of dynamic injection
timing with biodiesel.
xi. The methyl esters have a lower compressibility, which results in advancement of dynamic
injection timing with biodiesel compared to diesel.
xii. Volumetric fuel consumption with biodiesel is higher than diesel due to its lower heating value.
xiii. An increase of 10-11 % in fuel consumption compared to diesel may be expected when comparing

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 their heating values.
xiv. An increase in volumetric fuel consumption by 0.9-2.1% with 20% blends has been obtained.
(10 Marks)

(6 Marks)

17 Explain different layout of an electric vehicle with neat sketches U CO4 16

and write the advantages and limitations of electric vehicle.
Basically, all cars run on the principle of conversion of energy from one form to another. In a
traditional gasoline car, the chemical energy stored in the fuel is converted into kinetic energy by
the internal combustion engine, releasing byproducts in the form of combustion emissions.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The
vehicle uses a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and must be plugged in to a
charging station or wall outlet to charge. EV doesnot emit any pollutions like gasoline engine.
(2 Marks)

(4 Marks)

(4 Marks)

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 Advantages of Electric Vechicle (3 Marks)
i. They’re easier on the environment.
ii. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline.
iii. Maintenance is less frequent and less expensive.
iv. They’re very quiet.
v. We can get tax credits.
vi. They can shorten your commute time.

Limitations of Electric Vechicle (3 Marks)

i. Most EVs have pretty short ranges.
ii. Recharging can take a while.
iii. They’re a large initial investment.
iv. Charging station availability is inconsistent.
v. There are fewer choices.

18 a Describe about solar panel arrays. U CO4 8

 The solar array consists of hundreds of solar cells converting sunlight into electricity.
 In order to construct an array, PV cells are placed together to form modules which are
placed together to form an array.
 The larger arrays in use can produce over 2 kilowatts (2.6 hp). (2 Marks)
Horizontal:
 It gives most overall power during most of the day in low latitudes or higher latitude
summers and offers little interaction with the wind.
 Horizontal arrays can be integrated or be in the form of a free canopy.
Vertical:
 It is free standing or integrated sails to harness wind energy.
 Useful solar power is limited to mornings, evenings, or winters and when the vehicle is
pointing in the right direction.
Adjustable:
 Free solar arrays tilted around the axis of travel in order to increase power when the sun
is low and well to the side.
 Two-axis adjustment is only found on marine vehicles, where the aerodynamic resistance
is of less importance than with road vehicles.
Integrated:
 Vehicles cover every available surface with solar cells.
 Some of the cells will be at an optimal angle whereas others will be shaded.
Trailer:
 Solar trailers are especially useful for retrofitting existing vehicles with little stability,
e.g. bicycles.
 Some trailers also include the batteries and others also the drive motor.
Remote:
 Solar array at a stationary location instead of the vehicle, power can be maximised and
resistance minimized.
 The virtual grid-connection however involves more electrical losses than with true solar
vehicles and the battery must be larger.
(Each type 1 mark)

b With neat sketch write in detail the working of hybrid electric U CO2 8
vehicle.
 HEV is a vehicle that combines a conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
propulsion system with an electric propulsion system (hybrid vehicle drivetrain).
 A vehicle that has two or more energy conversion technologies combined with one or

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 more energy storage units
 The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve either better fuel economy
than a conventional vehicle or better performance.
 Typically, one energy source is storage, and the other is conversion of a fuel to energy.
 The combination of two power sources may support two separate propulsion systems.
 Thus to be a True hybrid, the vehicle must have at least two modes of propulsion.

(Diagram 5 Marks & Explonation 3 Marks)

Prepared by Course Coordinator HOD Principal

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