PANIMALAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
21EE1908 - Utilization and Conservation of Electrical Energy
QUESTION BANK
UNIT-I SET-3
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which braking method involves dissipating kinetic energy as heat in a resistor?
a) Regenerative braking
b) Rheostatic braking
c) Mechanical braking
d) Magnetic braking
Answer: b) Rheostatic braking
2. What is the main source of power in an electric traction system?
a) Steam
b) Overhead electric lines
c) Solar panels
d) Internal combustion engine
Answer: b) Overhead electric lines
3. What is the key feature of electric braking in railway systems?
a) It requires frequent maintenance.
b) It converts braking energy into heat.
c) It saves energy by feeding it back to the supply.
d) It increases wear on the train’s wheels.
Answer: c) It saves energy by feeding it back to the supply.
4. Which type of transformer is used in railway systems to handle fluctuating loads?
a) Step-up transformer
b) Step-down transformer
c) Auto transformer
d) Isolation transformer
Answer: c) Auto transformer
5. What determines the acceleration of a train in an electric traction system?
a) Voltage supply
b) Torque-speed characteristic of the motor
c) Weight of the pantograph
d) Friction in the wheels
Answer: b) Torque-speed characteristic of the motor
Fill in the Blanks
1. ________ braking is the process of converting kinetic energy into electrical energy
during deceleration.
Answer: Regenerative
2. The ________ characteristic of a traction motor is essential for smooth starting and
speed control.
Answer: torque-speed
3. The train resistance due to air increases with the square of the ________.
Answer: speed
4. An electric locomotive's power rating is measured in ________.
Answer: kilowatts (kW)
5. The ________ system of railway electrification is commonly used in urban metro rail
networks.
Answer: DC
True or False
1. Electric traction systems are more energy-efficient than steam or diesel systems.
Answer: True
2. The primary disadvantage of regenerative braking is its inability to operate at low
speeds.
Answer: True
3. Rolling resistance in trains depends on the gradient of the track.
Answer: False
4. The purpose of an auto transformer in traction systems is to reduce energy losses.
Answer: True
5. Power transformers are used to step up the voltage for traction motors.
Answer: False
Short Questions
1. What is rheostatic braking?
Rheostatic braking dissipates the kinetic energy of a moving train as heat in a resistor
during deceleration. It is a form of electric braking.
Answer: It reduces wear on mechanical brakes.
2. Why are DC systems used in urban rail networks?
DC systems are used in urban networks due to their ability to operate efficiently at
lower voltages, which is ideal for short distances and frequent stops.
Answer: They provide better control and efficiency.
3. What are the advantages of regenerative braking?
Regenerative braking converts kinetic energy back into electrical energy, improving
energy efficiency and reducing wear on mechanical components.
Answer: It lowers operating costs.
4. What is the role of an auto transformer in traction systems?
Auto transformers are used to step down high transmission voltages to appropriate
levels, reducing energy losses in railway electrification.
Answer: They improve system efficiency.
5. What is train acceleration dependent on in an electric traction system?
Train acceleration depends on the torque-speed characteristics of the traction motor
and the load on the train.
Answer: It determines smooth and efficient operation.
Match the Following
1. Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Column 1 Column 2
A. Rheostatic Braking 1. Dissipates energy as heat in a resistor
B. Regenerative Braking 2. Feeds energy back to the supply grid
C. Auto Transformer 3. Reduces energy losses in transmission lines
D. Rolling Resistance 4. Resistance due to wheel and rail contact
2. Options:
1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4
2. A - 3, B - 4, C - 1, D - 2
3. A - 4, B - 3, C - 2, D - 1
4. A - 2, B - 1, C - 4, D - 3
Answer: 1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4
Match the following terms with their features in railway electrification:
Column 1 Column 2
A. Traction Power Supply 1. Supplies electrical energy to the trains
B. Railway Electrification 2. Uses a dedicated railway track or overhead system to
System provide electricity
3. Power is delivered to trains using contact wires above the
C. Overhead Line Equipment
tracks
4. Converts high-voltage power to usable voltage levels for the
D. Traction Substation
railway network
Column 1 Column 2
5. Run on direct current or alternating current for efficient train
E. DC/AC Locomotives
movement
Options:
1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4, E - 5
2. A - 5, B - 1, C - 3, D - 4, E - 2
3. A - 2, B - 3, C - 1, D - 5, E - 4
4. A - 1, B - 4, C - 2, D - 5, E - 3
Answer: 1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4, E - 5
Match the following terms with their associated functions in electric traction:
Column 1 Column 2
A. Power Supply 1. Converts electrical power into mechanical energy to move trains
2. Converts high-voltage AC to lower voltage AC for railway
B. Traction Substation
systems
C. Electric Braking 3. Used for energy regeneration while slowing down the train
D. Track Collection
4. Collects power from the supply system and sends it to the train
Gear
E. Voltage Regulator 5. Maintains constant voltage levels in the traction system
Options:
1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4, E - 5
2. A - 2, B - 5, C - 1, D - 4, E - 3
3. A - 1, B - 5, C - 3, D - 2, E - 4
4. A - 4, B - 2, C - 3, D - 5, E - 1
Answer: 1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4, E - 5
Match the following electric motor types with their applications:
Column 1 Column 2
A. Induction Motor 1. Used in electric trains and industrial applications
B. DC Shunt Motor 2. Offers constant speed under varying loads
C. Synchronous 3. Provides a fixed speed and high efficiency in power plants
Column 1 Column 2
Motor
D. Series DC Motor 4. Provides high torque at low speeds, used in railway traction
5. Combines the characteristics of series and shunt windings for varied
E. Compound Motor
applications
Options:
1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4, E - 5
2. A - 5, B - 4, C - 3, D - 2, E - 1
3. A - 1, B - 4, C - 5, D - 3, E - 2
4. A - 4, B - 2, C - 3, D - 1, E - 5
Answer: 1. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4, E - 5
Match the following terms with their electric drive components:
Column 1 Column 2
A. Energy Regeneration 1. Energy recovered during braking
B. Traction Power Supply 2. Provides power to the entire railway network
C. Speed Control System 3. Maintains a constant speed for smooth train operation
4. Converts electrical energy into mechanical power for
D. Electric Motor
movement
E. Regenerative Braking
5. Recycles the energy produced while decelerating the train
System
Options:
1. A - 5, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4, E - 1
2. A - 4, B - 1, C - 2, D - 5, E - 3
3. A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 5, E - 4
4. A - 3, B - 5, C - 2, D - 4, E - 1
Answer: 1. A - 5, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4, E - 1
