22CCT324 2nd Assignment established legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions by certain percentages below their 1990 levels.
1] What is carbon footprint. Explain These targets varied among countries.
Ans: A carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of greenhouse Flexible Mechanisms: The Protocol introduced three flexible mechanisms to
gases, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2) and other compounds like methane help countries achieve their emission reduction targets cost-effectively:
(CH4), emitted directly or indirectly by human activities. These activities can Emissions Trading: Allowed countries to buy and sell
include personal actions such as driving a car, using electricity, heating your carbon credits to meet their reduction commitments.
home, or consuming goods and services. They can also encompass broader Clean Development Mechanism (CDM):
industrial and commercial processes like manufacturing, transportation, and Permitted developed countries to invest in emissions reduction projects in
agriculture. The concept of a developing countries and receive carbon credits in return. Joint
carbon footprint is based on the idea of carbon being a primary contributor to Implementation (JI): Similar to the CDM but involved projects in other
climate change through the greenhouse effect. When we burn fossil fuels like developed countries.
coal, oil, and natural gas, we release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This Accountability: The Protocol required participating countries to regularly report
buildup of CO2 traps heat, leading to global warming and climate change. on their emissions and progress towards their targets.
Calculating a carbon footprint involves assessing the Commitment Periods: The Kyoto Protocol was divided into commitment
amount of greenhouse gases emitted across various activities, usually periods during which countries were expected to meet their emission reduction
expressed in equivalent units of carbon dioxide (CO2e) to standardize the targets. The first commitment period lasted from 2008 to 2012.
impact of different gases. Once quantified, individuals, organizations, and While the Kyoto Protocol marked an important step in
governments can use this information to identify areas where emissions can be international efforts to address climate change, its effectiveness has been
reduced and take steps to mitigate their carbon footprint. This might involve debated, and it faced challenges, including the withdrawal of some key countries
adopting energy-efficient technologies, using renewable energy sources, and the rise of emissions from non-participating nations.
reducing consumption, or implementing carbon offsetting strategies. By
reducing carbon footprints, we can help mitigate climate change and move 3] Explain the working principle of flat plate collectors
towards a more sustainable future. Ans: Flat plate collectors are a type of solar thermal technology used to
capture and convert solar energy into usable heat for various applications like
2 What is carbon credit. Explain the Kyoto Protocol heating water or spaces. Here's how they work:
Ans: Carbon credits are a key component of emissions 1. Absorption of Solar Energy: Flat
trading schemes designed to mitigate climate change by reducing plate collectors consist of a shallow, insulated box with a transparent cover
greenhouse gas emissions. Here's how they work: Definition: A (typically glass or plastic) on the top and a dark-colored absorber plate on the
carbon credit represents a permit that allows a country, company, or entity to bottom. The transparent cover allows sunlight to pass through and minimizes
emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases. One carbon credit usually equals heat loss, while the absorber plate absorbs solar radiation.
one metric ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. 2. Heat Transfer Fluid: Inside the collector, there is a heat
Emissions Reductions: Under emissions trading systems like transfer fluid (often water or a mixture of water and antifreeze) that circulates
cap-and-trade, governments set a cap on the total amount of greenhouse gases through tubes or channels attached to the absorber plate. As sunlight strikes the
that can be emitted within their jurisdiction. They then allocate or auction off a absorber plate, it heats up, transferring thermal energy to the fluid flowing
limited number of carbon credits corresponding to this cap. through it. 3. Conduction and
Trading: Entities subject to emissions Convection: The heated fluid carries thermal energy away from the absorber
regulations can buy and sell carbon credits in a regulated market. Those who plate through conduction and convection. Conduction refers to the transfer of
can reduce emissions more cost-effectively than others may end up with surplus heat through direct contact between the absorber plate and the fluid, while
credits that they can sell to those who face higher abatement costs. This creates convection involves the movement of heated fluid away from the plate, replaced
a financial incentive for reducing emissions. by cooler fluid. 4. Heat Exchanger: The hot fluid then flows out of the
Compliance: Carbon credits are often used by companies and nations to meet collector and into a heat exchanger, where its thermal energy is transferred to a
their emissions reduction targets under international agreements or domestic separate system, such as a water heating system or space heating system. In
regulations. By purchasing credits, they can offset their emissions and achieve water heating applications, for example, the hot fluid can transfer its heat to
compliance with emission limits. cold water passing through coils in the heat exchanger, thereby heating the
water for domestic or industrial use.
The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 2005, 5. Return Flow: After transferring its heat, the now cooler fluid returns to the
was an international treaty aimed at combating climate change. Key collector to be reheated by the sun, completing the cycle. This continuous
features include: Binding Targets: The Kyoto Protocol circulation of fluid allows the collector to continuously absorb and transfer solar
energy as long as sunlight is available. Flat plate collectors are 1. Electromagnetic Radiation: Electromagnetic Radiation has no mass and
relatively simple and durable devices that can be used in various climates and moves through space at the speed of light [3.0 x10^8 m/sec]
applications. While they are not as efficient as some other solar technologies, EM radiation can be described by two model
they remain a cost-effective option for many solar thermal heating applications, a. Wave model
particularly in residential and commercial settings b. Photon model
4] Explain the working principle of pyranometer a. Wave model: EM radiation is a pair of perpendicular, time varying electric
Ans: A pyranometer is a device used to measure the total solar and magnetic fields travelling through space with The velocity of light. the
radiation received from the entire hemisphere above the instrument's location. distance between maxima of the EM fields is the wavelength
It's commonly employed in meteorology, climatology, and solar energy studies The frequency of the wave is given by v = c/λ
to quantify the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface. Here's how
it works: 1. Design: A typical b. Photon model: EM radiation can also be described as discrete pockets of
pyranometer consists of a flat, circular surface, often made of glass or quartz, energy called photons. The energy (E) is related to the wavelength (λ) in model
which is coated with a material that absorbs solar radiation evenly across the through planck's constant (h) and the speed of light (c) The wave E = (h.c)/ λ
entire solar spectrum. Beneath this surface is a temperature sensor, usually a
thermopile, which measures the temperature rise caused by the absorbed solar 2. Particulate Radiation: charged particles are emitted from The atomic
radiation. 2. Absorption of Solar Radiation: When nucleus at high energy in some nuclear Transformations. These include alpha ()
sunlight strikes the surface of the pyranometer, the radiation is absorbed by the & Beta (β) particles uncharged particles are produced by fission @ other nuclear
coating on the surface. This coating is designed to have a high absorptivity for reactions. Both types of particles produce ionization.
solar radiation, meaning it efficiently absorbs the incoming sunlight. 3.
Temperature Rise: As solar radiation is absorbed, the temperature of the 6] Explain the importance of Building orientation
surface increases. The temperature sensor (thermopile) beneath the surface Ans: Building orientation plays a crucial role in architectural
detects this temperature rise. design due to its significant impact on various aspects of building performance,
4. Measurement of Temperature Difference: The energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and overall environmental sustainability.
temperature sensor measures the temperature difference between the surface Here's a breakdown of its importance: 1. Energy Efficiency: Properly
of the pyranometer and its surroundings. This temperature difference is directly orienting a building can maximize the use of natural resources like sunlight and
proportional to the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the surface. wind for heating, cooling, and lighting. For instance, positioning a building to
5. Conversion to capture more sunlight in cold climates can reduce heating costs, while
Solar Irradiance: By calibrating the instrument and accounting for factors such minimizing sun exposure in hot climates can lower cooling needs.
as the surface area of the pyranometer and the sensitivity of the temperature 2. Passive Solar Design: Building orientation is fundamental to
sensor, the temperature difference can be converted into a measure of solar passive solar design, which utilizes the sun's energy for heating, cooling, and
irradiance, typically expressed in watts per square meter (W/m²) or its lighting without relying on mechanical systems. Orienting a building's windows,
equivalent units. 6. Output: The pyranometer provides walls, and roof to optimize solar gain in winter and minimize it in summer helps
an output signal, often in the form of a voltage or current, which corresponds to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. 3. Day lighting:
the solar irradiance measured at the instrument's location. This output can be Orienting a building to maximize natural daylight penetration reduces the need
recorded and analyzed to study variations in solar radiation over time, space, for artificial lighting during the day. This not only saves energy but also
and under different atmospheric conditions. enhances occupant comfort, productivity, and well-being by providing a
connection to the outdoors and maintaining healthy circadian rhythms.
5] Explain the how coal based power generation is link to the building 4. Natural Ventilation: Proper orientation
energy. Ans: What is radiation: "it is defined as the facilitates natural ventilation by harnessing prevailing winds and thermal
transmission of energy through space” called as Radiation. buoyancy to circulate fresh air throughout the building. This reduces reliance on
Two major forms of mechanical ventilation systems, improves indoor air quality, and enhances
radiation, 1. occupant comfort. 5.
Electromagnetic Radiation. Views and Privacy: Thoughtful building orientation can optimize views of the
2. Particulate Radiation. surrounding landscape while maintaining privacy for occupants. By positioning
Both forms can interact with matter, and transfer their energy windows and openings strategically, designers can frame desirable views, block
to the matter. undesirable ones, and create private outdoor spaces.
6. Environmental Impact: Building orientation affects
a structure's environmental footprint by influencing its energy consumption,
carbon emissions, and resource use. By designing buildings with optimal
orientation and incorporating sustainable materials and systems, designers can also accommodate central air conditioning.
minimize environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet. 7. 3. Efficient distribution: The ductwork ensures
Resilience and Adaptation: Considering building orientation in the context of even distribution of heat throughout the building.
climate change and extreme weather events can enhance a building's resilience Disadvantages:
and adaptability. Orienting buildings to mitigate exposure to natural hazards like 1.Air quality concerns: Dust, allergens,
floods, storms, and wildfires can improve their safety and longevity. and other particles can accumulate in ducts, leading to indoor air quality issues.
2.Noise: The operation
9] Explain application of solar energy in building design. of the blower fan can be noisy. 3.Energy
Ans: Building energy needs and available solar efficiency: Some forced air systems may have lower energy efficiency compared
technologies: Solar energy, in its active passive forms, to other heating methods.
is able to deliver the entire set of building energy needs
Space heating & Cooling 2. Furnace System: A furnace is the central component of a forced air heating
lighting Domestic hot water system. It's a large appliance typically located in a basement, attic, or closet.
Electricity Furnaces can be powered by various fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil, or
Space cooling also. electricity. Operation: The furnace heats air by
burning fuel (in the case of gas, oil, or propane furnaces) or using electric
heating elements. It contains components such as burners, heat exchangers,
and blowers.
Advantages:
1.Versatility: Furnaces are available in different sizes and fuel types to suit
various needs and preferences.
2.Cost-effective: In areas with access to affordable natural gas
or electricity, furnace heating can be cost-effective.
3.Integration with forced air systems: Furnaces
seamlessly integrate with forced air systems for efficient heating and
distribution. Disadvantages:
Different solar technologies covering different building energy needy : 1. Fuel dependency:
1. Domestic hot water can be produced using active solar Furnaces require a constant supply of fuel, and fuel prices can fluctuate.
thermal collectors. 2. Space heating can be easily provided by The 2.Maintenance:
direct passive solar gains heating The building through the windows. the needed Furnaces need regular maintenance, including filter replacement, to ensure
heat con also be provided indirectly, by using active solar thermal collectors. efficient and safe operation.
3. Electricity for appliances can 3.Carbon monoxide risk: Improperly maintained furnaces can pose a risk of
be produced by photovoltaic modules 4. Space lighting should carbon monoxide leaks, so regular inspections are crucial for safety
be provided as far as possible by using passive sun light photovoltaic modules
can then provide what is needed for electric lighting. 5. Space cooling
can be greatly supported by appropriate passive night ventilation. Recently
solar thermal systems able to transform solar heat into cold have been
developed helping deliver building cooing needs.
10. Explain the different types of Heating systems
Ans: 1. Forced Air System: A forced air heating system uses
a furnace to heat air, which is then distributed throughout the building via
ductwork and vents. The furnace can be fueled by various sources such as
natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. Operation: The furnace
heats air by burning fuel or using electric resistance heating elements. Once the
air is heated, a blower fan pushes it through the ductwork and into different
rooms of the building through vents.
Advantages:
1. Quick heating: Forced air systems can heat a space relatively quickly.
2. Ability to incorporate cooling: Many forced air systems can
