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Difficulty: HardRenewable Energy and Clean Technologies

Match the clean and renewable energy technologies in List-I with their corresponding fundamental operational principles or key structural features in List-II:

  • Pyrolysis (Thermochemical Conversion)Thermal decomposition of biomass in an oxygen-deprived atmosphere to produce solid bio-char, bio-oil, and non-condensable syngas.
  • Solar Power Tower (CSP)Uses dual-axis tracking heliostats to focus solar radiation onto a central receiver for high-temperature thermal energy storage in molten salt.
  • Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)Electrochemically combines hydrogen and oxygen across a solid polymer electrolyte at low temperatures (60∘C−80∘C60^\circ\text{C}-80^\circ\text{C}) to generate electricity.
  • Oscillating Water Column (OWC)Employs trapped air compressed and expanded by sea wave action inside a semi-submerged chamber to drive a bidirectional Wells turbine.

Answer

Pyrolysis matches thermal decomposition of biomass without oxygen; Solar Power Tower matches heliostats focusing sunlight onto a central molten salt receiver; Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell matches electrochemical reaction across a solid polymer membrane at low temperature; Oscillating Water Column matches trapped air driving a bidirectional Wells turbine.
Each clean energy technology is correctly paired with its defining operational principle: Pyrolysis corresponds to anaerobic thermal decomposition of organic biomass; Solar Power Tower corresponds to heliostat sun-tracking concentrating solar rays onto a central molten salt receiver; PEMFC corresponds to low-temperature electrochemical conversion across a solid polymer membrane; and Oscillating Water Column corresponds to ocean wave pneumatic pressure driving a Wells turbine.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Pyrolysis (Thermochemical Conversion)
Pyrolysis is defined by high-heat biomass breakdown under oxygen-deprived conditions to generate bio-char, bio-oil, and combustible gas mixtures.
Differentiates thermochemical pyrolysis from gasification (partial oxidation) or anaerobic digestion (biological breakdown).
2
Analyze Solar Power Tower (Concentrated Solar Power)
Solar towers utilize fields of dual-axis tracking mirrors called heliostats to concentrate sunlight onto an elevated central thermal receiver.
Distinguishes point-focus power towers from line-focus parabolic trough solar collector systems.
3
Analyze Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
PEMFC technology utilizes a solid polymer membrane electrolyte operating under low-temperature conditions (60∘C−80∘C60^\circ\text{C}-80^\circ\text{C}) to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity.
Distinguishes polymer membrane cells from high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) or Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC).
4
Analyze Oscillating Water Column (OWC)
OWC devices capture wave energy by compressing an enclosed air column to rotate a self-rectifying Wells turbine.
Distinguishes wave-action OWC devices from tidal barrages or ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems.

Key Concept

Working principles and technological classifications of renewable energy systems and clean technology devices
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Topics

Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies

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