Shankar IAS MCQs: Renewable Energy | Environment for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: Statement 1: Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) utilize a special material to capture sunlight.
Statement 2: The primary material used in LSCs is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Only Statement 1 is true.
(c) Only Statement 2 is true.
(d) Neither statement is true.
Ans: (a)
LSCs use a special material, typically PMMA, to absorb sunlight efficiently.

Q2: LSCs generate electricity directly from the sunlight they capture.
(a) True
(b) False
Ans: (b)
LSCs do not generate electricity directly; they concentrate sunlight to the edges of the sheet where solar cells convert it into electricity.

Q3: Statement 1: Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) use a special material that glows when exposed to sunlight to concentrate light onto solar cells.
Statement 2: LSCs are primarily used to increase the efficiency of solar cells by allowing them to capture more direct sunlight.
(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true, and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true, but Statement 2 is NOT the correct explanation for Statement 1.
(c) Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false.
(d) Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true.
Ans: (b)
LSCs primarily enhance the efficiency by capturing both direct and scattered sunlight, not just direct sunlight.

Q4: Statement 1: LSCs are less effective in cloudy climates.
Statement 2: LSCs can absorb both direct and scattered sunlight.
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Only Statement 1 is true.
(c) Only Statement 2 is true.
(d) Neither statement is true.
Ans: (c)
LSCs are effective in cloudy climates because they can absorb scattered sunlight.

Q5: Assertion (A): LSCs are beneficial for regions with frequent cloud cover.
Reason (R): LSCs can effectively utilize scattered light to generate power.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans: (a)
The ability of LSCs to utilize scattered light makes them suitable for cloudy regions.

Q6: The ideal LSC material should have a high difference between the wavelengths of absorbed and emitted light.
(a) True
(b) False
Ans: (a)
A large difference in wavelengths reduces reabsorption losses, making the process more efficient.

Q7: Sequence the LSC Process:
1. Sunlight is captured.
2. Sunlight is concentrated to the edges.
3. Solar cells convert light into electricity.
4. Sunlight is absorbed and re-emitted.
(a) 1, 4, 2, 3
(b) 4, 1, 2, 3
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4
(d) 4, 2, 1, 3
Ans: (a)
The correct sequence reflects the process of capturing, transforming, and utilizing sunlight in LSCs.

Q8: Statement 1: The efficiency of LSCs decreases significantly over time.
Statement 2: Durability is an important criterion for ideal LSC materials.
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Only Statement 1 is true.
(c) Only Statement 2 is true.
(d) Neither statement is true.
Ans: (c)
While durability is crucial for LSC materials, they do not necessarily lose efficiency significantly over time.

Q9: Statement: LSCs require complex and expensive structures for installation.
(a) True
(b) False
Ans: (b)
One of the advantages of LSCs is their simplicity and cost-effectiveness in installation, especially in BIPV applications.

Q10: Statement 1: LSCs are only effective in capturing direct sunlight.
Statement 2: LSCs are an economical alternative to conventional solar panels.
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Only Statement 1 is true.
(c) Only Statement 2 is true.
(d) Neither statement is true.
Ans: (c)
LSCs are effective in capturing both direct and scattered sunlight, and they offer a cost-effective solution compared to traditional solar panels.

Q11: The primary function of the quantum dots or special dyes in LSCs is to convert sunlight into electricity directly.
(a) True
(b) False
Ans: (b)
The quantum dots or special dyes in LSCs absorb sunlight and re-emit it at a different wavelength; they do not convert sunlight into electricity directly.

Q12: Statement 1: LSCs are less effective than traditional solar panels in direct sunlight.
Statement 2: LSCs can still function effectively in diffused light conditions.
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Only Statement 1 is true.
(c) Only Statement 2 is true.
(d) Neither statement is true.
Ans: (c)
LSCs are designed to be effective in both direct and diffused light conditions, making them versatile.

Q13: Assertion (A): LSCs can be integrated into building structures like windows.
Reason (R): LSCs are transparent and can allow light to pass through while generating electricity.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans: (a)
The transparency and functionality of LSCs make them suitable for integration into building structures like windows.

Q14: Which of the following is NOT an advantage of Luminescent Solar Concentrators?
(a) Reduced need for solar tracking systems
(b) High power output in low-light conditions
(c) Ability to generate electricity in the absence of sunlight
(d) Cost-effectiveness compared to traditional solar panels
Ans: (c)
LSCs cannot generate electricity without sunlight; they require light to function.

Q15: The efficiency of LSCs is solely dependent on the intensity of sunlight they receive.
(a) True
(b) False
Ans: (b)
While sunlight intensity is a factor, the efficiency also depends on the material properties of the LSC and the design of the system.

Q16: Statement 1: LSCs are less effective on cloudy days due to their reliance on direct sunlight.
Statement 2: Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) can effectively utilize LSCs.
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Both statements are false.
(c) Statement 1 is true, and Statement 2 is false.
(d) Statement 1 is false, and Statement 2 is true.
Ans: (d)
LSCs can collect scattered light, making them effective on cloudy days, and they are well-suited for BIPV.

Q17: Statement 1: LSCs can only absorb specific wavelengths of light.
Statement 2: The ability to absorb a broad spectrum of sunlight is desirable in LSCs.
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Only Statement 1 is true.
(c) Only Statement 2 is true.
(d) Neither statement is true.
Ans: (c)
LSCs are designed to absorb a wide spectrum of sunlight for maximum efficiency.

Q18: In the context of LSCs, what does the term 'reabsorption loss' refer to?
(a) The loss of electricity during the conversion process
(b) The absorption of emitted light by the LSC material itself
(c) The loss of sunlight due to reflection
(d) The degradation of materials over time
Ans: (b)
Reabsorption loss occurs when the light emitted by the LSC is reabsorbed by the material, reducing efficiency.

Q19: Statement 1: The durability of LSCs is a minor concern in their development.
Statement 2: Longevity and stability are crucial for the practical application of LSCs.
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Only Statement 1 is true.
(c) Only Statement 2 is true.
(d) Neither statement is true.
Ans: (c)
Durability, longevity, and stability are major considerations in the development of LSCs for practical use.

Q20: LSCs require a separate layer of solar cells to generate electricity.
(a) True
(b) False
Ans: (a)
LSCs concentrate sunlight to the edges where separate solar cells are used to convert the concentrated light into electricity.