ANNUAL REPORT 2013-14 SPRERI Striving for Excellence

1 SARDAR PATEL RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE Members of the Board of Management (As on 31st March 2014)

Dr. Amrita Patel Chairman, National Dairy Development Board, Anand (Chairman) Prof. A.C. Pandya Ex-Director, CIAE, Bhopal, Ex-Director, SPRERI and Energy Consultant

Prof. B.S. Pathak Ex-Director, SPRERI and Energy Consultant

Shri P.C. Amin Director, Elecon Group of Companies, M/s Elecon Engineering Co. Ltd., Vallabh Vidyanagar

Dr. K.K. Singh Assistant Director General (Engg), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi

Shri Deepak Joshi General Manager (Control Systems), M/s Jyoti Limited, Vadodra

Shri P.L. Panchal Dy. Secretary (NCE), Energy & Petrochemicals Deparment Govt. of Gujarat, Gandhinagar

Dr. S.G. Patel Hon. Joint Secretary, Charutar Vidya Mandal, Vallabh Vidyanagar

Dr. Datta Madamwar Professor, B.R. Doshi School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University

Dr. M. Shyam Director, SPRERI (Member-secretary)

Acknowledgement

SPRERI gratefully acknowledges the financial support it continues to receive from: • Department of Energy and Petrochemicals, Govt. of Gujarat, Gandhinagar • Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Govt. of India, New Delhi • Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi

-Department of Biotechnology -Department of Science & Technology • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India, New Delhi Contents Page The Organization … 2 Vision and Mission … 2

Highlights of the Year … 3

Research and Development Solar Energy … 4 Bio-Conversion … 12 Thermo-Chemical Conversion … 21

Training and Awareness Creation RE Demonstration … 28 Training Programme … 29 Open House … 29 Post-graduate Dissertation … 31 Hari Om Ashram Prerit Young Scientist Award … 31 Consultancy … 31 Memorandums of Understanding … 32

Technology Evaluation and Transfer Regional Test Centre … 32 Technology Evaluation and Monitoring … 33 Technology Transfer … 38

Human Resource Development … 39 Participation in Meetings, Seminars and Conferences … 39 Papers Published … 42 Research Projects Undertaken … 43 Visitors … 46 SPRERI Team … 47 Audited Balance Sheet … 48 Abbreviations Inside Back cover SPRERI Technologies Back cover

1 The Organization

Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI) was established in 1979 at Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat. It is an autonomous and not-for-profit organization managed by a Board comprising leading technologists, scientists, industrialists and representatives of Central and State Governments. It is recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, GoI, as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. It is also approved as a Research Association for the purpose of clause (ii) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of IT Act, 1961. It generates most of its operating funds through projects given to it on merit by government and non-government organizations. SPRERI’s service activities like consultancy, technology evaluation, testing and training supplement the project funds to make it self-supporting. It is a renowned renewable energy (RE) research institution and is recognized for post graduate research by Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh and many other academic institutions. Solar energy, bio-conversion technology and thermo-chemical conversion of biomass are the three major fields of specialization at SPRERI. Many RE devices and systems developed at SPRERI are now manufactured by selected industries and supplied to the end users. In addition, promotion of RE technologies is pursued through field evaluation and demonstrations, training and entrepreneurship development, awareness programmes and integrated development of selected tribal villages. The “Open House” organized by SPRERI, primarily to create awareness about RE technologies, was visited by 4600 visitors, particularly the youth. VISION SPRERI, a leading organization for research and development of renewable energy technologies, focuses on sustainable biomass conversion and solar energy based solutions, which are technically efficient, economically viable, environment friendly and which meet the needs of society. MISSION • To set-up a world class “Centre for advanced research in biomass conversion technologies” • To develop environment friendly technologies for conversion of biomass into bio- fuels, energy (including electricity) and useful chemicals • To develop technologies for utilization of bioconversion waste • To develop technologies for application of solar energy • To develop business models for promoting use of RE technologies • To provide knowledge based insights to influence policies and programmes of the government for utilization of biomass and solar energy technologies for meeting energy requirements • To provide specialized training in RE technologies to engineers and scientists and guidance and facilities to research students • To provide extension support and consultancy to RE programmes • To test and evaluate RE technologies

2 Highlights of the Year Harnessing clean and green sources of energy on a large scale in the country is a necessity to ensure sustainable economic development without seriously damaging the environment while also addressing the need for energy security. Research and developments in various techno, socio and economic aspects of different renewable energy technologies and systems requires top priority. SPRERI continues its research and development in renewable energy technologies. One of the important research projects it has been working on and which concluded during the year was “Conversion of crop residues to ethanol and methane for use as transport fuel”. A low cost mild alkali pretreatment process for ligno-cellulosic biomass, in-house fungal strain for enzyme production by solid-state fermentation of rice straw including a scaled-up facility for enzyme production and a highly efficient cellulolytic fungus for saccharification of rice straw have been developed for ethanol production. An ethanol yield of 196 ml per kg of rice straw has been obtained under laboratory/bench scale conditions. Another project of significance was “Value chain on biomass (crop residues) based decentralized power generation for agro-enterprises” which also concluded during the year. A crop residue briquettes gasification based distributed power generation system of 100 kWe capacity for rural domestic and agro-industrial applications was developed and a complete system has been installed and commissioned in a village in Madhya Pradesh for long duration trials. In addition, a grid independent solar drying system for rural application was developed and is being evaluated at a selected user’s site. Work on implementation of a research project “Renewable energy based refrigeration technology for on- farm transient storage of horticulture produce” began during the year. Under this project a solar energy and biogas based cooling facility is being set-up for transient storage of upto 10 tons of common fruits/vegetables of the region. The BIS approved Regional Test Centre at SPRERI completed testing 17 flat plate collector based water heaters, 27 evacuated tube collector based solar water heaters, 5 solar box cookers and 1 solar concentrating cooker as per BIS/MNRE approved procedure. The Institute has also developed a testing facility for biomass cook stoves as per the relevant BIS test code. The Institute continued working actively in five selected tribal villages of Vadodara and Dahod districts for the fourth consecutive year to study the impact of introducing useful renewable energy technologies such as biogas plants, improved biomass cook stoves, solar lantern, etc. on the socio-economic life of communities. The annual event “Open House” organized at SPRERI on January 22-23, 2014 received overwhelming response with more than 4600 visitors. The manufacturing and marketing rights of the SPRERITECH improved biomass cook stove or were transferred to one more Company i.e. M/s Nilkanth Industries, Anand.

3 Research and Development

Solar Energy Development of solar-hybrid refrigeration and AAU on September 19, 2013 for technology for on-farm safe transient storage installation, operation and maintenance of horticultural produce of the solar-biogas hybrid cool facility at College of Food Processing The National Fund for Basic, Strategic Technology and Bio-Energy, AAU, and Frontier Application Research in Anand. The facility primarily consists Agriculture (ICAR) sanctioned this of a vapour absorption machine (VAM), project with SPRERI as the Lead Centre solar thermal and solar PV fields, and AAU Anand and CIAE Bhopal biogas plant(s) and cool chambers to as cooperating centres for a period store around nine tons of horticulture of 3 years beginning April 1, 2013. produce. The design of the various The mandate assigned to SPRERI is systems was completed and detailed to design and set up a solar biogas - - specifications were prepared for lithium cooling facility for transient storage bromide-water based VAM (5 ton of horticulture products and carry out refrigeration capacity), solar thermal its comprehensive evaluation under field, cool chambers, thermal reservoirs different operating conditions. SPRERI and necessary instrumentation for safe/ decided to set up the solar biogas hybrid - convenient operation and performance cooling facility at AAU main campus monitoring. Most of the above referred primarily to seek effective interaction components have been procured (Fig.1). with various stake holders, particularly Piping and installation work is under progressive farmers. Accordingly, an MoU was executed between SPRERI progress.

Vapour absorption machine Water softener

4 Solar water heaters Cool chambers

Cooling tower Chilled water tanks Fig. 1: Solar-biogas hybrid cool facility under development at AAU, Anand

Design and development of a PV module evaluation, without and with the fan integrated forced convection solar drying operation. The increase in efficiency of system for non-electrified region the PV module due to air flow below the PV modules (as compared to without air In continuation of the earlier work, a flow) during summer month was found PV analyzer, pyranometer, hotwire to be around 9.5%. For average air flow anemometer and temperature sensors rate of around 400 m3/h, 5-7°C rise in along with data logging facility (as per the air temperature was recorded. the details given below) were integrated with the dryer for performance

Device Range Accuracy

PV analyzer 0-1000 V ± 0.5% for voltage, current (± 0-20 A 0.25 V and 0.04 A) at 0 to 55°C 0 to 1500 W/m2 and ± 2% for irradiance

Pyranometer 0-1100 W/m2 ± 2% RH sensors 0-100% RH/(-)40 to 85°C ± 1.5% RH/± 0.3°C Temperature sensors 0-100°C 1°C Hotwire anemometer (0-40 m/s)/(0 to 70°C) ± (3% + 0.3m/s)/± 0.8°C

5 Testing of the system without load of the brushless DC motor based blower was performed during summer and to achieve the desired air temperature winter seasons and the results are inside the drying cabinet. Another given in Table 1. The air temperature similar system (Fig. 2) has been set- rise inside the drying cabin (above the up at the Directorate of Medicinal and ambient temperature) was found to be Aromatic Plants Research (DMAPR), 10–15°C during winter and 20–25°C Boriavi, Anand. This system is being during summer. The solar radiation used for drying different medicinal varied widely between 350 and and aromatic plants like Madhunasani, 650 W/m2 during winter and 650 and Centella and Kalmegh etc. Full load 910 W/m2 during summer. A voltage performance testing of both the systems regulator was developed and installed is under progress. with the system for the controlling speed

Table 1: Performance results of PV module integrated forced convection solar dryer

Time Solar Temperature (ºC) Air flow (h) radiation Drying rate (W/m2) Ambient Air heater* cabin ∆T (m3/h) Winter season 11:30 595.67 24.25 30.34 38.61 43.46 34.48 10.23 485.85 12:30 648.24 26.07 32.88 41.80 46.95 37.34 11.27 470.92 13:30 599.02 26.91 33.76 42.52 47.82 38.14 11.23 442.20 14:30 515.02 27.25 33.72 41.82 47.16 37.77 10.52 406.07 15:30 348.54 27.74 33.48 40.34 45.55 36.91 9.17 272.69 16:30 132.06 27.88 32.30 37.87 42.30 35.08 7.20 188.17 Summer season 11:30 877.23 44.30 59.12 65.83 72.55 62.63 18.33 594.38 12:30 916.72 44.87 62.22 69.49 76.77 68.16 23.29 691.74 13:30 894.84 45.66 63.21 70.48 77.75 70.24 24.58 584.13 14:30 819.56 46.29 62.17 68.87 75.58 69.95 23.66 527.77 15:30 676.92 45.60 58.88 64.46 70.04 67.48 21.88 491.90 16:30 483.81 44.40 54.32 58.39 62.46 61.02 16.62 440.66 * Measured at 2.5 m, 5.0 m and 7.5 m along the length from the air inlet

Design, development and performance (9.00 AM-7.00 PM) with a PV panel of evaluation of a thermal battery based PV direct lower capacity of 150 WP. During peak driven solar refrigerator solar radiation period, the PV module generated upto 50% more power than The compressor of the existing the power consumed in the operation prototype of the solar refrigerator of the compressor. The excess power (180 W PV panel) was found operating P was used for charging the battery of around 6 h/d (10.30 AM–4.30 PM). For the stabilizer which provided back-up enhancing the time of operation and for compressor operation during the smooth running of the system, a stabilizer following evening and the next morning (24V, 14 Ah) has been incorporated hours. A new front door refrigerator with the system, which extended the body of 80 L storage capacity and compressor operation time to 10 h/d having 12 L thermal battery facility at 6 top end was designed and developed for performance monitoring are given (Fig. 3). Technical details of the solar below. refrigerator and the instrumentation

Description Specifications Capacity 80 L Power supply DC/240V, 0.3A AC 12-24 V, 5.7-2.8 A Temperature gradient 3-8oC Type Vertical freezer Compressor BD50F (Danfoss-variable speed DC) Refrigerant R-134 (50 g) Thermal battery 4000 kJ Solar PV 150 W Charge controller and stabilizer 24V, 5 A & 24 V, 14 Ah Thermocouples -200°C to 350°C at 43 µV/°C 12 point temperature indicator -50°C to 400°C DC voltmeter 0 V to 50 V DC ammeter 0 A to 5 A

Fig. 2: PV integrated forced convection solar Fig. 3: Thermal battery based PV dryer at DMAPR, Anand direct driven solar refrigerator

The thermal battery chamber was lowered its freezing/melting point and, filled with 12 L distilled water and the therefore, lowered the chamber air testing continued from 9:00 AM to 7:00 temperatures. The optimization of the PM. The results are summarized in concentration of ethylene glycol in the Table 2. Average chamber temperature water for achieving 3-8°C chamber air was found to be 10oC during day time temperature during day time is under and 5°C during night hours. Addition progress. of ethylene glycol with the water

7 Table 2: Performance results of the solar refrigerator

Charging Load Battery Thermal Chamber temperture battery Time current current voltage (oC) (A) (A) (V) temprature ( oC) Top Middle Bottom 09:00 - 10:00 1.95 1.82 25.58 -3.75 7.00 7.00 7.25 10:00 - 11:00 3.05 1.73 27.30 -5.00 8.00 8.25 8.50 11:00 - 12:00 3.26 1.71 28.15 -3.75 9.00 9.00 9.25 12:00 - 14:30 2.36 1.72 28.40 -3.00 10.00 10.00 10.25 14:30 - 15:30 1.93 1.72 28.90 -3.25 9.50 10.00 10.00 15:30 - 16:30 1.81 1.71 28.55 -3.00 8.75 9.00 9.00 16:30 - 17:30 1.37 1.79 26.90 -4.75 6.75 7.75 8.00 17:30 - 18:30 0.22 1.83 26.03 -5.50 5.50 6.75 6.75

Development of a high efficiency and cost 2% errors as compared to the fixed effective photo sensor PIC micro controller mode. As expected the gain in solar based sun tracker input was considerably higher during morning (8.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.) and In continuation to the work reported late afternoon hours (2.30 p.m. to 5.00 last year, the PIC micro controller p.m.) in tracking mode as compared to based sun tracker equipped with 1 the solar input in the fixed mode. The kWp PV panels was evaluated for tracking efficiency of the system was water pumping operation (Fig. 4). Two computed to be 15.5% for tracking pyranometers and a data logger were error of ± 2% and 17.7% for tracking used to record solar radiation in fixed error of ± 1%. The microcontroller and tracking modes of operation. A DC based tracking system with ± 1% energy meter with logging facility was tracking error has been working used to measure the output of the 1 hp uninterrupted for the past 12 months DC pump which was directly connected with tracking efficiency of around 17%. to the solar PV panel output. The PIC The tracking efficiency of a single controller was programmed for two axis tracker has been reported to be different levels of tracking error i.e. around 13% (International Journal of ± 2 and ± 1%. Figs. 5 and 6 show the Engineering Science and Innovative gain in input solar radiation and output Technology (IJESIT) 2013, 2(2): 425- power in tracking mode for 1% and 430).

Fig. 4: Solar tracker equipped water pumping system 8 Fig. 5: Variation of solar irradiation for Fig. 6: Variation of electrical output for 1kW capacity PV system in tracking and 1kW capacity PV system in tracking and fixed modes throughout the day fixed modes throughout the day

Third generation solar water heating system and results are summarized in Table 3. The average thermal efficiency of Based on the theoretical thermal FTC based solar water heating system analysis, an air insulated fin-tube- was found marginally higher than collector (FTC) was designed, fabricated the thermal efficiency of ETC based and installed at SPRERI. A comparative system and significantly higher than performance analysis of the FTC, the thermal efficiency of the FPC based existing flat plate collector (FPC) and system. It was, however, far lower evacuated tube collector (ETC) based than the expected theoretical thermal water heating systems was performed performance. Table 3: Comparative performance of solar water heaters

Systems design parameters FPC based ETC based FTC based Optical efficiency (%) 56 44 73 Overall heat loss coefficient (W/m2) 5.5 0.7 8.5 System efficiency at STC* (%) 37.2 41.2 42.6 Avg. thermal efficiency (%) 30.0 37.0 39.7

* Ts = 50°C, Ta = 25°C, I = 700 W/m² To fix the problem, the effect of coefficient due to reduced emissivity emissivity on overall heat loss and angle of incidence of the sun rays. coefficient and effect of angle of Therefore, a CFTC based solar water incident on flat absorber were studied. heating system of 100 L water storage The overall heat loss coefficient was tank capacity (Fig. 9) was developed found directly proportional to emissivity and performance evaluated. The of the absorber (Fig. 7). The effect thermal efficiency of the CFTC and ETC of solar angle of incidence was found based hot water systems were found to predominant during morning and late be around 51% and 41%, respectively afternoon hours (Fig. 8). Cylindrical-fin- (Table 4). Detailed performance tube-collector (CFTC, exposed surface monitoring of the system is under emissivity around 0.2) may have progress. significantly lower overall heat loss 9 Fig. 7: Variation of overall heat loss Fig. 8: Variation of angle of incidence coefficient with emissivity (cosθ) with time for FPC at Anand

Table 4: Comparative performance of CFTC and ETC based solar water heaters

Avg. solar Temperature of water Ambient Thermal radiation Time (°C) ∆ T (min) temperature efficiency (W/m²) Inlet Outlet (°C) (%) CFTC based water heater 720.5 420 24.5 46.8 22.3 26.8 51.5 718.8 420 25.2 46.8 21.7 27.3 50.4 733.6 420 25.1 47.8 22.9 27.3 51.8 678.9 420 24.4 46.3 21.9 27.3 53.8 570.4 420 25.3 44.1 18.8 28.2 54.7 645.7 410 27.9 47.4 19.1 29.2 50.5 707.8 420 28.6 50.3 21.7 29.5 50.8 692.4 420 28.5 50.3 21.8 30.6 52.7 ETC based water heater 666.9 420 30.3 56.2 25.9 27.6 42.6 675.4 420 30.9 55.8 24.9 26.7 40.5 773.2 420 37.3 69.9 32.7 29.2 39.1 700.6 420 31.4 56.4 24.9 27.9 42.2

Solar assisted water evaporator needed. Based on SPRERI’s experience of development of 3rd generation Some of the industries evaporate waste solar water heater, an air insulated water using open pond solar system. tube collector (ATC) based air heater The evaporation rate of such a system was designed and developed. Lower 2 is low (normally 2-3 L/m per day) and, emissive coated aluminum tube was therefore, a large open pond area is used for absorbing solar radiation. An

10 experimental set-up of ATC based solar was achieved in 7 working hours (i.e. air heater having 1.65 m2 collector area 11 kg/ m2) at 336 m3/h air flow rate. A was developed (Fig. 10) and tested comparative evaluation of ATC based for water evaporation. The technical air heater with the common FPC based details of the system are given below. air heater is under progress. Evaporation of 18.2 kg of tap water

Humidification chamber Glass tube Capacity 75 L Material Glass Length 1000 mm Length 1500 mm Width 1000 mm Outer diameter 70.00 mm Height 1000 mm Inner diameter 65.00 mm Circulation pumps (two) Weight of single tube 1.75 kg Power rating 25 W Collector area 1.65 m² Blower (one) Cylindrical absorber Power rating 50 W Material Aluminium sheet Connecting system from collector to humidity chamber PVC Tubes Length 1500 mm Spacing between two - glass tubes 30 mm Diameter 48 mm - Aluminium absorber 60 mm

Fig. 9: 100 L CFTC based solar water Fig. 10: ATC based solar air heater heating system under evaluation

11 Bio-Conversion higher temperature. Therefore, isolation of thermo-tolerant yeast strains which Development and evaluation of digested slurry could withstand 45°C temperature was dewatering machine suitable for large capacity carried out. Samples from different sugar biogas plants factories and fruit processing industries were collected and screened using During the period, many trials (each two different approaches. In the first of 4–6 h duration) were carried out approach enrichments were carried out for a cumulative duration of more than at 45°C and in the second serial dilution 60 h. Speed of the screw was kept 11 and plating was followed by incubation rpm and rubber scrappers were not at 45°C. Around twenty five different provided between the screw flights. For yeast strains, which grew successfully all the trials, TSC of the solids fraction at higher temperature, were isolated and was found to be around 30% and the two strains namely P-1 and D-27 showed throughput 0.8–1.7 t/h. During July 2013, potential for high ethanol production of the dewatering machine was shifted to ~80% with pure glucose 10% (w/v). The PAU Ludhiana centre of the AICRP on data were comparable to the standard RES and installed at 170 (85 x 2) cu m NCIM culture, Saccharomyces cerevisae capacity cattle dung based biogas plant NCIM 3570, which was reported to site for long duration trails. During be grown under mesophilic conditions preliminary trials, liquid flow through (30oC). Whereas, the in-house isolated the perforated MS screens (perforations yeast strains (P-1 and D-27) produced size 2 mm diameter) was found blocked, nearly the same amount of ethanol at a primarily because of severe rusting of much higher temperature of 42°C. the screens. Therefore, the MS screens were replaced with SS bar screens (2 Different approaches such as protoplast mm size perforations). The machine fusion, synergetic studies and co- has now been shifted to another site culturing of yeast strains were initiated in Bhathinda district where biogas to enhance ethanol yield. Protoplast plant(s) of 2500 cu m/d capacity along fusion was done using available yeast with mechanical workshop facilities for strains viz. Saccharomyces cerevisiae carrying out necessary modifications and NCIM 3570, Saccharomyces cerevisiae skilled manpower for operation of the DSMZ 3434, Saccharomyces cerevisiae machine are available. Further trials will HAU, Pichia stipitis and in-house isolates be carried out by the scientists of PAU NCIM 3498 and P-1 and D-27 to fuse the cooperating centre in consultation with pentose (C5) utilizing strains with hexose SPRERI’s scientist. (C6) utilizing strains. Initially the cells were harvested after growing overnight Developing an integrated process technology in yeast extract peptone dextose broth for conversion of crop residues into ethanol and and treated with protoplast solution. The methane for use as transport fuels cells were incubated at 30°C for protoplast The concept of “simultaneous formation. The samples were withdrawn saccharification and fermentation (SSF)” and checked for protoplast formation reduces process time, investment and using bright field microscopy. Slides cost of ethanol production from crop were prepared for each strain at different residues. However, the major limitation time intervals to determine the specific in the case of the SSF process is sparse time required for protoplast formation. availability of thermo-tolerant yeast The morphology of the cells changed strains which can produce ethanol at from elliptical to spherical when exposed

12 to hypotonic solution. This confirmed in 50 mL capacity Oakridge wide mouth formation of the protoplast. Purification bottles with a total volume of 10 mL. The of the protoplasts was carried out using enzyme was over layered on the substrate osmotic medium and trapping buffer. and then the bottles were loaded on the Purified protoplasts were dissolved in rotating assembly inside a hybridization fusion buffer and kept separately before oven at 50°C. The saccharification fusion. Equal volume of each protoplast systems were set such that the contents was taken in electroporator cuvette for never exceeded half the total volume electrofusion using two methods. One of the saccharification vessel. Samples at 0.25 kv and 4 pulses; 1 ms/pulse for were withdrawn at regular intervals and 10 seconds and the other at 1.5 kv and tested for reducing sugars. Preliminary 4 pulses; 1 ms/pulse for 10 seconds for results revealed that for 25% substrate 1:1 ratio. Electrofusion was done in two load with 9 FPU/ g substrate, the in-house sets for each protocol of electroporation enzyme and the celluclast commercial as mentioned above. Initially fusion was enzyme separately released almost the done between Saccharomyces cerevisiae same amount of sugars. In another set of NCIM 3570 and Pichia stipitis NCIM 3498 experiments, addition of different doses and P-1 (in-house isolate) and Pichia of beta-glucosidase and hemicellulases stipitis NCIM 3498, respectively. After (commercial enzymes), separately, to electrofusion, confirmation was done the in-house cellulases enhanced the by observing fused cells under phase saccharification efficiency by 8.9 and contrast microscope. The fusants were 30.41%, respectively. tested for ethanol fermentation and it was found that none of the fusants was able • Anaerobic digestion of solid residues generated to successfully utilize both C6 and C5 during ethanol fermentation process sugars. However, the amount of ethanol The conversion of crop residues like rice production by the fusants in C6 sugar straw into bioethanol generated effluent was comparable to that of the standard and solid residues. The energy generation Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 3570. potential of the solid residues available Hence, another set of protoplast fusion from enzyme production and enzymatic was performed with Sacchromyces hydrolysis were studied. Preliminary cerevisiae 3570 and Pichia stipitis 3498 investigations were performed in batch for 1:3 ratio. Further work is in progress. reactors, each of 1 L capacity, keeping 10% TSC under thermophilic (50°C) and • Comparison of saccharification yield of in- mesophilic (29 to 33°C) temperature house cellulase with commercial cellulose conditions. Substrate to inoculum ratio Three different commercial cellulose of 1:1 was maintained on dry mass basis. degrading enzymes (celluclast 1.5L, Retention periods were 20 and 35 days for beta-glucosidase and hemicellulases) thermophillic and mesophilic conditions, were procured and the enzyme respectively. Natural inoculum collected activities for these commercial enzymes from core of a compost pit and digested were measured using the in-house cattle dung slurry collected from an standardized assay protocols. Suitable operating biogas plant were used to enzyme cocktails were prepared using initiate the fermentation process for commercial enzyme and in-house crude thermophillic and mesophilic reactors, enzyme (varying from 0 to 100% in respectively. C/N ratio was maintained increments of 20%). Experiments at high in the range of 27 to 30 by incorporating solids load (25% w/v) were performed castor cake as nitrogen source. All

13 treatments were set-up in duplicate and both the solid residues increased after average values are summarized in Table anaerobic digestion and may be used as 5. Thermophilic digestion of both the soil amendments (Table 5). The results solid residues performed better in terms clearly indicate that the solid biomass of TS and VS reduction and biogas yield generated during enzyme production compared to mesophilic process. The and enzymatic hydrolysis of ethanol methane content of the gas normally fermentation process could be used varied between 55 and 57% and the pH for generating energy as biogas. This varied within the recommended range may reduce the overall cost of ethanol of 6.7 to 7.2. The N and P contents of production.

Table 5: Average performance data on biomethanation of solid residues of enzyme extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis process for 10% TSC

Enzyme extraction Enzymatic hydrolysis Parameters Thermophilic Mesophilic Thermophilic Mesophilic Retention period (d) 20 35 20 35 Initial TS (g) 70.00 70.00 40.00 40.00 Initial VS (g) 58.42 51.79 33.43 29.97 Final TS (g) 42.56 55.30 26.00 32.76 Final VS (g) 19.13 33.84 13.02 21.64 TS reduction (%) 39.20 21.00 35.00 18.10 VS reduction (%) 67.26 34.65 61.00 27.79 Biogas Yield (L/kg-TS loaded) 186 49 84 62 Yield (L/kg-VS loaded) 226 59 101 74 Methane Yield (L/kg-TS loaded) 106 27 46 34 Yield (L/kg-VS loaded) 128 33 55 41 Content of biogas (%) 57 56 55 55 Digested solid residue Carbon (%) 22.90 32.10 24.50 33.90 Nitrogen (%) 1.39 1.20 1.33 1.09

P as P2O5 (%) 1.10 0.89 1.03 0.75

Development of a complete bench received and installed. Various items scale system for testing the laboratory required for pre-fabricated cabinet findings at a larger scale was also with temperature and humidity control pursued. Appropriate systems for bulk facility for the bulk enzyme production enzyme production, concentration, have also been procured and installed. saccharification and fermentation For concentrating crude enzyme a were conceptualized, designed and tangential flow filtration unit has been drawings prepared. A five litre capacity procured and bulk enzyme production submerged fermentor has been activity has been initiated.

14 Development of an anaerobic culture by was initially charged with 75 kg cattle in vivo and in vitro supplementation of dung and 1125 L of water for culture micronutrients for enhancing solid-state development. When gas production biomethanation of lignocellulosic wastes from culture reached a steady state, the substrate was gradually changed to In order to verify the optimized Jatropha deoiled cake (JSC). To begin nutritional parameters at thermophilic with feeding of the JSC was kept low and mesophilic temperatures, two bench (1 kg/day and 5.2 L of water) to allow scale batch reactors (5 kg capacity the culture to acclimatize with the new each) were fabricated. A few selected substrate. It was gradually increased combinations of micronutrients [cobalt to the rated capacity of 4.8 kg JSC (20 mg/L) + FeCl (30 mg/L) + nickel 3 and 25.2 L water daily. The plant is (30 mg/L) + molybdenum (0.04 mg/L) under normal operation since February and nickel (10 mg/L) + Mo (0.10 mg/L) 2013. TS and VS of the fermentable + FeCl (30 mg/L)] were evaluated 3 substrate were analyzed once a week at thermophilic and mesophilic before and after digestion following the temperatures. The gas production standard methods. The data collected was found lower than the control. are summarized in Table 6. The biogas Therefore, bench scale trials were production was in the range of 229 taken up with individual micronutrients - 370 L/kg TS. The digested slurry (DS) for enhancement of biogas production. contained 4.560% N; 0.474% P as P O The laboratory studies, which had been 2 5 and 2.365% K as K O. carried out last year for thermophilic 2 temperature conditions revealed that Toxicity of the digested slurry was cobalt (20 mg/L) followed by FeCl3 (30 investigated using mouse myocardial mg/L) and nickel (30 mg/L) gave highest cell lines at PG Department of Zoology, gas production. Initially, one bench scale Maharaja Sayajirao University, reactor was supplemented with FeCl3 Vadodara. Cells were seeded in 94 (30 mg/L) and the other was used as well culture plates and incubated at a control (i.e. without micronutrients). 37°C and 5% CO2 supply for 24 h. Final Thereafter, the same experiment was concentrations of 50, 250, 500, 1000 µg repeated using cobalt (20 mg/L) and sample were added to well grown cell nickel (30 mg/L). The results revealed monolayer and again incubated under that the biogas production for the same conditions. After 24 h the viability reactors supplemented with FeCl3 (30 of the cells was detected using MTT mg/L), cobalt (20 mg/L) and nickel assay. However, cytotoxic symptoms (30 mg/L) were 1.18, 1.5, 1.01 times, were not found probably because respectively, of the gas production for concentrations used in the test were the control. very low. It was, therefore, decided to perform ecotoxicity analysis of the Development of an economically viable DS discharged in the environment from process technology for de-toxification of the anaerobic reactor. Brine shrimp Jatropha de-oiled cake and simultaneous fuel nauplii were used to determine the gas production toxicity of aqueous extract of the DS. Based on the data obtained from daily fed Different concentrations of DS (5, 10, reactors, an existing biogas plant having 20, 30, 40 mg/mL) were prepared in effective digester volume of 1,200 L sea water (pH 8.0 ± 0.2) and placed in was used for the studies. The plant separate watch glasses. The nauplii

15 Table 6: Average performance of anaerobic digestion of Jatropha deoiled cake Daily feeding : 4.8 kg Jatropha deoiled cake and 25.2 L water JSC Average ambient tem- Biogas production Methane perature Month TS VS content L/kg JSC L/kg TS (%) db (%) db Min (oC) Max (oC) (%) Feb, 13 92 90 17 32 248 269 68 Mar, 13 92 91 20 38 326 354 67 Apr, 13 93 90 22 43 345 370 68 May, 13 93 92 26 44 339 364 68 Jun, 13 93 92 26 38 310 333 67 Jul, 13 93 92 29 36 323 347 67 Aug, 13 93 91 26 31 251 269 66 Sep, 13 91 90 26 34 261 286 67 Oct, 13 91 88 24 35 256 281 67 Nov, 13 92 91 22 34 245 266 67 Dec, 13 91 90 14 32 209 229 66 Jan, 14 91 89 15 33 213 234 67 were transferred in all the watch (vi) 75% RDF + CSC, (vii) 75% RDF glasses and left undisturbed for 24 h. + JSC, (viii) 75% RDF + DS, (ix) CSC On the basis of swarming movement, as sole source of fertilizer, (x) JSC as the survivors were counted and percent sole source of fertilizer, (xi) DS as sole death at each dose level was calculated. source of fertilizer and (xii) soil without The lethal concentration to kill 50% of any supplementation as control. The the population was calculated using experiment was set up with photoperiod probit analysis. JSC exhibited 80-90% of 9 h diffused sunlight under greennet mortality at 10 mg/mL concentration. conditions (Fig. 11). The parameters However, in the case of DS mortality measured were %germination, plant was found reduced to 50% after 45 growth in terms of plant height, number days of anaerobic digestion even at 40 of leaves, chlorophyll content and plant mg/mL concentration. dry weight. At the end of experiment, the plants were carefully uprooted, the The anaerobically digested seedcake was soil collected and is being analyzed for evaluated for manure value using Zea residual fertilizer value to estimate the mays (maize) as test crop. Castor mineral uptake by the plants. seedcake (CSC), JSC and DS were applied at the rate of 1 t/ha to the soil Presence of high levels of anitinutritional as organic fertilizer supplementation for constituents like trypsin inhibitor, growing maize in pot experiment. The lectin and phytate and the major toxic recommended dose of N:P:K fertilizers components phorbol esters restrict its (RDF) for maize crop was 100:50:00. use in fish feed. The nutritive quality The treatments experimented were: (i) of an anaerobically digested slurry of 100% RDF as inorganic fertilizer, (ii) the JSC was evaluated as feed under 100% RDF + CSC, (iii) 100% RDF + JSC, the guidance of Department of Zoology, (iv) 100% RDF + DS, (v) 75% RDF as SP University, Vallabh Vidyanagar.The inorganic fertilizer control (lower dose), experiments are under progress.

16 intensity less than 150 A.U on 6th day. The result indicated that as the nitrogen concentration in the medium decreased, biomass production also decreased but lipid content increased.

CO2 concentration of 1% with a steady flow rate was found good for microalgal growth (Table 7). Biomass production was highest for 3.1 g/L for SBC 19 and 2.9 g/L for SBC 17 with 1.5 g/L

(NaNO3) nitrogen concentration with CO2 supply. The highest lipid content Fig. 11: View of the pot culture experiments was 52% and 48% in SBC 19 and SBC 17, respectively, with 0.375 g/L Screening and improving biomass production nitrogen concentration. and lipid accumulation of microalgae from estuary region (Khambhat, Gujarat) by Promising microalgae and standard conventional approach strains were tested by Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) activity under Pure cultures of five microalgal strains various nitrogen concentrations. Two (Scenedesmus sp. SBC 7, Scenedesmus in house isolates i.e. SBC 19 and SBC sp. SBC 9, and Chlorella sp. SBC 17, 17 showed highest ACCase of 55.2 (U/ Chlorella sp. SBC 18, and Chlorella sp. mL) and 51.2 (U/mL) with 0.375 g/L SBC 19) were compared with standard nitrogen concentration in 24 days, strain (Nannochloropsis salina) collected respectively. However, when algae from National Centre for Marine Algae strains were grown in 1.5 g/L (NaNO3) and Microbiota, Bigelow Laboratory medium the ACCase decreased in for Ocean Sciences, U.S.A. The five terms of U/mL in 24 days. The results microalgae strains were cultivated in revealed that ACCase enzyme activity 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks. Each flask increased with decrease in nitrogen contained 100 mL of BG 11/F2 medium concentration in the biomass. The with sodium nitrate (concentration standard strain enzyme activities were levels of 1.5, 0.75, 0.375 g/L) and equal lower than the activities of the in-house amount of inoculum. The flasks with and isolate strains. The present study without supply of CO2 were incubated at suggested that nitrogen starvation 25 ± 1°C and 240 μmol m−2 s−1 cool with ACCase path way is the effective fluorescent light: dark cycle conditions approach to enhance lipid for biofuel (16 h: 8 h). Control experiments were production. also carried out without nitrogen source. Initial cell density was 0.098 in all the Five promising strains were further flasks. Lipid content was measured once experimented in outdoor 60L every three days by microplate reader aquarium with continuous supply of at 534 nm to 589 nm. atmospheric air (Fig. 12). The outdoor cultivation system was tested (without The in-house isolates SBC 19 and SBC chemical stress) for biomass and lipid 17 showed biomass of 0.19 g/L (750 accumulation for 24 days. Results have nm) within 6 days. Lipid intensity was been summarized in Table 8. Lipid more than 500 A.U (1.5 g/L NaNO3) accumulation was found significantly with CO2 supply. Without CO2 supply enhanced, by more than 50% db under the biomass was 0.15 g/L and the lipid nitrogen starvation.

17 Table 7: Effect of the microalgal biomass Table 8: The microalgal biomass production production with and without CO2 supply and lipid fluorescence emission for outdoor at different nitrogen concentration aquarium during summer season

Nitrogen Biomass production (g/L) Strains Biomass Lipid fluorescence production emission (A.U) concentration Without CO supply (g/L) (g/L NaNO3) 2 CO2 supply SBC 7 2.0 678 SBC 7 1.500 1.4 1.2 SBC 9 1.7 800 0.750 1.3 0.9 0.375 1.0 0.7 SBC 17 3.1 1325 Nil 0.5 0.4 SBC 9 SBC 18 2.2 950 1.500 2.3 2.2 0.750 2.2 1.9 SBC 19 2.4 1500 0.375 1.8 1.6 Nil 0.4 0.3 N.salina* 2.0 850 SBC 17 1.500 2.9 2.7 *Standard strain from culture collection 0.750 2.7 2.5 0.375 2.3 2.1 Nil 0.5 0.4 SBC 18 1.500 2.6 2.3 0.750 2.3 1.9 0.375 1.8 1.6 Nil 0.4 0.3 SBC 19 1.500 3.1 2.4 0.750 2.3 1.9 0.375 1.8 1.6 Fig. 12: Promising strains were scaled up to Nil 0.4 0.4 big aquarium at outdoor condition N. salina* with glucose in varying concentrations 0.750 1.6 1.4 0.375 1.4 1.2 i.e. control, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0. 1.5 and 2.0% 0.187 1.0 1.2 and inoculated with 10 mL SBC 19 and Nil 0.4 0.6 incubated at 28°C for 25 days with the condition of 16 h light: 8 h dark at 247 -2 -1 *Standard strain from culture collection μmol photon m s . Samples were collected at regular time interval and analyzed for biomass growth and lipid Biochemical engineering of microalgae for estimation. The glucose supplementation enhanced lipid accumulation produced superior biomass (productivity) The potential of using glucose as the compared to the control medium. The carbon substrate to produce microalgal growth was found significantly enhanced biomass and biochemical components from the 6th day. The maximum biomass such as photosynthetic pigments, lipids, concentration of 1.2 g/L was obtained soluble carbohydrates and proteins by with 2.0% glucose concentration on 12th SBC 19 (Chlorella sp.) was investigated. day. Evaluation of lipid accumulation Each experimental flask containing began on the 16thday and found maximum 100 mL of BBM was supplemented on the 24th day with the addition of 1.5

18 and 2% glucose concentration. It declined conditions like shaking the strain (150 after the 26th day of experiment and the rpm) and incubated at 25±2°C under a lipid intensity varied from 8,000 to 10,000 continuous photoperiod of light intensity A.U. (35 μmol photon m-2 s-1). The cheese whey stimulated the growth of SBC 39 The experiment was repeated by strain. The highest biomass 1.23 g/L and substituting glucose with fructose. lipid fluorescence emission of 3800 A.U Fructose, like glucose, also significantly was observed on 6th day of experiment stimulated the growth rate of SBC 19. for 80% cheese whey and 20% BG11 The fructose also produced superior medium combination. Second best growth biomass (productivity) compared to medium was mixture of 50% cheese whey control medium. The maximum biomass and 50% BG11 medium. The experiment concentration of 1.34 g/L was obtained was repeated by replacing BG11 medium with 1.0% fructose concentration with BBM. The biomass concentration of th on 10 day. The growth was found 1.3 g/L and lipid fluorescence emission th significantly enhanced from 5 day of of 2000 A.U was found on 4th day for the all fructose supplemented flasks. The mixture of 80% cheese whey and 20% th lipid accumulation was evaluated on 8 BBM. Second best growth medium was nd day and found maximum on 22 day. mixture of 50% cheese whey and 50% Fructose concentrations of 1.5 and 2.0% BBM. Physico-chemical properties of produced lower growth of biomass and pre-treatment samples of the wastewater lipid emission than other concentrations. (cheese whey) were analyzed. Its The fructose treatment flasks (0.5 and COD was 80,000 mg/L, BOD 8,950 1.0%) displayed good lipid intensity on mg/L, TSS 602 mg/L, phosphorous 279 nd th 22 day, which declined after 24 day. mg/L, ammonical nitrogen 295 mg/L The lipid intensity was found varying and total organic carbon 29,434 mg/L. from 4000 to 4500 A.U. Likewise, the Characterization of post-treatment glycerol significantly stimulated the effluent samples is under progress. growth rate of SBC 19 and also improved biomass productivity compared to the Anaerobic co-digestion of dairy waste scum with control medium (BBM). On 20th day, the kitchen waste for biogas production concentration of biomass of 1.9 g/L was highest for glycerol concentration of 1.0 A total of twenty six batch type reactors were set up to study the effect of co to 1.5% with lipid intensity of 2100-3000 - A.U. digestion of dairy scum with kitchen waste. Eight reactors each of dairy scum Biomass and lipid accumulation of microalgae (100%) and mixtures of dairy scum and grown on distillery/dairy wastewater as a kitchen waste (75% + 25% and 50% possible feedstock for biodiesel + 50% of TS basis) were used. All the treatments were put up in duplicate and Growth parameters of the microalga SBC - operated under mesophilic conditions 39 (Scenedesmus sp.) cultivated under (35°C) in a temperature controlled different photoautotrophic conditions water bath. The inoculum/substrate were determined. An experiment was (I/S) ratios tried were 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and set-up to evaluate cultivation of SBC 10.0. Digested slurry from a cattle dung 39 in BG11 medium, separately mixed based family size biogas plant was used with 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 50% and as inoculum. The gross and effective 80% cheese whey. Other supportive

19 volumes of the reactors were 0.6 L Biogas production of 4.35 L and yield of and 0.4 L, respectively. Another set of around 0.7 L/g TS were found to be the twenty six reactors was also set-up highest for 100% dairy scum used for I/S for pH measurement every day. The ratio of 2.0. Average biogas production, reactors were manually stirred everyday initial and final pH for the control (without by shaking and swirling. The average substrate) reactors were 0.7 L, 7.25 and gas production and pH after 40 days 6.60, respectively. Further studies in plug digestion period are given in Table 9. flow type reactors are under progress.

Table 9 : Performance data on co-digestion of dairy scum with kitchen waste

Average of each reactor (dairy scum 100%) Parameter 1 2 3 4 Inoculum: substrate (db basis) 1.00 2.00 4.00 10.0 Initial pH 6.51 6.78 6.96 7.17 Final pH 6.96 6.85 6.80 6.72 Avg. total gas production (L) 3.79 4.35 2.58 1.45 Biogas yield (L/g TS) 0.295 0.698 0.718 0.710 Average of each reactor (dairy scum 75%) Inoculum: substrate (db basis) 1.00 2.00 4.00 10.00 Initial pH 6.51 6.72 7.00 7.08 Final pH 6.99 6.89 6.81 6.78 Avg. total gas production (L) 1.32 2.86 2.42 1.19 Biogas yield (L/g TS) 0.058 0.412 0.656 0.460 Average of each reactor (dairy scum 50%) Inoculum: substrate (db basis) 1.00 2.00 4.00 10.00 Initial pH 6.57 6.82 7.05 7.14 Final pH 6.73 6.86 6.79 6.92 Avg. total gas production (L) 1.16 3.26 2.29 1.36 Biogas yield (L/g TS) 0.043 0.489 0.606 0.623

Development and evaluation of laboratory filter using dairy effluent as substrate, scale pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system is stored in 10 cu m capacity balloon for biogas up-gradation and carbon dioxide and compressed to a pressure of 4 bar recovery using a single stage oil free biogas compressor after passing through a An agreement has been signed between chemical based hydrogen sulphide SPRERI and M/s Air-N-Gas, Ahmedabad scrubber. The compressed biogas is for a PSA system and another upgraded (separation of methane and agreement signed with M/s Dintech carbon dioxide) using a two column Pvt Ltd, Ahmedabad for a biogas PSA process which has a six step cycle. compressor supply for this project. The operation cycle is as follows: co- Biogas (methane concentration of current pressurization with feed (25 s), nearly 68%), produced in an anaerobic

20 co-current feed, where selective Porapak Q. The conditions maintained removal of carbon dioxide takes place were: nitrogen was used as carrier gas (350 s), co-current pressure equalization with a flow rate of 30 mL/min; injector, depressurization (25 s), counter current oven and detector temperatures were blow down, carbon dioxide removal maintained at 100, 50 and 200°C, starts with pressure reduction (125 s), respectively. Maximum hydrogen counter current purge with product to concentration of 26.2% was observed in displace carbon dioxide (250 s) and the reactor charged with 10 g kitchen counter current pressure equalization, waste on 2nd day. Since the hydrogen recycling gas from one column to other yield was very low, further studies are to partially increase pressure (25 s). proposed to be carried out in a two Preliminary trials were carried out. phase anaerobic digestion process. After completion of the six step cycle, The acid phase will produce hydrogen the separated methane was stored in a and the slurry mixture available from methane storage tank of 500 L capacity the acid phase will be processed in a and found to contain 85% methane. methane digester to produce methane Further trials are under progress to achieve methane gas of higher purity. rich biogas. The separated carbon dioxide was Thermo-Chemical Conversion recovered and stored in a 2 cu m balloon for further purification using a vacuum Adaption of SPRERI fluidized bed gasifier for pressure swing adsorption system to be rice husk as fuel used in commercial applications. The desired high purity methane obtained Air gasification of rice husk was carried is being compressed in a multi-stage out in a small SPRERI fluidized bed compressor (up to 200 bar) for use as gasifier (FBG) using sand (particle size transportation fuel. varied between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm) as bed material and air flow rate of 37 3m /h. Feasibility studies on bio-hydrogen production First, the sand bed was heated to around from agro-industrial wastes 700°C temperature by feeding burning Kitchen waste was used as a substrate charcoal into the reactor through the at different loads (5, 10, 15 and 20 g screw feeder. As soon as the desired db) and preheated sludge (30 mL) was temperature was achieved, feeding of used as inoculum in ten batch reactors the rice husk was begun. The feeding (R1 to R10) with a retention time of 5 rate was varied to get equivalence days. Control reactors (R9 and R10) ratios (ER) of 0.3, 0.33, 0.35 and 0.38. were filled with preheated inoculum Trials were carried out for continuous (at 100°C for 15 min to inactivate the period of operation varying from 4 h to methanogens) and water. All treatments 12 h. Initially the system was provided were put in duplicate and the reactors with one cyclone for separation of operated at ambient temperature. The SPM. Another cyclone separator was effective volume of each reactor was incorporated to improve the gas quality 100 mL. Gas chromatography was used (Fig. 13). During the trials, data were for measurement of hydrogen contents collected for the temperature profile in of the gas using TCD. The stainless the reactor zones, gas composition and steel column used was packed with tar and SPM contents of the gas.

21 Variation of average temperatures of The effect of ER on CCE of the the sand bed section (T2), just above gasifier and the tar and SPM contents the sand bed (T3), middle of freeboard of the producer gas is shown in Fig. zone (T4) and top of the freeboard zone 15. Likewise, the effect of ER on composition and HHV of the producer (T5) with respect to increasing ER is gas is shown in Fig. 16. With ER shown in Fig. 14. It may be seen that increasing from 0.3 to 0.38, the H , CO the temperature profile above the bed 2 and CH4 contents of the gas decreased zone increased significantly. This may and, therefore, the HHV of the gas primarily be due to secondary cracking also decreased. Steady-state bed of the heavier tar particles as was temperature profile with around 900 evident from the tar contents of the gas, kcal/Nm3 HHV of the gas was observed which reduced from 10.5 to 4.3 g/Nm2 throughout the gasifier operation using and the carbon conversion efficiency rice husk for ER of 0.33. Further refinements of the system are under (CCE), which increased from 87% to progress. 91%.

Fig. 13: FBG system under evaluation with Fig. 14: Variation of avg. temperature with rice husk fuel equivalence ratio at selected points in fluidized bed gasification of rice husk

Fig. 15: Variation of Tar and SPM contents Fig. 16: Variation of the gas composition and carbon conversion efficiency with ER and HHV of the producer gases with ER

22 Development of a high performance domestic evaluation of the prototypes of the two cook stove having provisions for continuous cook stove designs was carried out operation with fuel wood sticks as per BIS procedure and the results are given in Table 10. The thermal The SPRERI domestic air insulation batch efficiencies of both the cook stoves type cook stove (Fig. 17) was modified were found higher than the BIS norm of for continuous feeding with fuel wood >_25%. It was, however, marginally sticks (Fig. 18). Important modifications lower for the side feeding cook stove. included provision of a 90 x 90 mm size The side-feeding cook stove design has fuel feeding window and optimized skirt been passed on to the Extension Unit height for gas burning with substantial for ORP trials in selected tribal villages. reduction in the smoke emissions and higher thermal efficiency. Performance

Fig. 17: Domestic batch type air Fig. 18: Domestic continuous feeding insulation cook stove type air insulation cook stove

Table 10: Performance results of top feeding and side feeding domestic cook stove as per BIS standard

SPRERI air Thermal Fuel feeding Fuel burning Power rating insulation cook efficiency mode rate (kg/h) (kW) stove design (%) Top feeding Batch 2.5 ± 0.1 28.7 ± 0.1 3.5 ± 0.1 Side feeding Continuous 2.3 ± 0.1 27.3 ± 0.1 3.1 ± 0.1

Development of a vapor condensing system Modifications as per the details given for SPRERI vacuum pyrolysis unit and below were tried to increase the liquid performance evaluation of the integrated yield. system including stability studies of the bio-oil a) Rapid expansion cooling with forced produced convection process Vacuum pyrolysis was carried out in b) Water cooled shell and tube type a semi-continuous pyrolyser of 1 kg/h condenser capacity using sawdust as feedstock. c) Two shell and tube type condenser

23 plus air leak proof hopper soluble fraction consisting of water arrangement with rotary valve under and other acids and alcohols and was vacuum separated by decantation. Analysis of d) Bottle trap assembly (under vacuum) different products is under progress. immersed into ice bath The semi-continuous pyrolyser developed After several trials, stable process a mechanical problem. Therefore further yield obtained has been depicted in studies were continued using the SPRERI Fig. 19. Results revealed attainment laboratory scale batch type pyrolyser of upto 37.6% liquid yield along with of 100 g capacity. Batch pyrolysis of useful solid and gaseous products. The biomass like sawdust and JSC was carried biochar obtained had calorific value out by quenching the vapors, which were of 22 ± 2 MJ/kg, primarily because of released from the pyrolyser maintained higher carbon content of 49.8 ± 0.2%. at temperatures varying between 350- Optimization of the process parameters 500°C, and by chilled biodiesel (at 4°C) is under progress. The pyrolysis gas to obtain higher grade liquid fuels. A composition measured using online-gas schematic of the process is shown in Fig. 20. The products obtained from the analyzer was CO (9-15%), CO2 (5-16%), process were separated and parameters H2 (1-5%), CH4 (12-25%) and O2 (5-9%) by volume. such as product yield, density of various liquid products and their calorific values A fractionation study of the bio-oil were analyzed. The JSC gave higher obtained from the vacuum pyrolysis liquid yield than the sawdust, whereas gas unit is being carried out. The water yield was found higher for the sawdust. content of the bio-oil was found to be The CVs of the blends (biodiesel + around 30-40%. Addition of distilled bio-oil) obtained with JSC and sawdust water to the bio-oil in a specified ratio were around 40-44 and 38-41 MJ/kg, lead to precipitation of heavier organic respectively. The density and HHV of fractions, mostly lignin derived aromatic the different liquid layers are given in compounds that settled at the bottom, Table 11. while the top layer comprised water

Fig. 19: Product yield from pyrolysis of sawdust utilizing the condensing unit under vacuum condition; (a) Forced convection cooling (b) Shell and tube arrangement (c) Two shell and tube arrangement and (d) Ice bottle trap under vacuum

24 3

8 1 2 5 4

S.P 6 In Out 11 T.I In Out 9 10

7 3

1. PID Controller 7. Bio-diesel T.I - Temperature Indicator 2. Reactor 8. Gas flow totaliser S.P- Set Point 3. Thermo couple 9. Gas conditioning unit 4. Collection bottle - 1 10.Gas analyser 5. Collection bottle - 2 11.Burner 6. Ice bath Fig. 20 : Schematic of the vapor condensing unit of pyrolysis

Table 11: Density (kg/L) and HHV (MJ/kg) of various liquid layers obtained from the pyrolysis quenching process

Derived from JSC Derived from saw dust Description of the liquid layers Density HHV Density HHV (kg/L) (MJ/kg) (kg/L) (MJ/kg) Organic layer (viscous) 1.14 10-11 NA 5-7 Aqua layer 0.97 29-30 0.90 28-30 Bio-diesel blend layer 0.76 40-44 0.79 38-41

Value chain on biomass based decentralized on June 20, 2013. Later, the system was power generation for agro-enterprises (NAIP) successfully demonstrated for power generation on August 11 12, 2013. A customized control panel having - provision for operation of the integrated Performance of the gasification 100 kWe biomass gasification system system at SPRERI was evaluated using either using state grid supply or in- briquettes of 90 mm OD procured house generated power was developed. from the local market. Commercial After successful testing of the control production of biomass briquettes of less panel with the gasification system than 90 mm OD had been discontinued installed at SPRERI, the control panel in Gujarat. The briquettes were made was shifted to M/s Maheshwari Dal Mill, Udaipura, Dist. Raisen, MP (Fig. of 1:1 mixture of mustard stalk and 21), where another similar system has sawdust. During rainy season the already been installed and commissioned moisture content of the briquettes by SPRERI for field evaluation. The increased upto 15% and cracks had panel was integrated with that 100 developed on the briquette surface. kWe system and demonstration of Briquettes were sun dried to average the gasification system along with the mc of 6.6% wb and gasification trial was bucket feed conveyer was carried out carried on 20th November 2013. 25 Fig. 21: Control panel installed at Maheshwari dal mill (Raisen, M.P.) The system operated smoothly for the continuously circulated without filtration first one hour. Thereafter, bridging through EC reactor (with addition of got formed in the fuel bed, which was NaCl @ 1 g/L and flow rate 0.3 L/min) to dismantled by poking. Exposure to high achieve reductions in COD and phenols temperature further increased cracks through coagulation followed by in-situ on surface of the briquettes, resulting oxidation by MS electrodes. Initial TDS in their structure deterioration and of the wastewater before NaCl addition more bridging. The bridging increased was 688 ppm. The experiment was temperature of the oxidation zone, carried out with DC supply at maximum leading to formation of the clinker. current density of 34.6 A/m2. The mass Even grate rotation and poking of the of sacrificial anodes was found reduced bed were found ineffective in reducing by up to 20% and iron consumption was the oxidation zone temperature. Smoke found to be 3.57 g/L of wastewater started emitting from top of the hopper during 5 h of treatment period. and was found increasing with time of operation. The calorific value of the The concept of ‘Zero-Valent Iron gas was found reduced upto 800 kcal/ (ZVI)’ based on the fenton process and oxidation mechanism was tested for Nm3. The system was shut down after 4 hours of operation. wastewater treatment to reduce COD and phenol contents. Longer residence Development of a continuous treatment time was allowed to complete the technology for wastewater from cooling and process. However, power supply was cleaning unit of biomass gasification system not needed. Experiments were carried for reuse or environment friendly final disposal out with ZVI to wastewater ratios of 1:1 and 0.5:1 (m/v) and residence time of In continuation to batch mode studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 24 h. Subsequently reported last year, a continuous electro- the experiment was repeated by coagulation (EC) set-up for treatment of addition of H2O2 @ 1, 3 and 5 mL/L. the wastewater was developed (Fig. 22). Maximum reductions of 97.6, 88.2, and The raw wastewater of the gasification 76.8%, respectively, in turbidity, COD cooling and gas cleaning system was and phenols contents of wastewater

26 were achieved for 1:1 ratio with 5 mL (upper layer) was mixed with 10 mL

H2O2. ZVI treatment with H2O2 addition H2O2 and poured into a container having resulted in significant reduction of all 2 kg iron shavings for ZVI treatment. the three parameters. However, these The results (Fig. 24) clearly reveal that were marginally short of the CPCB EC for 5 h followed by ZVI treatment for prescribed values for inland surface 24 h successfully reduced the COD and disposal. phenols of the wastewater of cooling and cleaning process of the biomass Therefore, both the processes were gasification system to 240 and 0.81 tried in series. First EC of the wastewater ppm, respectively. The CPCB norms was carried out for continuous 5 h for sewage disposal are COD ≤ 250 duration and results are shown in Fig. ppm and phenol ≤ 1 ppm. 23. Thereafter, 2 L treated wastewater

Continuous EC reactor with MS electrodes AC-DC panel for current Flow control Valve

Treated water collection Raw water Treated Treated after Submersible before filtration pump filtration WW storage

Fig. 22: Experimental set-up of continuous electro-coagulation process

Fig. 23: Variations of phenol, COD, TDS and pH of the wastewater with time during continuous electro-coagulation treatment 27 Fig. 24: Variations of COD, phenols, TDS and pH of EC treated waste water with time during ZVI treatment

Training and Awareness Creation

RE Demonstration and solar dryer. Around 120 villagers including many women and young girls One day training programmes on participated in the programmes and “Proper operation and maintenance of learnt the salient features and methods RE devices” were organized on 14th and of operation and maintenance of the RE 28th March in the Simal Faliya village devices. of Vadodara district and Chilakota village of Dahod district, respectively Awareness programmes for the (Fig. 25). RE devices included in the improved biomass cookstove, solar programmes were improved biomass lantern and biogas plant were also cook stove, solar lantern, solar cooker organized in Audi Amba village of Vadodara district and Dagaria village of

(a) Simal Faliya village (b) Chilakota village Fig. 25: Views of the demonstration-cum-awareness programmes of selected RE devices

28 Dahod district on 7th January and 15th materials, methods of construction, March 2014, respectively. More than commissioning and operation and 100 men and women took part in the maintenance requirements of the biogas programmes and actively interacted plant. The Foundation for Ecological with SPRERI personnel. Security (FES) personnel from Gujarat (Anand, Dahod) and Rajasthan Training Programme participated in the training programme. During a 3 day period construction of SPRERI organized a three day onsite a 2 m3 capacity plant, particularly the training programme for solid-state inlet, the outlet and the gas dome, was modified Deenbandu biogas plant in completed at the house of Shri Ramsingh Chilakota village of Dahod district during Mansingh Bhuriya (Fig. 26). The plant January 2-4, 2014. The programme was commissioned during Jan-Feb and covered all important aspects such is under normal operation since then. as site selection, estimate of bill of

Fig. 26: Views of onsite construction-cum-training programme of the solid-state iogas plant in Chilakota village

Open House

The sixth “Open House” was organized Chairman, Charutar Gramoddhar at SPRERI on January 22nd and 23rd. Sahakari Mandal, Vallabh Vidyanagar The main objective of the Open House in his inaugural address advised the was to create awareness among youth to critically study various the citizens, particularly the youth, renewable energy devices on display about importance and usefulness of and try to adopt suitable technologies renewable energy technologies in the at their homes/schools and contribute present scenario when the energy in the fight against the energy crisis and crisis and climate change are the two climate change. He also enlightened most important issues world over. the youth with valuable tips on use of Shri Vikrambhai C. Bhaikaka Patel, various renewable energy devices.

29 More than 4600 participants, mostly evaporator, fluidized bed and open students and their teachers from core biomass gasifiers, improved science, engineering, management biomass cook stoves and biogas and and other disciplines belonging to liquid bio-fuel technologies were the 80 different institutions spread all main attraction of the visitors. over Gujarat participated in the Open House. A large number of RE devices, During the open house, one unit each of SPRERI biomass cook stove (Fig. 28) systems and technologies developed/ was sold to 40 interested visitors @ under advance stage of development at Rs. 1100/- by M/s Nilkanth Industries, SPRERI were demonstrated/ explained Vitthal Udyognagar, who put-up their to the visitors by scientists and stall in the “Open House” (Fig. 29). technical staff (Fig. 27). Technologies Shri Vikrambhai Patel also provided such as 3rd generation solar water the stoves to three families, who take heating systems, PV integrated care of his farm. SPRERI provided a solar dryer, solar pumping system, special incentive of Rs.330/- on each solar refrigerator, solar waste water stove sold during the Open House.

Fig. 27: Views of the participants interacting with SPRERI personnel during the “Open House”

Fig. 28: SPRERI air insulated side Fig. 29: Farmers took keen interest in the SPRERI feeding biomass cook stove displayed by M/s Nilkanth Industries during the “Open House”

30 Post-graduate Dissertations During the year, six post-graduate students pursued their dissertation work at SPRERI. The details are summarized below:

Name of the student/degree Name of the Institute/ Topic of research work University Er. Anandgiri Gosai (M.E) BVM Engineering College, Anaerobic treatment of dairy scum V.V. Nagar waste for biogas production

Er. Khatri Idrish Sabirbahi A.D. Patel Institute of Design, development and (M.Tech) Technology (ADIT), performance analysis of solar New V.V. Nagar assisted waste water evaporation system

Er. Gaurav Athawal (M.Tech) ADIT, New V.V. Nagar Catalytic & non-catalytic gasification of selected biomass in fluidized bed gasifier

Er. Dharminder Singh (M.Tech) Guru Nanak Dev Engineering Evaluation of fluidized bed gasifier College, Ludhiana using different combination of biogenic waste

Er. Anil Rupnar (M.Tech) Junagadh Agricultural Development of a high University, Junagadh performance domestic cook stove for smooth and continuous operation with fuel wood sticks

Ms. Neha Sinha School of Rural Management, Socio-economic impact analysis of MBA (Rural Management) KIIT University, intervention of RE devices in Bhubaneshwar selected tribal villages of Gujarat

Hari Om Ashram Prerit Young yellow pea husk, neem seed, pigeon Scientist Award pea husk, sawdust, and groundnut shell received from M/s Shivganga Shrikishan Dr. B. Indu Rani, Assistant Professor, Agrotech Farm, Akola was carried Department of Electrical and out. The product yields obtained are Electronics Engineering, V.V. College of shown in Fig 30. Neem seed produced Engineering, Tisayanvilai, Tamil Nadu the highest bio-oil yield (45-50%), the has been selected for Hari Om Ashram soyabean stalk gave the maximum gas Prerit Award for Research in the area yield (38-43%) and wheat straw and of renewable energy for the period soybean stalk gave maximum bio-char 2010-2013 for her work “Investigation yield of around 38-42%. The calorific of control techniques for effective value of the bio-oil and bio-char were utilization of solar PV systems”. found increased by 35-42% and 28- 40%, respectively, as compared to the Consultancy respective biomass. Pyrolysis of biomass samples of wheat straw, soyabean and channa stalks, 31 Fig. 30: Product yield for pyrolysis of selected biomass

Memorandum of Understanding 2014 between Gujarat Knowledge Application and Facilitation Centre th • An MoU was signed on 24 June, (CII), Ahmedabad and SPRERI to 2013 between A.D. Patel Institute of explore possibilities for collaboration Technology (ADIT) and SPRERI for and cooperation in respect of facilitating collaborating research, technology transfer, technology particularly M.Tech dissertation of deployment, enterprise development, ADIT students at SPRERI. research and development. • An MoU was signed on 30th January

Technology Evaluation and Transfer

Regional Test Centre Raghunandan, technical assessor from NABL completed on-site surveillance The Regional Test Centre (RTC) for of our laboratory on September 28- solar thermal devices is supported by 29, 2013. A total of three minor non- MNRE, New Delhi, GoI, approved by the conformities were observed during BIS and NABL accredited (Certificate the surveillance. Suitable action was No. T-2341). Ms. Seema Sinha, BIS taken and the compliance report was Auditor completed surveillance audit submitted to NABL on November 20, of our laboratory on June 9-10, 2013. 2013. A total of three minor non-conformities were observed during the audit. Suitable In keeping with the advice of the necessary action was taken and the Director, Energy Access and Solar compliance report was submitted to Thermal, MNRE, inspection of 15 BIS on August 7, 2013. Further, Dr. different manufacturers of ETC based V. Shrinet, Lead Assessor and Mr. S.S. solar water heating system in Gujarat, 32 Rajasthan, and Maharashtra States for which testing was completed during the empanelment under MNRE programmes year is summarized in Table 12. The was completed and the consolidated test centre also provided technical report submitted to MNRE. back-up to industries for maintaining quality standards in manufacturing solar Information on solar thermal devices thermal devices. received for testing and the devices for

Table 12 : Statement of the solar thermal devices received and tested during the year

Devices Received for Testing completed testing (Units) (Units)* Solar flat plate collectors • BIS 5 12 • Manufacturer 6 5 ETC based solar hot water systems 44 27 Solar concentrating cooker (SK14) 2 1 Solar box cooker • BIS 3 2 • Manufacturer 3 3

Total 63 50

* includes a few devices which had been received during the previous year

Technology Evaluation and to the second day. Besides, reduced Monitoring output, the product quality was also affected, primarily due to condensation of moisture on the product during the ORP of SPRERI biomass combustor based hot air night/early morning hours. The system generator for drying 250 kg/batch of high value was retrofitted with a SPRERI biomass products combustor-cum-hot air generator (10- M/s Jayveer Foods, GIDC, Chanasma, 16kg/h biomass burning capacity) dist. Patan, Gujarat has been using primarily to complete the batch drying SPRERI solar drying system of 250 kg/ on the same day by extending the batch capacity for drying food items operation late in the evening. The like gooseberries, tomatoes, turmeric, schematics of the solar-biomass hybrid coriander leaves etc. The batch drying dryer is shown in Fig. 31 and the of the product invariably extended retrofitted system in Figs. 32 and 33.

33 Fig. 31: Schematics of the hybrid system at M/s Jayveer Foods, Chanasma

Fig. 32: Biomass combustor connected to Fig. 33: Dryer cabinet 1, 2 and 3 inside dryer with air ducts the Industry

The system was operated in solar combustor fuel. The temperature and alone mode during the day time and in flow rate of the hot air for the combustor combustor alone mode during off sun operation were found close to their hours. The test data were collected respective values for the solar alone for drying of 106 kg green chilies. operation. Variations of the ambient Besides, during non-sunny hours when and hot air temperatures at common the temperature of the solar heated inlet and outlet of the dryer cabinet air was less than 50oC, the drying with respect to time of operation of the operation was also carried out in hybrid system in solar alone and combustor mode i.e. solar + biomass combustor to alone modes under full load condition achieve desirable hot air temperature. are shown in Fig. 34. Mixed fuel wood pieces were used as

34 (a) (b) Fig. 34: Variation of the hot air temperature at inlet and outlet of the drying cabinet with time for (a) solar alone and (b) combustor alone modes of operation Major cost calculations for drying one chilies from an average mc of 93.4% wb batch of 106 kg of green chilies in solar to avg. final mc of 5% wb. Solar radiation alone, solar followed by combustor was found to be 475 W/m2 at 10:00 am, and solar-biomass hybrid modes of maximum of 625 W/m2 at 01:00 pm and operations are given in the Table 13. gradually decrease to less than 100 The drying time was found reduced from W/m2 at 05:00 pm. The industry is 15 h for solar alone to 13 h for solar regularly using the solar-biomass hybrid followed by biomass combustor and 11 system since November 2013. h for the hybrid modes of drying green

Table 13: Cost estimates of drying 106 kg green chilies in different modes of operations

Description of drying Fuel wood used, Drying time, kg / d Manpower Savings, mode h (Rs/batch) cost, Rs Rs/d Solar alone 15 (2 days) (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) 0.0 1600 0.0

Solar followed by the 13 (2 days) 40.00 combustor (9:00 am to 8:00 pm)* (200) 1000 400 (non-solar hours) (9:00 am to 11:00 am) Solar +combustor 11 (1 day) 75.00 hybrid (9:00 am – 8:00 pm) (375) 800 425 (air temp. near 60oC) * Includes combustor operation during 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Field performance analysis of family size solid- plants of 2-6 m3/d capacity were set-up state Deenbandhu type biogas plants in Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch and Kheda districts of Gujarat during 2011-12 in Twenty one family size solid-state P-P-P mode under a project sponsored Deenbandhu demonstration biogas by GAICL. Field performance data and

35 slurry samples were collected for those primarily because of non-availability biogas plants. All the plants, except of the cattle dung. Results of the data two were found working satisfactorily. collected for the 19 working plants have The two plants were found non-working been summarized in Table 14.

Table 14: Field performance of the solid-state family size biogas plants

Plant No. of cattle, No. of family Dung fed Water poured capacity No. of plants avg. (range) members, (kg/d), (L/d), (m3) avg. (range) avg. (range) avg. (range)

2 10 10 (5-35) 8 (5-14) 49 (30-80) 28 (20-50) 3 6 21 (9-40) 8 (4-12) 70 (40-110) 58 (30-95) 4 1 28 6 95 55 6 2 37 (10-65) 10 (8-14) 125 (100-145) 80 (60-100)

Important findings of the study are given below: the houses. One LPG cylinder (14.2 kg) lasted for 3-4 months as against 1.5-2.0 • All farmers were found satisfied with months before BGP installation. the quality and quantity of the gas output and performance of their plants. • The methane contents of the biogas • Avg. TSC of the feed and the outlet samples collected from a few sites was slurry were found to be 12.2% (range found to be around 61%. 9.0 14.0%) and 9.6% (range 7.0 12.6%), - - • Preparation of cattle dung cakes has respectively. Avg.TS and VS reductions were found to be 20.9% and 38.5%, been discontinued by almost all the respectively. households. However, a few farmers continued using fuel wood for heating • The farmers, in general, reportedly water. used 40-70% less water than the plants of common designs. • The digested slurry was dried and used as manure once every 4-6 months. The • The gas at all the sites, except one, is farmers reported that the use of biogas being used for thermal applications i.e. slurry in their farms reduced the growth the cooking and water heating. Duration of weeds when compared to the use of of biogas use was found varying from 3-5 hours per day depending upon the FYM. number of family members, size of the • Components like gas valve, pipe and plant and quantity of the dung fed. biogas stove required replacement/ • The biogas at one of the sites in Kheda repair, primarily because of their District was also used for operating a substandard quality. 7.5 kW diesel engine in dual fuel mode • Farmers are very happy with the for water lifting to irrigate the field. technical guidance and need based • In Davol village, a 3 cu m capacity biogas maintenance extended by SPRERI, plant has been connected to two houses. which was critical in keeping their BGPs The biogas production is sufficient to under operation. meet the cooking requirements of both

36 Renewable energy intervention for rural With this modification, mass of the stove development (DST core grant) reduced to around 8 kg. The feedbacks collected from the users for the air The aim of the project is to provide insulated biomass stove was positive. RE support in underdeveloped tribal The air insulated stove was further areas to reduce drudgery and improve modified by incorporating side-feeding quality of life of the rural people living window for continuous operation in selected tribal village(s). The project with long fuel wood sticks. Thermal is under operation in Chilakota, Chedia efficiency of the side feeding cookstove and Dageria villages in Dahod district as per BIS standard was found to be since May 2010 and Simal Faliya and 27.3 ± 0.1 %. Fifty units of the SPRERI Raysingpura villages in Vadodara air insulated side feeding cook stoves were districts since Dec. 2011. fabricated and one unit each has been The SPRERI domestic biomass stove set-up in 50 different households of (ceramic lined) had been set up in 236 the five tribals villages in Vadodara and households in the selected villages. Dahod district (Fig. 35). Base data of The mass of the ceramic lined cook all the households have been collected stove was high (around 14 kg) and it did for socio-economic impact analysis. not have provision for use of long fuel Initial feedback for the side feeding wood sticks for continuous operation of continuous cook stove is encouraging. the stove. The ceramic insulation of the Performance monitoring of all those stove was replaced by air insulation. cook stoves is under progress.

Fig. 35: Views of the air insulated stoves set-up in the villages Ten units of SPRERI biomass cook stove the cook stove installation, the party (dhabha size) were fabricated and provided consumed around 3 LPG cylinders (each to primary schools for mid day meal of 19 kg) every month. The party is fully preparation and tea/snacks stalls in satisfied with performance of the stove. the selected villages. All the users One fixed dome type low water requirement are satisfied with performance of the biogas plant of 2 m3 capacity for digestion cookstoves. A tea/snacks shop used the of cattle dung at high solids concentration stove almost every day for preparing has been set-up at each of selected 38 snacks and lunch for 50 80 persons and - households in the villages. All the plants burnt 12-15 kg fuel wood/day. Before 37 are working satisfactorily. Average cost • The time saved by women and young of setting up a plant was estimated to girls in collection and preparation of be Rs. 22,000/-. Feedback collected the fuel and cleaning of the utensils from the beneficiaries during the year is and kitchen was, in general, being summarized below: used for income generation or other domestic activities. • All the beneficiaries are fully satisfied. Sufficient gas is produced for cooking • Many more farmers have shown meals/meeting other requirements. interest in setting-up biogas plants in their houses. • The period of gas use varied between 2-5 h/d depending upon cooking One unit each of ISI marked box type requirements. solar cookers (520 mm x 520 mm x 200 mm size) with four cooking vessels was • Average time periods for collection provided to the selected 20 households and preparation of the fuel for cooking of Chillakota village and a training reduced from 2.1 h/d to 0.46 h/d and programme was organized for proper use 4.0 h/d to 2.5 h/d, respectively. and maintenance of the solar cookers. • On an average 2.0 to 2.5 ton of fuel So far one of 7 W wood and 40-60 L of kerosene was CFL/LED Solar lantern has been set up in each of 115 tribal consumed annually per household. - households in the selected villages. Solar The solid biomass fuel consumption lanterns are being used to extend various was found reduced by around 69%. activities after the sunset (Fig. 36) • Kitchens are now smoke-free and SPRERI staffs along with the manufacturer cooking utensils clean. Complete provided regular maintenance, repair and relief from smoke related problems, replacement of the components of the particularly irritation of eyes. solar lanterns right in the villages. All the systems are working satisfactorily.

Fig. 36: Solar lanterns are being used to extend the activities beyond sunset Technology Transfer Udyognagar–388 121, Gujarat on non- exclusive basis. Manufacturing and The technology, SPRERITECH improved marketing rights in respect of this biomass cook stove was transferred technology were also transferred for a to one more industry i.e. M/s Nilkanth period of five years to the manufacturer. Industries, Plot No.87, GIDC, Vitthal 38 Human Resource Development

1. Er. Asim Joshi attended four Internal Audit as per IS/ISO/IEC days short course ‘Economics of 17025”, NITS, Noida: September Renewable Energy Based Power 3-6, 2013. Generation” organized by Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi during 3. Er. Pravakar Mohanty participated in the workshop and training July 24-27, 2013. program on ICP-MS at Hyderabad 2. Dr. V. Siva Reddy participated in a Centre during December 7-9, 2013. training programme on “Laboratory Quality Management System and

Participation in Meetings, Seminars and Conferences

1. Dr. M. Shyam attended the Workshop Meeting at Tezpur University, on “Promoting Biomass Power Tezpur on June 4-5, 2013. Technologies and Identification of Pipeline Projects” at Vadodara on 5. Dr. V. Siva Reddy attended the April 3, 2013. 13th Meeting of Renewable Energy Sources Sectional Committee 2. Dr. V. Siva Reddy delivered a MED 04, in joint Session with expert lecture on “Recent Trends 6th Meeting of Solar Thermal in Renewable Energy”in one week Energy Sub Committee ME 04:1 ISTE-SRM university sponsored and Second meeting of Biomass: short term training progmamme Bio-energy systems & devices, on “Recent Development in Non- improved chulhas, biomass plants, Conventional Energy”, organised biomass fuel processing systems by B&B Institute of Technology, and biomass gasifier systems Sub- Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat on committee, MED 04:2 at Bureau of April 22, 2013. Indian Standards (BIS), New Delhi on June 25, 2013. 3. Er. Asim Joshi attended workshop on “Gasification technologies for 6. Er. Farha Tinwala attended India” under National Mission on workshop on “Computational clean coal technology organized by Fluid Dynamics for Engineers and M/s Thermax Ltd., Pune on April Scientists” at SVNIT, Surat, July 29, 2013. 8-12, 2013.

4. Dr. M. Shyam presided the PG 7. Er. Tilak Chavda participated in Research Evaluation Committee third annual review workshop under

39 National Fund for Basic, Strategic “New Developments in Energy and Frontier Applications Research Management of Dairy and Food in Agriculture at NASC Complex, Operations”, organised by Vidya New Delhi; July 22-24, 2013. Dairy, Gujarat; September 30-October 5, 2013. 8. Er. Asim Joshi and Er. Jignesh Makwana Participated in one day 14. Dr. M. Shyam delivered a lecture close loop meeting on “Pyrolysis as Chief Guest in the inaugural Oil” by all AICRP on RES centers function of one day Workshop on working on the aspect of Pyrolysis “Advent of energy in present era” oil, organized at the MPUA&T, at G.H. Patel College of Engineering Udaipur on August 8, 2013. & Technology, Vallabh Vidyanagar on October 26, 2013. 9. Er. Samir Vahora delivered a lecture on “Renewable Energy in India” 15. Er. A. Gokul Raj presented a on Akshya Urja Day celebrations paper on “Development of a photo organized by C.C. Patel Community sensor PIC micro controller based Science Centre, Vallabh Vidyanagar solar tracker” in ICORE-2013- on August 21, 2013. Renewables for development of rural areas organized by SESI at 10. B.Velmurugan attended International KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Dissemination Workshop on Odisha; November 27-29, 2013. “Promotion of Biogas Upgrading and Bottling in India and EU” and 16. Dr. M. Shyam attended the field visit to biogas upgrading and Brainstorming Session on “Bio- bottling plant in Tohana, Haryana fuels to power Indian agriculture” at Indian Institute of Technology, organized by National Academy of Delhi, August 22-24, 2013. Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi on December 23, 2013. 11. Dr. M. Shyam attended Faculty Selection Committee Meeting held 17. Er. Pravakar Mohanty Participated at Indian Institute of Technology, in the PETROTECH 2014, New Delhi on September 19, 2013. ReYuvaNation-2014, organized by ONGC, Govt. of India, as young 12. Dr. M. Shyam delivered a lecture scientist and speaker during on “Energy Scenario and Global January 11-14, 2014 (https://www. Environmental Concerns” in a petrotech.in/html/speakers.aspx) training programme organized by Vidya Dairy, Anand on September 18. Dr. M. Shyam attended the Expert 30, 2013. Committee Meeting of National Fund for Basic, Strategic and Frontier 13. Dr. V. Siva Reddy delivered an Research in Agriculture (ICAR) on expert lecture on “Use of solar January 23, 2014. energy in Dairy/Food Industry” in one week training program on 40 19. 48th Annual Convention of Indian 20. Dr. M. Shyam participated in the Society of Agricultural Engineers roundtable discussion on “Energy and Symposium of Engineering Transition in India–Exploring the Interventions in Conservation German Energiewende” organized Agriculture held at MPUAT, Udaipur by Centre for Environment during February 21-23, 2014. Education, Ahmedabad on March 4, 2014. • Dr. Madhuri Narra presented a paper on “Anaerobic digestion of 21. Dr. V. Siva Reddy and Er. B. solid residues generated during Velmurugan delivered expert ethanol fermentation process – a lectures on “Renewable energy potential resource” utilization in Dairy Industry” in three days training program • Er. Farha Tinwala presented a paper on “Environment and Social on “Thermo-chemical conversion of Management”, organised by NDDB, biogenic waste through quenching Gujarat; March 10-12, 2014. of pyro-vapor with biodiesel for green fuel”

• Er. Jignesh Makwana presented a paper on “Experimental studies on drying for leafy materials with hybrid dryer: An Industrial approach”

41 Papers Published

1. Gokul Raj A, T.V. Chavada and V. media for treating wastewater Siva Reddy, 2013. Development of of mild alkali treated rice straw a photo sensor PIC micro controller in ethanol fermentation process. based solar tracker. Proceedings Bioresource Technology, 152, 59- of International Congress on 65. Renewable Energy, 01; 110-116 (ISBN: 978-93-82880-80-6). 4. Madhuri Narra, Garima Dixit, Jyoti Divecha, Kiran Kumar, 2. K.V. Patel, B. Velmurugan, Datta Madamwar, Amita R Shah, M. Narra, S. Mandovra, A.D. 2014. Production, purification Galgale, 2013. Anaerobic co- and characterization of a novel digestion of dairy waste scum with GH 12 family endoglucanase kitchen waste. Full length paper from Aspergillus terreus and published in proceedings of the its application in enzymatic 2nd International conference on degradation of delignified rice straw. Industrial Engineering, November International Biodeterioration and 20-22, 585-588. (ISBN: 978-93- Biodegradation, 88, 158-161. 83083-37-4). 5. N.S.L. Srivastava, S.L. Narnaware, 3. Madhuri Narra, Velmurugan J.P. Makwana, S.N. Singh, S. Balasubramanian, Himali Mehta, Vahora, 2014. Investigating the Garima Dixit, Datta Madamwar, energy use of vegetable market Amita R Shah, 2014. Performance waste by briquetting. Renewable evaluation of anaerobic hybrid Energy, 68: 270-275. reactors with different packing

42 Research Projects Undertaken

Solar Energy SP-2013- ST-36

SP-2012-ST-32 Development of solar-hybrid refrigeration technology for on-farm Design and development of a PV module (or in production catchment) safe integrated forced convection solar transient storage of horticultural produce drying system for non-electrified region (NFBSFARA) (AICRP-RES) Investigators: Tilak Chavda, V. Siva Investigators: V. Siva Reddy, Tilak Reddy, A. Gokul Raj and M. Shyam Chavda and A. Gokul Raj Regional Test Centre for Solar Thermal SP-2012- ST-33 Devices (MNRE) Staff involved: Tilak Chavda, A. Gokul Design, development and evaluation of Raj, H. N. Mistry, Akash Modh and V. an efficient solar ETC system with PCM Siva Reddy to produce hot water for application in dairy plant (AICRP-RES) Bio-Conversion Investigators: Tilak Chavda, A. Gokul Raj and V. Siva Reddy SP-2008-AT-27

SP-2012-EM-1 Development and evaluation of digested slurry dewatering machine (TSC Carry out energy audit and integration of approximately 35%) suitable for large solar concentrator based process heat capacity biogas plants (AICRP-RES) system in a dairy industry (AICRP-RES) Investigators: B.Velmurugan and Samir Investigators: A. Gokul Raj and V. Siva Vahora Reddy SP-2009-AT-30 SP-2013-ST-34 Developing an integrated process Design, development and performance technology for conversion of crop evaluation of a thermal battery based PV residues into ethanol and methane for direct driven solar refrigerator (AICRP- use as transport fuels and establishing a RES) biotechnology R&D centre for transport Investigators: V. Siva Reddy, A. Gokul fuels (DBT, GOI) Raj and Tilak Chavda Investigators: Madhuri Narra, B.Velmurugan and Kiran Kumar SP-2013- ST-35 Design, development and performance SP-2010-AT-34 evaluation of single axis sun tracker Development of an anaerobic culture by (AICRP-RES) in-vivo and in-vitro supplementation of Investigators: A. Gokul Raj and V. Siva micronutrients for enhancing solid-state Reddy 43 biomethanation of lignocellulosic waste Investigators: Mahendra Perumal and (AICRP-RES) Madhuri Narra Investigators: Madhuri Narra and B. Velmurugan SP-2012-AT-40

SP-2011-AT-35 Anaerobic co-digestion of dairy waste scum with kitchen waste for biogas Development of an economically viable production (AICRP-RES) process technology for detoxification of Investigators: B.Velmurugan and Madhuri Jatropha de-oiled cake and simultaneous Narra fuel gas production (DST, GOI) Investigators: Madhuri Narra, SP-2013-AT-41 B.Velmurugan and Mahendra Perumal Development and evaluation of laboratory scale pressure swing SP-2011-AT-36 adsorption (PSA) system for biogas up gradation and carbon dioxide recovery Screening and improving biomass (AICRP RES) production and lipid accumulation - Investigators: B. Velmurugan and Samir of microalgae from estuary region Vahora (Khambhat, Gujarat) by conventional approach (DST, GOI) SP-2013-AT-42 Investigators: Mahendra Perumal Feasibility studies on bio-hydrogen SP-2012-AT-37 production from agro-industrial wastes (AICRP RES) Biochemical engineering of microalgae - Investigators: B. Velmurugan and for enhanced lipid accumulation (AICRP- Madhuri Narra RES) Investigators: Mahendra Perumal and Madhuri Narra Thermo-Chemical Conversion

SP-2012-AT-38 SP-2008-PG-45 Biomass and lipid accumulation of Value chain on “Biomass based microalgae grown on distillery/diary decentralized power generation for agro- waste water as a possible feedstock for enterprises” (AICRP-RES) biodiesel (AICRP-RES) Investigators: Asim Joshi and M. Shyam Investigators: Mahendra Perumal and Madhuri Narra SP-2010-PG-52 Development of technology for treatment SP-2012-AT-39 of wastewater from producer gas wet scrubbing unit for reuse and final Use of mutagenesis to improve the disposal (AICRP RES) economics of cellulase production by an - Investigators: Asim Joshi and Farha in-house isolate (AICRP-RES) Tinwala

44 SP-2013-PG-54 RES) Investigators: Samir Vahora and Jignesh Adaption of SPRERI fluidized bed gasifier Makwana for rice husk fuel (AICRP-RES) Investigators: Jignesh Makwana and SP-2013-TT-4 Asim Joshi Field performance analysis of family size SP-2013-PG-55 solid-state biogas plants set-up in Anand Development of a high performance and Kheda districts of Gujarat (AICRP- domestic cook stove for continuous RES) operation with long fuel wood sticks Investigators: Samir Vahora (AICRP-RES) Investigators: Jignesh Makwana and SP-2013-TT-5 Asim Joshi Set-up cattle demonstration biogas plant SP-2013-PG-56 of 20-100 cu m capacity cattle dung based PAU design modified Janata fixed Development of a vapor condensing unit dome type biogas plants in gaushala/ for SPRERI vacuum pyrolysis unit and farmer’s field for power/thermal performance evaluation of the integrated application (AICRP-RES) system including stability studies of the Investigators: Samir Vahora bio-oil (AICRP-RES) Investigators: Farha Tinwala and Asim SP-2013-TT-6 Joshi User level survey of ceramic linear Technology Transfer based improved biomass cook stove in tribal villages (AICRP-RES) SP-2010-TT-1 Investigators: Samir Vahora and Jignesh Makwana DST core project on renewable energy intervention for rural development (DST, SP-2013-TT-7 GOI) Investigators: Samir Vahora and Jignesh Operational research demonstrations of Makwana SPRERI improved biomass cook stove (air insulation) (AICRP-RES) SP-2011-TT-3 Investigators: Samir Vahora

ORP of SPRERI design improved and upgraded system of 10-16 kg/h capacity biomass combustor based hot air generator and drying system of 250 kg/ batch capacity for high value fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants (AICRP-

45 Visitors

1. Dr. T.K. Chaudhuri, Professor and 9. Prof. (Dr) Kirk R. Smith, Professor Head, Charotar University of Science of Global Environmental Heath, and Technology, Changa, Dist. University of California, Berkeley, Anand visited SPRERI on June13, California along with Ms. Yashree 2013. Mehta and her colleagues from IWMI, Anand visited SPRERI on October 25, 2. Dr. Shyam Gupta and his colleague 2013. from M/s Indian Trading Corporation, Ahmedabad visited SPRERI on August 10. Dr. N.K. Gontia, Dean and Dr. 23, 2013. P.M. Chauhan, Professor & Head, Department of Renewable Energy, 3. Shri Mayur J. Patel, Hon. Jt. Secretary, College of Agricultural Engineering Charutar Vidya Mandal, Vallabh & Technology, Junagadh Agricultural Vidyanagar along with three faculty University, Junagadh visited SPRERI members of Institute of Studies and on February 15, 2014. Research in Renewable Energy visited SPRERI on September 2, 2013. 11. Shri S.D. Jaisinghani, Principal, Mansinh Institute of Training, NDDB, 4. Shri S.N. Singhal, General Manager Mehsana visited SPRERI on February (ES), Shri V. Srinivas, Sr. Manager 20, 2014. and Shri K.S. Patel, Manager, NDDB, Anand along with two of his colleagues visited SPRERI on September 6, 2013.

5. Dr. S.K. Tyagi, Scientist ‘E’, SSS- NIRE, Kapurthala visited SPRERI on September 11-12, 2013.

6. Shri Prakash Lohia, Managing Director, M/s Merino Industries Ltd., Hapur, UP visited SPRERI on September 17, 2013.

7. Dr. Alpesh G. Mehta, Scientific Advisor, Intellectual Property India, Ahmedabad visited SPRERI on October 19, 2013.

8. Dr. Archana S. Nanoty, Principal, Dr. Jivraj Mehta Institute of Technology, Mogar visited SPRERI on October 22, 2013.

46 Spreri Team

Director Dr. M. Shyam

Scientists Extension Solar Division Er. Samir Vahora, Activity I/c Dr. V. Siva Reddy, I/c Head Mr. Jitendra Suthar Er. Tilak Chavda (upto 03.02.2014) Er. Hitesh Prajapati Er. A. Gokul Raj (w.e.f. 01.07.2013) Mrs. Hiraben Mistry Mr. Hasmukh Herma Administration Er. Akash Modh Mr. P. Amar Babu Er. A. Sampath Kumar (w.e.f. 25.06.2013) Ms. Pragna Dave Er. Charu Mathur (upto 31.01.2014) Mr. Rajendra Shah Mr. Hitesh Dalwadi Bio-Conversion Technology Division Mrs. Aida Mascarenhas Er. B.Velmurugan, Activity I/c Mr. Hasmukh Vaghela Dr. Madhuri Narra Dr. Mahendra Perumal Technicians and Drivers Dr. Kiran Kumar (w.e.f 24.06.2013) Mr. Jayesh Parmar Er. Shashank Mandovra (upto 14.08.2013) Mr. Bhupendra Prajapati Dr. Suneel Gupta (upto 01.11.2013) Mr. Rakesh Parmar Dr. Digantkumar Chapla (upto 31.01.2014) Mr. Ramesh Bhoi Dr. Anjali Bose (upto 20.12.2013) Mr. Rajesh Machhi Mrs. Deval Shah Mr. Deepak Soner (upto 13.01.2014) Lab Attendant and Helpers Mr. Mayur Gahlout (upto 30.06.2013) Mr. Parsottam Harijan Er. M.S.Chandrasekar (upto 03.12.2013) Mr. Ashok Harijan Mr. Dahya Harijan Thermo-Chemical Conversion Division Mr. Prakash Machhi Er. Pravakar Mohanty, Activity I/c Mr. Bhupat Parmar Er. Asim Joshi Mr. Ishwar Harijan Er. Jignesh Makwana Mr. Harman Parmar Er. Farha Tinwala Mr. Ashok Patel Er. Nandan Varia (w.e.f. 01.07.2013) Mr. Mahendra Padhiyar Er. Arpita Nagori (w.e.f. 01.07.2013) Mr. Minesh Suthar Mr. Harshad Suthar Mr. Vijay Vasava Mr. Anant Patel Ms. Manjula Vadhel

47 Balance sheet as on 31.03.2014

48 Abbreviations

ACCase - Acetyl-CoA carboxylase MW - Molecular weight AAU - Anand Agricultural University NABL - National Accreditation Board for AC/DC - Alternating current/direct current Testing and Calibration AICRP - All India Coordinated Research Project Laboratories ATC - Air insulated tube collector NAIP - National Agricultural Innovation AU - Arbitrary unit Project Avg - Average NCIM - National collection of industrial BBM - Bold’s basal medium micro-organism BG11 - Blue green-11 OD - Outer diameter BGP - Biogas plant OLR - Organic loading rate BIS - Bureau of Indian Standards PAU - Punjab Agricultural University BOD - Bio-chemical oxygen demand PIC - Programmable interface CFL - Compact fluorescent lamp controller CFTC - Cylindrical-fin-tube-collector P-P-P - Public private partnership CIAE - Central Institute of Agricultural ppm - Parts per million Engineering ppt - Parts per thousand CNG - Compressed natural gas PV - Photo voltaic

CO/CO2 - Carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide R & D - Research and development COD - Chemical oxygen demand RE - Renewable energy CV - Calorific value RH - Relative humidity DBT - Department of Biotechnology RES - Renewable sources of energy for DST - Department of Science and Technology agricultural and agro-based DS - Digested slurry industries DSMZ - Deutsche sanmlungvon mikro organismen rpm - Revolutions per minute and zellkulturen GmbH RRECL - Rajasthan Renewable Energy ER - Equivalence ratio Corporation Limited ETC - Evacuated-tube-collector RT - Retention time FBG - Fluidized-bed-gasifier RTC - Regional Test Centre FPC - Flat-plate-collector SBC - Solar box cooker FPU - Filter paper units SPM - Suspended particulate matter FTC - Fin-tube-collector SPRERI - Sardar Patel Renewable Energy GEDA - Gujarat Energy Development Agency Research Institute GoI/GoG - Government of India/Government of SPV/PV - Solar photovoltaic/photovoltaic Gujarat SS - Stainless steel HAU - Haryana Agricultural University STC - Standard test conditions HRT - Hydraulic retention time TCD - Thermal conductivity detector ICAR - Indian Council of Agricultural Research TDS - Total dissolved solids IIT - Indian Institute of Technology TS /TSC - Total solids/total solids JSC - Jatropha seed cake (deoiled) concentration LED - Light emitting diode TSS - Total suspended solids LPG - Liquefied petroleum gas VS - Volatile solids MNRE - Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ZVI - Zero-valent iron MoU - Memorandum of understanding wb/db - Wet basis/dry basis (mass) MS - Mild steel MTT - 3 - (4,5 - dimethylthiazol-2-yl) - 2, 5 - diphenyltetrazolium bromide Important SPRERI Technologies available for use/commercialization

• Solar refrigerator

• Low tunnel solar drying system; grid connected/stand alone

• Forced circulation solar drying system

• Roof integrated unglazed solar drying system

• Conversion of fruit and vegetable residues to biogas and manure

• Conversion of kitchen residues to biogas and manure

• Biogas generation from agro-industrial effluents

• Open core down draft gasifier systems for thermal and power applications

• Biomass combustor-cum-hot air generator

• Improved biomass cook stoves; batch and continuous operations

• Movable platform type wood cutter for preparing feedstock for gasifier

The contact point is: Ph. +912692-231168

Ms. P. B. Dave - SPA to Director

Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute

Post Box No.2, Vallabh Vidyanagar 388 120, Gujarat, India Phone : 02692 - 231332, 235011 Fax : 02691 - 237982 E-mail : [email protected]; [email protected] Website : www.spreri.org 50 Design & Printed by : Akaaish Printing