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CONTENTS

Page

Abbreviations ....................... 2

Organization ....................... 3

Research and Development Solar Energy ........................................................................................................ 4Bio-Conversion ................................................................................................... 6Thermo-Chemical Conversion ........................................................................... 16

Regional Test Centre ...................... 22

Training and Awareness Creation ...................... 23

Demonstrations and Technology Evaluation ...................... 25

Consultancy ...................... 31

Transfer of Technology ...................... 31

Human Resource Development ...................... 32

Important Visitors ...................... 32

Participation in Important Meetings / Seminars / Conferences ...................... 33

Publications ...................... 36

Research Projects Undertaken ...................... 37

SPRERI Team ...................... 39

Audited Balance Sheet ...................... 40

Board of Management Inside back cover

SPRERI Technologies Back cover

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ABBREVIATIONS2DG - 2 Deoxy-D-GlucoseAC/DC - Alternating current/direct currentAl - AluminiumAICRP - All India Coordinated Research ProjectBIS - Bureau of Indian standardsC & C - Cooling and cleaningC / N - Carbon–nitrogen ratioCFL - Compact fluorescent lampCIAE - Central Institute of Agricultural EngineeringCO/CO2 - Carbon monoxide / carbon dioxideCOD - Chemical oxygen demandCR/CRs - Crop residue/crop residues CV - Calorific valueDBT - Department of BiotechnologyDST - Department of Science and TechnologyETC - Evacuated tube collectorsETP - Effluent treatment plantFP - Filter paper FVU - Fruit and vegetable unitGEDA - Gujarat Energy Development AgencyGoI - Government of IndiaHE - Heat exchangerHPLC - High performance liquid chromatographyICAR - Indian Council of Agricultural ResearchIDBG - Inverted downdraft biomass gasificationkWp - kilo watt peakLED - Light emitting diodeLPD - Litres per dayLPG - Liquefied petroleum gasMNRE - Ministry of New and Renewable EnergyNABL - National Accreditation Board of Testing and Calibration LaboratoriesNAIP - National Agricultural Innovation ProjectOD - Outer diameterOLR - Organic loading ratePP - PolypropylenePVC - Polyvinyl chlorideR & D - Research and developmentRE - Renewable energyRES - Renewable sources of energy for agricultural and agro based industriesrpm - Revolutions per minuteRRECL - Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation LimitedRT / HRT - Retention time / hydraulic retention timeSBC - Solar box type cookerSPM - Suspended particulate matterSPRERI - Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research InstituteSPV / PV - Solar photovoltaic/photovoltaicTDS - Total dissolved solidsTERI - The Energy and Resource InstituteTIDE - Technology Information Design EndeavourTNAU - Tamil Nadu Agricultural UniversityTS / TSC - Total solids / total solids concentrationTSS - Total suspended solidsUV - UltravioletVS - Volatile solids

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Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI) was established in 1979 at Vallabh Vidyanagar (Gujarat). It is an autonomous and non-profit organization managed by a Board comprising of leading technologists, scientists, industrialists and representatives of Central and State Governments. Its mission is to develop viable renewable energy technologies and to promote their applications. SPRERI has developed many RE devices and systems which are now manufactured by selected industries and supplied to the end users. The major part of SPRERI’s operating funds is received through projects sponsored by central and state government organizations and non-government organizations in the Country. Solar thermal and solar photovoltaics; bio-conversion of biomass and thermo-chemical conversion of biomass are the three major fields of specialization in SPRERI. Besides, promotion of RE technologies is pursued through field evaluation and demonstrations, training and entrepreneurship development, awareness programmes and integrated development of selected tribal villages. English, Gujarati and Hindi are the official languages. The objectives of SPRERI are:

To function as a centre of excellence in design and development of RE devices and systems.

To promote wide-spread use of RE systems for decentralized and grid connected energy and power generation and for environmental protection.

To design and develop RE systems with a view to bring out marketable

products, in the shortest possible time, which meet customers requirements in terms of quality, price, operational ease, maintainability, etc.

To provide comprehensive and cost-effective RE solutions through projects and consultancy services.

To provide specialized training in RE technologies to engineers and scientists and guidance and facilities to research students.

To provide extension support to RE programmes.

To organize seminars, conferences and business meets on different aspects of RE programmes and technologies.

To closely interact with other R&D organizations, Institutes of Technology, industrial organizations, etc. – both national and international in the field of renewable energy.

ORGANIZATION

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Solar EnergySolar refrigerator with ice bank

The refrigerator body, capable of storing 10 kg ice in annular space around the evaporator compartment was fabricated and tested under no-load condition. However, the ice compartment was found to have accommodated 26 l water when filled to capacity. The temperature of the water dropped from initial 31.1°C to final –5.2°C in 64 h of compressor operation. The ambient temperature during the period varied from 23.2 to 38.7 °C. Besides, another refrigerator of 80 l capacity was modified to use one of its two storage compartments as ice chamber by providing evaporation coil, which was kept submerged in 10 l water filled in the chamber. The water was converted into ice in 40 h of the compressor operation. Thereafter, the compressor operation was switched off and temperature upto 5°C was maintained in the refrigerator for three successive days.

It was found that a special electronic controller, which works in a voltage range of 10 to 45 V DC and is equipped with soft start function to significantly reduce the starting current, is available. The controller will be able to operate the Danfoss BD compressor (fitted with our refrigerator) without requiring storage battery(s). The controller was procured and fitted with the modified refrigerator. The refrigerator was tested with direct PV panels of 150 Wp capacity without

storage battery(s). During 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the compressor run time was found varying between 2 to 3 hours only. The temperature of the water dropped to 0°C, but there was no ice formation. The matter was taken up with M/s Danfoss, Germany and they provided a new controller unit. The refrigerator fitted with the new controller unit was tested with direct PV panels of 180 Wp capacity. Besides, the refrigerator was equipped with an aluminium tray containing the evaporator coil, which was submerged in 4 l water filled in the tray. Temperatures of the water and the storage space and ambient temperatures were measured at every 15 min interval. The compressor operation started around 9:30 a.m. and continued uninterrupted upto 4:15 p.m. Around 3.25 kg of ice was found formed in the tray by 4:15 p.m. Overnight (upto 9:00 a.m. next morning), around 2.20 kg of ice melted and temperature inside the storage compartment varied between 5 °C to 8 °C. The next day by 4:15 p.m., all the 4 kg of water in the Al tray was converted into ice. Further testing of the refrigerator without battery is under progress.

Solar PV panel180 Wp

Electronic controller

10 and 45 V DC

Circuit diagram to connect the PV module to Electronic controller

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Dual axis sun tracker

Performance evaluation of the imported dual axis sun tracker equipped with 2.7 kWp SPV panels was continued to cover both Winter and Summer season. Systematic scrutiny of the work carried out last year revealed an experimental error in the measurement of power output from SPV panels. The same was rectified. Average results have been summarized in following table. The

undertaken to study effect of dust deposition over the PV panels on energy generation. Dust deposited over sampling petty discs, each of 3.06 cm2 area, for known time duration is being collected from four corners of the panel. Average dust intensity was found varying between 0.17–0.25 g/m2/d. Testing of the tracker is being carried out by installing a new solar charge controller along with automatic data logging software to measure the power output as function of time duration. The average temperatures of the solar panel surface that received sun light and the surface underneath and average wind speed for March 2012 were 54.57 °C, 53.08 °C and 11.32 m/s, respectively. Experiment is under progress.

Testing of natural turbine roof ventilator

“The Technotech – 21” natural turbine powerless roof ventilation system, a device meant to maintain air circulation

T- type thermocouple

Ice container withthe evaporator coil

Top opening refrigerator having ice container

MonthEnergy output per day, (kWh) Increase due to

tracking, %

Duration of full exposures of the PV

panels, hTracking mode Fixed modeApril 13.46 11.10 21.25 8.0 May 16.27 11.64 28.45 10.0 November 9.10 7.70 18.18 4.0 December 8.70 7.30 19.17 4.0

increase in power due to tracking was computed as 28.5%, which is as per the expectation.

Effect of dust deposition on performance of PV panels

A systematic investigation has been

inside the building with the help of natural breeze, received from an industry, was tested to estimate its air displacement capacity for wind velocities ranging from 4 km/h to 22 km/h. Its exhaust capacity was found varying from 250 to 1100 m3/h. The testing was completed

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and the test report has been provided to the concerned party.

Testing of solar concentrating cooker

Domestic concentrating type solar cooker received from M/s Taylormade Solar Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad was tested as per the MNRE test

Bio-ConversionPerformance monitoring of 10 t/d biphasic system at FVU-Mother Dairy, New Delhi

A biomethanation system was designed and installed at Fruit and Vegetable Unit of Mother Dairy at New Delhi for treatment of the waste fruits and vegetables. During the year, the system was commissioned and initially 2 t of waste was fed everyday. The leachate was mixed with treated ETP water in the ratio of 1:8 and fed into the methane reactor. Gradually, the feeding was increased to 3 t/d. The mixture was concentrated by maintaining the ratio of leachate to water as 1:4. Accordingly, the biogas production increased and an average 85-90 cum gas was recorded per day. Average performance data of the anaerobic reactor are given in the following table. The FVU is in the process of putting-up the system required for use of the biogas in their canteen as replacement of LPG. The solid residues after extraction of the leachate could be briquetted and used as fuel in their boiler.

Concentrating type solar cooker tested at SPRERI

procedure. The stagnation temperature at bottom of the hot plate, which had been placed at focal point of the concentrator, reached upto 295 °C. Average heat loss coefficient and average optical efficiency were worked out as 11.17 W/m² °C and 44.1%, respectively. However, it was felt that the vessel holding and locking mechanism of the cooker requires improvement.

MonthWasteinput(t/d)

Leachateextracted

(l/d)

Influent Effluent CODreduction

(%)

Biogasyield,(m3/d)pH COD

(mg/l) pH COD(mg/l)

August 2.8 1842* 5.71 3808 7.10 943 70 48September 2.8 11286 5.09 8502 7.38 645 89 69October 2.2 8652 4.99 7579 7.54 959 87 73November 2.0 7858 5.00 5833 7.60 1109 80 42December 1.6 7358 5.00 5670 8.00 931 83 35

* undiluted leachate

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Development of high capacity digested-slurry dewatering machine

Based on the experience of the preliminary trials conducted during last year on the screw press, a couple of changes were incorporated in the machine and second set of test run was performed. As mentioned earlier, a part of the screw length was kept without pitch in order to develop more pressure at the discharge end. This was essential to maintain the plug in-tact at the end of a day’s operation, thus eliminating

(b)(a)Blind screw press at end and perforated screen

Description of the setting Total solids, % ObservationsInitial slurry

Solid fraction

Liquid fraction

Bar screen, back pressure fitting tightly 2.88 33.09 2.87 High TS in solid

fraction5.89 32.11 4.17 TS of liquid fraction increased

Perforated screen, part of the screw without flight, back pressure fitting tightly

3.22 44.02 2.88Complete choking of screen, hence no filtration

Perforated screen, part of the screw without flight, reduced screw-screen distance, back pressure fitting tightly

3.01 42.51 2.77Continuous filtering, screen found clean after completion of the trials

5.46 36.94 3.86Higher TS of inlet slurry, the TS in all fractions found satisfactory

the requirement for the plug formation during the next cycle. Accordingly, following two modifications were made:

i) Part of the screw at discharge end was kept blind (Fig. a) and

ii) Perforated screen was used in place of bar screen (Fig. b).

After incorporation of the changes, TSC of the dewatered solids was found 44% but throughput of the machine reduced to 0.5 t/h. It was observed that during forward motion of the screw, cattle

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dung slurry kept escaping towards the feeding end through the gap between the screw and the screen. This decreased the performance and the throughput of the machine. The gap between the screw and the screen was reduced by fixing a rubber gasket all along the screw profile and test run was taken. Incorporation of this modification resulted in production of dewatered solids with 42% TSC (initial slurry TSC of 3%) and the throughput increased to 0.8 t/h. Each modification resulted in change the overall performance of the machine. Effect of each modification in the machine on performance has been summarised in the following table.

Parameter 1 2 3 4 5 6

Description of the media

Polypropylene bio tower packing

PVC structured

Polypropylene

saddles

Ceramic saddles

Polypropylene

bioringBrickbats

Effective volume (l) 3230 3460 2135 1990 2945 2725

Size (mm)diameter

184, height 50

modules of 1200 x 600

x 60025 25 25 x 25 30-40

Bulk density (kg/m3) 30 50 100 660 90 850

Surface-volume ratio 100 105 210 255 210 NA

Void space (%) NA > 97 90 73 89 55

Study on use of different packing media in SPRERI anaerobic filter system

Some critical characteristics of the media used are given in following table.

Two brick masonry anaerobic filter reactors had been constructed and commissioned using one packing media each. After completing one set of experiments, the reactors were recommissioned with the other two filter media. All the packing media showed very good buffering capacities. The pH of the influent was acidic owing to the inherent characteristic of cheese whey, but the outlet pH was near neutral in each case. No operational problems were

Throughout the experiments, the power consumption of the machine was found within 5 kW including high starting torque.

encountered with any of the synthetic media. Both types of saddles gave very good performance as far as COD removal efficiency and biogas yield were concerned.

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MediaEffluent per day

(l)

OLR (kg/

m3/d)

Avg. COD(mg/l) COD

removed (%)

Biogas production

In Out Avg. per day

m3/kg CODfed

m3/kg COD

removedBio

tower 646 1.00 5010 1403 71.98 0.95 0.29 0.41

Structured 692 1.00 5002 1363 72.74 1.24 0.36 0.49PP saddles 427 1.67 8374 1121 86.61 1.93 0.54 0.62

Ceramic saddles 398 1.67 8373 1054 87.41 1.74 0.52 0.60PVC

bio rings 590 2.57 12833 2833 77.92 4.61 0.61 0.78

Brickbats 545 2.57 12833 5100 60.26 3.05 0.44 0.72

However, among the two, PP saddles were found slightly better. Financial appraisal for various options was worked out. Keeping the performance as well as the cost in view, structured media seems to be a better option. A summary of performance of all the six packing media

Packing media

Density(kg/m3)

Cost(Rs/m3)

COD removal

(%)

Biogas yield(m3/kgCOD

removed)

Cost of treatmentRs/kg COD

removed

Rs/m3 biogas yield

Bio tower 30 4500 77.92 0.33 857 8675Structured 50 3500 78.62 0.42 945 8100Ceramic saddles 660 15000 87.41 0.60 3275 15963

PP Saddles 100 16000 86.61 0.62 3286 16416Bio ring 90 12600 77.92 0.78 1358 10274

Brickbats 850 3900 60.26 0.72 590 3445

evaluated for 5 day retention time and their cost economics is given below :

Techno-economic analysis of field scale, water scrubbing based biogas-bottling plants

A questionnaire was prepared to collect technical and financial data for a few

Location of the system Biogas plant capacity (m3/d)

Capacity utilization

(%)

Application of upgraded

gas

Methane content of the gas (%)raw cleaned

Gau Sewa Sangh, Durgapura, Jaipur 170 15 Auto-rickshaw 61 75

P.P.Madhav GovigyanAnusandhan Sansthaan,Bhilwara

110 60 Auto-rickshaw 60 81

Gau Samvardhan and Gopalan Trust, Bakrol, Vadodara

420 100 Kitchen 63 93

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selected water scrubbing based biogas bottling systems set-up in the country. Four locations were identified where such systems were reported to be in operation – one each installed at Jaipur, Bhilwara, Vadodara and Ghaziabad. All the water scrubbing based biogas bottling plants were visited and data on operation of the systems were collected and are shown in the table below. Samples of raw biogas and cleaned biogas were also collected and analyzed at the Institute. Information for total energy consumption in operating the system was also collected. The system installed at Shri Krishna Gaushala, Ghaziabad was, however, reported to be non-operational for the last few months. Developing an integrated process technology for conversion of crop residues into ethanol and methane for use as transport fuel

Work was carried out on pre-treatment of CR, isolation and optimization of cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic fungi, fungal strain improvement for maximum enzyme production, fermentation studies using hexose and pentose utilizing yeast strains and conversion of the solids left behind after hydrolysis into methane rich biogas and manure.

For pre-treatment, various parameters like physical (size optimization), alkali and acid were optimized keeping in mind the efficiency of the method in terms of recovery of the material after treatment and sugars released. Cellulases concentrated by Ultra-filtration/Rota evaporation are being used for

optimization of saccharification at higher solid loads (upto 25%). Routinely concentrated sugar syrups in the range of 150-200 mg/ml were obtained using 25% (0.5 % NaOH treated rice straw) substrate. The sugar syrup obtained as a result of saccharification was a mixture of both pentose and hexose sugars, thus making their fermentation a challenging task. The hydrolysate was sterilized by autoclaving and was inoculated with 10% v/v seed culture of S.cerevisiae 3570 for 12 h. Incubation was carried out in a stoppered flask at 28±2 oC without agitation. Samples (1 ml) were withdrawn at regular intervals and centrifuged for 10 min at 4 oC and 15,000 rpm. The supernatant was filtered using 0.45 µ filters and analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (Shimadzu Kyoto, Japan) for carbohydrates and ethanol. Fermentation of cellulosic hydrolysate (100 g/l) using S.cerevisae gave maximum ethanol (22.04 g/l) after 36 h. Work is being carried out on feasibility of using pentose fermenting yeast to utilize the xylose fraction of the hydrolysate.

Fermentation trials were also conducted using both acid and enzymatic hydrolysates of rice straw using P. stipits, C. shehatae and S.cerevisiae, separately. The hemicellulosic hydrolysate containing 14.65 g/l sugars was fermented with P. stipitis and C. shehatae and the ethanol produced were 5.0 g/l and 4.2 g/l after 36 h, respectively. The cellulosic hydrolysate was fermented

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with S.cerevisae and a maximum ethanol yield of 27.09 g/l was obtained after 36 h.

Biomethanation studies on liquid waste generated during pretreatment process

To harness full potential of the CR, it was decided to study biomethanation

Schematic and photograph of the anaerobic reactorsParameter Reactor A Reactor B

Type of media polypropylene saddles ceramic saddlesTotal volume of reactor (l) 27.1 25.9Effective volume of reactor (l) 26.5 24.1Voidage (%) 93 71Surface volume ratio 210 255

Packingmedia

HRT(d)

Effluent fed

( l/d)

Avg. COD(mg/l)

COD removed

(%)

Avg. biogas yield in l per

In Out day g CODfed g CODremoved

PPsaddles

15 1.6 5380 2056 61.78 4.21 0.49 0.7910 2.5 5172 2305 55.43 5.46 0.42 0.76

Ceramicsaddles

15 1.6 5380 2172 59.62 4.10 0.48 0.7910 2.5 5172 2280 55.91 5.58 0.43 0.77

potential of the solid and liquid wastes generated during the process of ethanol production. Two laboratory scale hybrid anaerobic reactors, each combination of

Parameters ValuesInitial pH 7.2COD (mg/l) 5276Total solids (%) 1.46Total volatile solids (%) 40Total dissolved solids (%) 0.9Total suspended solids (%) 0.7Phenols (mg/l) 790

up flow anaerobic sludge blanket and stationary fixed film reactor, were fabricated and commissioned to study biomethanation potential of the effluent produced during delignification of the substrate. Schematic diagram and pictorial view of these reactors with

necessary pipe & fittings, pump and gas flow meters are given below:

The effluent generated in NaOH pretreatment process was analyzed for various physical and chemical parameters and these values are given in the following table:

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COD of the effluent was found favorable for anaerobic digestion. However, low VS associated with phenols presented potential threat to the biogas generation. After culture development and acclimatization, both the reactors were commissioned at 15 d retention time. Influent and effluent from the reactors were analyzed regularly for pH and COD and the biogas production was monitored daily. The retention time was changed to the next lower value after steady state operation was achieved. Data have been collected for two HRTs and are presented. Further optimization is under progress.

Traditional mutagenesis for strain improvement

Owing to higher enzymatic activity, the strain that grows at 45 °C was used for strain improvement using both UV and chemical mutagenesis. A screening plate for mutant selection was developed in-house which is now routinely used in the laboratory. The screening plate was modified to incorporate end product inhibition based selection. Beta-glucosidase activity was targeted first since our culture has good Beta-concentration and accumulation of cellobiose has been shown to be one of the rate limiting steps in the saccharification process. Various combinations of screening plates have been listed below:

- 20% Walseth + Sorbose + Glucose (1%)- 20% Walseth + Sorbose + Glucose (2%)- 20% Walseth + Sorbose+ Glycerol (2%)- 20% Walseth + Sorbose +Glycerol (3%)- 30% Walseth + Sorbose + Glucose (2%)

- 40% Walseth + Sorbose + Glucose (2%)-30% Walseth + Sorbose + Glycerol (3%) - 40% Walseth + Sorbose +Glycerol (3%)

A mutational scheme was worked out based on the growth rate and UV response of the culture. Given that the stability of any mutant, which is generated, has always been an issue in the field of fungal mutagenesis, we have placed strong emphasis on this aspect. After every step of mutagenesis the selected strains were tested on plate for the same colony to zone ratio by repeated sub-culturing. Once the stability of the strain was established it was taken for the next round of mutagenesis. The pictorial representation of the method is shown in Figure.

A B

C D

A representative schematic of the steps followed for screening of stable mutants (A) Colonies after initial enrichment on 2DG (B) Sectored colonies on plate for stability screening (C) single colony of mutant on walseth cellulose containing plate (D) Mutants on slants along with control on extreme left

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The mutants were tested for their activity by studying their enzyme production on rice straw as compared to control. Given that the media for enzyme production has been optimized for control, the specific activity of cellulases was considered to check for positive mutagenesis. This step was carried out continuously with sequential passage of mutants to make sure their ability to produce the enzymes at the same concentration. Few of the selected mutants which are under media optimization are listed in the following table.

Development of an anaerobic culture by in vivo and in vitro supplementation of micronutrients for enhancing solid-state biomethanation of lignocellulosic wastes

The laboratory models for assessment

StrainEndo-glucanase Beta-glucosidase FP- activity

U/mg Fold increase U/mg Fold increase U/mg Fold increaseControl 3.56 NA 0.89 NA 0.19 NA

1.8 4.03 0.13 1.44 0.61 0.31 0.639 7.30 2.05 1.02 0.14 0.29 0.52

5.14.2 3.96 0.11 3.25 2.65 0.28 0.475.15.4 3.46 - 4.96 4.57 0.42 2.215.15.8 3.92 0.11 2.82 2.16 0.31 0.63

of the biogas production from the rice straw were set-up at mesophillic and thermophilic temperatures by incorporating micronutrients viz. Fe, Co, Ni, Mo and Zn for enhancing biogas production. Rice straw and culture were analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics using standard methods. One liter BOROSIL glass containers, each sealed with a rubber stopper, were used as fermenter. Castor cake was used to supplement organic nitrogen source for maintaining the C/N ratio. All treatments were set-up in duplicate and average values have been reported. A fermenter with culture alone (control) was also set-up and gas produced from the culture was deducted from the gas

Parameters Cobalt FeCl3 Nickel Zinc Molybdenum Cupric nitrate

Thermophilic temperature, RT 25 d Concentration (mg/ml) 20 30 30 4 0.04 4Biogas production (l)

kg materialkgTS

310333

270290

261280

252270

260279

213229

Methane in biogas (%) 65±2 64±2 64±2 62±2 64±2 64±2Mesophilic temperature, RT 40 d

Concentration (mg/ml) 20 30 10 8 0.1 8Biogas production (l) kg material kgTS

130140

145156

184198

134144

156168

128137

Methane in biogas (%) 63±2 63±2 62±2 60±2 62±2 60±2

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generated from each treatment to arrive at the net gas production.

Results for thermophilic and mesophilic conditions are given in the following tables. For thermophillic temperature, cobalt (20 mg/l) enhanced biomethanation process followed by FeCl3 (30 mg/l), nickel (30 mg/l) and molybdenum (0.04 mg/l). Control with out micronutrients produced 210 l/kg TS of biogas after 25 days of incubation period. Under mesophilic temperature, nickel (10 mg/l) enhanced biomethanation process followed by molybdenum (0.10 mg/l) and FeCl3 (30 mg/l). The yield was found to be lower with other micronutrients compared to the control. Control produced around 143 l/kg TS of biogas after 40 days of incubation period. Verification of the optimized nutritional parameters in bench scale reactors is being taken up.

Development of technology for de-toxification of Jatropha de-oiled cake and production of fuel gas

Jatropha seed cake was produced by mechanical expulsion and the same was used for developing extraction protocols for Curcin, phorbol esters, saponins, tannins and phytates. The levels of these toxic compounds in the seed and seed cake are now being worked out. Optimization for purification of Curcin is being pursued currently. HPLC method for phorbol esters have been tested and are now being attempted for test samples. Simultaneously, protocols for solvent extraction of oil from the seed cake are being developed. Preliminary analysis indicated that the mechanically expelled

oilcake was found to contain 94% TS and 92.5% VS. Based on the data obtained, bench scale studies have been initiated at 10% and 15% TSC to determine potential of biogas from Jatropha oilcake. Two daily fed type bench reactors comprised of a digester (effective volume 30 l each), gasholder and inlet and outlet assembly were used. The inlet has been provided near bottom of the digester and slurry outlet near top of the digester. The gasholder moved up and down on a central guide pipe in the digester. The accumulated gas flowed through a gas outlet pipe provided on top of the gas holder. Quantity of gas produced was recorded every day using a gas flow meter. For initial culture development, fresh cow dung slurry was charged in both the reactors. When gas production from culture reached steady state, feeding of Jatropha oilcake slurry was initiated and reactors were operated for 10% and 15% TSC. Results of biogas generation for both the reactors for retention time of 40 days at mesophilic temperature during the month of December 2011 to April 2012 are given in the following table. The biogas

Parameter

Total solid concentration

(%)10 15

Daily Jatropha oilcake fed (g) 72 102

Daily water fed (ml) 590 560Biogas production• l/day• l/kg TS• l/l reactor volume

24.63620.82

29.12870.90

Methane in biogas (%) 62±2 64±2

yield for 10% TSC was found higher than gas yield for 15% TSC. However, biogas yield per unit digester volume was more for 15% TSC than of biogas produced for 10% TSC. Performance monitoring is in progress.

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Screening and improving biomass production and lipid accumulation of microalgae from estuary region (Khambhat, Gujarat) A state of the art growth room for algae cultivation has been developed and necessary modifications are being continuously incorporated to meet our requirements. Information on various forms of micro-algae available and their identification parameters was collected. Samples from various estuarine regions were collected on seasonal basis. These were then enriched, screened for various micro-algal forms and have been listed in following table. Protocols for extraction and quantification of lipids were Season of sampling Post monsoon Sampling site Bhavnagar, GujaratSoil samples

Water samples

Bhogavo river bank (greenish in color)500 meters away from bhogavo river bank (dark green in color)Beyond bhogavo river (brownish in color)Beyond bhogavo river (marshy land, green in color)Bhogavo puddle (greenish in color)Bhogavo puddle (greenish in color)Bhogavo river bank (green in color)Beyond bhogavo river (marshy land, green in color)Beyond bhogavo river (dark green in color)

Season of sampling Pre winter Sampling site Narmada river estuary region (Bhadbhoot) Water sample

Soil samples

(Green in color)Below the ship basement (green in color) Ship surface (green in color)Narmada river bank (brown color soil sample) Narmada river bank (green in color)

Sampling site Tapi river estuary region (Lavachha, Dahej)Water sample

Soil sample

(Dark green in color)Tapi river (green in color)Tapi river puddle (brown in color)Tapi river bank (dark green in color)

Sampling site Purna river estuary region (Navsari)Water samples

Soil samples

(All were green in color) Purna river bank (green in color)Purna river bank (dark green in color)Purna river bank (mixed soil sample)

developed keeping in mind the objective of identifying good lipid accumulating micro-algae with a capacity to generate good amount of biomass over short time span. Various combinations of media are being tested to enrich the samples for algae. The samples were then kept either in static conditions or under continuous shaking for enrichment. The enrichments were routinely screened by various methods like serial dilution, spread plate method and micro-manipulation. The separated colonies were transferred on to a slant and re-isolated. This process was repeated till a microscopically pure colony form was obtained, which was then transferred to an individual flask

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Microscopic view of various enrichments set-up for samples collected from different estuaries

An automated fixed bed vacuum pyrolysis system of 1 kg biomass per hour capacity was designed and is under fabrication (see figure). The working system is likely to be ready by May 2012. The system will have an interface with software for controlling the reactor temperature, biomass feeding, and char removal, and will also work as a data recorder. The designs of other assemblies like cyclone, condensers, filter, blower and burners were finalized and related procurement/fabrication is also under progress.

Thermo-Chemical Conversion Fast pyrolysis of selected biomass to obtain liquid fuel

Automated vacuum pyrolysis system of 1 kg/h capacity under fabrication

and grown under shaking conditions for good biomass generation. The culture was repeatedly sub-cultured and checked for purity. Currently the cultures have been maintained in the growth room at cycle of 12 h light and 12 h dark with minimum or no shaking. A sample pictorial from few of the established enrichments has been shown in the figure. Isolation of individual algal strains from the enriched samples is under progress.

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Technology for treatment of wastewater from biomass gasification system for power generation

The project aims to reduce COD, ammonical and turbidity values of the effluent from producer gas wet scrubbing unit to meet CPCB norms for reuse and subsequent safe disposal. Selected physico-chemical properties of the raw wastewater were determined and average values are given in the following table.

oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide is under progress.

Besides, a bench scale experiment has also been initiated to study anaerobic treatment of the waste-water and upper tarry layer sludge in 1 liter capacity batch type reactors. The waste-water and distilled water have been used, separately, to dilute cow dung in 1:5 ratios. Gas yield and composition are being monitored.

Sr. No.

Parameter Mixed wastewater sample

Upper tarry layer sample

CPCB norms

1 COD (mg/l) 1750 3200 < 2502 Ammonical content (NH3) (mg/l) 130 420 < 503 Phenolic content (mg/l) *BDL *BDL < 54 pH 8.3 8.3 < 9.05 TSS (mg/l) 169 210 < 506 TDS (mg/l) 1510 - < 2100

*Below detection limit of the available facility (i.e. less than 10 mg/l – photometric method)

Experimental set-up with new AC to DC supply panel

COD reduction at different ampere values

A new AC/DC supply panel has been purchased which gives refined quality of DC output and has the provision of regulating the ampere supply within narrow ranges for constant voltage. The trials were conducted using the new panel (see following figure) and highest COD

was found for the iron electrode. Further experimental trials with iron electrode were performed on mixed wastewater for residence time of 10, 20 and 30 min with current supply of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 A. The COD reductions achieved are shown in the following figure. The amount of sludge generation was measured and found varying between 0.5 and 1% of the total volume. In order to further reduce the COD value, testing with addition of

18

Comparative evaluation of improved biomass cook stoves for their suitability in tribal region of Gujarat

Comparative evaluation of improved biomass cook stoves of six selected designs carried out last year revealed that SPRERI cook stoves for domestic and dhaba applications had much higher thermal efficiencies and lower CO/CO2 ratio. Further evaluation of IDBG domestic cook stove was carried out and it was found that the CO/CO2 ratio initially increased upto 0.04 and then reduced to less than 0.02 (refer the graph). The outer surface temperature of the stove was, however, found very high, upto 120 oC as against the recommended value of upto 60 °C. Therefore, a protective GI wire net was provided all along the outer surface of the stove and the surface temperature of the wire net was found below 60 oC. Evaluation of that stove at selected user’s sites revealed that:

• Women, cooking food, always kept her head stretched upward, putting undue strain on her neck. Its height need to be reduced suitably.

• The insulate-7 was prone to abrasion and needed to be replaced by more stable insulation material.

Keeping the above in view, a new model of the stove was developed. The height of the stove was reduced to 330 mm as against 480 mm in the original design and a ceramic lining was provided in place of insulate-7 for insulation. The SPRERI cook stove of the revised

design (see photograph) was provided to 200 tribal families in five villages of Dahod and Vadodara districts. Three different models of the SPRERI cook stoves i.e. IDBG domestic, IDBG dhaba (both provided with insulate-7) and low height SPRERI cook stove provided with ceramic lining have been submitted to Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Renewable Energy, Kapurthala for testing. As per the interim report, their heat utilization efficiency values are 32.8%, 33.4% and 27.1%, respectively.

CO/ CO2 ratio for IDBG cook stove

Low-height cook stove with protection net and ceramic lining (Model 2.2)

19

Modifications in open core down draft gasifier to reduce emissions from top of the reactor

To overcome the chimney effect, preliminary experiments were carried out last year by putting-up a converging cone of 1/8th, 1/12th and 1/16th area of the gasifier reactor. To maintain the desired gas flow rate for high pressure-drop conditions, a higher capacity blower (400 m3/h, 800 mm WG pressure) was used and testing was carried out using good quality briquettes of 55 to 60 mm OD and 30-60 mm length as fuel. The emissions were found reduced significantly with reducing top cover opening area. The temperatures in the oxidation zone and the gas at the outlet were found slightly increased. The opening of 1/16th area was observed to be the best for operation of the gasifier with 55-60 mm OD briquettes. The gasifier equipped with a converging cone of 1/16th area and high pressure drop blower was working satisfactorily. However, the converging cone was used only when gases were found emitting from top of the gasifier due to excessive bridging of the fuel (normally 45-60 minutes after start of operation). Detailed investigation on long duration operation of around 8 h with converging cone and its effect on oxidation zone and gas outlet temperatures is under progress.

Thermophoretic deposition of SPM and tar for cooling and cleaning of producer gas

A detailed study of the literature available on thermophoresis was carried out. Most of the available theoretical models were developed

for deposition of aerosol particles of measured sizes under controlled conditions in laboratory scale experimental set-up. Models developed by Francisco J. Romay (1997), Talbot et.al. (1980) and Batchelor & Shen (1985) were selected for prediction of thermophoretic deposition of particles present in the producer gas stream. The thermophoretic deposition efficiencies were calculated for the producer gas temperatures varying between 250 to 500 oC and maximum deposition efficiency was found for 500 oC gas temperature. All data for the gas and cooling water properties were obtained using the HTRI software available with Parul Institute of Technology, Vadodara. It has been reported that experimental thermophoretic deposition efficiency may be 1.5-2.5 times of the calculated efficiency due to presence of phenomena other than thermophoresis (i.e. turbulent eddy deposition etc.), which result in deposition of the particles. To validate the selected mathematical models for use with the producer gas, an available double pipe heat exchanger was used for experimentation. Cold water at 20 oC was circulated through the outer jacket and the hot producer gas was allowed to pass through the inner pipe and deposition of tar and SPM

Over all predicted and actual thermophoretic deposition efficiencies at various inlet

temperatures of the gas

20

was measured. The heat exchanger was installed just after the cyclone separator in SPRERI design 50 kg/h capacity open core down draft gasifier. The tar and SPM data for entire gas temperature range were measured for the gas flow rate of 125 Nm3/h using field type tar and SPM sampler of IIT Bombay design. The experimental values of particle deposition efficiency were computed and found varying in the range of 12-30 % which matches with the values already reported for aerosol particle deposition.

The calculated gas cleaning efficiency or thermophoretic deposition efficiency was found in the range of 6.75-15.9 % for the gas inlet temperature varying between 250 to 500 oC. The experimentally computed efficiency values were found 1.62-1.86 times of the calculated value. The overall values of deposition efficiencies by phenomena other than thermophoresis were estimated and were found varying in the range of 5.7-16.2 %. The present study was carried out with an open core downdraft gasifier. However, the same procedure may be adopted for estimation of producer gas cleaning potential by thermophoretic deposition for other gasifiers also. For the present

experimental set-up, length of the heat exchanger for optimum thermophoretic deposition efficiency was estimated to be 6 m (for gas temperature 350 oC). No significant improvement was found in the thermophoretic deposition efficiency beyond 6 m length (for present case). The methodology may be useful to estimate the maximum possible cleaning of the gas by thermophoresis and to determine the length of particular heat exchanger for optimum thermophoretic deposition efficiency for any kind of raw producer gas at any temperature.

Value chain on biomass based decentralized power generation for agro enterprises (NAIP-ICAR)

All the components of the gas cooling and cleaning (C&C) assembly of Unit-II (for CIAE centre) were tested by retrofitting with 100 kWe capacity biomass gasification based power generation system of the first Unit-I at SPRERI and a working demonstration with all components installed was carried out in presence of Shri. Anil Kumar Dubey, Principal Investigator, on 13th Sep. 2011. The performance of the system was found satisfactory and all sub-assemblies of the unit-II were shifted to the project site of CIAE, Bhopal. The box type organic filter designed for permissible superficial velocity was tested extensively and found satisfactory in long duration trials. That box type organic filter was sent to CIAE, Bhopal. For the present, the gasification system at SPRERI has been equipped with two units of the original organic

Effect of length of HE on predicted values

21

filters in parallel. This has brought down the gas velocity within the permissible superficial velocity value. Schematic of the modified C&C assembly is shown in figure below.

During sixth Consortium advisory committee meeting of the project held in the month of January 2012, the Chairperson suggested carrying out testing of the gasifier using 55 mm

Main burner

Twin spraytowers

Organicfilter 1 Main

blower

100KWe producergen.set

Coldcyclone

Wood savingfilter

Char coal filterFabric filter

Organicfilter 2

Schematic of the modified gas cooling and cleaning assembly

diameter briquettes prepared with cotton stalk + pigeon pea stalk (1:1). The center had earlier reported better performance with briquettes of 40 mm diameter briquettes of cotton stalk and pigeon pea stalk. The required briquettes were prepared in adequate quantity. A few more refinements are being made in the gas C&C system and testing will be resumed shortly.

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Devices Received fortesting(Units)

Testing completed (Units)*

Solar flat plate collector • Through BIS•Direct from manufacturer

87

55

Solar hot water systems• Flat plate collector based• ETC based

034

024

Solar concentrating cooker 1 1Solar box cooker• Through BIS •Direct from manufacturer

21

20

Total 53 37* includes a few devices which had been received during the last year.

Regional Test Centre for solar thermal devices is supported by MNRE, New Delhi, GoI and approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). During the period, process of NABL accreditation was pursued vigorously. The quality manual was revised by incorporating comments of the lead assessor. All the instruments used for testing were got calibrated from NABL accredited laboratories. Thereafter, Prof. R.L. Sawhney, Lead Assessor visited SPRERI and completed pre-assessment of our laboratory on 19th November 2011. Three non-conformities, observed during pre-assessment, were closed by taking

REGIONAL TEST CENTRE

necessary action and the final audit has been scheduled for June 9-10, 2012.

In keeping with the instructions received from MNRE, a committee consisting of representatives of our test centre and GEDA/RRECL initiated inspection of manufacturers of ETC based solar hot water systems in Gujarat and Rajasthan States to verify the information provided

by them and posted on MNRE website.

Renewal audit under BIS Laboratory Recognition Scheme was carried out by Shri. K. Sudhakar Rao, Scientist-E & Head, (NROL), Mohali on 16th and 17th January 2012. Two non-conformities were observed during the renewal audit, and the same were closed by taking necessary action and submitting the required documents.

Information on solar thermal devices received for testing and the devices for which testing was completed during the year 2011-12 is summarized in the following table :

The Test Centre also provided technical back-up to industries in maintaining quality standards in manufacturing of solar thermal devices. Besides, four low carbon content plain glass samples were also received for testing. Their testing was completed and the test reports sent to the concerned parties.

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Open House

An Open House was organized at SPRERI on January 6-7, 2012 to create awareness of RE technologies primarily among students of science, engineering and other disciplines of various schools and colleges spread all over Gujarat. Dr. Basudeb Bakshi, Principal, N V Patel College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Vallabh Vidyanagar inaugurated the Open House. Dr. Bakshi and Dr. Shyam, Director, SPRERI advised the students to have intensive interaction with the scientists and technical staff of SPRERI and representatives of the manufacturers and to develop understanding of various RE technologies on display. Around 350 students from different schools and colleges along with their teachers and professors participated in the inauguration function. Some stalls were put up by school students to display their innovative ideas in the form of actual working prototypes/models. In all, around 2000 participants visited SPRERI during the event. Sceintists and technical personnel of SPRERI explained various RE technologies and gadgets to the visitors (photographs on cover page) Besides SPRERI, M/s Steelhacks Industries, M/s Sun Energy Systems, M/s Redsun Solar Industries, M/s Sunfree Heat Industries, M/s 2N Solar and M/s Taylor- made Solar Solutions displayed their renewable energy gadgets in the Open House.

TRAINING AND AWARENESS CREATION

Training Programme

A training - cum - demonstration programme of RE devices was organized on 23rd May, 2011 at village Thakar Faliya, district Dahod, in association with Jivan Jyot Sarwajnik Vikas Trust, Dahod. Large number of villagers participated in the programme. A training programme was organized at SPRERI on March 28, 2012 on “Testing of Solar Box type Cooker as per BIS Standard (IS 13429:2000)”. Ten participants from academic institutions and SBC manufacturing industries participated in the training programme. Er. Farha Tinwala, made a detailed presentation on SBC testing procedure according to BIS standards. In the afternoon session, all the participants were associated with actual field testing of SBCs under the technical guidance of Mrs. H.N. Mistry. The participants also interacted with the SBC manufacturers to gain information about the materials used and methods adopted in manufacturing of the cookers.

Practical session on testing of SBC

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Post-graduate dissertations

During the year, four students, as per details given below, completed their M.Tech dissertation at SPRERI. Besides, two M.Sc students from Jaipur National University, Jaipur joined the Bioconversion Technology division and continued pursuing their dissertation work.

Sr.No.

Name of the student/degree

Institute/university Topic

1. Kataria Mahendra.B (M.Tech)

B.V.M Engg. College, VV Nagar

Design of a screw press for dewatering of cattle dung slurry

2. Boricha Nitin Govindbhai(M.Tech)

Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh

Performance, monitoring and evaluation of field scale biomethanation system for fruit and vegetable wastes

3. Samir Vahora(M.Tech)

Nirma Institute of Technology, Ahmedabad

Comparative study of two packing media for anaerobic filter reactor for the treatment of cheese whey

4. Jignesh Makwana (M.Tech)

Experimental studies on SPRERI design fluidized bed gasifier

5. Jitendra Singh Sangawat(M.Sc)

Jaipur National University, Jaipur

Use of traditional mutagenesis for generation of hypercellulolytic mutants and optimization of enzyme production by solid state fermentation

6. Rakesh Patidar(M.Sc)

Effect of various pretreatment methods on the fermentation efficiency of the yeast

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Renewable energy demonstrations

SPRERI demonstrated IDBG cook stove, box type solar cooker and solar lanterns in a RE awareness programme organized by B & B Polytechnic College, Vallabh Vidyanagar at Thamana village under Umreth taluka district Anand on 19th April, 2011. Large number of villagers, including women participated in the demonstration. The methods of use and benefits of the RE gadgets were explained to the participants.

Demonstration of solar cooker at Thamana village (Anand)

Large number of villagers participated in demonstrations of improved biomass cook stove, solar lanterns and box type solar cookers held as per the details given below. Salient features, method of operation and merits of the gadgets were

explained to the participants.

Village Simal Faliya, Chhotaudepur taluka, district Vadodara in association with a local NGO, Don Basco Tech, Lok Seva Kendra

Villages Dageria (Zalod taluka) and Chedia (Limkheda taluka) district Dahod

Forced circulation solar cabinet dryer

Packed bed type solar air heaters based solar drying systems were installed at M/s Vitagreen Products Pvt. Ltd., Rajkot (50 m²) and Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Krish Nagar, Akola (72 m²). During the year, both the systems were provided with necessary instrumentation for collecting performance data under no load and load conditions. It was found that air temperature gain during no load condition varied from 20 to 41 °C at PDKV, Akola. During the tests, solar radiation on the plane of solar collector surface varied from 200 to 560 W/m2 and ambient temperature varied from 31 to 36 °C. The system was handed over to the University.

The continuous dryer with the conveyor belt system designed and developed by the M/s Vitagreen Pvt. Ltd., was found not in working condition. As such no load tests were performed on 3rd and 4th June 2011. The result showed that maximum air temperature gain was 31.1 °C and temperature gain during no load condition varied from 8.0 to 31.1

DEMONOSTRATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION

RE Gadgets being demonstrated at Simal Faliya village

26

°C. During these tests, solar radiation on the plane of solar collector surface varied from 235 to 840 W/m2 and ambient temperature varied from 33 to 43.4 °C.

Demonstration biogas plants of solid-state Deenbandhu design

The Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Ltd. had provided funds for setting-up family-size demonstration biogas plants of the new solid-state Deenbandhu design (from ICAR) at selected farmers’ sites in Anand and adjourning districts of Gujarat in cost sharing mode. During the

Bharuch, Kheda and Vadodara districts of Gujarat as per details given in following table. All plants were found working satisfactorily and the beneficiaries were satisfied with the quality of construction, quantity and quality of the gas produced and overall performance of their plants. The farmers reportedly fed 50-70% less water than the plants of common designs. The Methane content in the biogas samples collected from a few farmers’ sites was found around 61%. The gas at all the sites, except one, is being used for thermal applications

Biogas plants constructed at Nisaraya and Davol villages

District-wise solid-state Deenbandhu biogas plants set-up and their average performance District/Parameter No. of plants of different capacities

2 m3 3 m3 4 m3 6 m3 TotalAnand 4 5 1 2 12Bharuch 2 -- -- -- 2Kheda -- -- -- 1 1Vadodara 4 2 -- -- 6Total 10 7 1 3 21Avg. cattle, Nos. 7 (4 – 14) 25 (5 – 75) 22 (22) 28 (10 – 60)*Avg. family members, Nos. 8 (4 – 16) 12 (7 – 15) 6 10 (4 – 15)Avg. dung fed, kg/d 46 (40 – 60) 67 (60 – 70) 80 123 (100 – 150)Avg. water poured, l/d 17 (10 – 20) 22 (16 – 30) 30 48 (35 – 70)

* Figures in parenthesis give the variationyear, twenty one demonstration biogas plants of 2, 3, 4 and 6 m3/d capacities were set-up at selected farmers’ sites in Anand,

i.e. cooking and water heating. Duration of biogas use was found varying from 3-7 hours per day depending upon number

27

of family members, size of the plants and quantity of the dung fed. Biogas from one of the plants was also being used as fuel in dual fuel diesel engine for irrigation. Total cost of setting-up a 2, 3, 4 and 6 m3/day capacity plant in central Gujarat was estimated to be Rs 17,230, 21,210, 26,110 and 32,280, respectively.

Renewable energy intervention for rural development (DST)

This programme was initiated during the year 2010-11 in three tribal villages i.e. Chillakota, Chedia and Dageria of Dahod district. During the year, the programme was extended to two more tribal villages i.e Simal Faliya and Raysingpura in Chhotaudepur taluka of

tube collector based solar water heating system of 125 LPD capacity was installed and connected with the existing drinking water supply system. The water is solar heated during the day time, stored over night and used for drinking next day. Samples of raw water and solar heated water were collected during February and May months and were got analyzed for electrical conductivity, salinity, pH, TDS and total hardness and all these properties were found improved with solar treatment. However, E-coli was found positive for both the samples collected during February and negative for both the sample collected during May. Further study will be carried out for the solar treatment of water.

In the same village one unit each of ISI marked box type solar cooker with 4 cooking vessels was provided to 21 different households. The house women were given extensive training in use of the solar cookers. The women were found using their cooker for preparing a variety of local dishes including vegetables, rice, dhal, etc.

Community cook stove set-up at Primary School of Chillakota village

Vadodara district. A community cook stove (TIDE, Bangalore designed) was set-up in the Primary school of Chillakota village for cooking the mid day meal for the school children (see photograph below). The school has started using the new gadget and the cooks appeared fully satisfied with the performance of the new stove.

In the same village, an evacuated

Solar water heating system installed at Primary School of Chillakota village

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Solar cooker at Chillakota village under Limkheda taluka of Dahod district

Providing improved domestic Biomass cook stove to villagers of Limkheda

(Dahod)

During the year, the original IDBG domestic stove design was modified to suit local requirements and its manufacturing and marketing right were transferred to a local firm. One hundred units of the modified improved biomass cook stove were procured and all those were readily taken by 100 different households. Keeping in view the response in the selected villages, 100 more stoves were procured and those were also taken by another 100 households. In all, IDBG type improved biomass stoves have been set-up in Chillkota, Chedia and Dageria villages in Dahod district and Simal Faliya and Raysingpura villages in Vadodara district. Performance monitoring of the stoves is under progress.

Biogas plants of new solid state Deenbandhu design, each of 2 m3/d capacity, had been constructed at nine selected farmer’s houses in Chillakota village last year. During the year fourteen more biogas plants of the same design were constructed at other 14 selected farmers’ houses in Chillakota, Dageria,

Villagers using biomass cook stove in their houses

29

Constructed and commissioned biogas plants at two different sites

Chedia and Simal Falia villages. All the plants were commissioned and were found working satisfactorily. Performance monitoring is under progress.

SPRERI IDBG large capacity biomass cook stoves were provided to a few primary schools and restaurant in the selected tribal villages.The feedback suggested that the stove considerably reduced the emissions and the fuel consumption. However, the insulation (insulate-7) was found crumbling during routine use. Material of the insulation is required to be improved.

The commercial (dhaba) cook stove in use at Kedar Nath Bhojanalaya in Limkheda, Dahod

One units each of 2.5 W LED solar lantern was provided to selected twenty five un-electrified households and one unit each of 7 W CFL lantern was provided to another nine farmers of Chillakota village. Those lanterns had been procured from a Bangalore based firm. The feedback available was that illumination of 2.5 W LED lanterns was insufficient for their routine uses. The Bangalore based firm from whom the lanterns had been procured did not provide support for the repairs and maintenance to rectify the faults reported by the beneficiaries. Keeping this in view, a MoU was signed with a local firm to supply 7 W LED and CFL lanterns equipped with standard components and with a commitment to provide free of cost maintenance for a period of 2 years. Subsequently, 25 units of LED lanterns and 40 units of CFL lanterns were procured and provided to the selected farmers. Most of those lanterns have been found working satisfactorily and the manufacturer extended the service support, wherever required.

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‘Stand alone SPV lighting systems’ at Dageria village (Dahod)

During 2006, stand alone SPV lighting systems had been installed in Dageria village of Dahod district under an ICAR sponsored project. All the houses connected with such lighting systems were re-visited during the year. Except the individual home lighting systems, most of the other systems were put in working order by extending routine maintenance. The charge controller of the 12 individual home lighting systems required replacement at a cost of around Rs 25,000. Efforts are underway to resolve the issue.

PV panel of the stand alone lighting system at one of the hamlets in Dageria village

Some of the farmers with their solar lanterns

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BiomassMoisture content

(%)

Ash content (%db)

Volatile matter (%db)

Fixed carbon (%db)

Calorific value

(kcal/kg)Neem seed 18.30 3.79 78.62 17.60 4677Pigeon pea husk 8.66 2.11 74.36 23.53 4214Yellow pea husk 11.63 1.53 83.85 14.62 4580Ground nut shell 8.67 4.79 72.71 22.49 4161Brown chickpea husk 12.47 0.66 74.72 24.61 3960Brown chickpea stalk 10.75 6.85 76.92 16.23 3428Wheat straw 13.08 9.34 75.48 15.18 3874Soyabean stalk 9.08 3.92 83.92 12.14 4730Saw dust 21.67 2.26 85.01 12.73 4841

CONSULTANCY

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY

Generation of biogas from kitchen wastes

An agreement for supply of technology for generating biogas from kitchen waste for treating 2400 kg/day plant on consultancy basis was signed with Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Pipariya, Gujarat.

Pyrolysis oil production studies for selected biomass samples

Biomass samples of brown chickpea

stalk and husk, yellow pea husk, neem seed, soybean stalk, wheat straw and pigeon pea husk, received from M/s Shivganga Shrikishan Agrotech Farm, Akola, were grinded to 1-2 mm particle size and their proximate analysis and CV were determined and are given in the following table. Oil production phase of all the samples will be pursued as soon as vacuum pyrolysis system becomes operational.

The technology of IDBG cook stoves developed at SPRERI was transferred to M/s Patel Trunk Factory, Gandhi Road, Anand, Gujarat on non-exclusive basis.

Manufacturing and marketing rights in respect of this technology were also transferred to the firm for a period of five years w.e.f. September 29, 2011.

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1. Er. Tilak Chavda and Mrs. H. N. Mistry attended two days training programme on “Awareness on ISO/IEC: 17025-2005 and measurement uncertainty” held at Sadbhav Institute of Training for Standardization (SITS), Vadodara, April 7-8, 2011.

2. Er. Tilak Chavda, Er. Farha Tinwala and Er. Nishadh Nibarka attended two days training programme on “Understanding requirements of ISO/IEC: 17025-2005 and evaluation of measurement uncertainty as per ISO – GOM 1995 method – in calibration & testing”

held at Sadbhav Institute of Training for Standardization (SITS), Vadodara, December 23-24, 2011.

3. Er. Devendra Pareek participated in a short course on “Economics of Renewable Energy based Power Generation” organized by IIT Delhi during May 25-27, 2011.

4. Er. Devendra Pareek participated in the DST sponsored “SERC School on Combustion in Energy Sector” organized by IIT Bombay during June 7-11, 2011.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

IMPORTANT VISITORS

1. Dr. P.N. Joshi, Principal Scientist and Head of Division, CIFT, Cochin visited SPRERI on 16th June, 2011.

2. Er. A.K. Dubey, Principal Scientist, CIAE, Bhopal visited SPRERI on 23rd September, 2011.

3. Shri D.P. Joshi, Director, GEDA, Gandhinagar visited SPRERI on 5th October, 2011.

4. Dr. Anwar Alam, Ex–Deputy Director General (Engg), ICAR, New Delhi visited SPRERI on 13th October, 2011.

5. A team of PHT scientists from UAS, Raichur visited SPRERI on October 17-18, 2011.

6. Quinquennial Review Team of AICRP on RES (ICAR) consisting of Dr. A.N. Mathur (Chairman), Dr. J.P.Mittal,

Dr. Harpal Singh and Dr. P.L.Singh along with Dr. K.C. Pandey (Project Coordinator) visited SPRERI on January 10-11, 2012.

7. Dr. S. Santhana Bosu, Dean (Engg), TNAU, Coimbatore accompanied with five senior colleagues visited SPRERI on 4th February, 2012.

8. Ms. Barbara B. Pike, Executive Director, Maritimes Energy Association, Canada visited SPRERI on 15th March, 2012.

9. Mrs. Usha Thorat, Ex-Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India and Member, Board of Directors, Foundation for Ecological Security, Anand visited SPRERI on 31st March, 2012.

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1. Dr. M. Shyam participated in the National Seminar on “Green Energy : Empowering Rural India at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Information Technology”, Amethi and presented an invited talk on “Bioenergy Management for Sustainable Development of Rural India” during April 15-16, 2011.

2. Ms. Himali Mehta delivered an invited talk on “Bioconversion of different wastes for energy options” at a short seminar on Trends in Renewable Energy Technologies organized by Board for Environment and Green Technology, Gujarat Technical University on April 30, 2011 at Ahmedabad Management Association, Ahmedabad.

3. Ms. Himali Mehta attended “National Conference on Recent Trends in Engineering & Technology” organized by B.V.M Engineering College, V.V.Nagar, Gujarat during 13-14 May 2011 and presented a paper on Experiments for designing a screen of a screw press for dewatering of cattle dung slurry.

4. Dr. M. Shyam attended the Selection Committee (Senior Faculty) Meeting held at Sardarkurshinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar on June 15, 2011.

5. Dr. M. Shyam participated in the National Conference on “Recent Development in Wind and Solar Power” held at Jainarain College of

Technology, Bhopal and presented paper on “Status and Potential of Wind Power Development in Gujarat” during July 1-2, 2011.

6. Dr. M. Shyam participated as Chief Guest in the Inaugural Function of Departmental Physical Society for the year 2011–12, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar on July 30, 2011.

7. Ms. Madhuri Narra attended the first and second meeting of the Task force on Energy Bioscience held in DBT, Delhi during 5th August 2011 and 7th February 2012, respectively, and presented the progress of the project on “Developing an integrated process technology for conversion of crop residues into ethanol and methane for use as transport fuels and establishing a biotechnology R&D centre for transport fuels”.

8. Dr. M. Shyam attended the Selection Committee Meeting as an Expert Member at Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar held on September 6, 2011.

9. Ms. Himali Mehta delivered an invited talk on “Energy and Community” at a programme organized by Gujarat Council of Science and Technology (GujCOST), Gandhinagar for staff members of Community Science Centres on October 20, 2011

10. Dr. M. Shyam participated in the National Seminar on “Recent

PARTICIPATION IN IMPORTANT MEETINGS, SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES

34

Advances in Bio-Energy Research” held at SSS-NIRE, Kapurthala and delivered a key-note lecture on “Crop Residues Gasification based Power Generation System in the Production Catchment” on November 25, 2011.

11. Dr. M. Shyam, Er. Devendra Pareek and Er. A.K. Joshi attended the Consortium Implementation Committee (CIC) meeting of NAIP project on “Value Chain on Biomass based Decentralized Power Generation” held at CIAE, Bhopal on October 19, 2011.

12. Dr. M. Shyam participated in the Brainstorming Session on “Precision Farming, Farm Mechanization and Energy” held at IASRI, New Delhi on November 16, 2011.

13. Er. A. Gokul Raj attended 7th National Conference on Indian Energy Sector, Synergy with Energy 2011” as delegate at Ahmedabad on November 18-19, 2011.

14. Dr. M. Shyam and Er. S. N. Singh participated in the DST Review Meeting held at New Delhi on December 12, 2011.

15. Er. A. Gokul Raj delivered a keynote address as guest of honor in inaugural function of “National energy conservation day” at N V Patel Science College, Vallabh Vidyanagar on December 14, 2011.

16. Dr. M. Shyam attended the Annual Review Meeting of Bio-energy projects held at Directorate of Sorghum Research, Hyderabad on December 26, 2011.

17. Dr. M. Shyam attended the CAS Screening Committee Meeting as an Expert Member held at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur on December 29, 2011.

18. Er. Asim K. Joshi delivered a lecture on “Biomass Gasification Basics” during one week state level STTP on “Recent trends in Renewable Energy Systems” on December 29, 2011.

19. Dr. M. Shyam and Er. Asim K. Joshi attended the Consortium Advisory Committee meeting of NAIP project on decentralized power generation, CIAE Bhopal on January 16, 2012.

20. Er. Asim K. Joshi attended the Reference Group Committee meeting organized by VIKSAT Nehru Foundation for Development, Ahmedabad, Gujarat on January 24, 2012.

21. National seminar on “Power Generation from Renewable Energy Sources” was held at Department of Renewable Energy Sources, College of Technology and Engineering, MPUAT, Udaipur (Rajasthan), February 2-3, 2012.

• Dr. M. Shyam delivered inaugural addressed as Chief Guest and also delivered a key-note address on “Power generation from renewable energy sources – Rural perspective”,

• Er. S. N Singh presented a research paper entitled “Effect of compression ratios on performance and exhaust emission characteristics of 6 kW compression ignition engine fueled

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by diesel and bio-diesel at varying load”, and

• Er. A. Gokul Raj presented a research paper entitled “Development and evaluation of a 2.75 kWp solar photovoltaic power supply system using imported dual axis sun tracker”

22. Ms. Himali Mehta presented a status paper on “Climate change mitigation efforts in Gujarat”, during the brainstorming session of various stakeholders on climate change organized by Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) and Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gandhinagar at IRMA on February 2, 2012.

23. Dr. M. Shyam attended the Workshop on “Global Warming: Mitigation Strategies During 21st Century” held at Sardarkurshinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar and delivered a

talk on “Impacts and strategies for climate change” on February 24, 2012.

24. Dr. M. Shyam attended the Selection Committee (Senior Faculty) Meeting at Anand Agricultural University, Anand on February 11, 2012 and March 27, 2012.

25. Ms. Anushree Kogje attended the workshop on “Alternative Sustainable Processes” organized by Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai during 14-18 March 2012.

26. Er. Tilak Chavda presented a lecture on “Solar energy and its application” during one day seminar on “Solar Energy Utilization: Learning from the past” held at CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicas Research Institute, Bhavanagar on March 27, 2012.

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1. Tilak V. Chavda, Naveen Kumar & A. Sreekumar (2011). Development of a simple solar powered intermittent adsorption refrigeration system. (Accepted for publication in Journal of Agricultural Engineering).

2. Himali Mehta, Samir Vahora and D. Senthilkumar. Efficacy of two different packing media in treating cheese whey in Anaerobic Filter Reactors. (Submitted for publication in Solar Energy Society of India).

3. Himali Mehta and Samir Vahora, Experience of operating an indigenous screw press for dewatering cattle dung slurry. (Submitted for publication in Agricultural Engineering Today).

4. Samir Vahora, Himali Mehta and Nikita Chokshi. Packing media for anaerobic fixed film reactor – A review. (Submitted for publication in Journal of Environmental Science & Engineering).

PAPERS PUBLISHED/SENT FOR PUBLICATION

5. Madhuri Narra, Garima Dixit, Jyoti Divecha, Datta Madamwar, Amita R Shah. “Production of cellulases by solid state fermentation with Aspergillus terreus and enzymatic hydrolysis of mild alkali-treated rice straw”. (Accepted for publication in Bioresource Technology).

6. Devendra Pareek, Sunil Narnaware, Asim Joshi and Vikas K Verma. Gasification of crop residue briquettes in an open core down graft gasifier. Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 48(2), April–June 2011.

7. Sunil Narnaware and Devendra Pareek. IDBG cook stove improving efficiency and environment of rural kitchens. Renewable Energy Akshay Urja, 5 (3): 30-33, December 2011.

8. S.N. Singh and M. Shyam. Demonstration of biogas plants of solid-state Deenbandhu design in Gujarat. (Submitted to Agricultural Engineering Today).

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RESEARCH PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN DURING 2011-12

Solar EnergySP-2008-ST-31ORP on forced circulation solar dryer by using packer bed solar air heaters (AICRP – ICAR)Investigators: Tilak Chavda and Swati ManeSP-2008-PV-6Design and development of solar refrigerator with ice making facility (AICRP – ICAR)Investigators: Tilak Chavda and A. SreekumarSP-2008-PV-7Testing and evaluation of dual axis sun tracker (AICRP – ICAR)Investigators: Tilak Chavda and Manish BhayaniRegional Test Centre for Solar Thermal Devices (MNRE, New Delhi)Staff involved: Tilak Chavda, H. N. Mistry and Swati ManeBioconversionSP-2008-AT-27Development and evaluation of digested slurry dewatering machine (TSC approx.35%) suitable for large capacity biogas plants (AICRP – ICAR)Investigators: Himali Mehta and Samir Vahora SP-2009-AT-28Study on use of different packing media in the anaerobic filter system developed by SPRERI with reference to efficiency and cost (AICRP – ICAR)Investigators: Himali Mehta and Samir Vahora

SP-2010-AT-29Performance monitoring and evaluation of 10 t/d biphasic system installed at JISL, Jalgaon and FVU-Mother Dairy, New Delhi (AICRP – ICAR)Investigators: Himali Mehta and Samir Vahora SP-2009-AT-30Developing an integrated process technology for conversion of crop residues into ethanol and methane for use as transport fuels and establishing a biotechnology R&D centre for transport fuels (DBT, New Delhi)Investigators: Madhuri Narra, Garima Dixit and Himali MehtaSP-2010-AT-32 Techno-economic analysis of field scale, water scrubbing based biogas bottling plants (AICRP – ICAR) Investigators: Himali MehtaSP-2010-AT-34Development of an anaerobic culture by in vivo and in vitro supplementation of micronutrients for enhancing solid state biomethanation of lignocellulosic wastes (AICRP – ICAR) Investigators: Madhuri Narra, Nitin Deshmukh/B.VelmuruganSP-2010-AT-35Development of an economically viable process technology for de-toxification of Jatropha de-oiled cake and simultaneous fuel gas production (DST, New Delhi)Investigators: Garima Dixit and Madhuri Narra

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SP-2010-AT-36:Screening and improving biomass production and lipid accumulation of microalgae from estuary region (Khambhat, Gujarat) by conventional approach (DST, New Delhi)Investigators: Sudha Sahay and Garima Dixit

Thermo-Chemical ConversionSP-2008-PG-45Value chain on “Biomass based decentralized power generation for agro enterprises (AICRP-ICAR)Sponsor: National Agricultural Innovation Project of ICAR Investigators: Asim Joshi, Devendra Pareek, Sunil Narnaware, Vikas Verma, Sachin Ghanchi and M. ShyamSP-2010-PG-49Fast pyrolysis of selected biomass to obtain liquid fuel (AICRP-ICAR)Investigators: Asim Joshi, Devendra Pareek and Jayprakash Samariya SP-2010-PG-50Modification in open core downdraft gasifier to reduce emissions from top of the reactor (AICRP-ICAR)Investigators: Asim Joshi and Devendra PareekSP-2010-PG-51To study the effect of different design and operating parameters on thermophoretic depositions of suspended particulate matters and tar for cooling and cleaning of the producer gas (AICRP-ICAR)Investigators: Asim Joshi, Sunil Narnaware and Devendra Pareek

SP-2010-PG-52Development of technology for treatment of waste water from producer gas wet scrubbing unit for reuse and final disposal (AICRP-ICAR)Investigators: Asim Joshi, Devendra Pareek and Jayprakash Samariya SP-2010-PG-53Comparative evaluation of improved cook stoves (AICRP-ICAR)Investigators: S.N. Singh, Asim Joshi, Devendra Pareek, Sunil Narnaware and Sachin Ghanchi

Technology Transfer DST Core project on renewable energy intervention for rural development (DST, New Delhi) Investigators: S.N. Singh, S. Mohana and J. P. MakwanaSetting-up of demonstration biogas plants of solid-state deenbandhu design (GAICL, Ahmedabad) Investigators: S.N. Singh and M. Shyam

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DirectorDr. M. Shyam

Scientists

Solar DivisionEr. Tilak Chavda, I/C HeadEr. Swati Mane (upto 19.11.2011)Er. Vinayak Muley (upto 04.10.2011)Er. A. Gokul RajEr. Farha TinwalaMrs H. N. MistryEr. Nishadh NimbarkMr. Herma HasmukhMr. Manish Bhyani (upto 01.07.2011)Mr. Nirav Solanki

Bio-Conversion Technology Division

Er. Himali Mehta, I/C Head Dr. Sudha Sahay (upto 30.6.2011)Dr. Garima DixitEr. B.VelmuruganMrs. Madhuri NarraEr. Manish Detroja (upto 30.6.2011)Er. Samir VahoraDr. Tarak Parekh Dr. Nitin Deshmukh (upto 11.1.2012)Dr. Bhavik Acharya (upto 6.7.2011)Er. D.Senthil Kumar (upto 30.8.2011)Ms. Anushree Kogje Mr. Punit Karawadia Er. Sandeep Sharma

Thermo-Chemical Conversion Division

Er. Devendra Pareek, I/C Head (upto 31.10.2011)Er. Asimkumar Joshi, I/C Head (w.e.f. 1.11.2011)Er. Sunil Naranaware (upto 30.9.2011)Er. Jignesh MakwanaEr. Vikas Verma (upto 1.11.2011)Er. Sachin GhanchiEr. Jayprakash Samariya

Er. Shakil SaiyadMr. Anant PatelMr. Harshad Suthar

Extension

Dr. S. Mohana, Head (upto 29.6.2011)Er. Satya Narayan Singh, I/C HeadMr. Jitendra Suthar

Administration

Mr. P. Amar BabuMs. Pragna DaveMr. Rajendra ShahMr. Hitesh DalwadiMrs. Aida MascarenhasMr. Hasmukh Vaghela

Technicians and Drivers

Mr. Jayesh ParmarMr. Bhupendra PrajapatiMr. Rakesh ParmarMr. Ramesh BhoiMr. Rajesh Machhi

Lab Attendant and Helpers

Mr. Minesh SutharMr. Purshottam HarijanMr. Ashok HarijanMr. Dahya HarijanMr. Prakash MachhiMr. Natu ParmarMr. Bhupat ParmarMr. Ishwar HarijanMr. Harman ParmarMr. Laxman ParmarMr. Ashok PatelMr. Vijay VasavaMr. Bhailal SolankiMs. Manjula Vadhel

SPRERI TEAM (2011-12)

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BALANCE SHEET AS ON 31.03.2012