Research

Research on renewable energy sources are carried out to substitute or support and supplement the non-renewable energy. The developed renewable energy gadgets are taken to the farmers field and their adaptability are studied. In addition to extension work in farmers field, the performance of suitable gadgets are being studied in industrial level also.

Thermochemical Conversion Technology Biomass gas stove, improved wood burning stoves, characterization of raw/processed biomass, development of fixed and fluidized bed gasifier for selected feed stocks, testing of 5 to 10 kW gasifiers of various models, development of different gasifiers for use in agro based industries and briquetting of agro-residue.

Biochemical conversion technologies Biomethanation of industrial wastes such as sago waste, development of family size biogas plant for solid-state digestion of agro-residues and adaptive trial of plug flow anaerobic digester using vegetable market wastes were carried out.

Liquid Biofuels technology Design and development of technologies and gadgets for the production of liquid biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol. Focus on by-product utilization of jatropha such as husk, oil cake etc.for energy generation through thermochemical and biochemical routes. Value addition of glycerol and methanol recovery are in progress.

Solar Energy Solar cookers, solar water heater, forced convection solar dryer, adaptability study of solar energy gadgets in silk reeling industry, adaptation of solar dryer in vermicelli industry, solar drying of export quality marigold flower and electronic temperature controller for natural convection solar drier have been developed.

Operational Research Project Operational research demonstration of solar driers in agro based industries for cocoon stifling/raisin making; gasifier for agro based industries jaggery manufacturing/fish feed preparation; biomass gas stove; biogas plant slurry for cultivation of sweet sorghum crop; and solar cooker were carried out.

Biogas Development and Training Centre (BDTC)

The awareness training on construction of biogas plants, management and maintenance of biogas systems are conducted to the rural community. These trainings are conducted through out Tamil Nadu. The various trainings are construction cum maintenance training, turnkey workers training, staff training, users’ training etc.

Strengthening of Department of Bioenergy

Biometrics studies were conducted in energy plantation species. The assessment on availability and characterization of various plant species were carried out. Studies on pyrolysis, gasification and engine testing with biofuels were conducted. The production of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels from biomass were studied.

Gadgets/technologies Various renewable energy gadgets are available for farm and industrial level adoption.

Future thrust area The future thrust has been focused on five major areas such as Thermochemical conversion of biomass, Solar energy conversion, Biochemical conversion of biomass, Non-conventional solid and liquid fuels, Hydrogen production and Fuel cell development