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R&D Divisions

Assured biomass supply is most crucial for the success of any commercial bioenergy plant. Recognizing the importance of biomass resource management, the division is working on assessment of surplus biomass from agricultural activity based on an evaluation study conducted by ASCI on behest of MNRE, Govt of India in 2017-18. Using this report as the basis, further studies would be carried out using advanced data analytics for predicting the availability of biomass in the country and estimating the energy potential from surplus biomass. The division also works on life cycle assessment of different bioenergy systems.

In addition, the division is also working towards popularizing efficient biomass technologies by undertaking technology demonstration programs. In the first instance biomass cookstoves/combustors are planned to be demonstrated in the state of Punjab.

The priority topics of the division are:

  • Biomass characterization and generation of database
  • Technology demonstration and monitoring of improved cookstoves/combustors at selected sites for domestic, institutional and industrial end uses in the state of Punjab (jointly with Jain University).
  • Biomass Mapping using GIS Techniques
  • Biomass assessment using advanced analytics
  • Biomass conversion routes and pre-treatment techniques
  • Biomass Supply Chain Management modeling studies
  • Sustainability evaluation of bioenergy Systems

Scientists associated with the division

  • Dr Ashish Bohre. Scientist-D with expertise in catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into high-value chemicals and biofuels, catalysis and process technology.
  • Dr Vandit Vijay, Scientist-C with expertise in biogas and biodiesel production from different feedstocks and their utilization in IC engines for energy applications, biomass resource assessment, and carbon neutrality approaches including biochar.

The division is well equipped with necessary instrumentation and equipment to develop technologies based on the thermochemical conversion processes. The division has an established test facility for biomass cookstoves, where performance of cookstoves is carried out as per BIS standards. It has also taken up development and testing of biomass cookstoves of a range of power levels to suit different types of end requirements. It also houses a 10 kWe biomass gasifier with a diesel engine for testing of different feedstocks and also serves as a demonstration and training system.

With the recent signing of MoU with Jain university, the development and testing of biomass cookstoves and combustors is going to gain huge impetus and pave the way for collaborative work with them. The division envisages to take up both experimental and simulation work in near term with thrust areas as follows:

  • Modernization of biomass Cookstove Testing & Certification Centre and seeking NABL accreditation
  • Development of efficient, durable and affordable Improved Biomass Cookstoves on par with LPG Stove in terms of performance
  • Integration of Solar Energy and Bioenergy Systems for Performance Enhancement and Applications e.g. biomass-solar hybrid dryer for agricultural products.
  • R&D on torrefaction technology including energy recovery from MSW and hydrogen generation.
  • Biomass heat for integration with vapor absorption/adsorption chiller for cold storage application.
  • Densified biomass - paddy based pellets/briquettes, addressing issue of alkali and chlorine – power plants

The division is also executing three projects relating to biomass pellets and briquettes that are sponsored by CPRI, Bangalore and one project on use of biomass briquettes in gasifier that is sponsored by MNRE. For more details see page on on-going projects.

Scientist associated with the division

  • Dr. Tapas K Patra, Scientist-C with expertise in Gasification, Hydrogen production, SynGas catalytic reforming, process modeling and simulations.
  • Dr Kuwar Pal, Scientist-C with expertise in Gasification, Hydrogen production, SynGas catalytic reforming, process modeling and simulations.

The division is fostering a multidisciplinary approach in order to develop a biorefinery concept and consolidated bioprocessing for the production of sustainable biofuels such as biogas, biohydrogen, bio-ethanol and bio-butanol from lignocellulosic biomass. The focus is on biological conversion of biomass, exploration and strain development of industrially important microorganisms, development of novel bio-catalysis (extremozymes) to degrade the biomass by implementing the advanced genomics, proteomics and molecular techniques. The division has necessary infrastructure to develop technologies based on biochemical conversion processes. Research Priorities of the division are as follows:

  • Process development for bioethanol, biobutanol and biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass
  • Pilot scale studies and technology dissemination for biogas, bioethanol and biohydrogen production
  • Biogas upgradation to BioCNG
  • Value added products apart from liquid or gaseous fuels

Scientist associated with the division

  • Dr. Sachin Kumar. Scientist-C is working in the Biochemical Conversion Division. His area of expertise is Biofuels, Industrial Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, Enzyme Technology, Metagenomics, Molecular Biology, Biogas, Algal Biomass.
  • Dr Sanjeev Mishra, Scientist-D with expertise in Microalgal biorefinery, biological wastewater treatment, Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL), Biochar, Supercritical CO2, Biohydrogen.

The research activities in the chemical conversion division are focused on valorizing various organic wastes (municipal, industrial, agricultural, forest, aquatic) into high-value compounds and energy applications. The division also focuses on techno economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of bio-refinery processes. The broad research areas are:

  • Sustainable bioenergy for energy and value-added products such as bio-plastics, bio-fertilizers, biochar/hydrochar.
  • Lignin valorization for chemicals such as Phenols, aromatic ethers, and aromatics etc
  • Bio-char Synthesis/activations and applications for wastewater treatment, soil enhancer etc.
  • Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) of 2nd and 3rd generation biomass feedstock and organic waste are renewable and sustainable source of organic carbon
  • Wastewater treatment: treatment of various wastewaters originating from municipal, industrial and agricultural sectors through biological and chemical processes.
  • Biohydrogen production: Fermentation and bio-photolysis are the two different processes that are studied for biohydrogen production.

Scientist associated with the division

  • Dr. Rawel Singh, Scientist-D with expertise in lignin valorisation, cellulose conversion to fine chemicals, Hydrothermal liquefaction, biochar, catalytic conversion of biomass to value added chemicals.
  • Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Scientist-B specialization in the transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into valuable chemicals like 5-HMF, levulinic acid, gamma-valerolactone, and rare sugars using chemical catalysis route.

The division is working on development of sustainable materials for electrochemical energy related applications. Lignocellulosic biomass is ideally suited as a base feedstock for the manufacture of such long lasting materials. The objective of the division is to generate cheap and sustainable materials from biomass, leading to improved performances in electrochemical applications. The division is therefore establishing a complete work station for fuel-cell system development work including membrane development, characterization, testing and performance improvement. The research priorities include:

  • Development of new composite membranes with varying inorganic fillers
  • Modifications of catalyst surface whenever necessary, studies related to surface morphology, structure and composition of the membrane.
  • Analysis of materials, study on temperature effect, development of cell components, single cell and half-cell testing.
  • Analysis and interpretation of the testing results for designing of Fuel Cell.
  • Up-scaling the lab scale technology to pilot scale project.

Scientist associated with the division

  • Dr Anil Kumar Sarma. Scientist-E with expertise in catalysis, biofuel, analytical chemistry and carbonaceous materials.
  • Dr Senthil Nagappan, Scientist-D with expertise in biomass derived biochemical, algal biomass and applications.