Agriculture Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions::Bioenergy
 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  

What are Renewable Energy Systems? What do they do?

Different types of Renewable Energy Systems perform different types of functions, for example,

Photovoltaics (PV) convert sunlight into electricity using PV cells made of
Semiconductor material.

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Systems concentrate the sun’s energy into reflective devices such as trough or mirror panels to produce heat that is used for industrial processes or to generate electricity.

Solar Water Heating Systems heat water, either directly or by heating a “working fluid” that then heats the water. Solar water heaters are commonly used to heat water in homes and industries like dairies for can- washing, heating air, etc. as it is a cost-effective device to heat water for industrial purposes.

Transpired Solar Collectors use solar energy to pre-heat ventilation air.
Passive Solar Energy Devices use the building itself as both solar collector and storage medium, usually by increasing the window area on the south side of the building and the amount of thermal mass inside the building to absorb the solar heat that enters through the windows.

Day Lighting Systems provide light during the day, significantly reducing the cost of heat gain from electric lighting.

Wind Turbines use the wind’s energy to generate electricity.

Bio-energy from biomass can be used directly as heat to power a generator to produce electricity. It can also be chemically converted into a fuel oil or liquid fuels.

Geothermal Energy can be used to generate electricity, heat water and heat and cool buildings.

Hydropower captures the energy in flowing water and uses it to generate electricity.

Ocean Energy can be used as either thermal energy or tapped as the mechanical energy in tides and waves.

What are the benefits of Renewable Energy?

Renewable Energy Sources are clean and inexhaustible. The money spent on renewable energy installations tends to remain in the community, creating jobs and fuelling local economies. The use of renewable energy equipment also reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, and is an important strategy in the process of creating a truly secure and sustainable energy future.

Why isn’t everyone using Renewable Energy Technologies?

Most renewable energy technologies are still relatively expensive compared with conventional energy sources. As consumers become more informed and environmentally aware about the consequences of their energy purchasing decisions, however, the demand for clean energy technologies will increase.

Can I use solar for my home or business?

Most places have enough solar energy to meet about 80 per cent of the needs with solar energy systems. You can get more specific information by contacting a local solar system designer, installer/dealer, solar architect or a builder to discuss your requirement.

How much would a solar water heater cost?

The total cost of a solar water heating system is dependent upon many things. These include, the capacity, the kind of back-up used, the materials used for the inner and outer tanks, the length of distribution piping required to take hot water to the bathrooms, and not insignificantly, the brand value. Typically, for an Indian make system with single BIS approved flat plate collector of 2 sq. m area, the current market costs are reported to be in the range of Rs. 15,000-20,000, excluding the distribution piping. However this range is indicative, and could vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

How can the system be installed in multistoried buildings?

In multistoried buildings even if the space for installation can be made available on the roof, and the systems are installed there, the piping from the system to the use point will become long leading to extra cost as well as to extra heat losses. A better option in such cases could be installation of the systems on the wall mounted brackets, close to the bathrooms. However, this has not been practised frequently in India

What would happen if water supply is irregular?

A regular cold water supply, at a height of around 2.5 m is necessary for functioning of the solar system. In case cold water is not available continuously, a separate cold water tank may have to be installed, at least equal in capacity to the capacity of the solar system. In case cold water supply is interrupted during the day, the heating of water by the solar system may not be affected significantly, although hot water cannot be drawn for use till the water supply is restored.

What would happen on cloudy days?

The heating of water by the solar system will obviously be affected. If it is so cloudy that energy received from the sun is almost zero, the output of solar collectors also will be nil. On partially cloudy days some output can be expected. But, the system can be designed with a suitable electrical back up heater to take care of hot water demand on cloudy days.

What is the expected life of a solar water heater?

Typical solar water heaters made using materials as per BIS specifications could last for 15 -20 years depending upon the general upkeep, etc.

Is any electricity required for operation of the solar water heater?

Domestic solar water heaters work on the principle of thermosyphonic action in which water circulates through the system by virtue of density difference between hot and cold streams. No electricity is required for circulation of water or for any other operation in such systems. However, in case a back up heater is provided to take care of hot water requirement during cloudy days, electricity will be required.

Will the solar system match with the building exteriors?

Though aesthetics are a matter of individual preference, most domestic solar water heating systems can be either designed to blend with the building exteriors or can be designed so that they are hidden from view. If systems are well installed and maintained, they might even add to the aesthetics.

In India where can the Wind Farm can be installed?

A Windmill could be installed on an open well, bore well, pond etc at a site which is free from any obstacles such high rise buildings, tall trees etc. that could restrict the availability of Wind to the rotor of the windmill. In India the Windfarms can be installed at MNES identified potential sites, where it has a mean annual wind power density of 200 W/m2 or more at 50 m above ground level.

What is the minimum size of Wind Turbine that IREDA provides finance for?

IREDA provides finance for Wind Farm projects having eligible machines of minimum capacity 225 kW and above.

What is IREDA’s Equipment Financing Scheme for Wind Sector?

IREDA’s Equipment Financing Scheme for Wind Sector is for sanctioning loan upto 1.00 MW Wind farm project. It provides finance upto 75% of the eligible machine cost.

What is IREDA’s Project Financing Scheme?

IREDA’s Project Financing Scheme is for sanctioning loan where selection of machines are based on RFQ (Request for Quotation) evaluation procedure. It provides finance upto 70 of the eligible project cost.

What is IREDA’s Project Financing Scheme for Wind Sector?

IREDA’s Project Financing Scheme for the Wind Sector is for sanctioning loan where selection of machines are based on RFQ (Request for Quotation) evaluation procedure. It provides finance upto 70% of the eligible project cost.

Does IREDA provide finance to second hand Wind Farm Project or Equipment?

IREDA does not provide finance for second hand Wind Farm Projects and Equipment.

What is a Moratorium Period and what is the maximum moratorium period available in Wind Sector?

The moratorium period is the period during which borrowers repay only interest on loan and the maximum moratorium period available in Wind Sector is upto one year.

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (SPV) SYSTEM

What is a Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) System?

A SPV system consists of a Photovoltaic Array mounted on a Stand, batteries, CCU, and other required equipment depending upon the size and requirement of power and current.

How does it work?

The Photovoltaic Array converts the solar energy into electricity, which is used for running the electrical equipments. The electricity produced either stored in the Battery bank or directly used for running the electrical equipment.

What does it saves you?

  • It operates on the freely available solar energy. Thus saves expenditure on diesel & electricity.
  • No fear of power cuts or scarcity of diesel.
  • It is trouble free, pollution free, has a long life and is reliable.
  • Unlike a diesel pump set, it does not produce noise.
  • It is easy to handle and operate.

Who are eligible to own a Solar Photovoltaic System under the Scheme?
An individual, non-governmental organization, cooperative society, corporate body, institution and Govt. Dept. etc.

What are the various SPV Systems eligible under the MNES Programme?

Solar Photovoltaic Products

    1. The following PV systems are covered under the Programmes of MNES:
    2. Solar Lantern.
    3. Street Lighting System.
    4. Solar Home System.
    5. Small Capacity SPV Power plants.
    6. Solar Generators.
    7. Building integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems.
What is a Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Water Pumping System?

A SPV water pumping system consists of a photovoltaic array mounted on a stand, and one of the following motor-pump sets compatible with the photovoltaic array:

    1. surface mounted centrifugal pump set,
    2. submersible pump set,
    3. floating pump set,
    4. Submersible pump set,
    5. Any other type of motor-pump set, after approval from MNES.

The cost of operation and maintenance is negligible.

Who are eligible to own a solar photovoltaic water pumping system under this national project?

An individual farmer, non-governmental organization, cooperative society, corporate body, institution and Govt. Dept. etc.

What are the uses of SPV water pumping system under MNES SPV water pumping programme?

Agriculture and related uses such as horticulture, animal husbandry, poultry farming, high value crops, orchards, silviculture, fish culture, salt farming, drinking water etc. Battery charging is disallowed under this programme.

What is the capacity of SPV water pumping system?

A SPV water pumping system is available with a photovoltaic array of capacity in the range of 200 watts to 3000 watts. (capacity of motor pump set is from 0.5 hp to 2 hp)

What is the cost of complete system?

The subsidized cost of installation and commissioning of a spv water pumping system to you will vary between Rs.1,90,000 to Rs.2,70,000 depending upon the supplier and model. Subsidy is available @ Rs.110 per Wp subject to a maximum of Rs.2,50,000 per pump set.

What is bioenergy?

Bioenergy is the energy created from biomass, which includes plant-derived material such as trees, grasses, crops, household waste or other organic matter. Bioenergy is a renewable resource and can be used to reduce dependence on imported energy sources.

What are Bio-fuels?

Bio-fuels are renewable liquid fuels derived from biological materials by a number of chemical / biological processes.

What are the advantages of Bio-fuels?

    1.  Renewable in nature
    2. Environment friendly
    3. Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
    4. Increased agricultural economy and rural employment

What are the raw materials used for production of Bio-fuels?

Ethanol:
There are three categories of raw-materials used for the production of ethanol:
1) Sugar based - sugar cane, sugar beet, sweet sorghum etc.
2) Starch based - all types of grains including wheat, rice, corn, barley, malt etc. and tubers such as potatoes and cassava etc.
3) Cellulose based - agro-waste, agro-residues, bagasse, rice-husk, straw etc.

Bio-diesel:
Edible and non-edible oil and animal fats.
Potential sources of bio-diesel in India can be non-edible oils obtained from plant species such as Jatropha curcas (Rattan jot), Pongamia pinnata (karanj ) etc.

Is there any interest subsidy scheme for bio-fuel projects?
Yes, interest subsidy of 3% is available from Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Govt. of India, for following type of projects: -
Ethanol production projects utilizing raw-material other than sugar cane /molasses
All bio-diesel production projects

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel produced from canola, mustard, rapeseed, palm or soybean oil. Biodiesel can also be produced from animal fats or waste vegetable oils. It is a petroleum diesel fuel substitute, and can be blended at any ratio with petroleum/diesel. Much of the biodiesel used is a 20-percent biodiesel / 80-percent diesel blend referred to as B20. Some filling stations also supply B100. ie 100 percent biodiesel content. Biodiesel blends of up to 20 percent do not require any special engine modifications.

How is biodiesel made?

Biodiesel is made through a chemical reaction when an alcohol is introduced to the oils pressed out of canola, soybeans or other oilseeds. The process creates methyl ester (biodiesel) and the byproduct glycerin. The crushed oilseeds can also be used as feed for farm animals.

Why use biodiesel?

Biodiesel comes from renewable and domestic resources, so it reduces dependence on imported oil. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, clean burning and has beneficial engine lubrication and solvent characteristics. Its competitive price, especially in the face of increasing oil prices, adds to its appeal. The use of biodiesel also supports the farmers and the rural economy.

Can my vehicle use biodiesel?

Although biodiesel will work in all diesel engines at any ratio with diesel with little or no engine modification, some vehicle manufacturer warranties will only allow for a maximum B5 (5-percent biodiesel / 95-percent petroleum diesel) blend. However, the use of blends higher in biodiesel is common, including B100, B80 and B20. Please check with your vehicle manufacturer for specific warranty guidelines.

Where do I get biodiesel?

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) website provides locations to purchase biodiesel. (www.biodiesel.org or www.nbb.org)

Are bio-fuels harmful to the environment?

No. Bio-fuels are not harmful to the environment.
Ethanol and other bio-fuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions in two ways. Bio-fuel crops take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as the crops are growing, offsetting greenhouse gases when fuel is burned. Also, ethanol at least helps reduce emissions of carbon monoxide and smog-forming organic compounds. Bio-fuels mean cleaner and less toxic air that will reduce the risks of continued global warming and reduce the level of carcinogens in the environment.

Is biodiesel used as a pure fuel or is it blended with petroleum diesel?

Biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel or blended with petroleum in any percentage. B20 (a blend of 20 percent by volume biodiesel with 80 percent by volume petroleum diesel) has demonstrated significant environmental benefits with a minimum increase in cost for fleet operations and other consumers.

Is it approved for use in  India?

Yes. 5 percent ethonol  and 95 percent gasoline blend is being sold in petrol bunks in a few states  of India (Tamil Nadu, New Delhi).

Do I need special storage facilities for biodiesel?

In general, the standard storage and handling procedures used for petroleum diesel can be used for biodiesel. The fuel should be stored in a clean, dry, dark environment. Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene and teflon. Copper, brass, lead, tin, and zinc should be avoided.

Can I use biodiesel in my existing diesel engine?

The dual fuel B20 (Biodiesel 20 % + Diesel 80%) can be used in any diesel engine with out making any modification.

What is biogas?

Biogas is a gas produced by anaerobic digestion (in the absence of oxygen) of organic material, largely comprised of methane (about two-thirds). Biogas is often called "marsh gas" or "swamp gas", because it is produced by the same anaerobic processes that occur during the underwater decomposition of organic material in wetlands. Biogas is commonly made from animal manure, sludge settled from wastewater.

What is a biodigester?

A biodigester is a tank that processes the organic material that produces biogas. A biodigester can come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the needs of the people using it and the local possibilities in building materials.

What material can I use to feed a biodigester?

Any organic material having C/N ratio of 30:1 can be decomposed an aerobically for biogas production. to start with any biogas plant must be filled with cowdung. Then gradually alternate feed stock like poultry litter, vegetable etc can be fed.

What are the factors affecting biogas production?
  • PH of the slurry (6.8-7.2) for optimum biogas production
  • temperature (35- 37 °C)
  • particle size (< 0.5 cm)
  • C/N ratio 30: 1

What are the different types of biodigesters?

Types

Examples

Semi continuous

Fixed dome

Janata model and cylindrical

Flooding drum type

 KVIC model), Deenabandhu and Plug Flow model

Continuous     

high rate, hybrid and fixed film reactors

Batch

 

 

What can I use the digested waste for?

This is called biodigested slurry (BDS), after drying this can be used as manure. It consists of 1.5 % higher N2 content than the undigested cowdung.

Can biogas be used in place of fossil fuels? How?

Methane is the principal gas in biogas.  Methane is also the main component in natural gas, a fossil fuel. Biogas can be used to replace natural gas in many applications including: cooking, heating, steam production, electrical generation, vehicular fuel, and as a pipeline gas.  

Further details
Professor and Head
Department of Bioenergy
Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore-3
Ph: 0422- 6611276         Fax: 0422-6611455         .
                       
Professor and Nodal officer
Centre of Excellence in Biofuels
Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore-3
Ph: 0422-6611376       Fax: 0422-6611455

References
http://biogas.ifas.ufl.edu/FAQ.htm
http://mnes.nic.in/
www.biodiesel.org.
www.e85fuel.com
www.geda.org.in
www.geda.org.in/wind/wind_water_pump.htm
www.jreda.com
www.jreda.com/current/fac_solar_photo.htm
www.jreda.com/programme/biogas_biogasifiers.htm
Www.mrns.nic.in
www.ruralcostarica.com/biogas-faqs.html

 
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