Cement Energy and Environment

\ ' 1 reactor. Some of the other factors that also need to be considered include pre-treatment of seaweed, configuration of digester system, and choice of co– substrates for codigestion (for obtaining optimal C:N ratio). Thus, seaweed cultivation shall address the fuel cns1s, provide greater livelihood opportunities for fishermen through additional income generation, and also aid in the empowerment of women . Courtesy: Akshay Urja, Volume 10, Issue 1, August 2016 IIT-KHARAGPUR LEADS THE WAY FOR BIOFUELS G Balachandar, Dr Pallavi Sinha, and Dr Debabrata Das highlight the role of Department of Biotechnology, IIT– Kharagpur in the development of technologies, such as biohydrogen, biobutanol, BIOHYMET, algal biofuels, and microbial fuel cells for the biofuels. Our energy requirements are almost fully provided by carbon-containing fossil sources, such as oil, coal, and natural gas. The rapid use of these fossil resources causes an accelerated release of the bound carbon as C02. The increased C02 concentration in atmosphere is hazardous for the nature and has resulted into global warming. The need of the hour is to switch to an efficient fuel with zero carbon footprint and this path can be achieved by using biofuels. Role of liT-Kharagpur in Development of Biofuels Hydrogen having a highest energy density (143 kJ/g), is a clean and environment-friendly fuel. Fermentative H2 production using renewable - resources (wastes/ wastewaters) is a promtsmg way of economical and sustainable energy source. The biological process has been recognized as one of the promising approaches for hydrogen production. The high production cost is still a key issue for the commercialization . Over the years, the group at liT-Kharagpur has developed a comprehensive and refined expertise in the field of biohydrogen production. IIT-Kharagpur has explored all the domains related to hydrogen production through biological routes. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of research activities at liT– Kharagpur in biofuel research. Amongst the various other processes, dark fermentation appears to be more promising. It is independent of light energy, requires moderate process conditions, and is less energy consuming. Besides, it can also use wastewater as a substrate for hydrogen production. The potential of different substrates for biohydrogen production was identified. Various substrates, such as distillery effluent, starchy wastewater, kitchen waste, and lignocellulosic biomass were used as a substrate for dark fermentative hydrogen production while nitrogenrich deoiled cake of groundnut and coconut were also found effective and efficient to replace costly nutrient supplement as yeast extract, tryptone, etc. The maximum cumulative hydrogen production and hydrogen yield from groundnut and coconut deoiled cakes were 3.2 and 2.6 L h-1 and 11 .2 and 9.2 mol H2/kg COD respectively. Groundnut and coconut deoiled cakes were found not only promising substrate but also acted as a nutritional supplement to support hydrogen production process. The suitability of cane molasses as substrate for 1 Butlnol Oe-falled .... --;:=:L_, algelblon.. ! ~ continuous biohydrogen production was explored using a 20 L bioreactor. The maximum rate of hydrogen production and yield achieved were 67 L h-1 and 18.54 mol H2/ kg CODremoved, respectively. Using the logic control system, a highlevel automation was achieved in maintaining reduced partial pressure, which in turn was found to enhance the hydrogen yield, purity, and production rate. Dark fermentation of organic wastes at mesophilic Value added Blodlesel products IIIDIIKtladllmlall.,._ ______mn a]] Orpnlc..-. MFC MEC -. Figural: Schematic diagramof research actiVities at IIT-KharagpurIn blotuel research 51