Innovative Agricultural and Rural Solar Energy Technologies

Workshop on ‘Energy in Agriculture’, (September 15-16, 2014)

National Academy of Agricultural SciencesNew Delhi

Dr.A.JagadeeshDirector

Nayudamma Centre for Development Alternatives

Nellore,Andhra Pradesh IndiaE-mail: anumakonda.jagadeesh@gmail.com

No Power is Costlier than no Power” –Dr.H.J.Bhabha

The poor of the world cannot be helped by mass production, only by production by the masses. The system of mass production, based on sophisticated, highly capital-intensive, high energy-

input dependent, and human labour-saving technology, presupposes that you are already rich, for a great deal of capital investment is needed to establish one single workplace. The system of production by the masses mobilises the priceless resources which are possessed by all human beings, their clever brains and skilful hands, and supports them with first-class tools.

First law of economics :"The amount of real leisure a society enjoys tends to be in inverse proportion to the amount of labour-saving machinery it employs."

Dr.E.F.Schumacher

Modernise the Traditional-Traditionalise the Modern  -Prof.Y.Nayudamma

No Power is Costlier than No Power - Dr. H.J. Bhabha

Put the RENEWABLES to work: To get in-exhaustible, pollution free energy which cannot be

misused .

You see things as they are and wonder why ? I dream of things that never were and ask why not ?

- Robert F. Kennedy

Solar Water Heater

VERTICAL & CYLINDRICAL SOLAR WATER HEATER  

Why solar water heaters have not made much headway in India?

Is it the cost?

Can we think of alternate designs?

A simple,cost-effective solar water heater utilizing locally available material has been designed and tested. 

  Two vertical and cylindrical drums made of stainless steel/copper of height 0.6 m and diameter 32cm.

Polyethylene cover to simulate green house effect.

A lotus shaped omni-directional stainless steel reflector.

A bamboo basket with rock wool and polyethylene covering acts as insulator.

DESIGN DETAILS

OPERATION

Water filled with potable water at 9 am.

   Insulator covered over the collector at 4 pm.

Temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius can be obtained in south India

100 litre unit costs around US 135 (about Rs. 6000) in South India.

ADVANTAGES:  The Unit is mobile and easy to install and dismantle while transporting. No necessity of cold water supply through pipes. No need for overhead storage tank to supply cold water.

There is no need to have separate collector as it is an integrated system. Since the collector is made of stainless steel, the hot water will be hygienic.

Because of the omni-directional reflector, relatively higher water temperatures are obtained even in moderate sunshine.

The unit occupies less space being vertical and cylindrical, on the ground or roof.

All the materials used in the fabrication of this simple and cost effective solar water heater are available locally.

The unit is durable except that the polyethylene cover has to be replaced once in 4 months, which costs just Rs 30 (about US Cents 70).

By the usage of pre-heated water for cooking from this unit, considerable fuel such as firewood, kerosene, gas, electricity etc., can be conserved. 

Solar Drier

SIMPLE SOLAR DRIER

Design Details:

Winnowing basket/Bamboo tray covered inside with black rexin.

Holes provided on the sides to avoid formation of water vapour and for circulation of air.

Transparent High Density Polyethylene cover provided on the top with Velcro for easy handling.

ADVANTAGES

The contents dry quickly.

The contents will be hygienic as they are protected from dust because of transparent cover.

The contents are free from bird menace like crows as there is a thick covering.

When sudden rain comes, the contents are protected because of the polyethylene cover. The units are light and easy to carry.

All the materials used in the fabrication of these simple solar driers are available locally and the units can be fabricated locally.

Fabrication of these simple units generates local employment.

The smaller unit costs Rs 70(about 1.2 US $) and the bigger Unit Rs 200(about 4US $ ).

CONSERVATION OF ELECTRICITY IN ELECTRIC PUMPSETS

  Considerable losses in the exit side of electric pump sets.

  A low angled (10 degrees) cone metallic, 1 foot long fitted at the exit of the delivery pipe.

5 to 9% energy saving has been found out in 50 cases.  In India about 90 lakh (9 million) electric pumpsets in operation in addition to lakhs of diesel sets.

ENERGY CONSERVATION IN PUMPSETS

At the Electric pumpset site a tank of length 2 m, width 1m and height 1 m is a common sight in India.  Can’t this head be utilized ?  From the outlet the water flows by gravitation only.   A micro hydro generator with a pelton wheel, a low RPM generator and pulleys are fixed to a stand. A diode to arrest the reverse flow of current is included.  The unit costs about Rs 4000(about US $ 80) and can be fabricated locally.  The unit can be utilized to charge about 3 lead acid car batteries in parallel.

MICRO HYDRO DEVICE FOR LOW HEADS

MICRO HYDRO DEVICE FOR LOW HEADS

Evaporation produces cooling 

Two canvas bags filled with potable water and placed before a table fan(pedestral). 

Water gets cooled and can be taken away for drinking purposes. 

Room also gets cooled 

If more water required for houses and restaurants, number of canvas bags placed in semi-circular way And the pedestral fan put in circular motion.  The canvas bag each costs Rs.25 (50 US Cents).

AIR CUM WATER COOLER

Electric Washing Machine

 Galvanised Iron box of 38 by 38 by 61 cm dimensions. 

Outside aluminium wheel and inside fibre glass wheel. 

Inside portion of the box made curvature to facilitate centrifugal motion. 

The box provided with a pipe to drain out the water. 

The box mounted on the sewing machine stand and connected by the rope for pedaling. 

If not in use the sewing machine can be put back on the stand. The unit costs about Rs 500(US $ 10) except the sewing machine stand.

PEDAL OPERATED WASHING MACHINE

The unit is cost-effective. The unit is mobile. The fabrication of the unit will generate local employment. The unit helps to conserve energy. Men and women are already accustomed to operating sewing machines, and the operation of this pedal-operated washing machine is not strenuous. The life of the clothing is extended compared to hammering it on stone. Operating of the machine provides exercise.

ADVANTAGES

HAND OPERATED BATTERY CHARGER

Solar Electric modules are used to

charge batteries for a television and light.

Wind battery chargers are in wide use in

Mangolia.

Solar /Wind battery charger

(about 100 W capacity) costs about

Rs 30,000 (US $ 640) in India.

Wind and Solar are intermittent. 

Abundant manpower available in

countries like India.

DESIGN DETAILS

 

Bicycle wheel, low RPM generator that is mounted

on a frame and driven by V-belt.  

There is a handle attached to the system

A blocking diode to prevent reverse flow of

current.

OPERATION:  Three 12 volt lead-acid batteries are connected in parallel and then to the battery charger.

By rotating the wheel for six hours, the batteries can be charged.

Since many of the sewing machines are hand operated in Northern India, people are familiar with this sort of system.

Compared to pedaling system, one can use both the hands alternatively to rotate the wheel.

 The whole unit weighs about 6 Kg and is mobile – it can be carried on the back. It provides employment to rural people.

The unit is easy to fabricate, even in rural workshops.

In most countries, generators are available, and if not, they can be imported. Many countries exempt renewable energy equipment and generators from customs duty. Alternatively, automobile generators can be used by changing the windings.

The Unit is inexpensive – it costs about Rs 7000 ( about US $ 150).

It can be operated with either hand.

It occupies little space.

Women,as well as children, can operate the system.

ADVANTAGES

 

Impure water is the root cause for many diseases in Africa,Latin America and Asia.

Solar Dis-infection method uses the sun’s ultraviolet radiation(UV) to improve the microbiological

Quality of drinking water synergies induced by radiation and thermal treatment have a significant effect on the die-off rate of microorganisms.

A simple Solar Dis-infection system utilizing local material is designed for developing countries.

EVERYBODY’S JAGA SODIS

36 cm length, 30 cm breadth and 5 cm depth wooden frames(2) with corrugated Galvanised Iron sheet are made with folding arrangement. The corrugated GI sheet is coated with black colour for greater absorption of sun light. The planks are provided with a movable stand on the back so that the system can be oriented south facing suiting to the latitude of the place for optimum utilization of sun shine.The system is provided with a hook and handle to carry it anywhere.

To increase the temperature a bamboo basket of 1 m diameter (concave shaped) is covered with tinfoil sheet for reflection and concentration of sunlight. The system is placed at the center of the basket.

DESIGN DETAILS

OPERATION

Glass bottles(clear) are cleaned and water is put into them up to 75% and shaken well for 20 seconds. Solar dis-infection is more efficient in water containing high levels of oxygen. Shaking the bottles could increase oxygen levels. On reacting with water, sunlight produces highly reactive forms of oxygen. These reactive forms of oxygen kill the microorganisms. Then the bottles are filled with water to the full. The bottles are placed in sunlight for 6 hours and taken to a cool place for use.

If the water is turbid, paste from the seed of

Nirmal (strychnos potatorum linn) can be used to

clear the turbidity and then the clear water used

for solar disinfection.

One can put the Tulasi leaves(Ocimum Sanctum)

in the solar disinfected water for preservation and

to provide flavour.

ADVANTAGES The Unit costs about Rs 500(about US $ 11) and as such available to everybody.

All the materials in the fabrication of the unit are available locally.

The unit is mobile.

The unit is modular

Production of units at local level generates employment in rural areas of the developing countries.

The unit is expected to be a boon for developing countries rural populations in providing potable water.

• SET 1:

• First Picture:Jaga SODIS without Reflector with glass bottles.Second Picture:Glass Bottles in Jaga SODIS with Concave Shaped Bamboo Reflector with Aluminium Foil.

Third Picture:Jaga  SODIS With Staiunless Steel Reflector.

BY THE USAGE OF REFLECTORS, THE LIGHT INTENSITY INCREASES BY A FACTOR OF FOUR.

• THE PET BOTTLES MELT IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES(AROUND 45 Degrees Celsius). The Glass bottles withstand temperatures upto 80 degree celsius. One can get pasturisation temperatures with Glass Bottles and reflectors.

• SET 2:

First Picture:Stainless steel Reflector with Glass bottles in SODIS System.

Second Picture:Glass bottles in SODIS System with Concave Shaped Bamboo Reflector with Aluminium Reflector.

• SET 3:First Picture:

Glass bottles put in Stainless steel reflector.In this system light passes through the system second time which will increase

exposure and eliminate shadowing.

Second Picture:

shows Nirmali Seeds(Botanical Name: Strichnos Potatorum, which are traditionally used for water purification especially turbid water. People rub the   seed on a clean stone and put the paste in the turbid water . After half of an hour the turbidity settles down. The seeds are available in forests and very cheap.

Third Picture:The Solar Disinfected water transferred to a stainless steel container(after cooling to room temperature) leaves of Tulasi(Botanical Name: Ocimum Sanctum. The Tulasi leaves have medicinal value. In Hindu temples Teertham(holy water) is preserved by putting Tulasi leaves.

Innovative Solar Disinfection System

Innovative Solar Disinfection System large

Abraham Lincoln Foresaw Age of Wind Power

You know who predicted the age of wind power? Abraham Lincoln, that’s who.A New York Times article dated Nov. 22, 1936, quotes from a lecture titled “Discoveries and Inventions” Lincoln gave in 1860, before he became president.  Here’s the relevant part:“Of all the forces of nature, I should think the wind contains the largest amount of motive power … Take any given space of the earth’s surface, for instance, Illinois, and all the power exerted by all the men, beasts, running water and steam over and upon it shall not equal the 100th part of what is exerted by the blowing of the windover and upon the same place. And yet it has not, so far in the world’s history, become properly valued as motive power. It is applied extensively and advantageously to sail vessels in navigation. Add to this a few windmills and pumps and you have about all.As yet the wind is an untamed, unharnessed force, and quite possibly one of the greatest discoveries hereafter to be made will be the taming and harnessing of it.”

Offshore Wind Farms

Biofuel from Agave and Opuntia

As Carbon Sink Agave and Opuntia can be grown in desert regions as well as in wastelands since both are CAM plants. Both are regenerative plants.In this vast area of waste lands Why not We grow multiple use plants like Agave,Opuntia which have many uses. Hitherto Corn and Sugarcane are used in the biofuel production. In the debate on FOOD Vs FUEL, it is necessary to find alternatives.

• “Agave has a huge advantage, as it can grow in marginal or desert land, not on arable land,” and therefore would not displace food crops, says Oliver Inderwildi, at the University of Oxford. The majority of ethanol produced in the world is still derived from food crops such as corn and sugarcane. Speculators have argued for years now that using such crops for fuel can drive up the price of food. Agave, however, can grow on hot dry land with a high-yield and low environmental impact. The researchers proposing the plant’s use have modeled a facility in Jalisco, Mexico, which converts the high sugar content of the plant into ethanol.

• The research, published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science, provides the first ever life-cycle analysis of the energy and greenhouse gas balance of producing ethanol with agave. Each megajoule of energy produced from the agave-to-ethanol process resulted in a net emission of 35 grams of carbon dioxide, far below the 85g/MJ estimated for corn ethanol production. Burning gasoline produces roughly 100g/MJ.“The characteristics of the agave suit it well to bioenergy production, but also reveal its potential as a crop that is adaptable to future climate change,” adds University of Oxford plant scientist Andrew Smith. “In a world where arable land and water resources are increasingly scarce, these are key attributes in the food versus fuel argument, which is likely to intensify given the expected large-scale growth in biofuel production.” 

• Agave already appeared to be an interesting bio ethanol source due to its high sugar content and its swift growth. For the first time Researchers at the universities of Oxford and Sydney have now conducted the first life-cycle analysis of the energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of agave-derived ethanol and present their promising results in the journal Energy & Environmental Science. On both life cycle energy and GHG emissions agave scores at least as well as corn, switchgrass and sugarcane, while reaching a similar ethanol output. The big advantages agave has over the before mentioned plants is that it can grow in dry areas and on poor soil, thus practically eliminating their competition with food crops and drastically decreasing their pressure on water resources.

• CAM• Plants which use crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which include the cacti and Agaves, are of particular interest since they can survive for many months without water and when water is available they use it with an efficiency that can be more than 10 times that of other plants, such as maize, sorghum, miscanthus and switchgrass. CAM species include no major current or potential food crops; they have however for centuries been cultivated for alcoholic beverages and low-lignin fibres.

• Crassulacean acid metabolism, also known as CAM photosynthesis, is a carbon fixation pathway that evolved in some plants as an adaptation to arid conditions in a plant using full CAM, the stomata in the leaves remains shut during the day to reduce evapotranspiration, but open at night to collect carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 is stored as the four-carbon acidmalate, and then used during photosynthesis during the day. The pre-collected CO2 is concentrated around the enzyme RuBisCO, increasing photosynthetic efficiency. Agave and Opuntia are the best CAM Plants.

• In México, there are active research programs and stakeholders investigating Agave spp. as a bioenergy feedstock. The unique physiology of this genus has been exploited historically for the sake of fibers and alcoholic beverages, and there is a wealth of knowledge in the country of México about the life history, genetics, and cultivation of Agave. The State of Jalisco is the denomination of origin of Agave tequilana Weber var. azul, a cultivar primarily used for the production of tequila that has been widely researched to optimize yields. Other cultivars of Agave tequilana are grown throughout México, along with the Agave fourcroydes Lem., or henequen, which is an important source of fiber that has traditionally been used for making ropes. The high sugar content of Agave tequilana may be valuable for liquid fuel production, while the high lignin content of Agave fourcroydes may be valuable for power generation through combustion.

• Along with Agave species described above, some other economically important species include A. salmiana, A. angustiana, A. americana, and A. sisalana. Agave sisalana is not produced in México, but has been an important crop in regions of Africa and Australia. Information collected here could thus be relevant to semi-arid regions around the world.

•    Agave Competitive Advantages• * Thrives on dry land/marginal land. Most       efficient use of soil, water and light • * Massive production. Year-around harvesting• * Very high yields with very low or no inputs• * Very high quality biomass and sugars• * Very low cost of production. Not a commodity,•     so prices are not volatile• * Very versatile: biofuels, byproducts, chemicals• * World-wide geographical distribution• * Enhanced varieties are ready.

Agave Americana

Sisal Agave

Sisal Plant

The main drawback for wider application of Biofuels is input. There was a big moment for biofuel from Jatropha in India but in reality not much has been achieved. Agave (Americana), Sisal Agave is a multiple use plant which has 10% fermentable sugars and rich in cellulose. The fibre is used in rope making and also for weaving clothes in Philippines under the trade name DIP-DRY. In Brazil a paper factory runs on sisal as input. A Steroid HECOGENIN is extracted from this plant leaves. Since on putrification, it produces methane gas, it can be cut and used as input in biogas plants. Also in Kenya and Lesotho dried pieces of Agave are mixed with concrete since it has fibres which act as binding.

Agave fibers contain 65 percent to 78 percent cellulose, according to Jimenez. "With new technology, it is possible to breakdown over 90 percent of the cellulose and hemicellulose structures, which will increase ethanol and other liquid biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass drastically," he said. "Mascoma is assessing such technology.“

Annona Squamosa (Sugar Apple)

Pulp in the fruitOn top of ice cream, jelly & jam makingDrinks and in fermented liquors.The fruit has sizeable number of seeds. The seed yield about 30% oil. The extraction of the oil can be done by the process of solvent extraction.The oil is used inIn paints and varnishesAs natural insecticide.Annona seed oil contains acetogenins that are toxic to insects.

Annonin, ascimicin, bullatacin, isobullatacin, desacecylucaricin and isodesacetylucaricin have been isolated from the sugar apple seeds and shown to be biologically active against the spotted stem borer, chilo partellus swin, oriental armyworm,Mythimna Separate wek, head bugs, Calocoris augustus Leth, and the aphid, Melanaphis sacchari Zehnt.Pesticides derived from plants like Annona Squamosa can play a major role in pest management in sustainable agriculture. They have renewable character, are non persistent in the environment, and are relatively safer to the natural enemies, non-target organisms, and human beings.

The Annona oil contains the following percentages of acids

Oleic: 18.1Linoleic: 55.1Palmitic: 14.7Stearic: 10.7

Oleic: Soap base, manufacture of oleates, cosmetics, polished compound, lubricants, Ore floatation, organic synthetic intermediate, surface coatings etc.Linoleic: Soaps, special dryers, for protective coatings, emulsifying agents. medicine, Foods, feeds, and bio-chemical research.Palmitic: Starting point in the manufacture of various metallic palmitates, soaps, Soaps, lube oils, and water proofing.Stearic: Chemicals, especially stearates and stearic driers, lubricants, soaps, candles, Pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic rubber compounding, shoe and polishes, coatings and food packaging.

The seed cake after extraction of oil can be used as fertilizer. The nitrogen content of the defatted meal from the sugarapple is in the range of 4.3 %. The epicarp after removal of pulp and seed from the Annona Squamosa fruits can be used as green manure. The leaves of the plant are bitter and thus cattle won’t eat them.

 Water Hyacinth ( Eichhornia Crassipes)

Wealth from WasteWater hyacinth which is generally regarded as a menace can find many uses:

In food productionAs leaf protein concentrate, which is rich in protein and vitamin A.As a substrate for mushroom cultivation, By making soils more fertile which yield better crops,By purifying water, in which fish can then thrive, Through the production of silage, for fattening animals,Through vermiculture, producing feed for poultry or fish, In regenerating degraded soils,As mulch As compost

As fertilizer, produced by mixing with other organic materials, and phosphate rock.In biogas production. 1 hectare of weed can produce 100 tons of dry water hyacinth/year which could produce 30,000 cubic meters of gas sufficient to supply cooking for 40 families. The residual slurry must be used as mulch.As briquettes, which can be used for cooking in kitchens for schools and restaurants.In providing employment and income, through the production and sale of a range of art papers and cards, crafts and furniture, (on industrial level), chemicals and liquid fuels.

Nutritious Protein from Water Hyacinth

Leaf Fractionation:

Leaf fractionation produces up to 10 times as much protein per hectare as when the land is used to grow food for animals. It doers not require artificially fixed nitrogen, which is made using a large amount of energy. It is already being used on Lucerne, or alfalfa in France, Hungary and the US to make supplementary feed for pigs and poultry. As Lucerne is a legume, it adds nitrogen to the soil. The process can be applied to almost any fresh green leaves, including weeds such as water hyacinth and nettles. The leaf protein it produces contains no animal fats, and the fibrous residue is an excellent ruminant food.

Teak Hyacinth Bed

Water Hyacinth Furniture

Water Hyacinth Harvester

• There were efforts to utilise Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) in combination with animal dung to produce biogas. But Biogas from Opuntia offers promise especially in developing countries since Opuntia can be grown under a variety of Environmental conditions.

(Opuntia_ficus_indica)

Biogas from Opuntia

Biogas from Opuntia: A source of renewable gas and fertilizer

Structure of the proposed process

1st step: Production of biomass (Opuntia)

2nd step: Process of the biomass into biogas trough anaerobic fermentation

3rd step: Process of the digested material into fertilizer

The potential of Opuntia Biomass for energy production in semi-arid areas 100 to 400 tons of biomass/ha/year1 ton Opuntia biomass = 50-60 m3 of biogas = 300-360 kWh of gas30 000 to 140 000 kWh per ha150 to 400ha necessary for 1MW electrical capacity

High efficiency in water & fertilizer useReduced risk for farmers of crop failure due to high drought tolerance. No competition with food crops on arable land as it can grow on degraded land.

Pomato is a hybrid variety of potato and tomato. It is a small tomato-like fruit, with white flesh, edible either raw or cooked.

Pomato plant produces tomatoes on the top and potatoes underground.

Pomato = Potato + Tomato

How to grow Pomato plant • Choose Potato and Tomato plant with the same height.• Place the two plants side by side so that the stems will

touch easily.• Gently remove a sliver of the stem from the potato plant by

using thin sharp knife.• Locate an area on the tomato stem that matches the height

of the cut on the potato plant.• Set the plants in an area out of direct sunlight.• Watch the new growth on the top of the tomato.• Allow the plant to grow until you again see vigorous growth

on the tomato plant. This should take two or three weeks.• Allow the plant to grow for two or three weeks to see

vigorous growth on the tomato plant• Remove the bottom portion of the tomato plant.• Enclose the plant in a clear plastic bag to maintain moisture.

After several days, remove the plastic.• Once the plastic is removed, watch for signs of new growth.

When the plant shows lush green leaves, remove the grafting tape. Now the Pomato plant was created successfully.

The Winged bean (Psophocarpus

tetragonolobus), also known as the Goa bean and

Asparagus pea, Four-angled bean and Winged pea, is a

tropical legume plant native to New Guinea. It grows

abundantly in hot, humid equatorial countries, from the Philippines and Indonesia to

India, Burma, Thailand and Sri Lanka. It does well in humid

tropics with high rainfall. There are also varieties that can be

grown in most areas of the U.S.

Winged Bean

UsesThis bean has been called the "one species supermarket" because practically all of the plant is edible. The beans are used as a vegetable, but the other parts (leaves, flowers, and tuberous roots) are also edible. The tender pods, which are the most widely eaten part of the plant (and best eaten when under 1" in length), can be harvested within two to three months of planting. The flowers are often used to color rice and pastries. The flavor of the beans has a similarity to asparagus. The young leaves can be picked and prepared as a leaf vegetable, similar to spinach. The roots can be used as a root vegetable, similar to the potato, and have a nutty flavor; they are also much richer in protein than potatoes. The dried seeds can be useful as a flour and also to make a coffee-like drink. Each of these parts of the winged bean provide a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and other vitamins. The seeds contain 35% protein and 18% oil.

Boiled winged bean roots as a snack in

Burma

Roots of the winged bean at a market in

Mandalay, Burma

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture and is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, mineral wool, expanded clay or coconut husk.

Researchers discovered in the 18th century that plants absorb essential mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. In natural conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth. When the mineral nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are introduced into a plant's water supply artificially, soil is no longer required for the plant to thrive. Almost any terrestrial plant will grow with hydroponics. Hydroponics is also a standard technique in biology research and teaching.

Bring diversity back to agriculture. That's what made it work in the first

place

- David R. Brower 

• OPUNTIA• Another care-free growth plant is Biogas from Opuntia A source of renewable gas and fertilizer Structure of the proposed process 1st step: Production of Biomass (Opuntia) 2nd step: Process of the Biomass into Biogas through Anaerobic Fermentation

• 3rd step: Process of the Digested Material into Fertilizer The potential of Opuntia Biomass for energy production in semi-arid areas 100 to 400 tons of biomass/ha/year 1 ton Opuntia biomass = 50-60 m3 of biogas = 300-360 kWh of gas 30 000 to 140 000 kWh per ha 150 to 400ha necessary for 1MW electrical capacity High efficiency in water & fertilizer use Reduced risk for farmers of crop failure due to high drought tolerance. No competition with food crops on arable land as it can grow on degraded land.

• Study on renewable biogas energy production from cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica by Elias Jigar, Hameed Sulaiman and Araya Asfaw and Abraham Bairu (ISABB Journal of Food and Agriculture Science Vol. 1(3), pp. 44-48, December 2011) revealed: Cladodes, which are a plate like section of Opuntia ficus indica, were characterized for their physical properties, total solids (TS) and volatile solides (VS) and they were assessed in five combinations with or without cow dung for their suitability to biogas production in 2.8 L triplicate batch digesters. The highest total biogas yields were obtained from T5 (75% Cow dung: 25% Cladodes combination) as 14.183 L followed by T1 (cow dung alone) as 13.670 L (0 .022 m3/kg) and the lowest was from T2 (Cladodes alone) as 6.176 L. The percentage of methane 

• gas obtained from the experiment for treatments T1, T2, T3 (50% cow dung: 50% cladodes), T4 (25% cow dung: 75% Cladodes) and T5 were 66.33, 53.16, 63.84, 52.1 and 69% respectively. Among all treatments, T5 was found to produce high methane percent of the biogas. From Biogas, Power generation can be done at local level itself.

• Another Option is to utilize Water Hyacinth which has become a menace for Biogas and subsequent power generation. In Indonesia Fine Furniture is made from Water Hyacinth.

Biogas Power Plant

Power from Biogas Plant with input Opuntia

Biofuel from Agave

Crassulacean acid metabolism, also known as CAM photosynthesis, is a carbon fixation pathway that evolved in some plants as an adaptation to  arid  conditions. In a plant using full CAM, the stomata in the leaves remain shut during the day to reduce evapotranspiration, but open at night to collect

carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 is stored as the four-

carbon acidmalate, and then used during 

photosynthesis during the day. The pre-collected CO2 is

concentrated around the enzyme RuBisCO, increasing photosynthetic efficiency.Agave and Opuntia are CAM Plants. Wide cultivation of these plants will help to tackle Climate Change to some Extent.

CAM

Energy from Waste

CLAY COVERS TO REDUCE ROOF HEATING

MULTIPLE USES OF PERISCOPE

CAP TO BEAT HEAT

Innovative FanIt is an age-old practice to use hand fans (Made of Palmaria Leaf).

It will be turned in horizontal way by holding it with hand. The air

we get is gentle, as it won’t recirculate in a circular motion in the

case of Table Fan.

Here I used the motor of the WIPER and fixed a plastic fan with

some weight. I use an inverter to use it with AC. Alternatively One

can use small batteries to drive it when power is off. Many people

in offices put the Ceiling Fan/Table Fan/Pedestal Fan in slow

motion. In such cases this novel fan will be very useful. Moreover

one can put one’s own design as hand fan. It costs around Rs

500(about US$10) in South India.

Lakhs of small hotel people use gas stoves to prepare coffee/tea. They use separate boiler to heat water for cleaning the glasses. Thus there are two arrangements, one for cooking and another for boiling water. Household women also need hot water for cleaning the utensils and washing hands.A multi purpose gas stove has been designed and tested.A small storage system for water will be put at an elevated place on a stand. There will be a small cross section copper tube which will be attached to the storage system(Alternatively the copper tube is attached to a water tap if there is one with pressurized water). The copper tube wounds around the stove burners

MULTI PURPOSE GAS STOVE

and there will be outlets to takeout hot water from each copper tube around the burners separately with tap system (left side of the stove). The copper tubes connected to the water tank can be separated while moving the stove from place to place. Here the copper tube utilizes part of the heat that touches the plate of the stove. In this some energy which goes as waste (heating the surface of the stove) is utilized to produce hot water for cleaning. This is a clear case of energy conservation.By having larger tank one can get hot water for bathing also. This system can be adopted in the case of biogas stove also. Especially in cold regions, it will be a boon in supplying hot water. This system costs around Rs 350/-(about US$ 8) except the stove. It finds extensive use in small tea bunks, houses etc.,

MULTIPLE USE GAS STOVE

MULTIPLE USE GAS STOVE – SIDE VIEW

KITCHEN WITH BIOGAS STOVE

FIRE PROOF APRON TO AVOID KITCHEN ACCIEDENTS

Innovative FarmingIMPORTANCE OF GREEN LEAF VEGETABLES IN THE DIET:Dark green leafy vegetables are perhaps the most potent superfood on the planet. Leafy green vegetables have more nutrition per calorie than any other food. Greens make up a significant source vitamins A, C, E and K as well as several B vitamins. They are rich sources of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. They are rich in fiber, extremely low in fat and carbohydrates and provide an excellent source of protein.

As a general rule, you should aim to eat at least five servings of vegetables daily (that’s about 2 1/2 cups of cooked vegetables), and that includes leafy greens. As long as they're prepared in a healthy way, leafy greens, like other nonstarchy vegetables, are a great addition to your diet and offer countless health benefits.Leafy greens are full of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting phytochemicals. They are rich in fiber, an important nutrient for weight loss and maintenance because it keeps you feeling full and helps control your hunger. Fiber can also lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and help to temper blood-sugar swings by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates into your bloodstream after meals. This lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Leafy greens also contain a lot of water, which helps keep you hydrated and contributes to beautiful skin and hair.

Some leafy greens, like collards and kale, are particularly rich in calcium, which helps keep your teeth and bones strong and reduces your overall risk for osteoporosis. Calcium also contributes to muscle function and blood-pressure management. Leafy greens contain potassium as well, which further protects against osteoporosis and helps manage blood-pressure levels.

The antioxidants like vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin that are contained in leafy greens may help reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Vitamin C helps the body make collagen too; collagen is a major component of cartilage that aids in joint flexibility, may reduce your risk of arthritis, and keeps your skin and hair healthy and beautiful. Research shows vitamin C may also slow bone loss and decrease the risk of fractures.

Leafy greens that contain beta-carotene, such as collard greens, spinach, and Swiss chard, contribute to the growth and repair of the body's tissues. Beta-carotene may also protect your skin against sun damage. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, and food sources of beta-carotene are the best way to get your vitamin A fix, since extremely high doses of vitamin A in supplements can be toxic and lead to bone, liver, and neural disorders as well as birth defects. Food sources of beta-carotene are entirely safe, though, since the body regulates how much beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A. Leafy greens are an excellent source of folate, which can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease andmemory loss. And since folate contributes to the production of serotonin, it may help ward off depression and improve mood.

The vitamin E found in green leafy vegetables works with vitamin C to keep skin healthy as you age. This vitamin also helps protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays and may help reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Why greens are needed?

Eat Green - leafy and other colour ful vegetables to stay Healthy and fit.Green and green leafy vegetables are rich source of essential minerals and vitamins;they help to detoxify our body and regular intake of vegetables helps to keep away the serious diseases.

Lets look at some of the nutrients that green and leafy vegetables contain:

- Green and leafy vegetables are rich source of essential vitamins including A, B, C, E and K.- Greens are high in antioxidants, which protect cells

from free radical cell damage and also help to improve vision naturally.- Other nutrients include, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. Each of them is needed for proper functioning of our systems.- Most of all vegetables are extremely low in fat and

carbohydrates – ideal options for weight watchers.

- The high amount of fibers present in green veggies helps to get rid of waste and toxins. Fiber keeps bowel movements regular; prevent constipation, and other diseases of digestive system.

- It has been found in studies that regular intake of green and leafy vegetables can lower the risk of development of serious diseases including cancer and heart diseases, as they are rich in necessary vitamins and minerals, do not contain unhealthy fats (bad cholesterol) and are low in calories.

Dark green, leafy vegetables.These vegetables are packed with vitamins A, C, E and K, minerals, and an abundance of phytochemicals so vast that nutrition professionals are still trying to uncover all of their goodness. Examples of dark green, leafy vegetables are kale, bok choy, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and Swiss chard. Does your family consume these green foods on a regular basis? If you are like many families in the US, you may need to get more of these important vegetables on a regular basis.Green foods are crucial to our health for a plethora of reasons including their role in strengthening the immune system, cancer prevention, improved blood circulation, blood purification, lowering cholesterol, promotion of healthy intestinal flora, increased energy, detoxification through improved liver, gall bladder functions, kidney function, and even clearing congestion.

Fenugreek leaves (Menthi kura)

Coriander

Chukkakura (Khatta Palak)

 amaranth leaves

INNOVATIVE SYSTEM

There is a general agreement that green leaf vegetables have the best nutritional value. But unfortunately lack of adequate supply and high cost forbid their wider consumption especially in urban areas. 

With a view to have leaf green leaf vegetables available to all and also to generate livelihood for rural women,an innovative,simple,cost effective,mobile vertical farm system has been designed by Dr.A.Jagadeesh. 

By spending just Rs 2000,a rural women can earn about Rs 100 every day minimum by selling the green leaf vegetables. Urban people can get vegetables(leaf) at the doorstep.

The System Advantages: 1 Easy to make at local level

2 The height between the plates can be varied for conveneience

3 The metal can be quoted with double coating of redoxide so that it is rust proof

4 Because of slant,water logging is avoided

5.  In South India, several green leafy vegetables like:Allmanianodiflora,Alternantherasessilis, Amaranthuscaudatus, Amaranthuscruentus, Amaranthus tricolor, Amaranthusviridis, Basellarubra,Boerhaviadiffusa, Brassica juncea, Cassia italic, Celosia argentea, Chenopodium album, Cleome gynandra, Coriandrum sativum,Cucurbita maxima Duchesne, Digeramuricata, Hibiscus cannabinus,Hibiscussabdariffa, Hygrophilaauriculata, Hygrophilaauriculata, Menthaspicata, Mirabilisjalapa, Moringaoleifera, Murrayakoenigii,Portulacapilosa, Portulacaquadrifida, Rumexvesicarius, Sesbaniagrandiflora,Spinaciaoleracea, Tamarindusindica, Trigonellafoenum-graecumare used.- The chemical constituents present in green leafy vegetables are of great pharmacological or medicinal importance. Phytonutrients present in green leafy vegetables produce many common health benefits like protection from eye problems, oxidative stress, iron deficiency etc., Consumption of green leafy foods benefits human health by improving nutritional status and reducing risks of specific diseases like diabetes, cancer and hepatotoxicity.

6. The chemical constituents present in green leafy vegetables are of great pharmacological or medicinal importance. Phytonutrients present in green leafy vegetables produce many common health benefits like protection from eye problems, oxidative stress, iron deficiency etc., Consumption of green leafy foods benefits human health by improving nutritional status and reducing risks of specific diseases like diabetes, cancer and hepatotoxicity. 7. By spending just Rs 2000,a rural women can earn about Rs 100 every day minimum by selling the green leaf vegetables. Urban people can get green leaf vegetables at the doorstep.

simple soil solarisation: 

The pots where plants like rose,jasmine and vegetables like Tomato, Bhendi etc. are grown there will be weeds around the plant which take water as well as manure. To avoid this black polyethylene is wrapped on the pots with a hole in the middle from where the plants will come up. The advantages are: It will Help plants to:

1. Good light insulation, sunlight warming the ground fast;Block the sunlight and weed control;

 2. Restrain the moisture in the soil; Protect plants from water, dust and frost;

Promote crop precocious, yield and quality.  3. This costs little and can be replaced every 3 months 4. It can be extended to vegetable plans on the ground

by stretching Black polyethylene sheet with holes around the

plants to be sown.

But small is powerless, we're used to thinking. Well, atoms are small. So are viruses.

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." -- the Dalai Lama

Five ways to improve affordability. First, easy payments in instalments (which have revolutionised rural sales of TVs, cellphones, two-wheelers and houses). Second, dramatic cost-cutting (some goods and services in India cost just 2-10% of the US cost).

Third, goods in small rather than large packings (e.g., shampoo in sachets instead of bottles).

Fourth, pay-by-use (paying Rs 20 for internet use at an e-café instead of buying a computer). Fifth, direct distribution, cutting out intermediaries (e.g., ITC buying directly from farmers at e-choupals, and selling to them directly through Choupal Sagar shops

Dr.C.K.Prahalad

MODERNISE THE TRADITIONAL – TRADITIONALISE THE MODERN.

SCIENCE TO SERVE SOCIETY – SOCIETY TO SUPPORT SCIENCE.

A T ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY

AFFORDABLE TECHNOLOGY

ADAPTABLE TECHNOLOGY

ACCEPTABLE TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY

KISS PRINCIPLE

KEEP IT S IMPLE SIR

“ANYBODY CAN MAKE THINGS COMPLICATED BUT IT REQUIRES A GENIUS TO MAKE THINGS SIMPLE”

ALBERT EINSTEIN

Put the RENEWABLES to WORK: To get in exhaustible, Pollution –Free Energy which cannot be misused.

THANK YOU