Solar Energy Division
Solar Energy Division (SED) is involved in the design, development, evaluation and refinement of solar energy conversion technologies viz. solar thermal (ST) and solar photovoltaic (SPV) technologies for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for various applications.
Current research focus:
- Solar refrigeration, solar drying, solar cooking and solar desalination
- Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technologies
- Multi-disciplinary hybrid solutions (solar integrated with biomass or biogas)
- Nano enhanced heat transfer fluids for solar applications
- Nano enhanced phase change materials and thermal energy storage systems
- Facility enhancement for testing of various solar systems as per relevance IS standards
- Hydrogen production using solar energy
Bio-Conversion Technology Division
Bio-conversion Technology Division has been intensively involved in research areas of clean energy, environment and sustainable development. It has pioneered the use of biotechnology in the bioenergy energy sector by transforming waste to energy and value-added products.
Current research focus:
- Developing thermal and cooking solutions by generation of biogas from various waste
- Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass into lignin nanoparticles, nanofibers and nanogels
- Biomass derived cellulose conversion into microcrystalline and nanocrystalline cellulose
- Bioplastic synthesis by microbial conversion of low-cost feedstocks into polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) by using in-house isolates
- Bioconversion of methane into methanol
- Biohydrogen production from delipidified algal residue
- Conversion of rice straw to compost using in-house microbial consortia
- Microalgae based production of 3G biofuels and value-added products
Thermo-Chemical Conversion Technology Division
Thermo-Chemical Conversion Division is engaged in basic studies and development of technologies and systems for efficient conversion of biomass to energy through thermo-chemical / mechanical pathways and their use for thermal applications and power generation.
Current research focus:
- Design and development of batch and pilot-scale chemical reactors for thermo-chemical conversion technologies along with biomass feedstock handling, material characterization, and techno-commercial activities
- Production of biofuels from biomass on lab and pilot-scale reactors along with techno-economic feasibilities
- Biomass-based fluidized bed gasification for thermal application
- Hydrogen-enriched syn-gas production from Biomass
- Catalytic pyrolysis (slow and fast) of biomass for organic phase enriched bio-oil
- Value addition to bio-char for the activated carbon production
- Densification of bio-char and production of bio-char pellets
- Bio-oil and bio-oil blends with FO for thermal applications
- Densification of various agro-residues i.e. pelletization & briquetting
- Biomass availability assessment studies
Technology Transfer & Extension Division
The Technology Transfer & Extension Division was created at SPRERI in 1991. It facilitates awareness and promotion of SPRERI developed and other RE technologies for domestic, industrial, commercial and community-based applications through field evaluation & demonstrations. It organises different types of specialized training programmes, quizzes, exhibitions and other technology transfer activities. It supports entrepreneurship development and integrated development of rural/tribal villages.
