Research Projects

In alignment with the Paris Accord's goals to limit the rise in global temperature, India faces the critical challenge of balancing its energy demands with climate commitments. H₂, a promising zero-carbon energy carrier, has vast potential across various industrial and transportation sectors. Concurrently, India generates approximately 230 million metric tonnes of surplus biomass annually, offering a significant opportunity for cost-effective, carbon-negative H₂ production through gasification. This project aims to advance H₂ synthesis from biomass by developing a novel Moderate to Intense Low-oxygen Dilution (MILD) gasification technology with a H₂ yield of 20 g/kg of biomass. MILD technology, characterized by intense product gas recirculation, creates uniform temperature and concentration fields, leading to high-efficiency combustion with reduced emissions compared to conventional methods. This approach can potentially revolutionize biomass-based H₂ production in India, providing an indigenous, cost-effective pathway to clean energy. A unique advantage of this process is the production of activated carbon as a valuable by-product. The scientific objectives of the project are threefold: (1) to develop and optimize a MILD gasification process for H2 synthesis from biomass with an energy consumption not exceeding 0.4 MJ/g of H₂; (2) the project seeks to reduce production costs by using low-temperature (~ 200 °C) steam under ambient pressure; and (3) a CFD model will be used to optimize critical parameters—such as oxy-steam injection locations, O₂ and steam ratios, and fuel-to-air ratios—which will enhance H₂ yield, combustion stability, and reactor performance. The by-product of the process is activated carbon, a highly sought-after commercial product. A series of experiments will be conducted to achieve the project’s aims. Initially, a 50 kWth feed-agnostic MILD gasification reactor will be developed, with tests assessing H₂ yield, combustion stability, and tar formation under different O₂ and steam ratios. The project will also involve optimizing oxy-steam injection strategies, experimenting with mass ratios and injection methods for O₂ and low-temperature steam, guided by the CFD model, to maximize H₂ yield while minimizing energy input. Experimental data will refine and validate the CFD model, assessing its accuracy and reliability in predicting and optimizing biomass gasification dynamics. If successful, this research could establish a scalable, sustainable method for H₂ production in India, offering environmental and economic benefits. By advancing fundamental knowledge of biomass gasification under MILD conditions and setting a foundation for large-scale hydrogen synthesis with a valuable activated carbon by-product, this project will support India’s energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to national and international climate goals by lowering carbon emissions.