Characterization, evaluation and optimization of a renewable energy based cold storage unit using biomass gasification, solar thermal energy and waste to heat energy technologies

Abstract

This paper mainly deals with Characterization, evaluation and optimization of a cold storage using Biomass gasification and solar thermal technology with engine exhaust (waste energy) as complimentary input. Besides providing cold storage to farmers through waste heat generated through engine exhaust and solar thermal technology, electricity was also generated through biomass gasification. Farmers economy can be only developed through management of post-harvest losses and cold storage is most important for preservation of perishable items as well as agricultural/horticultural products besides dairy products and allied sectors. This hybrid system is installed at National Institute of Solar Energy, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). A downdraft gasifier (capacity 70 kg/hr.) has been installed to generate Producer gas which operates 50 kwe gas engine–generator generate electricity, and the exhaust of the Gas-engine is recovered with Heat Recovery system (HRU), And utilized for Cooling in cold storage plant by the method of Vapour Absorption Machine (VAM)..