Biomass Gasifier Project, Raksirang, Makawanpur, Nepal

Bivek Baral, PhDAssociate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering,

Kathmandu University

Executive Director, Ananta Gasifier Energy Pvt. Ltd

IntroductionKathmandu University is an autonomous, not-for-profit, non - government

institution dedicated to maintain high standards of academic excellence.

Major Research: Renewable Energy (Biofuels and Bio Energy, Hydropower,

Solar Energy)

Gasifier Engine Research: One of the prominent and active research areas

Funded by Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation)

Total Grant: 7 million NRs

Active Duration: 3 years (2010 – 2013)

Achievement: Developed a low cost indigenous gasifier appropriate for small

sized engines (5 -15 kW) used for agricultural machinery and electric generation

Gasifier System

Gasifier System

Introduction

Diesel Engines

Duel fuelling (Diesel 20 -

30 % and the rest gas)

Gas Engine – Derived from diesel engine. Expensive.

Needs diesel fuel

Petrol Engines

100% gas operation

Inefficient – substantial

derating of power

IntroductionAnanta Gasifier Energy Private Limited: A spin-off company resulted from the

research work at KU.

KATHMANDU UNIVERSITYRole: Research and development, product refinement and innovation

Ananta Gasifier Energy Pvt. LtdRole: Identification of potential sites, Project Development, turnkey projects

Manufacturing PartnerHardware from Nepali and Indian Companies

Design Specifications

Communities

Ongoing Projects

2. Belwajabdi Project – Installation and commissioning

1. Madhubangoth Project – Sustainability Issues Renewable Energy For Rural Livelihood (RERL), AEPC, NEPAL

Ipomoea based

feedstock

Ongoing Projects

4. Detailed Feasibility Studies in Tanahun and Rautahat

3. Prefeasibility Studies in 5 Western Terai Districts (Dang, Banke, Bardia, Kailali

and Kanchanpur

Possibility of corn cobs, ipomoea, forestry residue and ipomoea

Forestry residue and rice husk

Raksirang, Makawanpur

Raksirang, Makwanpur

Raksirang, Makawanpur - located on the hilltop 4-5 hours walk from

Manahari Bazaar in East-West Highway.

# largely inhabited by Chepang community.

# The community is clustered in three settlements collectively known as

Tangrang, and those settlements have 43, 37 and 12 households.

Opportunitiesi. Sufficient economical bioresources and opportunities for sustainable

bioresources production/supply within the community:

Community forest (within 30 min walking distance) - abundant shrubs and

weeds

Leasehold forest (15 Ha adjacent to the village – energy crops, fast growing

animal fodder can be grown whose residue can be used as feedstock

Agricultural residue (lots of corn is grown around) – corn cobs is good feedstock

(ii) Low possibility of grid connection in near future

No electrical connection. NEA has no plan for immediate connection.

Opportunities

(iii) Possibilities for multiple end use of electricity

Water supply problem, use of lift pump to feed water from stream in to the

tank on the hilltop.

No grain mill present, have to walk about 2 hours to nearby village. Local

youths are enthusiastic in putting up the enterprise in the village

(iv) Willingness and capability of the community to pay for the electricity

Willing able to pay Rs 120 -150 for 3-4 cfl, mobile charge point. Many have

even shown interest in having TV sets and pay for that.

(v) Investment in the project by the members of community

Majority of households have shown interest to invest about Rs 3000 – 4000

Financial IssuesOperating cost per year

S. N. Expenditure (Yearly) Amount (NRs)

1Biomass cost 104,000.00

2Biomass preparation cost 52,560.00

3Maintenance cost 36,000.00

4Operator's salary 72,000.00

6Return of investment of the company 35,000.00

TOTAL 299,560.00

On the basis of operating cost, cost per unit of electricity = Rs 13.45

Considering the capability of the average households to pay for the electricity tariff and the need, the household need about 50 -70 W (say average 60 W for 3-4 CFL, a small TV, a radio and mobile charging points) we need 6 kW for about 100 households, which will generate revenue of 100x Rs. 150 x 12 = Rs. 180,000

Tentative CostS. N. Particulars Approx. Cost

(NRs)

A. Electromechanical Equipment Cost

A.1. Gasifier Unit

‘Ananta’ Biomass Gasifier Model S1A-12 along with basic accessories and auxiliaries ( grate

shaker, gasifier shaker etc.)

1,300,000.00

A.2 Gas cleaning and Cooling System

Cyclone, Venturi Ejector, coarse filter (rice husk), fine filter (fabric).

370,000.00

A.3 Gas engine and Generator

“Prakash” Biomass (Producer) Gas Generating Set, 15KVA/12KW, Three Phase, P.F. 0.8,Model PNG-15BM powered by “Prakash”water cooled, Two Cylinder engine

380,000.00

A.4 Other accessories

Batteries, AC invertor, pumps etc.

150,000.00

A.5 Packaging, Transportation Installation, Commissioning and Training for operation and

maintenance of the electromechanical system.

350,000.00

Total A 2,550,000.00

A. Land and building cost

B.1 Civil Construction cost (shed with stone walls and corrugated roof with lxbxh, 40x18x15) 500,000.00

B.2 Land cost for the building construction and storage 250,000.00

Total B 750,000.00

A. Transmission line cost

C.1 Cables, poles, transformers and other accessories 600,000.00

A. Mobilization cost

D.1 Biomass plantation cost 150,000.00

D.2 Training (Operator training for maintenance and training to the villagers for sustainable

operation)

100,000.00

Total D 250,000.00

TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT (A+B+C+D) 4,150,000.00

Conclusion

# Involvement of Kathmandu University in solving community based

engineering problem in terms of students’ projects.

# University-company commitment for continuous support for 5 p concept

# The company intends to invest about 10-15 % of total cost. The

commitment of the company would come up after detailed feasibility study.