Institutional Report

Gujarat Energy Research and Management InstituteT HARINARAYANA*Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382 007, India

(Received on 10 April 2016; Accepted on 25 June 2016)

*Author for Correspondence: E-mail: harinarayana@germi.res.in

Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 82 No. 3 July Spl Issue 2016 pp. 985-1004 Printed in India. DOI: 10.16943/ptinsa/2016/48498

Introduction

The Gujarat Energy Research & ManagementInstitute (GERMI) is a centre of excellence in industrylearning and was set up to, i) develop human resourceto cater to the petroleum and allied energy sectors, ii)improve knowledge base of policy makers andtechnologists and iii) provide a competitive edge toleaders to compete in the global arena. GERMI is aregistered Society under the Societies RegistrationAct, 1860 and a Trust under the Bombay Public TrustAct, 1950. It is recognized by the Department ofScientific and Industrial Research (DSIR),Government of India, as Scientific and Industrial

Research Organization (SIRO). The institute is alsoa Schedule-I environment Auditor recognized by theGujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and EnergyAuditor Consultant recognized by the Gujarat EnergyDevelopment Agency (GEDA). Recognition is alsoby the Government of India as ‘Scientific ResearchAssociation’ under section 35 (1) (ii) of the IncomeTax Act, 1961. It is an autonomous and non-profitorganization, promoted by Gujarat State PetroleumCorporation (GSPC) Ltd., Gujarat, Govt. of Gujaratundertaking. GERMI has a vision that youngprofessionals in energy sector ought to have an accessto the opportunities for being more competent,

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efficient, highly knowledgeable and courageous toinnovate and experiment in the global arena andsocietal concern of a citizen will inspire productiveand efficient use of energy with wider perceptions ofclean environment and awareness of futuristicscenario.

GERMI has the mission to provide facilities andopportunities for creation of knowledge, develop blueprint of futuristic technologies and new businessopportunities, and to commit itself for societal good inall walks of human endeavor at macro as well as atgrass-root levels. One of the main objectives of theinstitute is to contribute to knowledge and assist need-based transformations of various dimensions ofefficiency enhancement in extraction and use ofenergy with appropriate innovation and adaptation ofvarious processes. It also helps to realize the scalabledevelopments of newer technologies. GREMI’smandates include, (i) Higher Education, (ii) Researchand Development and (iii) Consultancy and Training.GERMI has initiated higher education by creatingPandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU). TheUniversity addresses to the need for trained humanresource in Science, Technology, Management andHumanities. GERMI has also initiated Indian Instituteof Information Technology, IIIT-Vadodara underPrivate-Public- Partnership mode along with TataConsultancy Services and Gujarat State Fertilizers andChemicals limited to promote computer science andIT sector.

Research and Development activities throughGujarat Research Innovation and Incubation Center(GRIIC) are being carried out. This R&D Centercomprises Petroleum Research, Solar EnergyResearch and Environment and Energy EfficiencyResearch.

Initiatives by the institution have resulted insignificant outputs. For example, scientific,technological, management and training leadership inthe field of energy and environment has now reachedthe national level. Typical examples include,management of the5 MW Photovoltaic RooftopProgramme at Gandhinagar, ii) development of aninstitutional mechanism for optimization of solar energyfor safe climate and iii) integration of alternativeenergy systems.

Initiatives in petroleum sector are under way

with major multi-lateral, multi-institutional co-operation. Another standing example is the megaproject taken up in the environment sector deals withchemical substitution and compliance with fundingfrom the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP).

New initiative in the petroleum and renewableenergy sectors imply a major growth for GERMI thataims to be a ”Centre of Excellence” to develop humanresource assets in areas non-renewable and renewableenergy resources and in mitigation of associatedenvironmental impacts. Simultaneously, in-house andcollaborative research is being strengthened. GERMIhas created state of the art laboratory facilities relatedto all the three research wings.

Petroleum Research

This has two major activities, laboratory studies andthe Data Interpretation Centre (DIC)

Petroleum Research – Lab Studies

Petroleum Research has the objective of developmentof increasingly efficient and well adapted technologies,exploration, production and performance predictionand development of techniques to improve therecovery for hydrocarbon resource. Current researchprogrammes includes the conventional and non-conventional hydrocarbon resources and developmentof synthetic combustion fuel for energy security andat the same time addressing the environmentalconcerns.

As part of students’ internship programme, avast area of Cambay basin has been studies to createa database for anomalous behavior of microbial andheavy metal assemblage in the surface and sub-surface soil zones of the region. This will be extendedto all the sedimentary basins including the mining areasunder Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation.Memorandums of Understanding have been IIT-Mumbai, PDPU-Gandhinagar and National Instituteof Magneto biology signed and this joint ventureresearch has been variously funded.

In order to enhance the techno-scientificapproach GERMI develops research projects andprovides consultancy on hydrocarbon exploration andproduction industries by taking surface indicators asbasic tool along with seismic data interpretation.

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R&D Projects Completed

l Integration of surface geochemical and 3Dseismic data for evaluation of hydrocarbonPotential in onland block of KG Basin

The study aims at integrated approach using geo-microbial, adsorbed soil gas and 3D seismic studiesto understand the mechanism of hydrocarbon seepageand to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential in a blockfalling in Onshore KG Basin. Here we correlated thegeochemical anomalies with microbial anomalies. Itreveals that, adsorbed propane indicate that theanomalies follow the natural model depicting ‘Halo’pattern. Integrated anomaly plots between adsorbedlight hydrocarbons and bacterial anomalies,demonstrate that light hydrocarbon distributionshowed low signal resulting in a halo anomaly and thebacterial activity to hydrocarbon concentrationexhibited an apical anomaly. Integration of the geo-microbial and adsorbed soil gas data with 3D seismicdata shows that the geochemical anomalies wereobserved in the vicinity of the major fault and thesemay be due to the feeble gases which have generatedfrom high gamma-high resistivity shale section andhave migrated along this fault and deposited in theshallow regions.

l Integration of adsorbed soil gas and trace metalanomalies with 3D seismic data for evaluationof hydrocarbon prospectivity in Cambay basin

The concentrations of trace elements have been usedas indirect proxy for detection of hydrocarbonmicroseepage. The long-term seepage ofhydrocarbons creates near surface oxidation reductionzone that favors the development of a diverse arrayof chemical and mineralogical changes. Under thereducing environment, the solubility of trace elementincreases and due to hydrodynamic flow, these metalsmove towards the oxidizing zone. This study comparesthe trace element concentrations with adsorbed soilgaseous hydrocarbons and explains the trace elementsconcentrations pertaining to the hydrocarbon microseepages. Total 81 numbers of soil samples werecollected from the depth range of 1-2.5 meters belowthe ground level from Southern part of the CambayBasin.

The trace metals such as Chromium (Cr),Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se) and

Antimony (Sb) in the soil samples were analyzed usingAtomic Absorption Spectrometer. The analyticalresults show the varying range of concentrations asCr (0 to 76ppm), Cu (59 to 168ppm), as (63 to 155ppm),Se (72 to 182ppm) and Sb (6 to 19ppm). The analysesof adsorbed soil gases show the presence of highconcentrations of methane (CH4) ranged between 2to 290 ppb, and sum of concentrations of ΣC2+ rangedbetween 7 to 118 ppb. The increased concentrationsof trace metals, suggest a soil chemical change to areducing environment, presumably due to the influenceof hydrocarbon microseepage.

l Geochemical analysis of lignite and shalesamples of GMDC operated lignite coal mines

This study aimed to characterize the Tadakeshwarcoals. The area under study through chemicalcomposition utilizing the parameters through proximateand ultimate analyses. The analytical evaluation ofproperties such as moisture, volatile matter, fixedcarbon, and ash forms the proximate analysis. Themoisture content in the coal samples ranges between7.25 and 22.17 wt%. The fixed carbon content variesfrom 41.62 to 62.15 wt%, the ash content rangesbetween 7.74 and 29.10 wt%, volatile matter rangesbetween 37.85 and 57.69 wt%. The statistical analysisof the results show the average concentration of fixedcarbon as 50.63 wt%, ash content as 17.10 wt%,moisture as 12.64 wt%, and volatile matter as 54.39wt%. The concentration of carbon content rangesbetween 42.65 and 72.52 wt%, The oxygen contentranges between 20.02 and 42.16 wt%, the hydrogenranges between 1.80 and 7.77 wt%, sulphur rangesbetween 0.84 and 6.31 wt% and nitrogen rangesbetween 0.08 and 0.90 wt%. The statistical analysisof the results show the average concentration ofcarbon as 58.55 wt%, hydrogen 5.11 wt%, nitrogenas 0.51, sulphur as 3.67, and oxygen as 28.81 wt%.The analytical results suggest the existing coal withvarying thickness spread all over the region is of ligniterank.

Sponsored Projects

(a) Laboratory scale development of syntheticcombustion fuel using algae as a Resourcesupported by Department of Climate change,Gujarat.

The objectives of the project are-

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l Isolation, screening and evaluation of naturallyoccurring photosynthetic microalgae strains thatexhibit high growth rate and high oil content

l Optimization of nutritional and physiologicalparameters for the enhancement of biofuelproduction along with CO2 sequestration byselected strain

l Comparison of technologies for biofuelproduction

l Development of novel plant for the commercialscale biofuel production using optimizedparameters and analysis of its impact oneconomy and environment

(b) Laboratory scale development of technology forAlgal Fuel production supported by GujaratCouncil for Science and Technology

This project aims to develop a technology forthe commercial scale biofuel production usingoptimized parameters and analysis of differentkinds of algae by isolation of Algal stains,cultivation of specified algae, extraction of Algaloil and conversion of Algal oil to biodiesel (Fig.1).

Petroleum Research-Data Interpretation Center(DIC)

The center has expertise in geophysical and geologicaldata interpretation such as seismic attributes,complicated fault block interpretation, well-seismiccorrelation, post and pre-stack inversion, texture

attribute analysis and TOC mapping. A focus onadopting new techniques from various disciplines, withpotential for the advancement of technology relatedto oil and gas industry for multidisciplinary studies forenhancing the understanding of the hydrocarbon plays.

The center has carried out several R&D andsponsored projects on Geological and Geophysical(G&G) data analysis for hydrocarbon exploration andmentored 49 students and trained 78 geoscientists inseismic data interpretation. For applied R&D forexploration, GERMI also engages domain experts,post-doctoral fellows’ geo-scientists and programmersin computational geophysics. The center hash 5 multicore work stations with 55 TB storage and is managedby a group. The infrastructure also develops graphicintensive interactive interpretation and processingapplications, high compute intensive seismic depthimaging using Message Passing Interface (MPI) andComputer Unified Device Architecture (CUDA)parallelization technologies on workstations, harnessingthe power of multi-core CPUs and GPUs.

(a) Software Development

The seismic software development group is oneof its kind in India and targets the vast gap indevelopment of seismic software that will becommercially marketed. Following areas aretargeted:

l Development of seismic data processingsoftwares in a user friendly environment.

l Development of Seismic Imaging softwaresnamely Reverse Time Migration algorithmthrough high performance computing.

l Apart from development of routine softwaremodules for interpretation, the group is focusingon the development of niche products relevantto Indian hydrocarbon industry.

Research Areas of DIC group

1. Enhancement of Seismic signatures anddevelopment of new attributes

2. Development of new technology and Customsolutions as plugins

3. Data conditioning for Fault and Fractureextraction

4. Integration of multiple domain data sets forinterpretation

Fig. 1: Extraction of Algal biofuel using Soxhlet extractionmethod

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5. Quantitative interpretation of pre stack dataincluding prestack inversion

6. Seismic velocity modeling for plausible depthestimations

7. Seismic Imaging using High PerformanceComputing

8. Mapping of TOC through Cores, Logs andSeismic

9. Strengthening the efforts of open source G&Ginterpretation software like opendTect

10. Development of indigenous interpretativeSeismic processing software

Research and Development in G&G dataAnalysis activities include to create new workflowsfor seismic data interpretation, to use advancementin Digital Signal/Image processing for seismic attributecomputation, to provide R&D support to Indian E&Pcompanies in G&G data analysis and to developmethods for mapping TOC through core, logs andseismic data.

Evaluation of Exploration & ProductionBlocks activity include to provide techno-commercial consultancy to clients for evaluation ofexploratory Blocks for acquisition to providecomprehensive acquisition strategy to clients foracquiring small and medium fields, to assist and provideadvisory to acreage holders in managing PSCs andimplementation of MWP, seismic API projectmanagement and execution, seismic Data acquisition(2D & 3D), provides acquisition project consultancyincluding Optimization of equipment and technologies,modeling based survey designing, optimization of fieldparameters, planning of experimental work, QC of2D & 3D seismic data acquisition and to providecomprehensive, industry accepted QHSE solutions

Seismic Data Processing (2D & 3D) activityinclude comprehensive consultancy for finalizationof specifications, for processing and preparation oftender documents for processing and assist clients infinalization of processing contracts, provides seismicdata processing project consultancy includingoptimization of processing sequence, model basedprocessing, analysis of experimental processing work,and optimization of processing parameters monitoringquality control of production processing of 2D, 3D

seismic data, Processing of 2D and 3D seismic data(PSTM and PSDM), processing for Coalcharacterization for CBM exploration etc.

The group is also capable of well log dataprocessing and interpretation. It providescomprehensive consultancy for well log data analysis.The team has highly professional Petro-physicistshaving more than 30 years of quality experience inwell log data acquisition, processing and analysis. Italso provide core analysis and production log analysis.

The group has accomplished many projectsin Geology and Geophysics. For example, it hasdeveloped workflows for post stack data enhancementand fault and fracture analysis, channels and thin sanddelineation, TOC prediction through core data, welllogs and Seismic correlation, multi attribute analysis& ANN for log property mapping, texture attributes,Poisson impedance for reservoir characterization, coalcharacterization. Improving stack quality andidentification of coal seams using state of the artprocessing and interpretation technologies along withchannel partners.

The group has completed many consultancyprojects. For example, pilot project on evaluation ofG&G data of a NELP block of M/S Mercator Pvt.Ltd, G&G data analysis for hydrocarbon explorationfor M/S Sintex Oil and Gas Limited etc.

Training and Development on PetroleumExploration

The group has an indigenous training and researchorganization whose vision is to provide, world-classcontinuing education facility for human capacitybuilding for the Indian petroleum industry. It is nowproposing to collaborate with the national andinternational exploration and production trainingservices, to form a consortium of international trainers.For this purpose it can source locally and also aroundthe world the most competent and experienced; earningconsultants in the technical, non-technical andmanagement disciplines. The group personnel are ofrenowned explorationists involved in E&P businessin India and abroad having more than 30 years ofprofessional experience. Its key objective is to developa facility that is conducive for the impartation ofknowledge & skills for enhancing competency,productivity and professionalism in both the upstream

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and downstream stream sector of the petroleumindustry.

The Data Interpretation Center has designedworkshops for young geophysicists, petro - physicists,geologists and reservoir engineers to enrich theirknowledge in seismic data interpretation, tool physicsand formation evaluation. During the period fromMarch 2013-April 2015 it has conducted 3 trainingsrelated to G&G data analysis. It was attended by about78 geoscientists from oil industry (Oil and NaturalGas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Indian OilCorporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petro ResourceLimited (BPRL), Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation(GSPC) Selan Exploration Technology Ltd., CentralMine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), Jindal,Indian Institute of Technolies and various otherInstitutions).

Solar Energy Research Wing

The Solar energy research Wing supports thefundamental and applied research ranging from solarcell material and device designs to plant performanceanalysis. The Wing also provides technical andadvisory services to government as well as industriesfor deploying solar and related renewable energyinitiatives. The wing has a successful track record insetting up rooftop and megawatt-scale photovoltaicpower plants, smart and micro-grids, social projectssuch as solar streetlights, as well as structuring publicprivate transactions to ensure sustainability. This richexperience also culminates into very successful andcomprehensive professional and vocational trainingprogrammes.

Sponsored Research Projects

(a) Design, development and demonstration ofmicro-grid system for optimization and controlof multiple sources of power supply.

Efficient integration and optimization ofrenewable energy sources and energy storageto existing distribution network (at CMPDI,Ranchi) to maximize renewable energyutilization, enhance energy-related userexperience and reduce to overall carbonfootprint

Status of project: All of the installations including190 kW rooftop solar and micro-grid components

such as voltage stabilizers, battery bank,automatic demand response equipment andcontrol software are commissioned. Installationof integration equipment, i.e. auto-changeoverpanel, is also completed.

(b) Global Technology Watch Group (Sub-Group 4:Renewable Energy Policy and Business Model)

The Global Technology Watch Group -Renewable Energy (GTWG-RE) aims toprovide a robust assessment of the globalrenewable energy technology developmentlandscape that will assist the NMSKCC indeveloping a domestic knowledge network,enhancing institutional capabilities forstrengthening the negotiating position, andadvising the government on technology strategy.This is an ongoing process which willprogressively continue during its term. GERMIhas developed a repository of information andanalysis regarding the solar energy sector atcentral as well as state-level

(c) Development of ‘Best Practices Manual’ forimplementation of state-level rooftop solarphotovoltaic programmes for India

Development of a manual for administrativestakeholders including state governments,distribution companies, state nodal agencies,electrical inspectors and financial institutions.The chapters of the manual describe rooftopsolar business models, policy, regulations,technicalities, implementation processes andappraisal considerations. The manual is nearingcompletion.

Fundamental Research and Development

(a) Development of graphene for photovoltaicapplications

Graphene is a single atomic layer of graphiteand it is a ‘wonder material’ due to its exceptionalmechanical strength, high electric conductivityand high optical transparency. Use of Graphenein commercial solar cells is being explored.Crystalline (and polycrystalline) silicon isconsidered as the complementary material (i.e.for forming the hetero junction), due to its proventechno-commercial viability, material maturity

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and its ability to achieve high efficiencies(approaching its thermodynamic efficiencylimits). GERMI, Graphene is investigated for itspotential as (i) an absorber layer, (ii) substrate/superstrate, (iii) current-spreading layer, and (iv)anti-reflection coating.

High quality graphene film is fabricated usingmechanical exfoliation of highly-orientedpyrolytic graphite. The graphene films on glasssubstrates are characterized using field-emissionscanning electron microscopy, atomic forcemicroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-visspectroscopy and Fourier transform infraredspectroscopy. A very high intensity ratio of2D to G-band (≈ 1.67) and narrow 2D-bandfull-width at half maximum (≈ 40 cm–1)correspond to the bi-layer graphene formation.The bi-layer graphene/p-GaN/n-InGaN/n-GaN/GaN/sAl2O3 system is studied theoreticallyusing TCAD Silvaco software, in which theproperties of exfoliated bi-layer graphene areused as transparent and conductive film, andthe device exhibits an efficiency of 15.24%compared to 13.63% for ITO/p-GaN/n-InGaN/n-GaN/GaN/Al2O3 system (Behura et al.,2014).

(b) Indium Gallium Nitride (InGaN) Solar cells

This work has been carried under GERMI-CSIRCentral Electronics Engineering ResearchInstitute, Pilani, Rajasthan collaboration. The III-Nitrides (consisting of Aluminium Nitride, GalliumNitride, Indium Nitride and its alloys) is a novelsemiconductor material system that has thepotential of achieving over 50% photovoltaicconversion efficiencies. However, there areseveral technological challenges in achievinghigh quality semiconductor material as well aslow-resistance contacts. Additionally, followingitems are being investigated. For example,design, fabrication, characterization andoptimization of wide-band gap InGaN solar cells,accurate modelling and simulation of InGaN solarcells through investigating material and devicedatasets.

(c) p-GaN/i-InxxGa1xx N/n-GaN solar cell withindium compositional grading:

The effect of indium compositional grading on

the performance of p-GaN/i-InxGa1–xN/GaNp-GaN/i-InxGa1–xN/GaNsolar cell has beeninvestigated using TCAD Silvaco. Anenhancement in efficiency of almost two timesis found and this may be due to the increase inshort circuit current density and open circuitvoltage. This can be imputed to high carriercollection due to the reduction of band offset atthe interface and high band bending in intrinsiclayer. The optimized GaN/InxGa1–xNGaN/InxGa1–xN solar cell with indium compositiongrading from 0 to 0.11, results fill factor of 77 %,short circuit current density of 0.99 mA/cm22 and open circuit voltage of 2.21 V underAM1.5G illumination.

Applied Research and Development

(a) Solar Thermal Energy Generation Potential inGujarat and Tamil Nadu States, India

Government of India has come out with anambitious target of 100 GW of using solar energyalone by the year 2022. To reach this target,innovative ideas are required to use the solarenergy more effectively. For solar electricitygeneration, mainly two types of technologies arepresently in use, namely, solar PV and solarthermal. More research is required on economicaspects to make the solar thermal competitiveto solar PV. Towards this direction, in our presentstudy we have simulated a solar thermal powerplant using Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC)technology and normalized with 1 MW solarthermal power plant at Gurgaon near NewDelhi. Through simulation, we have extendedour study and computed the electricity generationpossible at different locations of India. For thispurpose with 1o × 1o spacing, computations havebeen carried out at 296 locations. The work isfurther extended for more detailed study at tworepresentative states, namely, Gujarat and TamilNadu. In these two states, closer data pointswith 0.25o × 0.25o spacing have been consideredat 273 locations for Gujarat and 197 locationsfor Tamil Nadu. Our results indicate a largepotential of electricity generation using solarthermal energy in southern states of India,namely, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala,southern and western part of Andhra Pradesh

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and eastern part of Maharashtra. Good potentialhas also been observed in eastern parts ofGujarat and parts of Madhya Pradesh andeastern part of Rajasthan. The annual potentialranges from 1800 MWh to as much as 2600MWh. Major parts of northern states, forexample Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal,Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir have mediumrange potential. Here, the annual potential rangesfrom 1000 to 1500 MWh. Poor range ofpotential is observed towards eastern parts ofIndia and north eastern states. Here, theelectricity generation potential ranges from 600to 1200 MWh. Our results (Fig. 2) are useful tosolar thermal developer and decision managers(Reddy and Harinarayana, 2015).

(b) Solar PV Energy Generation Map of Karnataka,India

Four solar PV power plants in Karnataka stateare fully operational installed by KarnatakaPower Corporation Limited (KPCL). They arelocated at Kolar, Belgaum and Raichur with 3MW capacity each and at Mandya with 5 MWcapacity. In the present study, using groundmounted weather station data solar powergeneration has been estimated and comparedwith actual generation for two consecutive years

of 2012 and 2013 for one location initially, namely3 MW Kolar Solar PV Plant. The procedure isrepeated for rest of the plants. The simulatedresults have been corrected with groundmounted weather data. After such corrections,the simulated results have been compared withthe actual energy generation of the four plants.Results showed a close match with a smalldeviation of about 5%. The model then appliedthroughout the state for every 0.25 degreestation intervals in a grid manner. The annualenergy generation obtained for the state variesfrom 1.53 to 1.73 MUs/MW. Central and southeastern part of the state are found to yieldsignificantly higher solar power generation ascompared to the northern part and south westernpart of Karnataka. Interestingly, north westernpart of Kodagu district has shown the leastpotential of 1.53 MUs/MW as compared toother parts. This can be attributed mainly due tolow irradiation and high temperature conditionat this location. The energy generated map fromour study will be useful and helpful for both solardevelopers and decision makers of Karnatakastate (Gajjar et al., 2015).

(c) Theoretical Study of Wind Turbine Model witha New Concept on Swept Area

Commercially available wind-turbines areoptimized to operate at certain wind velocity,known as rated wind velocity. For other valuesof wind velocity, it has different output which islower than the rated output of the wind plant.Wind mill can be designed to provide maximumpower output at different wind velocities throughmodification of swept area to match with thewind speed available at the moment. Theseresults in increased utilization of generationcapacity of wind mill compared to itscommercially designed counterpart. Atheoretical simulation has been done to prove anew concept about swept area of wind turbineblade which results in a significant increase inthe power output through the year. Simulationresults of power extracted through normal windblade design and new concept are studied andcompared. Study establishes that there can bea significant gain in the power output with thenew concept (Sagarkumar et al., 2015).

Fig. 2: Solar thermal energy generation potential map forIndia using PTC technology. Considering 1 MW powerplant at different locations. The solar thermalpotential ranges from 600 MWh/annum in parts ofnorth eastern region to about 2600 MWh/annum inparts of south India (Reddy and Harinarayana, 2015)

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(d) Solar PV Energy Generation PotentialEstimation in India and Gujarat, Andhra,Telangana States

It is a well-established fact that solar energyproved to be the most sought after source forenergy generation. Although, solar energypotential maps of India have been preparedbased on solar irradiation maps in the earlierstudies, the present research study has beencarried out with a focused attention directly onsolar energy generation considering variousparameters. In this work it is shown that solarenergy generation does not depend on solarradiation alone at a location. Instead, there arevarious other factors that influence the energygeneration. Some of them are ambienttemperature, wind velocity and other parameterslike weather and topographic conditions. In thisstudy the locations with high and low solar energygeneration potential in India have been identifiedthrough systematic analysis by computing thesolar energy parameters at every grid point (1° ×1°). The work has been extended with moredetailed study for Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh andthe newly formed Telangana states. The datapoints considered for the states are 0.25° ×0.25° having resulted in adding more number oflocations. Our results indicate that the totalannual energy generation in India varies from510,000 KWH to 800,000 KWH per acre ofland (Fig. 3). The least energy generationlocation pertains to the eastern parts ofArunachal Pradesh and eastern part of Assamand the highest annual solar energy generationhas been identified in the eastern parts of Jammu& Kashmir and eastern part of Uttarakhand(Harinarayana and Kashyap, 2014).

(e) Increasing the Efficiency of Grid Tied MicroWind Turbines in Low Wind Speed Regimes

Major problem with grid tied micro wind turbineis synchronization and wind variability. Due tothis problem the stability of available grid getsreduced. The stability can be achieved by outputpower control of the turbine. Major countrieslike India, the annual mean wind speed is nothigh. The rated wind speed of turbine remainaround 11 m/s and cut in is around 3.5 m/s. Dueto this problem we aimed to develop a

sustainable wind energy system that can providestable power supply even at the locations of lowwind speed of 2 - 4 m/s. To address this issue, amomentary impulse or external torque to therotor by external motor is one of the good optionsto maintain the momentum of blades and thusprovide stability for sufficient time. Varioustheoretical calculations and experiments areconducted on the above method. This wouldincrease the output power and also the efficiencyof wind turbine. We show that Return-On-Investment will be high as compared with othergrid connected turbines. Our proposed conceptin the present study, if implemented properly,can help the installation of number of windturbines even at domestic level. It also makesthe consumers energy independent and promotesthe use of wind as a source of energy and mayenter as a rooftop energy supply system similarto solar (Tiwari and Harinarayana, 2014).

(f) Aircraft Disaster Management in Gujarat UsingGeographic Information System

Among various disasters, aircraft disaster isconsidered to be one of the deadliest disasters.Search and Rescue (SAR) operations play avital role at the time of disaster. Reducing thesearch area, decreasing the reach time andfollowing the optimal route to reach the crash

Fig. 3: Annual solar energy generation potential map forIndia estimated from the study. Blue colour showsthe low energy generation and Red indicates the highenergy generation (Harinarayana and Kashyap 2014)

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site are some of the important factors to enablethe SAR team to save more lives in the accidentarea. Using the laws of projectile motioncombined with the force due to air drag we canapproximately predict the possible area of crashof the aircraft in order to find the wreckage andthe approximate time of the plane to reach theground. Additionally, Geographic InformationSystem (GIS) helps to identify the area of thewreckage, generates a probability map withprobable location of the crash, suggest theoptimal route to reach the crash site and help toassist the ground crew – for example, districtadministration, hospitals, police, NGO’s etc inthe vicinity of the crash site. The scope of thepresent study is aimed at an aeroplane undercruising experience failure due to structural orengine malfunction. We apply differentialequation and formulae to analyze the situationin four different hypothetical cases consideringthe Gujarat state, India and suggest ways andmeans for SAR operations (Manoj Siddhardhaand Harinarayana, 2014).

(g) Solar Energy Generation Using AgricultureCultivated Lands

Generation of electricity using solar PV is pickingup in India in a big way in recent years. It needsa clear direction such that it can optimally beutilized and the benefits, without beingconcentrated in a few locations, can reach themajority of poor population as well. Indianfarmers, for the last few decades are affectedin terms of availability of electrical power. Thepresent study suggests the use of fertile andcultivated land with about 5 m elevated structurewith solar panels. It creates shade on the crops.In the present study, the shade effect on thecrops below the structure has been examinedsystematically through modeling studies.Different solar panel design configurations aresuggested such that the crops or plants below,on the ground surface, can also be grown withoutany reduction in their yield. The effect of theelevated structure on the neighboring lands isalso examined. It is shown that the presentconcept can easily be implemented in India,perhaps in the world, at all the locations such that power can be generated using farmer’s own

land for his own benefit, perhaps with some profitto him. The present concept, if implemented,also reduces the huge cost involved inestablishing the network of transmission anddistribution lines (Harinarayana and Vasavi,2013).

(h) Development of Geotourism in Kutch Region,Gujarat, India: An Innovative Approach

Geotourism in Kutch has an exemplary potentialof being designated as a site for perfectestablishment of a National Geopark. The paperis aimed to describe the geological significanceof the sites with basic concept of creation ofgeoparks and promote geotourism. The financial,infrastructural aspects, deliverables to thesociety are presented primarily focusing on thelocal economic and sustainable development ofKutch. The need for development ofinfrastructure for geotourism is urgently requiredas the rare geological heritage of Kutch regionis eroding and being destroyed due to manmadeactivities (Swarna et al., 2013).

Patents and Flagship Programs

A few patents are also filed related to energysavings. For example, thermal cooling device forportable electronic equipments, a system for coolingand heating of indoor space using geothermal energyand solar energy and energy efficient pressure cooker.

1) GERMI innovation on “Smart PressureCooker” vide registration no. 268695 on1st of August, 2015

The new pressure cooker helps energy efficientcooking and thereby minimizing LPGconsumption. The test results confirmed around40% savings of LPG while compared with energyconsumption by normal pressure cooker forcooking same amount of food stuff. Smartcontroller helps reducing energy loss and therebywhen implemented with smart controller, it canfurther reduce LPG consumption by 20%reducing overall LPG consumption by a massive60%. The product shall cost additional INR 2000compared to a normal 5 liter pressure cooker.Assuming only 40% of saving on LPG, LPGcylinder price at INR 900 and consumption of 6

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cylinders of LPG a year, the product offersattractive savings of INR 2000, thereby offeringreturn in one year time.

2) GERMI innovation in designing a productfor Thermal Cooling Device for PortableElectronic Equipments (registration No.266563)

The product does not require any energy butmakes any product keep it’s surface will makethe product to cool naturally. Although it hasbeen prepared for the laptops and other devices,it has many more applications to cool a locationin a natural way without using any energy.

In applied research GERMI’ s flagshipproject is related to micro-grid project at Central MinePlanning and Design Institute (CMPDI) Ranchi (Fig.4). This project will aim to minimize the campus tominimize the carbon footprint of the campus, whileimproving the quality and availability of power andinstall and optimally utilize multiple renewable energysources and energy storage systems while alsoensuring their economic viability, and utilize demand-

side management (DSM)/automated demandresponse (DR) to balance the variability of renewablesand minimize diesel consumption.

In the implementation of the project a study ofexisting energy baseline including the energy supplypatterns from grid and generators, consumptionpatterns, wiring within the campus and existingstrategies of load prioritization are completed. Thiswas followed by identification of possible micro-gridstrategies using the available generation, storage,control and communication technologies; modelvarious optimization strategies are prepared in termsof financial viability and minimization of fossil-basedenergy consumption. Optimal specifications formonitoring equipment for baseline determination,rooftop solar and wind energy generating systemsaggregating to 200 kWp, battery bank withmanagement system, switchgear for mechanizedswitching with remote communication capabilities,micro-grid controller to control and communicate withvarious power supply, generation and consumptionpoint are being designed.

Fig. 4: Micro-Grid at CMPDI

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The 5 Mw Gandhinagar (Solar) PhotovoltaicRooftop Programme

Prior to 2012, rooftop solar projects were implementedthrough direct government funding and it was widelyobserved that the performance of such systems wasnot at their technical best. Hence due to cost andperformance issues, it was obvious that this modelwould not work for widespread rooftop solardeployment. Therefore GERMI was assigned the taskof implementing the 5 MW Gandhinagar (Solar)Photovoltaic Rooftop Programme by the Energy andPetrochemicals Department, Government of Gujarat.GERMI revised the entire methodology of rooftopsolar programmes and establish the widespreadpractice/philosophy of distributed solar and renewableenergy generation and demonstrated the technicalfeasibility of large volume of scattered energy injectioninto the distribution grid. The program is nowfunctional and has paved way for large-volume rooftopprogrammes by leveraging public investments, andpublic participation.

20 MW advisory and Project ManagementConsultancy Under National Solar Mission

Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited(GSECL) decided to develop a solar Photo voltaic(PV) project under the Jawaharlal Nehru NationalSolar Mission (JNNSM). GERMI advised GSECLon its bidding strategy for Batch-2, Phase-1 of theJNNSM. Analysis cost of ongoing projects andequipment the economics of the program based onvarious techno-commercial parameters, GERMIrecommended a viability gap funding (VGF) forGSECL to be quoted. The bidding results indicatedGSECL’s bid as a most mature bid resulting into theaward of project. Consequently, GERMI wasawarded the Project Management Consultancy(PMC).two 10 MW project each of GESCL andGujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL).

Professional Training in Solar Energy

Solar Energy group at GERMI regularly conductsSolar Power Professional Workshops high and mid-level engineering/management professionals wishingto orient their employees to companies without priorsolar experience. Trainers range from in-housesubject experts to technology leaders from industries.We have already trained 400+ professionals through

these intensive 6-day programmes. The variousmodules in this programme are directly helpparticipants to gain basic knowledge of componentsof a photovoltaic power plant (photovoltaic modules,inverters, charge controllers, batteries, switchyard,Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)mount in structures). It also explains them Photovoltaicsystem types, design philosophy, principles, examplesand calculations, project management, economics andfinancial aspects, policies on solar energy, RenewableEnergy Certificate (REC) and carbon credits throughmaterial with worked-out examples, data sheets,discussions, etc. Also imparted is hands-on experiencewith site survey tools, weather measurements andinstallation of photovoltaic system. Comprehensivelearning of industry-standard photovoltaic systemdesigning software is also included in the programme.Additionally, site visit to megawatt-scale and rooftopphotovoltaic power plants and manufacturing units.

Solar Vocational Training

GERMI assists in the development of a skilledworkforce for the solar industry through a widespreadvocational training of trainers and as institutions.

National Certification Programme

The National Certification Programme for RooftopSolar PV Installer is a platform to develop and promotesolar vocational capabilities in training and educationalinstitutions by standardizing curriculum and content,training the trainers, assisting in setting up traininginfrastructure, monitoring training quality and certifyingthe successful technicians. The Government of Indiahas set an ambitious target of 100 gigawatts of solarcapacity in the country by the year 2022, out of which40 gigawatts are to be installed on rooftops. As onJuly 2015, the total installed solar capacity in Indiawas just over 4.1 gigawatts, while under 99 megawatts(i.e. 0.099 gigawatts) were installed on rooftops.Rooftop solar systems offer tremendous advantagessuch as lower transmission and distribution losses,lower investment amounts, lesser number ofclearances, public participation and higher employmentand entrepreneurship opportunities. One of the mostcritical component of aggressive rooftop solardeployment is the availability of highly skilled andqualified installers. It is estimated that India will needapproximately 10 Lakh solar technicians by 2022 tomeet its targets.

Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute 997

Energy Efficient Air Conditioning System UsingGeothermal Cooling-Solar Heating in Gujarat,India

It is well known that a unit of electrical energy savedis equal to more than two units produced. One wayof economizing the power is utilization of energyefficient systems at all locations. In this study, the airconditioning system was analyzed and an innovativeway for energy saving was suggested. We usednatural low temperature of shallow sub surface (1-3m) of the earth—geothermal cooling system. Giventhat majority of the households and the apartmentcomplexes in India have two tanks for water storage.One is the underground water sump and the other isthe overhead water tank we used these two watertanks for space cooling during summer and also forheating during winter using a simple idea oftransferring the low temperature from undergroundwater sump to the room in the house using water as amode of heat transport.

In India for most of the year, the air temperatureis high and demands space cooling with only a fewmonths of severe winters. For heating the space, wesuggest to use the well known solar water heater and

an effective heat exchanger was developed throughcomputation, modeling schemes and laboratroyexperiments. In geothermal cooling, the ambient airtemperature of 35oC-40oC in the room was broughtdown to 26oC without much ( how much) consumptionof electricity. Analogously, the room temperature atnight (13oC) during winter in Ahmedabad wasincreased to 27oC through circulation of water fromsolar water heater in the heat exchanger. Theschematic diagram of the concept used in the study isshown in Fig. 5.

Innovations in Solar and Renewable Energy

GERMI is currently investigating degradation of solarPV modules and development of innovative structuresfor canal top solar power plants, evaluation of solarPV modules of different technology etc. in the fieldof solar energy. Forecasting of solar and wind energy,development of virtual power plants and smart windgenerators are being examined. Work ondemonstration of industrial and residential heatapplications process running on solar thermal energyand thereby helping commercialization of the solarthermal technology in cooking, air – conditioning,heating, and drying applications in residential and

Fig. 5: Schematic diagram showing the concept used in the study. Here underground cooled water is pumped to the overheadtank (Sneha Shahare and Harinarayana, 2016)

998 T Harinarayana

commercial segment. For example, in conventionalpower segment, drying of lignite through flue gasexhaust or by use of solar thermal concentrators isvery important applied work and the group hasestablished feasibility of the same for one of the lignitebased power plant in Gujarat.

GERMI Innovations in Renewable EnergyResearch

Activities

These activities of innovation are being undertakenwith support from experts from industries andacademia and also providing opportunity to developscientific acumen in the young graduates /undergraduates through summer internship program(SIP) of GERMI.

Demonstration of New Technologies

The group executes couple of demonstration projectsin the field of solar thermal energy, wave energy,geothermal energy etc which are at different stagesof development. Noteworthy amongst these aregeothermal technology, wave energy technology,innovative coating of solar PV modules and automaticcleaning of solar PV plant through robots, magneticfly-wheel development for dispatching reliable supplyof wind energy etc.

Creating Knowledge Centres across the Country

The group has started first O&M training program inthe country. It has also offered wind energy workshop.It has played a major role in framing and execution ofelective course in Renewable Energy for NTPCSchool of Business (NSB) at New Delhi. The groupis also engaged in creating knowledge centers atdifferent institutes in India to create skilled man-powerto address the need of industry, research anddevelopment, policy makers etc.

Solar App

A Solar APP is developed and made it available to allfreely to the smart phone users. The link is availableusing Google Play. It provides digital values of solarenergy in any location using google map. Thisapplication is based on ten years of data collectedfrom satellite through NASA. Right now, theapplication calculates the amount of solar generation

for an acre of land.

This application also features email links so thatthe developer can receive feedback for futureimprovements. Besides solar power generation,GERMI is also conducting research on otherrenewable energy sources.

Sponsored Projects

(a) Solar PV Module Degradation Study &Performance Evaluation of GTPS 1 MW Multi-Technology SPV Plant & 1 MW Canal TopSPV Project at Sanand

Scope of Project is to test solar PV modules toidentify degradation in the solar PV modules fromCanal Top SPV and different solar PV moduletechnologies under operation at GTPS 1 MWpower plant and to study and analyzeperformance of both these power plants.

(b) Demonstration of Solar Powered Smart Villageat Shapar, Junagadh, Gujarat. Scope of Projectis to install 500 kW solar PV plant with demand/supply control to cater to village electricitysupply. The project is successfully completedand is now under operation at village Shapar,District: Junagadh, Gujarat for more than oneyear now. The project has lot of replicationpotential as urban micro-grids/smart grids.

(c) Enhancement of Livelihood Opportunitiesthrough Solar Applications for 161 Villages underIntegrated Coastal Zone Management Programin Gujarat

Scope of Project is to study village requirementand suggest appropriate solar/other renewableenergy applications/solutions with focus onenhancement of livelihood activities in 161villages in Gujarat. Various tasks in the projectare bid process execution support, supervisionand quality control, training and creation ofsustainable model for long term operation of theinstalled systems.

(d) Demonstration of 150 TR solar thermal AC

The Scope of Project is to select and identifymost suitable solar thermal technology, to selectand identify most suitable VAM technology, toinstall 150 TR AC operating through dual fuel

Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute 999

mode i.e. solar thermal and grid, to assessperformance of the system and to providereplicable business/execution model for futurereplication of the project under smart cityinitiatives. Achievement/Merits of the Projectis successful demonstration of the project shallresult into replicable projects, shall establishreliability of the technology and shall give a bigboost to replace fossil electricity for spaceheating/cooling applications.

(e) Feasibility Study of Drying of Lignite throughFlue Gas Exhaust/Solar Thermal Energy

The Scope of Project is to study technicalfeasibility of concept of drying of lignite and tosuggest different sources like energy from fluegas exhaust or from solar thermal energy fordrying of lignite. Achievement/Merits of theProject are that drying of lignite can enhanceplant efficiency. Apart from drying, our studyrevealed several other possibilities likedesalination of water, electricity generation fromflue gas heat recovery, cleaning of flue gas etc.

(f) Development of Hydrophobic Coating for SolarPV Modules (Incubation Activity)

Scope of Project is to test the hydrophobiccoating under STC and under field condition andto assess the claims (expected benefits) of thetechnology. Achievement /Merits of the Projectis that Government of Gujarat has initiated solarPV plant on Ash – dykes, the plant suffers heavyloss in electrical output due to ash powder gettingdeposited on the module surface. Successfuldemonstration of the technology helps inreducing soiling losses and offer ease of cleaningto the operator with savings of water forcleaning.

(g) Development of Automatic Cleaning Robot forSolar PV Modules (Incubation Activity)

Scope of Project is to test the automatic cleaningrobot and evaluate the technology in terms ofcost – benefit analysis under field condition andto assess the claims (expected benefits) of thetechnology

Achievement/Merits of the Project are asfollows. With advancement of solar parks andvery large scale solar PV plants, cleaning is

becoming a headache. Automatic cleaning mayoffer very fast cleaning system and hence,number of cleaning cycles can be increased/operation time may be reduced which may resultinto saving of energy. Savings in waterconsumption for cleaning of modules areexpected to be 1/4th only.

(h) Solar Powered Drinking Water at Village Pavda,Gujarat (Incubation activity)

Scope of Project is to select solar powereddrinking water system for village, to supervisequality of the plant, to assess performance ofthe plant and to prepare appropriate villagebusiness models for future replication of thetechnology. Achievement /Merits of the Projectis that Government of Gujarat has initiated roof– top solar for villagers. The development isrequired in order to satisfy the need for powerand water for the villagers.

(i) Development of Innovative Solar Structures forCanal Top Plant

Scope of Project is to design structures whichare cost effective and suitable for canal topplants, to fabricate and tests the structures inthe field and evaluated its performance.Achievement/Merits of the Project is thatGovernment of Gujarat has initiated canal roof– top solar PV project with an intention to saveon land cost by utilizing space above canal. It isfound that biggest bottleneck shall be cost ofsolar structures. The new types of structures,which are different in design, can offer cheaperstructures for canal top solar PV plant.

Environment and Energy Efficiency ResearchWing

The Environment and Energy Efficiency ResearchWing (E & EERW) of GERMI conducts fundamentaland applied research on issues of national andinternational importance related to science, technologyand management pertaining to environmental pollution,energy efficiency, bio-energy and optimization ofconversions of waste-to-energy. This research wingprimarily focuses on research and services to solvethe practical problems faced by the industries andenables the integration of innovative need-basedtechnologies and other holistic interventions.

1000 T Harinarayana

This research wing is also working onenvironmental pollution and energy efficiency,renewable energy and optimization of conversion ofwaste to energy. The nature of this wing’s researchwill be in response to emerging environmentalchallenges faced by Gujarat and the country at large,aligned with India’s priorities, commitments and standwith respect to multilateral environmental agreements.The research wing has established the environmentalsoftware lab with 13 softwares for authentic predictionof environmental impacts.

Objectives and Targets

l The basic objective is to serve as a Center ofExcellence in research and development ofEnvironmental Technologies.

l To offer short & long term academic programsto develop skilled work force.

l To provide expert consultancy services relatedto Environmental Pollution control.

l The Research Wing aims to generate insightsthat lead to integrated benefits for multiplestakeholder groups, including industry, policy anddecision makers in the government, bi-and-multilateral institutions and communities.

l The Research Wing recognizes the fact thatenvironmental impacts are cross-cutting and canemerge from the extraction of energy fromvarious sources, and use in industrial, domesticand other applications.

l The research wing will focus on disseminationof information on Energy Efficiency practices,devices and technologies as it believes that“Energy saved is energy produced”.

Areas of Research and Services

Fundamental and applied research related toenvironmental technologies for water and waste watertreatment, air pollution, municipal and hazardous solidwaste management and reuse - recycling of water.Other research areas are - conversion of waste toenergy, monitoring, control and mapping of gaseousemissions-ambient and source, contaminated siteremediation and preventive practices for petroleumsectors, mitigation and adaptation measures in areasimpacted due to climate change related to petroleumsectors.

Additionally, scientific and technological aspectsof energy efficiency in homes, buildings andmanufacturing including energy audit and carboncredits. It is a resource center providingcomprehensive information to Industries on energyefficient practices, devices and techniques toconceptualize the policy interventions for effectiveenvironmental management at state and centralgovernment level. The group also conducting shortand middle term online/training programs leading tocertificate or diploma.

The group offers various services to the industryin environmental audit and energy efficiency audit.Different audit parameters that can be handled bythe institute are-

A. Envir onmental Audit

a) Schedule I Environmental Auditor – Recognizedby GPCB

b) GERMI can audit 15 industries – 4 industriesfor the year 2014

c) GPCB will provide 15 – 20 industries to beaudited for the year 2015

d) Other certification like Adequacy of EMS andpossible research projects from GPCB

B. Energy Efficiency Audit

Recognized by GEDA as energy auditor that provideswalk through audit. Additionaly, the group isconducting awareness program for final year electricalengineering students, conducting awareness programsfor industries through industrial association andcompleted walk through audit for 4 industries.

The group has so far completed the followingProjects. - Determination of hydraulic carryingcapacity and Quality modeling of creek passingthrough Surat – Surat Municipal Corporation and SO2- H2S control system for Rubber reclamation byResilin Ruber Tech Ltd – Surat and adequacy ofPandesara CETP, Pandesara. Additionally, thefollowing projects are on-going.

a) Environmental Impact Assessment for theDevelopment of Ranmal Lake for Jamnagar city– Jamnagar Municipal Corporation,

Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute 1001

b) Gopal Glass: Determination of Sulfur balancefor using Petcoke as fuel

c) Design verification for Coal based Gasifierslocated at Morbi as per the guidelines of Hon’bleHigh Court of Gujarat – 65 Industrial Units

d) Waste – to – Energy: MSW to Power generationthrough Gasification – Innovative Eco Care Pvt.Ltd., Ahmedabad

The group has established theEnvir onmental Software Laboratory. This is oneof its kind. Based on the various softwares,Consultancy services to the field consultants and theauthorities, development of the new software basedon Indian conditions, modifications and/ or extensionsof the software for impact predictions, hands ontraining of the Environmental Software for CapacityBuilding, developing the R & D projects for fundingby pollution control authorities, ministry of environmentforest and climate change, DST and other GovernmentOrganizations have been taken up. The varioussoftware available for use are -AERMOD, ALOHA,CUSTIC, CAMEO, DESCAR, V Leach, Limitscurve, Qual 2E, High way pollution, WR Plot,Hydraulics, Mobile 6, Noise pollution andHSSM.

Fundamental Research topics by the group arewaste to energy based on conversion of organics tofuels: In this topic three types are being studied.

1) Biogas Route: Development of pH basedBiphasic Anarobic Migrating Blanket Reactorfor Biogas generation

2) MSW to Energy: Gasification Route

3) Biogas or Syngas to Dimethyl Ether (DME) – adiesel substitute

In addition to above, developing ‘Graphene’ asadsorbent for Wastewater treatment and chloridecorrections for determination of COD have also takenup.

In applied research, design for SO2 controlsystems for rubber reclaim industries has been takenup. As the concept is new a patent is expected on thistopic.

ACADEMICS

In order to promote, the academic sector with younghuman resource, E-courses have been initiated by thegroup. They are- design of wastewater treatment unitswith III modules.

l Module I: Design of Wastewater TreatmentUnits- Physical & Chemical

l Module II: Design of Wastewater TreatmentUnits – Biological

l Module III: Design of Wastewater TreatmentUnits - Advanced

Additionally, a project on development of OHSManual for GSPC group companies has been takenup.

The group has received various recognitions. Theyare :

l Schedule I Environmental Auditor – GujaratPollution Control Board

l Energy Audit Consultant – GEDA. In thisregard, it is pertinent to say that GERMI is oneof the Seven Institutes identified by GPCB &Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat for Morbi Project

In order to increase R&D activities, various MoUshave been signed. They are :

l MoU with Wisdom Edutech Internation (WEI)with focus on Marketing of E–Courses

l MoU with SEED with focus on Waste-to-Energy: Plasma Gasification

l MoU with Gujarat Pollution Control Board as aKnowledge partner

l MoU with Microvision Enviro Projects Pvt. Ltd.as a Technology Partner

Training and Development Centre

The Training & Development Centre was envisionedin a backdrop of a substantial gap between the demandand supply for targeted and effective training coursesin the emerging energy sector. Hence, a strong casefor a world-class training centre in terms of knowledgebase, training structure and infrastructure facilities wasrealized. Programmes at the Centre are structured toreflect the most relevant needs of the industry. Eachprogramme seeks to focus on new developments andlatest trends in technical and managerial practices inspecific areas.

1002 T Harinarayana

The Objectives of the industrial training programmeare :

Impart value-added skills in professionals to assessqualitative and quantitative parameters, articulate,position and help integrate relevant interventions forimproved decision-making through appropriate tools,technologies, policies, plans, programmes and projects,ensure compliance with performance standards andbenchmarks for continual improvements, forecast andadopt optimization pathways. More than 1100 peopleare trained by GERMI. A total of 32 training programsin Solar Photovoltaic, Oil and Gas and Energy andEnvironment ( 21 nos. of Solar courses, 8 nos. of Oil& Gas courses and 3 nos. of Energy and Environmentcourses are conducted).

Some of the principal areas are:

l Total energy value chain including process upgradation,

l SWOT of locally adapted energy systems,

l Indicators, remediation and preventivemanagement.

These are aligned with the essentials of energyproduction, extraction and use including impactsmanagement at the local, national, regional and globallevels. These are aimed at comprehensive human andinstitution development to sustain progress.

The Training and Development Centre takes upthe following training module framework in order toensure a comprehensive learning forum.

l Public/Open Courses

l Customized In-house Training Courses

l Integrated Certified Programmes

l Accredited Certified Programmes

l Statutory Training Programmes

l International Programmes on EnergyManagement and Education

Infrastructure and Training Resources

l State-of-the-art training facilities with technicalequipments and simulators for technical andoperational courses.

l Updated library with access to books ontechnology and online journals.

l Fully equipped computer centres with PC’s,laptops and internet facilities.

l Air conditioned rooms and auditoriums withseating capacity of 150 participants.

l State-of-the-art audio-visual andteleconferencing equipment.

The centre boasts of a highly qualified andexperienced training faculty who has domain expertisein the areas of their respective training modules. As amatter of policy, the centre is responsible to developfaculty from experts available within the country.

Training methods include lectures, cases,seminars, group discussions, business games, roleplays, simulations, exercises, hands-on experiments,structured and unstructured group work with fieldvisits, and tests.

Acknowledgements

GERMI thanks Shri J N Singh, VCMT and MD,GSPC group for his constant encouragement. Helpby the principal research scientists, N Varandani, P HRao, Z Hassan and O Jani, S K Agarvat and N Kaurare gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are also due toM A Rasheed and P L S Rao for compilation of all theinformation.

Publications

Annapurna Boruah, Abdul Rasheed M and Syed Zaheer Hassan

(2014) Shale Gas: An Unconventional Hydrocarbon

International Journal of Scientific Research 3 355-356

Anthony E Akpan, Mahesh Narayanan and Harinarayana T

(2014) Estimation of Subsurface Temperatures in the

Tattapani Geothermal Field, Central India, from Limited

Volume of Magnetotelluric Data and Borehole

Thermograms Using a Constructive Back-Propagation

Neural Network Earth Interactions 8 6

Batra K, Nayak S, Behura S K and Jani O (2014) Optimizing

Performance Parameters of Chemically-Derived Graphene/

p-Si Heterojunction Solar Cell Journal of Nanoscience and

Nanotechnology doi: 10.1166/jnn.2014.9818

Behura S K, Mahala P, Nayak S, Yang Q, Mukhopadhyay I and

Jani O (2014) Fabrication of bi-layer graphene and

Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute 1003

theoretical simulation for its possible application in thin

film solar cell Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

14 3022-3027

Behura S K, Mukhopadhyay I, Hirose A, Yang Q and Jani O

(2013) Vertically-oriented few-layer graphene as an

electron field-emitter Physica Status Solidi (A): Applications

and Materials Science 210 1817-1821

Behura S K, Nayak S, Mukhopadhyay I and Jani O (2014)

Junction characteristics of chemically-derived graphene/

p-Si heterojunction solar cell Carbon 67 766-774

Behura S K, Nayak S, Yang Q, Hirose A and Jani O (2015)

Chemical vapor deposited few-layer graphene as an

electron field emitter Journal of Nanoscience and

Nanotechnology doi: 10.1166/jnn.2015.10627

Behura S K, Yang Q, Hirose A, Jani O and Mukhopadhyay I

(2014) Catalyst-free synthesis of silicon nanowires by

oxidation and reduction process Journal of Materials

Science 49 3592-3597

Behura S K, Yang Q, Hirose A, Nayak S, Jani O and

Mukhopdhyay I (2015) Electrical characteristics of

horizontally and vertically oriented few-layer graphene

on Si- based dielectrics Journal of Nanoscience and

Nanotechnology doi:10.1166/jnn.2015.11028

Behura, Sanjay K Mahala, Pramila Nayak, Sasmita Yang,

Qiaoqin Mukhopadhyay, Indrajit Jani and Omkar (2014)

Fabrication of Bi-Layer Graphene and Theoretical

Simulation for Its Possible Application in Thin Film Solar

Cell Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 14 3022-

3027

Bhatt J G and Jani O K (2014) E-Governance for Photovoltaic

Power Grid: Solar City Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India E-

Governance of Smart Cities, 2, Advances in 21st Century

Human Settlement, Ed. T M Vinod Kumar: Springer

Bhatt J G, Shah V A and Jani O (2014) An Instrumentation

Engineer’s Review on Smart Grid: Critical Applications

and Parameters Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Reviews 40 1217-1239

Borah K K, Roy S and Harinarayana T (2013) Optimization in

site selection of wind turbine for energy using fuzzy logic

system using GIS-A case study for Gujarat Open Journal

of Optimization 2 116-122

Boruah A, Kumar B, Rao P H and Harinarayana T (2013)

Integrated Development Of Both Conventional And

Unconventional Coal Fuels In India The International

Journal Of Science and Technoledge 1 Issue 5, 11-17

Boruah Annapurna and Ganapathi S (2015) Application of Micro

Computer Tomography (µ CT) in Resolving Barren

Measures Shale Properties International Journal of

Scientific and Engineering Research 6, Issue 4 1839-1843

Das A and Harinarayana T (2014) A Study on the Possible Oil

Spill and Gas Leakage Vulnerable Zones of Gujarat State

Using GIS Tools J Ind Geophys Union 18 73-84

Dhubia S, Bhatt A, Poonam K, Sen P, Rao P H, Hasan S Z and

Harinarayana T (2013) An Integrated approach for faults

and fractures delineation with dip and curvature attributes

10th Biennial International Conference and

Exposition Society of Petroleum Geophysicist, Kochi,

Kerala, 265

Findings highlighted in Smart Energy: Complete renewable Energy

Intelligence ISSN 2348-5027, NEWS this month Gujarat

Scientist float novel concept for Solar power generation 1

2014

Gajjar J, Agravat S and Harinarayana T (2015) Solar PV Energy

Generation Map of Karnataka, India Smart Grid and

Renewable Energy 6 333-343 doi: 10.4236/sgre.2015.

612027

Harinarayana T (2015) An innovative solution for power problem

in India The National Conference on Indian Energy Sector

Synergy with Energy 7-11

Harinarayana T and Kashyap K J (2014) Solar energy generation

potential estimation in India and Gujarat, Andhra,

Telangana states Smart Grid and Renewable Energy 5 275-

289

Harinarayana T and Sri Venkata Vasavi K (2014) Solar Energy

Generation Using Agriculture Cultivated Lands Smart Grid

and Renewable Energy http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/

sgre.2014.52004, 2014, 5 31-42

Harinarayana T, Karuppiah S and Biswas S K (2014) Geotourism

in Kutch Region, Gujarat: An Innovative Approach:

Discovering India’s geological wonders LAP Lambert

Academic Publishing 1-112

Harinarayana T, Vasavi K S V and Sharma P (2014) Enhancement

of Solar Energy Generation with Innovative Concepts LAP

Lambert Academic Publishing 1-108

Hasan S Z, Farooqui M Y, Rao P H, Ramachandran K, Tripathy

P and Harinarayana T (2013) Petroliferous Basins and

Shale Gas-An Unconventional Hydrocarbon Asset of

India Geosciences 3 108-118

Lakshmi Srinivasa Rao P, Rasheed M A, Zaheer Hasan S, Rao P

H and Harinarayana T (2014) Role of Geochemistry in

Coalbed Methane - A Review DOI: 10.5923/j.geo.

20140402.01 Geosciences 4 29-32

Mahala P, Behura S K, Ray A, Dhanavantri C and Jani O (2014)

GaN/InxGa1-xN/GaN P-I-N Solar Cell with Indium

Compositional Grading Optical and Quantum Electronics

doi: 10.1007/s11082-014-9968-1

1004 T Harinarayana

Mahala P, Ray A, Jani O and Dhanavantri C (2013) Theoretical

study on the effect of graded InyGa1-yN layer on p-GaN/

InyGa1-yN/n-GaN p-i-n solar cell Physica Status Solidi

A: Applications and Materials Science doi:10.1002/

pssa.201330030

Manoj Siddhardha G and Harinarayana T (2014) Aircraft Disaster

Management in Gujarat Using Geographic Information

System International Journal of Engineering and

Technical Research (IJETR) ISSN: 2321-0869 2

Nayak S, Behura S K, Bhattacharjee S, Singh B P, Jani O and

Mukhopadhyay I (2014) Transparent conductive

MWCNTs-polymer composite for electrode applications

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 14 2816-

2822

Nayak S, Bhattacharjee S and Singh B P (2014) A systematic

study on the effect of acidic, basic and neutral additives

on dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes using a

dimethylformamide solution Adv Nat SciL Nanosci

Nanotechnol 5

Rao S P E, Naidu G D, Harinarayana T, Sarma S V S and Gupta

A K (2014) An anomalous high conductivity upper crustal

body detected underneath the Surajkund hot spring area

from a magnetotellric study J Ind Geophys Union 18 425-

533

Rasheed M A, Bharadwaj A, Nanduri S, Dhubia S, Karalapati S,

Hasan S Z and Rao P H (2013) Integrated Surface

Geochemical and 3D Seismic Studies to understand the

Hydrocarbon Seepage Pattern 10th Biennial international

Conference and Exposition Society of Petroleum

Geophysicists Kochi, Kerala 136

Rasheed M A, Srinivasa Rao P L, Anand Patil, Harshit Patel,

Shubhangi Kala, Annapurna Boruah., Syed Zaheer Hasan,

Rao P H and Harinarayana T (2015) Identification of

Hydrocarbon Microseepage Using Trace Metal Indicators

in Petroliferous Region of South Cambay Basin, Gujarat,

India. International Journal of Petroleum and Petrochemical

Engineering (IJPPE) 1 12-19

Rasheed M A, Srinivasa Rao P L, Annapurna B and Syed Zaheer

Hasan (2015) Implication of Soil Gas Method for

Prospecting of Hydrocarbon Microseepage International

Journal of Petroleum and Petrochemical Engineering

(IJPPE) 1 31-41

Rasheed M A, Syed Zaheer Hasan, Srinivasa Rao P L, Annapurna

Boruah, Sudarshan V, Kumar B and Harinarayana T (2014)

Application Of Geo-Microbial Prospecting Method For

Finding Oil And Gas Reservoirs Frontiers of Earth Sciences

DOI 10.1007/s11707-014-0448-5

Rath P C, Nayak S, Bhattacharjee S, Besra L and Singh B P

(2014) Nanotitania-coated multi-walled carbon nanotube

composite by facile colloidal processing route for

photocatalytic applications Composite Interfaces 21 251-

262

Reddy C and Harinarayana T (2015) Solar Thermal Energy

Generation Potential in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu States,

India Energy and Power Engineering 7 591-603 doi:

10.4236/epe.2015.713056

Roy S (2014) Prepaid Smart Metering Smart energy Complete

Renewable energy Intelligence ISSN 2348-5027 Market

trends 1 issue 2

Sagarkumar M Agravat, Manyam N V S and Harinarayana T

(2015) “Theoretical Study of Wind Turbine Model with a

New Concept on Swept Area” Energy and Power

Engineering 7 127-134

Shahare S and Harinarayana T (2016) Energy Efficient Air

Conditioning System Using Geothermal Cooling-Solar

Heating in Gujarat, India Journal of Power and Energy

Engineering 4 57-71 DOI: 10.4236/jpee.2016.41004

Sharma P and Harinarayana T (2013) Solar energy generation

potential along national highways International Journal

of Energy and Environmental 4

Siddhardha G M and Harinarayana T (2014) Aircraft Disaster

Management in Gujarat Using Geographic Information

System International Journal of Engineering and Technical

Research 2 28-36

Swarna K, Biswas S K and Harinarayana T (2013) Development

of Geotourism in Kutch region, Gujarat, India: An

innovative approach Journal of Environmental Protection

4 1360-1372

Syed Zaheer Hasan, Rasheed M A and Harinarayana T (2015)

Shale gas: A non-conventional hydrocarbon as future energy

resource of India Journal of the Geological Society of India

85 Issue 3 322-330

Syed Zaheer Hasan, Rasheed M A and Harinarayana T (2015)

Shale gas: A non-conventional hydrocarbon as future energy

resource of India Journal of the Geological Society of India

85 322-330

Taye I M, Agravat S M and Harinarayana T (2013) Energy efficient

grid management using geographical information system:

A case study for western Gujarat American International

Journal of Research Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics 2 23-28

Tiwari K and Harinarayana T (2014) Increasing the Efficiency of

Grid Tied Micro Wind Turbines in Low Wind Speed

Regimes Smart Grid and Renewable Energy 5 249-257.