Session: 10-04: Alternative Energy Conversion Technology (including Wind, Geothermal, Hydro, and Ocean)

Paper Number: 132177

132177 - An Energy-Sustainable Approach of Ginger Rhizomes Hydrosol Extraction Using a Solar Thermal Hydrodistillation System 

Abstract: 

An Energy Sustainable Approach of Ginger Rhizomes Hydrosol Extraction Using a Solar Thermal Hydrodistillation System  

Vikrant P. Katekar^a,b*, Anand B. Rao^c, Vishal R. Sardeshpande^d

 

a. Research Scholar, Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India. 204358001@iitb.ac.in

 

b. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, J D College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. vpkatekar@gmail.com

 

c. Professor, Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India. a.b.rao@iitb.ac.in

 

d. Associate Professor (Adjunct), Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India. vishal.sir@iitb.ac.in

 

*Corresponding author

 

Abstract

Ginger rhizomes hydrosol's exciting scent helps to ease tension and anxiety, boost confidence, and encourage relaxation and mental focus. It is also anti-bacterial, which helps to protect the skin from infections and allergies. It is used in the production of disinfectants and cleansers. Ginger rhizomes hydrosol is a popular and demanding product. Its forecasted compound annual growth rate is 5.5% from 2023 to 2032. Steam distillation is often used to extract ginger hydrosol. It is a boiler-based system, which is energy- and capital-intensive. It is also voluminous and complex. It requires an industrial environment and trained staff to operate and maintain. Generally, fossil fuel, biomass, or electricity is used as the heat source for the process. In an industrial processing environment, a typical batch of 500 kg of ginger root processing requires around 150 kg of firewood, making the system high-carbon-emitting. To overcome these challenges, a renewable energy-powered ginger rhizomes hydrosol extraction system is needed. The present research work involves designing, manufacturing, and experimental examining a solar thermal hydrodistillation system for preparing ginger rhizomes hydrosol. The developed system is easy to use, has an attractive return on investment, and has zero energy cost. The experimental investigations of extraction of ginger rhizomes hydrosol by solar thermal hydrodistillation were carried out at Nagpur (21°N, 79°E), central India. The thinly sliced ginger rhizomes (2-3 mm thick) were loaded in a solar distiller basin with three times more (by mass) water. A solar distiller's energy efficiency and daily distillate yield were 30-35% and 4-5 kg/day, depending on the available solar irradiation. The system has a manufacturing cost of USD 600 to USD 800 per square meter area. Economic analysis of hydrosol production using a developed system showed that the cost of producing 100 mL of ginger rhizomes hydrosol, including packaging and labelling, was USD 1. The system is energy sustainable since it uses solely renewable energy, has a minimal carbon footprint, and has low operating and maintenance costs. The developed system would benefit rural residents by generating additional revenue by selling ginger rhizomes hydrosol. The hydrosol production using a solar thermal hydrodistillation system represents a small step towards achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG 1, 3, 6, 7, and 9.  

Keywords: Carbon footprint, Ginger hydrosol; Renewable energy; Solar hydrodistillation; Sustainable development goals; Sustainable energy;

Presenting Author: Vikrant Katekar Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India

Presenting Author Biography: Vikrant is currently pursuing a PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India. He studies rural technologies, solar energy collection and applications, solar distillation, energy conversion, and essential oil extraction using renewable energies.

Authors:

Vikrant Katekar Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
Anand Rao Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Vishal Sardeshpande Indian Insttute of Technology Bombay