From Dry Leaves to Cooking Gas: IIT Bombay’s Breakthrough Amid LPG Crisis

IIT Bombay develops a technology that converts dry leaves into fuel, reducing LPG use and emissions while improving efficiency

New Solution To Rising LPG Concerns

Firstly, concerns over LPG prices and supply continue rising, moreover IIT Bombay has introduced an innovative solution, additionally this method converts dry leaves into cooking fuel, therefore it offers relief during the ongoing gas crisis

Fuel Created From Fallen Leaves

Meanwhile, IIT Bombay has worked on this system for nearly ten years, moreover the institute collects dry leaves from its campus, additionally it processes them into usable fuel, therefore LPG usage has reduced by 30 to 40 percent

Early Challenges Slowed Progress

Initially, Professor Sanjay Mahajani started this project in 2014, however early stages faced multiple issues, moreover biomass burning created a solid substance called clinker, additionally this clogged machines and damaged systems, therefore operations became difficult

Furthermore, the process released smoke for nearly 30 minutes, moreover this made usage inconvenient, additionally the team continued improving the system, therefore persistence played a key role

Breakthrough After Continuous Research

Subsequently, by 2016 the team solved major issues, moreover they reduced clinker formation by nearly 100 times, additionally this made the process smoother, therefore the system became more practical and efficient

How The Fuel Gets Produced

Firstly, workers collect dry leaves from the campus, moreover they cut them into smaller pieces, additionally they convert them into pellets, therefore these pellets move to the next stage

Next, engineers heat pellets in a low oxygen chamber, moreover this process is called gasification, additionally it produces fuel gas, therefore this gas burns cleanly and provides a stable flame

Improved Efficiency With New Burner

Additionally, Professor Sandeep Kumar joined the project in 2017, moreover he designed a specialised burner, additionally this improved gas usage efficiency, therefore the system gained better performance

Moreover, this technology has received a patent, additionally it highlights its uniqueness, therefore it proves its practical value

Successful Use In Campus Canteen

Currently, IIT Bombay uses this system in its staff canteen, moreover LPG consumption has dropped by 30 to 40 percent, additionally the system delivers around 60 percent thermal efficiency, therefore it ensures reliable cooking performance

Furthermore, pollution from this process remains very low, moreover environmental impact stays limited, therefore it supports sustainability

Scaling Up For Wider Adoption

Finally, IIT Bombay has licensed this technology to Infixen Energy, moreover large-scale implementation will begin soon, additionally institutions like hostels may adopt it, therefore expansion looks promising

Moreover, this system can save nearly ₹50 lakh annually, additionally it can replace around 90 tonnes of LPG, therefore it may reduce nearly 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions