Carbon Management and Reducing Carbon-dioxide Emissions Process

Carbon Management and Reducing Carbon-dioxide Emissions Process

Centurion University has implemented a range of initiatives to manage carbon emissions and promote sustainability on campus. These efforts include establishing eco-friendly gardens, extensive green campus projects, and promoting electric vehicles and pedestrian pathways. By integrating these strategies, the university aims to reduce its carbon footprint, foster environmental stewardship, and create a healthier, more sustainable campus community.

Harmonizing Nature: Butterfly, Bees, and Cactus Garden’s Role in Carbon Emission Reduction at Centurion University Campus

Centurion University has established the Butterfly, Bees, and Cactus Garden, also known as Pollinators Paradise, as a key part of its sustainability efforts. This garden features native plant species that require less water and maintenance, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with landscaping. The presence of butterflies and bees supports plant reproduction, enhancing the ecosystem. The garden employs organic gardening techniques and water conservation through drip irrigation and the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides. Composting garden waste for natural fertilizer further reduces emissions. The garden’s accessibility promotes sustainable transportation options like walking and e-cycling, contributing to lower overall carbon emissions. Collaboration with academic departments for research into carbon sequestration, pollinator behaviour, and sustainable landscaping can provide valuable insights into further reducing emissions.

Green Campus Initiatives

Centurion University is committed to sustainability through various Green Campus Initiatives. These include ambitious landscaping projects with native and drought-resistant plant species that reduce water consumption and serve as natural carbon sinks. The campus acts as a living laboratory for environmental studies, fostering innovative solutions. New buildings incorporate energy-efficient designs, including LED lighting and smart climate control systems, to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiversity-rich green areas, such as butterfly and pollinator gardens, provide habitats for wildlife and contribute to carbon mitigation.

From LED lighting to smart climate control systems, these features reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Design and Development of Solar Street Lights

Centurion University has developed a low-cost, solar-powered street light design. This design focuses on selecting efficient and affordable components, including a moderately sized solar panel, a deep-cycle lead-acid or 12V, 24Ah lithium battery, energy-efficient LED lights, and a charge controller. The solar panel and battery are chosen based on the daily energy consumption of the LED lights, supported by a sturdy pole and secure mounting system. Efficient DC wiring is used to minimize power loss. The system is assembled with off-the-shelf components, ensuring weatherproof connections, and thoroughly tested before installation in a sunny location. Regular inspections of the panels, connections, and battery performance are conducted to ensure optimal operation. The entire campus utilizes solar-powered street lights, with a hybrid system of solar and wind power generation for the LED lights.

Use of e-vehicle and pedestrian pathways inside the University campus

The university promotes the use of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) and pedestrian pathways to reduce carbon emissions. E-vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. This initiative supports the fight against climate change and improves respiratory health. Beautiful pedestrian pathways connect various parts of the campus, encouraging walking and cycling. Restricting vehicle entry and promoting bicycle use further embody the university’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint and fostering a greener, healthier campus community. This initiative embodies our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint and fostering a greener, healthier, and more vibrant campus community. The University uses 10 e-vehicles for transportation purposes within the campus.

 Development of a Hybrid solar Dryer for drying food products

Solar drying technology works on free and clean energy which is adopted as a sustainable way of food preservation. A high-performance and portable type hybrid solar dryer is designed for drying various vegetable food products during the day and night times and is aimed at a sustainable livelihood initiative through solar technology intervention. An experimental analysis was performed to dry vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, bitter gourd, and green bananas. It is environment- friendly and is used as a quick and hygienic way of drying food with higher nutrient value. It was developed by Dr. Debashree Debadatta Behera, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, in 2023. The dryer has a capacity of 15 kg of food products to be dried. Students, research scholars, and faculty use it for their research and teaching purposes. The drying efficiency and drying rate are evaluated as 33.61% and 1.351 kg/hr respectively. The dryer can also be used in cloudy weather and night time by using paraffin wax. Solar drying is a hygienic drying process without negative environmental externalities and is most suitable in food processing industries. Two solar dryers have been developed in the University. One of the dryers is being used by the fisherwomen of Markondi village, based at Gopalpur in South Odisha for drying fish products and the other is placed in the University for research purposes. The dryer can dry up to 15 kg of food products within 24 hours.

Development of Solar Parabolic Trough Collector

Centurion University has developed a solar parabolic trough collector for water heating and cooking purposes, generating temperatures from 100°C to 150°C. It was developed by Dr. Debashree Debadatta Behera, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, and Dr. Shiv Sankar Das, School of Management in the year 2023. Both the students, research scholars and faculty are using it for their research as well as teaching purposes. It has a capacity of 10 liters of generating steam for cooking purposes. This clean energy product eliminates the need for conventional cooking methods, producing zero emissions and no negative environmental impact

Development of Solar Cooker

The University has developed several solar-operated box-type cookers to provide a clean alternative to traditional “chulha” cooking, which produces harmful smoke and causes respiratory issues. It was developed by Dr. Debashree Debadatta Behera, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, in 2022. It has a capacity of 5 liters of food products to be cooked. The maximum temperature generated is 100-120°C. Faculty are using this experimental set up for teaching purposes. This lightweight, easy-to-handle solar cooker offers a smoke-free, environmentally friendly solution for cooking.

Production of Biodiesel and its Application

Biodiesel, derived from plants or animals, is a renewable, non-toxic alternative to petroleum diesel. It can be used in any diesel engine without modification and offers lower CO, CO2, and HC emissions, though it has higher NOx emissions. Centurion University in its lab has produced Biodiesel from “Karanja” oil, which will help reduce greenhouse gasses and environmental pollution, making it an attractive substitute for diesel. The students, research scholars, and faculty use it for research and teaching purposes. Approximately 900 mL of biodiesel is produced from 1 liter of vegetable oil.

Solar Agro-PhotoVoltaic

Centurion University has successfully implemented an Agrivoltaic system (AVS) that combines solar photovoltaic power generation with agriculture. The system covers 11 sqm of area. It demonstrates a notable synergy between energy and crop production. In 2021, a 0.675 kWp AVS generated an annual average revenue of Rs. 4,000-5,000 from energy and Rs. 2,500-3,500 from turmeric cultivation. With a project cost of Rs. 45,000-50,000, a 1 kW AVS can yield an annual revenue of Rs. 7,500-9,000. The research revealed a 9.3% increase in energy production and a 3.2% increase in turmeric crop yield compared to traditional methods. Economic indicators show a viable project with a Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) of 1.73, a Benefit-Cost (B/C) ratio of 1.71, and a payback period (PBP) of 9.49 years, highlighting the feasibility and profitability of the AVS at the University

Installation of Solar Tree 

Solar Tree is an innovative, space-efficient structure designed to harness solar energy using a tree-like framework. The solar tree was designed and developed at Centurion University for the students’ learning. The solar tree comprises key components such as 75W 12V poly solar panels, a PWM controller with a 12V 40A capacity, or an MPPT microcontroller for higher efficiency, a 12V 40Ah solar battery for energy storage, and connecting wires of 1-2 mm thickness. The tree generates 450W of electricity fed into the University’s renewable lab. The DCDB (Direct Current Distribution Board) ensures safe and efficient power distribution, while the mechanical structure, made of galvanized iron (GI), provides robust support for the solar panels. This solar tree generates clean energy and serves as an educational model, promoting renewable energy solutions and sustainability.

Installation of Wind Turbine in Centurion University

Centurion University has taken a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions with the installation of a wind turbine power plant on its campus in 2023. This wind turbine is designed to harness and convert wind energy into electrical power, contributing to the university’s commitment to renewable energy. The power plant serves as a practical demonstration for students and researchers, offering hands-on learning opportunities in clean energy technologies. By integrating wind energy into its infrastructure, the University is actively reducing its carbon footprint and promoting the use of alternative energy sources in the region. The wind turbine generates 400Wp of electricity which is fed to a room in one of its buildings.

Installation of Hybrid Generation (Wind+Solar)

Centurion University has installed a hybrid power generation system combining wind and solar energy in 2023. The wind turbine generates 400Wp of electricity, which is supplied to a designated room. This system operates alongside a solar power system, combining a 1kW solar array with the 0.4kW wind turbine to form an efficient hybrid system

Solar Powered Sewing Machine using PMDC Motor

A solar-powered sewing machine has been designed by the students of the University by using a PMDC motor which operates in solar energy for 8 to 10 hours per day in 2022. It replaces the inefficient universal motor and includes components like a charge controller and pedal control. With a solar panel and battery, it provides 8 hours of daily backup. The goal is to create an efficient sewing solution for areas with limited electricity access.

Micro-Forestry at Centurion University

The micro forest project at Centurion University covers an area of 448 square meters and features 350 plants, with a dense planting pattern of 4 plants per square meter. This initiative follows the Miyawaki method, a concept introduced by renowned Japanese botanist Professor Akira Miyawaki, which emphasizes the rapid establishment of natural forests by planting native species in a close spacing arrangement. The project includes 57 different tree species, ranging from fruit-bearing trees and forest species to pollinator-friendly flowering shrubs, fostering a diverse and self-sustaining ecosystem that supports biodiversity and enhances the environment within the university campus.

Biodiversity Study at Centurion University

Centurion University boasts a rich and diverse array of floral species, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity. The campus grounds are thoughtfully landscaped to support a variety of plant life, contributing to both the aesthetic appeal and ecological health of the university environment. As a result the University has launched a book titled “Floral Diversity at Centurion University” which offers an in-depth exploration of the campus’s extensive floral collection, showcasing the unique native and exotic species that contribute to the university’s vibrant green spaces.

Aurassure

Centurion University has implemented the Aurassure system to enhance its environmental monitoring capabilities across various campus facilities. Aurassure is an advanced tool designed to measure and analyze real-time environmental parameters, ensuring optimal conditions for academic, research, and operational activities. The instrument measures air temperature (Deg. C), Humidity (%), PM 2.5 (µg / M3), PM 10 (µg / M3) and TVOC (PPM) every minute.