Modular multilevel inverter for renewable energy applications

This paper proposes a Multilevel Inverter (MLI) which focuses on two objective , minimal voltage sources and lesser switching component. The proposed Asymmetrical Cascaded Multilevel Inverter (ACMLI) is able to achieve the objective by selectively opting the voltage level of DC sources chosen and implementing the mathematical operation of addition and subtraction on the DC sources. This system also utilizes multiple carrier sinusoidal pulse width modulation technique (MCS-PWM) for operating the switches. It is found that the number of switches required for proposed modular bridge ACMLI and modified H bridge ACMLI was lesser than the traditional Cascaded H bridge Multilevel Inverter (CHB-MLI). It is also evident that the number of DC voltage sources and filter required for smoothing the output waveform is reduced compared to the traditional MLI. The Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for the proposed circuit was simulated and analyzed in MATLAB Simulink environment and the results are found to be very less and satisfactory. The proposed circuit can find its application in integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) to the utility grid, Electrical Vehicle (EV) , harmonic reduction and so on. The simulation results of the proposed circuits are tabulated and compared with the traditional cascaded MLI

A review of optimal operation of microgrids

The term microgrid refers to small-scale power grid that can operate autonomously or in concurrence with the area’s main electrical grid. The intermittent characteristic of DGs which defies the power quality and voltage manifests the requirement for new planning and operation approaches for microgrids. Consequently, conventional optimization methods in new power systems have been critically biased all through the previous decade. One of the main technological and inexpensive tools in this regard is the optimal generation scheduling of microgrid. As a primary optimization tool in the planning and operation fields, optimal operation has an undeniable part in the power system. This paper reviews and evaluates the optimal operation approaches mostly related to microgrids. In this work, the foremost optimal generation scheduling approaches are compared in terms of their objective functions, techniques and constraints. To conclude, a few fundamental challenges occurring from the latest optimal generation scheduling techniques in microgrids are addressed

Production of bioplastic using Jackfruit perianth

875-878Overuse of plastics around the world has made them one of the key environmental concerns today. Disposal of plastic waste in landfills has serious environmental impacts due to its non-biodegradable nature. Agricultural waste, particularly plant materials containing starch gains attraction for its role in the production of alternative biodegradable materials with good tensile strength and other mechanical properties. The present work focuses on production of biodegradable bioplastic using perianth of Jackfruit [Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae)], which otherwise goes as agro waste. Certain plasticizers are also used to improve the raw materials properties and it was subjected to various tests, to study its mechanical and chemical properties. The sample was characterized using Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tensile strength was also checked. It was subjected to various resistance tests such as water resistance, alcohol resistance, flammability, alkali and acid resistance and it was confirmed that the bioplastic produced from Jack fruit perianth is a good option to normal plastics

Production of bioplastic using Jackfruit perianth

Overuse of plastics around the world has made them one of the key environmental concerns today. Disposal of plastic waste in landfills has serious environmental impacts due to its non-biodegradable nature. Agricultural waste, particularly plant materials containing starch gains attraction for its role in the production of alternative biodegradable materials with good tensile strength and other mechanical properties. The present work focuses on production of biodegradable bioplastic using perianth of Jackfruit [Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae)], which otherwise goes as agro waste. Certain plasticizers are also used to improve the raw materials properties and it was subjected to various tests, to study its mechanical and chemical properties. The sample was characterized using Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tensile strength was also checked. It was subjected to various resistance tests such as water resistance, alcohol resistance, flammability, alkali and acid resistance and it was confirmed that the bioplastic produced from Jack fruit perianth is a good option to normal plastics

Beneficial impacts of biochar as a potential feed additive in animal husbandry

In the last decade, biochar production and use have grown in popularity. Biochar is comparable to charcoal and activated charcoal because it is a pyrogenic carbonaceous matter made by pyrolyzing organic carbon-rich materials. There is a lack of research into the effects of adding biochar to animal feed. Based on the reviewed literature, including its impact on the adsorption of toxins, blood biochemistry, feed conversion rate, digestion, meat quality, and greenhouse gas emissions, adding biochar to the diet of farm animals is a good idea. This study compiles the most important research on biochar's potential as a supplement to the diets of ruminants (including cows and goats), swine, poultry, and aquatic organisms like fish. Biochar supplementation improves animal growth, haematological profiles, meat, milk and egg yield, resistance to illnesses (especially gut pathogenic bacteria), and reduced ruminant methane emission. Biochar's strong sorption capacity also helps efficiently remove contaminants and poisons from the animals' bodies and the farm surroundings where they are raised. Animal farmers are predicted to make greater use of biochar in the future. Biochar could potentially be of value in the healthcare and human health fields; hence research into this area is encouraged. The present review highlights the potential benefits of biochar as an additive to animal feed and demonstrates how, when combined with other environmentally friendly practices, biochar feeding can extend the longevity of animal husbandry

Report on egg mass of Hound needle fish Tylosurus crocodilus

During an oceanographic cruise of ICAR-CMFRI on board FV Silver Pompano on November 2021, a bunch of pale-yellow spherical egg consisting of about thousand numbers connected by strong filaments on the chorion were obtained while undertaking experimental trawling in off Kochi region at 20-meter depth (Fig 1). After taking photographs and enumeration of the egg bunch, a small sub sample was taken for further analysis and the remaining eggs were released back into the sea immediately. The collected egg samples were preserved in 95% ethanol and brought to lab for further analysis. Preserved eggs were observed and photographed in the lab by Nikon SMZ 25 stereo zoom microscope

Sponge fauna of the Lakshadweep Islands of Indian Ocean

The present study deals with four new records of sponges found at Lakshadweep area and a checklist of sponges reported off. The new records are Agelas oroides, Callyspongia (Cladochalina) aculeata, Raspailia (Clathriodendron) arbuscula and Stylissa massa. Details about the species diversity of common sponges, massive sponges, boring sponges of the area are discussed and presented

Biodiversity of sponges (Phylum: Porifera) off Tuticorin, India

The present study deals with 18 new records of sponges found at Kayalpatnam area and a checklist of sponges reported off Tuticorin in the Gulf of Mannar. The new records are Aiolochoria crassa, Axinella damicornis, Clathria (Clathria) prolifera, Clathrina sororcula, Clathrina sinusarabica, Clathrina coriacea, Cliona delitrix, Colospongia auris, Crella incrustans, Crambe crambe, Hyattella pertusa, Plakortis simplex, Petrosia (Petrosia) ficiformis, Phorbas plumosus, Spheciospongia vesparium, Spirastrella cunctatrix, Xestospongia muta and Sycon ciliatum. Details about the species diversity of common sponges, invasive sponges,massive sponges and boring sponges of the area are discussed and presented