Energy Conservation at Plant Tissue Culture Biotechnology Laboratory

The energy scenario of India seems to be very critical. The peak load electrical energy shortage in India is around 20%, which is a serious constraint for the economic development of the country. In this situation, use of electricity in optimum manner is essential. Electrical energy audit is the key tool to minimize electricity consumption. Hence a study was carried out at Tissue Culture laboratory, Bio Technology center, MPKV, Rahuri. This study was sub divided in two criteria. In first aspect study of existing illumination system was done. Secondly different available fluorescent tube sets were thoroughly analyzed with parameters of power consumption, illumination level and temperature rise, etc. From testing of tubes sets comparative analysis was done. Implementing these test results electricity consumption was reduced from 60.16 to 26.88 kw-hr/day. Hence annual saving of Rs. 66,816 was observed. Along with this economic saving, payback period of six months was found. Thus this system alteration was found feasible..