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The present work deals with the comparative evaluation of physicochemical, rheological FTIR and tribological properties between pongamia and castor oil blended with SAE20W40 by varying their proportions ranging from 10-30% (by volume) as bio-lubricant. Among all the blends, the flash point and pour point of castor blend S4 were found to be 281°C and -19°C which can be comparable to SAE20W40. The viscosity at 40°C and 100°C and viscosity index of castor blends were approximately 100 mm2/s, 14 mm2/s and 145 respectively. FTIR analysis also confirms the presence of vital carbonyl ester functional group in castor blends with oxidation onset temperature of 243°C. The tribological studies that were carried out using pin on disc tribometer as per ASTM G99-95a standards also showed that blend S4 had coefficient of friction 0.056 at higher load which was comparable to SAE20W40. Although all the blends had low oxidation stability temperature, yet castor blend S4 showed equivalent properties with commercial lubricant SAE20W40. This confirmed its suitability as a bio-lubricant base stock, supported by its physiochemical, rheological, FTIR, tribological properties.

Abstract Background Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital oil-producing crop. Augmenting oleic acid (OA) levels in soybean oil enhances its oxidative stability and health benefits, representing a key objective in soybean breeding. Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata), known for its abundant oil, OA, and flavonoid in the seeds, holds promise as a biofuel and medicinal plant. A comparative analysis of the lipid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways in Pongamia and soybean seeds would facilitate the assessment of the potential value of Pongamia seeds and advance the genetic improvements of seed traits in both species. Results The study employed multi-omics analysis to systematically compare differences in metabolite accumulation and associated biosynthetic genes between Pongamia seeds and soybean seeds at the transcriptional, metabolic, and genomic levels. The results revealed that OA is the predominant free fatty acid in Pongamia seeds, being 8.3 times more abundant than in soybean seeds. Lipidomics unveiled a notably higher accumulation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in Pongamia seeds compared to soybean seeds, with 23 TAG species containing OA. Subsequently, we identified orthologous groups (OGs) involved in lipid biosynthesis across 25 gene families in the genomes of Pongamia and soybean, and compared the expression levels of these OGs in the seeds of the two species. Among the OGs with expression levels in Pongamia seeds more than twice as high as in soybean seeds, we identified one fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase A (FATA) and two stearoyl-ACP desaturases (SADs), responsible for OA biosynthesis, along with two phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferases (PDATs) and three acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs), responsible for TAG biosynthesis. Furthermore, we observed a significantly higher content of the flavonoid formononetin in Pongamia seeds compared to soybean seeds, by over 2000-fold. This difference may be attributed to the tandem duplication expansions of 2,7,4ʹ-trihydroxyisoflavanone 4ʹ-O-methyltransferases (HI4ʹOMTs) in the Pongamia genome, which are responsible for the final step of formononetin biosynthesis, combined with their high expression levels in Pongamia seeds. Conclusions This study extends beyond observations made in single-species research by offering novel insights into the molecular basis of differences in lipid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways between Pongamia and soybean, from a cross-species comparative perspective.

Biodiesel production has received considerable attention in the recent past as a renewable fuel to mitigate climate change and for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) clean affordable energy and climate action. This research study was based on optimization of the conversion of pongame oil into biodiesel fuel through lab scale batch reactor by acid esterification and alkali transesterification. using Statistical simulation analysis was conducted by Taguchi Orthogonal Array Design, with input factor variables were volume of methanol (20, 25, 30, 40 mL), quantity of catalyst used (0.8, 1.0, 1.8, 2.0 g), volume of acid used (0.2, 0.3, 0.4 0.5 mL), reaction time (55, 60, 90, 120 min) and reaction temperature levels (55, 60, 65, 70 °C). The highest pongamia biodiesel yield was obtained 78.25% experimentally as compared to simulation yield of 84.02% by weight with an error of 5.44%. The highest biodiesel yield was achieved with transesterification carried out for 100 mL pongamia oil under optimized reaction parameters such as methanol amount of 20 mL, KOH amount of 0.8 g, acid amount of 0.2 mL, reaction time 60 min reaction temperature of 55 °C at stirring rate of 700 rpm. The results showed that the properties of the pongamia biodiesel were in compliance with ASTM D 6751 and can be used as blended fuel with petro-diesel in transportation sector, thus reducing environmental pollution causing climate change and global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital oil-producing crop. Augmenting oleic acid (OA) levels in soybean oil enhances its oxidative stability and health benefits, representing a key objective in soybean breeding. Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata), known for its abundant oil, OA, and flavonoid in the seeds, holds promise as a biofuel and medicinal plant. A comparative analysis of the lipid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways in Pongamia and soybean seeds would facilitate the assessment of the potential value of Pongamia seeds and advance the genetic improvements of seed traits in both species. Results: The study employed multi-omics analysis to systematically compare differences in metabolite accumulation and associated biosynthetic genes between Pongamia seeds and soybean seeds at the transcriptional, metabolic, and genomic levels. The results revealed that OA is the predominant free fatty acid in Pongamia seeds, being 8.3 times more abundant than in soybean seeds. Lipidomics unveiled a notably higher accumulation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in Pongamia seeds compared to soybean seeds, with 23 TAG species containing OA. Subsequently, we identified orthologous groups (OGs) involved in lipid biosynthesis across 25 gene families in the genomes of Pongamia and soybean, and compared the expression levels of these OGs in the seeds of the two species. Among the OGs with expression levels in Pongamia seeds more than twice as high as in soybean seeds, we identified one fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase A (FATA) and two stearoyl-ACP desaturases (SADs), responsible for OA biosynthesis, along with two phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferases (PDATs) and three acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs), responsible for TAG biosynthesis. Furthermore, we observed a significantly higher content of the flavonoid formononetin in Pongamia seeds compared to soybean seeds, by over 2000-fold. This difference may be attributed to the tandem duplication expansions of 2,7,4ʹ-trihydroxyisoflavanone 4ʹ-O-methyltransferases (HI4ʹOMTs) in the Pongamia genome, which are responsible for the final step of formononetin biosynthesis, combined with their high expression levels in Pongamia seeds. Conclusions: This study extends beyond observations made in single-species research by offering novel insights into the molecular basis of differences in lipid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways between Pongamia and soybean, from a cross-species comparative perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Cotton, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to evaluate the field efficacy of an egg parasitoid, Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja through inundative releases against Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) in cotton for two successive field trials during Kharif 2021 and 22. The parasitisation efficacy of T. bactrae was tested in the cotton ecosystem and the results revealed that the parasitism on the eggs was found be on par with that observed with NSKE 5% concentration (24.63%), neem formulation 1500 ppm 1% concentration (24.10%), Pongamia extract 5% concentration (23.13%), Jatropha extract 5% concentration (23.93%) and were found the safest to T. bactrae. The emamectin benzoate 5 SG at 190g/ ha (19.49%) and clorantraniliprole 18.5 SC at 150 mL/ha (15.26%) were on par with each other. Results suggested that among the insecitcides tested emamectin benzoate 5 SG and chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC were safer to T. bactrae and inundative release of T. bactrae can achieve sizeable control of P. gossypiella, hence it can be integrated with other components for IPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the eight treatments (plant-based and selective chemical insecticides) imposed on castor against lepidopteran defoliators of castor exhibited significant variation (p £ 0.01; F-value = 5.199) with respect to natural parasitization of castor semi-looper. Among the eight treatments, natural parasitization was significantly highest (80.12%) in T1 (Cucumber + T. chilonis @ 2 lakh eggs/ha at 30 days after sowing (DAS)) followed by T0 (Control) (76.08%). Further, T7 (Pongamia oil @ 2%) (74.39%), T3 (Profenophos 50 EC @ 0.03%) (74.14%), T6 (Neem oil @ 2%) (71.46%), T5 (Mahuva oil @ 2%) (71.19%) and T2 (Fenvalerate 20 EC @ 0.02%) (69.64%) were found next in the order with respect to natural parasitization of castor semi-looper. Significantly lowest natural parasitization was recorded in T4 (Quinalphos 25 EC @ 0.05%) (63.07%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, experiments are carried out to explore the impact of incorporating Diethyl Ether (DEE) as an additive into biodiesel-Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) blends derived from Pongamia seeds. Our objective was to assess the influences of additives on the engine performance characteristics of a CI engine. The different fuel blends such as BD80+SVO15+DEE5 (comprising 80% biodiesel, 15% SVO, and 5% DEE), BD80+SVO10+DEE10, BD60+SVO35+DEE5, and BD60+SVO30+DEE10 (consisting of 60% biodiesel, 30% SVO, and 10% DEE) are tested and compared these blends with conventional biodiesel and Straight Vegetable Oil blends (BD80+20% SVO and BD60+40%SVO). The inclusion of DEE as an additive had a noticeable impact on engine performance. It significantly improved brake power, reduced Brake-Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC), lowered Brake Specific Energy Consumption (BSEC), and increased Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE). Additionally, all the blends containing DEE as an additive demonstrated decreased emissions of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Carbon Monoxide (CO), with a slight increase in Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. This research highlights the comparative suitability of DEE as an additive for enhancing the suitability of biodiesel-SVO blends as a fuel source for diesel engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field trials were conducted to evaluate four IPM modules against jack shoot and fruit borer Diaphania caesalis (Walker). Among different canopy types, the spreading type canopy was the most susceptible. The fruit damage on covered and hooked fruits were significantly lesser compared to control. Among the five modules evaluated-Module I (Nomuraea rileyi (WP)@ 10g/l, pongamia soap 5 gm/l, Trichogramma chilonis@ 45,000 adults and Apanteles stantoni@ 450 adults/acre) were more effective. The laboratory mass multiplied parasitoids and pathogens provided an effective control. Moreover, ecofriendly botanical insecticides i.e. neem and pongamia are equally effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast depletion and higher emissions of fossil fuels are posing problems to scientists across the globe. To overcome this, thorough research is needed to find out alternate renewable sources. Biodiesel is such a renewable, biodegradable, and innocuous fuel to meet this global need. Oil extracted from vegetable oil seeds is processed into biodiesel by the transesterification process. The experimental work is carried out to study the performance and emission characteristics of a single‐cylinder, air‐cooled diesel engine by using a mixture of two diverse biodiesels namely Pongamia and Mahua. The results indicate that at higher loads there is a reduction of smoke emission for the 100PM blend (50% Pongamia biodiesel and 50% Mahua biodiesel) along with a 4.4% reduction in brake thermal efficiency when compared to diesel. The smoke is reduced for 100PM by 78.4% and 70.8% and for 50D50PM (50% diesel and 25% each biodiesel) by 71% and 61% at higher loads. From the combustion analysis, it is found that peak cylinder pressure for 100PM and 50D50PM blends are higher when compared with diesel which may be due to the advanced start of injection and ignition of blends. Injection and ignition advance of the blends may be attributed to higher bulk modulus and higher cetane number of biodiesels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication addresses the influence of irrigation scheduling on water use, plant growth, and development for young pongamia trees (Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi). Written by Daniel Palacios, Sandra M. Guzmán, Amir Rezazadeh, Liliana M. Cano, Lorenzo Rossi, and Alan Wright, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, November 2023.

With rising energy demands, alternative transportation fuels are continually sought. The most recent advances in this area have been in the use of microorganisms to produce oils for biodiesel. When pretreated with dilute acid and used for microbial fermentation, the lignocellulosic sources currently preferred for microbial oil production require an additional detoxification step. In this work, microbial oil was produced from de-oiled Pongamia cake, a low-value residue from the biodiesel industry, to evaluate whether the detoxification step might be omitted during raw material processing. Non-detoxified acid hydrolysate (NDAH) and detoxified acid hydrolysate (DAH), when subjected to fermentation with Aspergillus ochraceus, produced comparable biomass and lipid concentrations, with a maximum biomass of 22.249 g/L and 21.445 g/L, and maximum lipid of 4.463 g/L and 4.106 g/L, in NDAH and DAH media, respectively, thus indicating that detoxification might be avoided. Detoxifying the medium decreased the concentrations of the fermentation inhibitors furfural, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), and acetic acid; however, the microorganism was resistant to the inhibitors, thus demonstrating that bio-oil can be produced from acid-pretreated Pongamia cake without any detoxification procedure. Overall, these results may enable the elimination of additional process and operating costs.

Background: Pongamia is considered an important biofuel species worldwide. Drought stress in the early growth stages of Pongamia influences negatively on the germination and seedling development. Due to lack of cultivar stability under drought stress conditions, establishment of successful plantation in drought hit areas becomes a major problem. To address this issue, drought stress response of four Pongamia genotypes was studied at morphological, physio-chemical and transcriptome levels. Methods and results: Drought stress was levied by limiting water for 15 days on three months old seedlings of four genotypes. A significant effect of water stress was observed on the traits considered. The genotype NRCP25 exhibited superior morpho-physiological, biochemical drought responses. Also, the genotype had higher root length, photosynthetic pigments, higher antioxidant enzymes and solute accumulation compared to other genotypes. In addition, transcript profiling of selected drought responsive candidate genes such as trehalose phosphate synthase 1 (TPS1), abscisic acid responsive elements-binding protein 2 (ABF2-2), heat shock protein 17 (HSP 17 kDa), tonoplast intrinsic protein 1 (TIP 1–2), zinc finger homeodomain protein 2 (ZFP 2), and xyloglucan endotransglucolase 13 (XET 13) showed only up-regulation in NRCP25. Further, the transcriptome responses are in line with key physio-chemical responses exhibited by NRCP25 for drought tolerance. Conclusions: As of now, there are no systematic studies on Pongamia drought stress tolerance; therefore this study offers a comprehensive understanding of whole plant drought stress responsiveness of Pongamia. Moreover, the results support important putative trait indices with potential candidate genes for drought tolerance improvement of Pongamia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work is a feasibility analysis for the newly developed dielectric based on non-edible vegetable oil, Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata) and Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) for electrical discharge machining (EDM). The traditional EDM uses kerosene as a dielectric with poor safety and unfriendly environmental consequences. In addition to eliminating the risks from kerosene to operator and atmosphere, bio-dielectric can also enhance the machining performance of traditional sinking EDM. As input parameters peak current, gap voltage, and pulse on time were selected and one variable at a time (OVAT) strategy was used to design experimental plans to investigate the application of the newly proposed bio-dielectric. In addition, the mechanism of material removal with Pongamia and Jatropha bio-dielectric is also discussed in detail. The results obtained have shown that the performance of the proposed Pongamia and Jatropha is better than commercially available kerosene oil for MRR, lower EWR and SR, and machined specimens with better surface integrity. It is proposed that dielectric based on Pongamia and Jatropha oil may be used as a hydrocarbon-based dielectric alternative to improve the sustainability of the EDM process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nine different vegetable oil-based blends were prepared from POME, NOME and TOME by blending with SAE20W40 commercial grade engine oil and 1%, 2% Al2O3 nano particles in weight percentage. The physiochemical properties viz. density, viscosity, viscosity index and flash point were investigated and tribological properties were investigated by four ball lubricant test under ASTM D4172B standard. The results showcased better outcomes with higher percentage (2%) of nanoparticle addition. Especially, the N102 and P202 blends has shown reduction in friction (13.3% and 12.8% respectively) and reduced wear scar diameter (55.1% and 50.5% respectively) when compared with SAE20W40 commercial lubricant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the laboratory and field efficacy of some biopesticides against the banana pseudostem weevil Odoiporus longicollis (Olivier). Sprays were applied five times from 3rd to 11th month at 45 days intervals. The observations such as the oviposition marks, larval galleries, plant death and yield revealed 100% mortality in Avaya and chlorpyriphos and 91.66% in CTCRI-Nanma and neem based product Nimbicidine treatments. The field observations indicated that Nimbicidine and cassava based Nanma significantly reduced the infestation similar to positive control chlorpyriphos, and these were considered under 1st category. The botanicals Zimmu plant extract, gallic acid and Aavya (2nd category) and pongamia and neem soap (3rd category) provided moderate/ less protection. It is concluded that the neem based botanical formulations could be effective and safe to use in banana against stem weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment to evaluate the efficacy of pungam (Millettia/Pongamia) oil soap at four different concentrations against brinjal fruit and shoot borer (BFSB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee and its effect on spiders of brinjal field revealed that application of 3% pungam oil soap brought down fruit damage to minimum level (12.94% on 7 days after third spray) followed by chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (0.3 mL/L), 2, 1 and 0.6% pungam oil soap and neem oil soap 0.6%. Efficacy of chlorantraniliprole persisted up to 14th day of spray followed by pungam oil soap. None of the botanical or chemical pesticides found to influence the spider population until seven days. After 14 days of application soap solution either alone or with pungam oil increased spiders over the control whereas 14 DAS it was minimum in standard check. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen pongamia families were evaluated in a field experiment for eight consecutive years in dryland conditions to identify stable, high-yielding families. The trial was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Each family, consisting of nine trees per replication, was planted at a spacing of 3 m × 3 m. Yield stability was analyzed using (1) Eberhart and Russel's regression coefficient (βi) and deviation from regression ( S d 2 ), (2) Wrike's ecovalence ( W i ); (3) Shukla stability variance ( σ i 2 ); and (4) Piepho and Lotito's stability index ( L i ). Families were also analyzed for adaptability and stability using AMMI and GGE biplots graphical methods. The study revealed significant variances due to family and family × year interaction for pod and seed yield. Families performed differently and ranked differently across years. The performance of families was influenced by both genetic factor and environmental conditions in different years. Among families tested, TNMP20, Acc14, TNMP14 and Acc30 were high yielders for pods, and Acc14, Acc30, TNMP6, RAK19 and TNMP14 were high for seed yield. According to the Eberhart and Russell model, Acc30, TNMP14 and TNMP3 were stable across years. In the graphical view of family × year interaction based on AMMI methods, TNMP3, TNMP4 and TNMP14 had greater stability with moderate seed yield, and Acc14 and Acc30 had moderate stability with high seed yield. On the other hand, GGE biplots revealed Acc14, Acc30 and TNMP14 as high yielders with moderate stability. AMMI and GGE biplots were able to capture nonlinear parts of the family × year interaction that were not be captured by the Eberhart and Russel model while also identifying stable families. Based on different methodologies, Acc14, Acc30 and TNMP14 were identified as high yielding and stable families for promoting pongamia cultivation as a biofuel crop for semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study an experimental investigation has been carried out on compression ignition engine to understand the engine behaviour like its performance and emission characteristics while using Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nano particle as additive with a blend of diesel and biodiesel sourced from Jatropha and Pongamia vegetable oil. The Alumina nano particles are characterized by X- ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The biodiesel is made engine ready with adoptable properties by carrying out standard alkali transesterification process. The alumina nano particles are blended with jatropha in the mass fractions of 50, 100, 150 ppm and with Pongamia biodiesel in the mass fractions of 40, 60 ppm using an ultrasonicator. The experiments are carried out in single cylinder four stroke variable compression ratio diesel engine by varying the load using eddy current dynamometer. The experimental results reveal that there is a significant improvement in the performance characteristics like brake thermal efficiency (BTHE) and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and reduction in the emission constituents like carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (HC) but in turn increase in nitric oxide (NOx) emissions were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre) is one of a potential tree species to produce biodiesel. Pongamia-based biodiesel development program is still constrained by the availability of quality and quantity seeds due to the limited of seed sources. The purpose of this research was to identify the morphological diversity of fruits, seeds and seedlings from 5 populations in Java Island. Randomized completely design and randomized block design were used to assess the difference of fruits, seeds and seedlings morphological characteristics among populations. Principal component and hierarchy cluster analysis were used to explain variation pattern among populations. The results showed that the difference of populations was significantly affected by the difference of fruits, seeds, and seedlings morphology of pongamia. Seeds from Carita population showed good quality seed indicators with moisture content of 19.31%, and germination capacity of 74.50%. Sturdiness quotient of the seedling was 10.78. Contribution of genetic factor was higher than environtment factor is relation to the differences of morphological characteristics of fruits, seeds and seedlings of pongamia. Morphological character of the five populations can be divided into 3 groups, i.e. the first group of Batukaras and Kebumen, second group of Alas Purwo and Baluran, and group 3 was Carita.

Pongamia is an important source for biodiesel production. As it is propagated only though seed, seed storage behaviour plays a major role in deciding the success of any afforestation programme. Keeping this in view, an experiment was conducted during 2014 and 2015 to find out correlations among twenty four pongamia genotypes for sixteen seed storability traits. Fifteen traits have a positive significant correlation with seed storability at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. The genotypic correlation coefficient values were recorded to be higher than corresponding phenotypic values. Seed storability trait expressed positive significant correlation with all fourteen traits, except with the number of simple leaves. Initial seed quality traits like seed germination, speed of germination and number of trifoliate leaves and storability traits like speed of germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index-I and number of trifoliate leaves after seed storage showed positive direct effect on pongamia seed storability both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Seedling vigour index- II and seedling length before storage showed direct negative effect on pongamia seed storability at both genotypic and phenotypic association levels. Hence, it is revealed that the selection and breeding on the basis of traits that show positive direct effect may aid in the tree improvement programmes of the species for high seed storability in pongamia.

The performance of the engine improved by modifying the shapes of the combustion chamber and nozzle geometry. The present work investigated the combined effect of combustion chamber shapes and nozzle geometry on performance and emission characteristics of POME biodiesel fueled diesel engine. Engine tests have been carried out on a single cylinder −4 stroke direct injection diesel engine using various blends of POME with standard diesel and comparison is made between baseline shape (HCC shape with 3 holes nozzle geometry) and modified shapes (CCC, SCC and TCC with 5 holes nozzle geometry). For comparison, the 17.5 CR, speed 1500 rpm, 205 bar IOP and IT 23° BTDC of the engine were kept constant. The experimental results showed that BTE increases up to B40 blend of POME in baseline shape and up to B20 POME blend in modified CCC shape at full load condition. A drastic reduction in UBHC and NO x emissions were observed in modified SCC and TCC shapes as compared to base line shape. CO emissions were decreased in modified CCC and baseline shapes as compared to modified SCC and TCC shapes at full load condition. CO 2 emission higher in all modified shapes in diesel engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gasification and combustion of de-oiled Pongamia Pinnata seed cake is done to produce higher energy biomass waste heat "syngas" for generating power using hybrid thermoelectric generator (TEG). A test rig is fabricated and experiments conducted with synthetic oil (Therminol-55) as the heating fluid under water and aircooled methods. The hot side temperature is varied from 200 - 250°C while the coolant temperature is maintained at 30 oC for both water and air respectively. Experimental results showed 22.27% enhancement in electric power at a constant hot side temperature of 250 °C under water cooled method. In addition, simulation results for the above mentioned conditions using artificial neural networks (ANN) tool in MATLAB also agreed well with the sample experimental results. The performance parameters such as open circuit voltage, maximum output power and matched load resistance are forecasted using ANN upto maximum possible hot side temperature of 350°C. Further, the financial evaluation of Biomass gasified-thermoelectric system ($0.0018/kWh and in terms of Indian currency is Rs 0.0676/kWh) is found to be almost negligible on comparison with other available renewable energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]