A green solar integrated hybrid distillation processing system (500 kg capacity) for extraction of high value aroma chemicals: A carbon-credit approach

India stands out in the aroma chemical industry; however, the methods employed by Indian farmers for aroma chemical extraction involve unsafe and unsustainable wood-based distillation techniques. This investigation established a field-scale centralized solar hybrid distillation unit (C-SHDU) powered by solar energy and agri-lignocellulosic biomass. The hybrid boiler incorporates a mobery switch for automatic water level maintenance and produces controlled, uniform green steam at a pressure range of 1.5 to 2.5 bar. The electric boiler and distillation chamber shows calculated energy efficiencies of 88.05% and 82.96%, respectively, while the exergy efficiency of the boiler was recorded to 84.03%. C-SHDU employs a 30 kVA off-grid converter to convert Direct current (DC) electricity into Alternating Current (AC) for various agricultural applications. C-SHDU, functioning in both hybrid and fully wood-based modes, is capable of generating average emission revenues of $30,774.57 and $37,664.74 respectively. A comprehensive 25-year study revealed that wood and hybrid boiler-based wood extraction methods lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, achieving 70% and 85% reductions, respectively, when compared to traditional units, thereby generating carbon credits. The physiochemical and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) data indicated that the yield and quality of aroma chemicals extracted using C-SHDU were adequate.