The IITB internal exhibition rocked this year and are as good as the international exhibitions. Can’t believe it then you need to see it. Oh you didn’t, then you can see the images of all the individual exhibits right here and read about them. These exhibits mostly consisted either of power saving concepts or generating green energy.
I personally loved the solar lamp and the solar panel array. The solar lamp uses power LEDs instead of CFLs; consuming very low power. These lamps can be charged via AC and solar power and are already being used in the rural villages. The solar array panels are fitted with highly reflective aluminum sheets. These sheets help increase the intensity of the light and hence increases the power generation capacity of the panels by almost 60% thereby elevating the efficiency of the panels. The solar panel array will soon be tested in Delhi and might be commercialized once it gets the government nod.
Worth noticing was the effort of the Chemical Engg. Dept. students who have managed to set up a bio diesel plant wherein they generate cleaner bio fuel by using the used vegetable oil (bought @ Rs. 13-15). This oil is passed through various processes to extract the bio fuel. Now what is interesting and amazing at the same time is the fact that this is not just a concept that can be implemented. It has been implemented by the IITians in their new research building. In-fact they have went a step ahead and made custom gasifiers, boilers and filters all designed by the students themselves. The students are awaiting a nod of approval from the IIT to try out the bio-diesel in their internal ferry buses. We wish them good luck.
The other one that I would definitely want to buy is the Multi-Utility Heat Pump. This machine working on vapour compression can heat and cool water and works as an air cooler at the same time. It requires about 36kWh heating water @ 55ºC, cool water and air at the same time (as much as a refrigerator requires to work.) So basically you are saving a lot of power by buying this one machine instead of the water heater, air cooler and refrigerator. This machine is already being used by commercials like McDonalds and pizza outlets.
The other concept displays were the cryogenic compressors and refrigerators. They claimed that these machines using inert gases can cool things at a much lower power than the conventional refrigerators which emits CFC and other harmful emissions. Although right now the cost of building them is quite high but they have stated that the research is right now in the nascent stage and the prices would certainly drop after thorough research and once commercial production starts.
Power LED display is another one which we thought was interesting but the price of the product played spoilsport
Now, these power LEDs are indeed innovative as they consume less power compared to CFLs (3W as compared to 18W) but shockingly priced at Rs. 1800 against a Rs. 150 CFL. The lifespan differences are huge, while CFLs last for about 6000 hours the power LEDs last a massive 35000 – 50000 approximately.
Idea Forge Mechanical Mobile Charger
This charger being innovative as it is might prove to be a little embarrassing at the same time, as it requires continuous cranking of the charger by hand.
This charger works on the simple concept of a dynamo, which is ergonomically design for easy and efficient use. The charger priced at Rs. 450 was being sold at Rs. 350 exclusively at the techfest.
WiLCOM Technologies
The presentation by Neha Kumar, Director of WiLCOM Technologies started on a educative mode explaining us the side effects of radiation from mobile phones; well supported by stats in a ppt presentation. We thought here is an interesting company not thinking about profits but working for a social cause. She demonstrated very innovative Radiation Shield and network jammer called Silencer.
While she was just beginning to impress us she managed to pull out mobile signal enhancer, leaving us wondering if she is really concerned about the audience.
Other displays included car clay modeling and a scooty (pictures above) made by IIT research students. This scooty powered by a motor directly connected with a battery could run at a top speed of 40 Kmph with a max. Weight capacity of 90 kg. (indicating that its only a single seater)
The IIT Bombay exhibition indeed delivered more than we expected. Showcasing the amazing talent and potential the IITians have.
I LIke this post. Scooty is the best scooter in its segment.