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Mr. Sunil C. Panchbhai, Secretary, Process Industries Division, India Technical Centre welcomed the thirty guests which included several academicians, industrialists and government policy makers, in addition to IMechE members.
Ms. T. Nagamani, Member Secretary of Petroleum Committee from the Bureau of Indian Standards explained in her presentation the functions and activities of BIS and benefits to society from the same. She dwelt on the alarming situation of release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which has created an adverse impact on climate change. The use of clean and renewable fuels like biodiesel, biogas, CNG and LNG was discussed. She stressed the need for reduction in carbon emissions and improvement in efficiency in energy generation and utilization.
Presentation of Dr. Milind Atrey, Dean R&D at IIT Mumbai, who is also presently the PD India Chair was made by Mr. Aditya Raman, a PhD student, who shared his insights from a collaborative project with University of Birmingham, on the development of a refrigerated truck using clean energy, in the form of a liquid nitrogen driven engine. Such technology would help to address challenges in food preservation during transportation, without producing damaging emissions.
Dr. M.R Nandgaonkar, Head of Mechanical Department, College of Engineering, Pune discussed gaseous fuels in detail including CNG, LPG, bio-methane and hydrogen. He shared automotive data in the Indian scenario and details of different types of pollution from vehicles. Safety issues with vehicles using hydrogen fuel and fuel-cells was discussed. Dr. Nandgaonkar talked about how “Laser Combustion” of fuels shall improve fuel efficiency in the future.
Mr. Sidhharth Mayur, Founder & CEO of H2E Power discussed innovations in energy efficiency. He presented applications using Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Proton Exchange Membrane fuels, Alkaline fuel cells, Molten carbonate fuel cells, and their applications in various products. He talked about rural applications of fuel cell and how he was getting support from the Government of India for implementation of the same in farmlands.
Thereafter there was an active Panel discussion moderated by Mr Sunil Panchbhai. Young members and post graduate students actively participated. In commercialization of research projects for industries, Dr. Nandgaonkar expressed that there was a gap and requested IMechE to fill it with up a platform for such events on regular basis. Mr. Sidhharth shared his concern for health of women who are not privileged to use clean and modern fuels.
M/s. H2E Power displayed their innovative products including a prototype rice cooker. The event was concluded with presentation of mementos to the speakers, vote of thanks to the College of Engineering Pune for use of their auditorium, followed by high tea and networking amongst the participants.