Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have recently patented a groundbreaking “Combined Power Generation Technology” that has the potential to revolutionize electricity production. This innovative system is designed to harness the power of both tidal and wind energy sources, offering a versatile and eco-friendly approach to power generation, transmission, and storage.
The technology is essentially an energy converter system, tailor-made for coastal areas. Its primary goal is to reduce the strain on conventional electricity supplies by generating electricity from renewable sources. What sets this system apart is its adaptability; it can be deployed based on the specific power requirements of a given coastal area. Researchers are currently working on perfecting the technology’s scalability and affordability, with plans to create a cost-effective prototype using cutting-edge techniques such as 3D printing.
The brains behind this breakthrough are Sadham Usean Ramasamy, a PhD Research Scholar in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras, and Prof. A. Seshadri Sekhar, a former Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the same institution, who is presently serving as the Director of IIT Palakkad.
The advantages of this technology are multifaceted. It promises to be cost-effective, requiring minimal maintenance while producing clean and sustainable energy. Furthermore, it has the remarkable feature of mobility, making it highly adaptable for various applications. Tidal energy, in particular, is noted for its predictability and potential to provide a consistent source of clean energy. Companies in the power sector, as well as those involved in solar and wind energy, are seen as potential industry partners for this groundbreaking technology.
This innovative system comprises five key components that work in tandem to convert wind and tidal energy into electrical power. Notably, a unique five-gear mechanism is employed to transform tidal energy into electricity. Spring-assisted mechanisms, adjustable guider structural support mechanisms, a main shaft with five converter gear shaft mechanisms, direction converter gear mechanism, floor level adjustable mechanism, and gear coupling mechanism all play vital roles in the process. Moreover, a solar panel on the vehicle’s roof supplements power for other systems, enhancing the overall efficiency of the technology.
One distinguishing aspect of this development is that, despite the numerous power generation methods available today, there is currently no simple continuous energy converter technology for electricity generation. This technology is a promising step toward more sustainable and versatile energy production methods. It holds the potential to transform the largely untapped resource of ocean energy into a significant contributor to our future energy needs.
In summary, IIT Madras’s “Combined Power Generation Technology” represents a promising step towards cleaner and more sustainable energy generation. By harnessing both tidal and wind energy, it offers a versatile, cost-effective, and mobile solution to power generation and has the potential to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the energy sector.
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