TADEPALLIGUDEM, : National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh is establishing a Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH) in the Renewable Energy sector. This will enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Micro and Small Enterprises by providing assistance in technological problem-solving and capacity building.

The research centre is sponsored by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The infrastructure and equipment established at this research centre would facilitate Micro and Small Enterprises to conduct research and development activities, including testing of innovative products and new technologies.

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) will offer financial support of Rs.5 Crore with NIT Andhra Pradesh contributing Rs. 2.15 Crore, including land and building for the research centre.  

The project will be led by the Department of Electrical Engineering, NIT Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with other Departments of the Institute.

Highlighting the key aspects of this upcoming Research Centre, Prof. C.S.P. Rao, Director, NIT Andhra Pradesh, said, “Our Institute aims to establish state-of-the-art Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH) in the renewable energy sector and to provide research and testing services to local Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). India has crossed the milestone of 100 GW in renewable energy generation and moved towards strong green and sustainable energy transition.”

Further, Prof. C.S.P. Rao, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy sector, said, “This centre will bridge the gap between academia and industries and will strengthen the relationship for mutual benefits. I congratulate the Department of Electrical Engineering of NIT Andhra Pradesh for creating such a Research and Development Centre and shows gratitude to DSIR for the sanction of the project.”

The key deliverables of the CRTDH include:

Ø  To deliver first hand Research and Development technological solutions to the MSEs’ in the Renewable Energy sector including testing services

Ø  Development of data-driven simulation and design tools for assessment of renewable resource potential, cost assessment, operation-maintenance planning and risk assessment through testing and characterising of renewable resources

Ø  Design and development solutions to the decentralised power generation and to increase the penetration of renewable energies to the grid

Ø  Development of optimal sizing and power control strategies for hybrid renewable systems consisting of photovoltaic, wind, hydro, fuel cells including battery management.

Ø  Analysing the power converters efficiency and reliability by developing loss models and mission profile parameters taken at MSE’s location towards the selection of suitable power converters in renewable systems 

Ø  Supporting MSEs in technological solutions towards Power quality enhancement in off-grid and on-grid renewable energy systems

Ø  Skill development of manpower of MSEs through training and capacity building programmes

Ø  The information on deliverables of the research outcome/testing equipment will be shared with MSEs through an online interactive portal

Describing the objectives of the centre, Dr V. Sandeep, Head, Department of Electrical Engineering, NIT Andhra Pradesh, and Project Manager, CRTDH, said, “This centre will cater to the needs of Renewable Energy-based Micro and Small Enterprises in Vishakhapatnam and Chennai industrial corridor supporting Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative by the inclusion of various stakeholders’ expertise in the Institute. We will improve the skill sets of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) manpower in the creation of a platform that will facilitate training in special areas of renewable systems.

Describing the action plan of the centre, Dr P. Sankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, NIT Andhra Pradesh, and Project Manager, CRTDH said, “This Research and Development hub empower students and faculty to work with local industries and organizations to apply technical knowledge to provide solutions for various community challenges related to the renewable sector. It facilitates Micro and Small Enterprises to participate in building alternative systems for sources of energy and encourages Indigenous design, development and manufacturing capability of cost-effective processing equipment and energy-efficient technologies to reduce energy consumption”.

 Dr Dinesh P. Sankar Reddy, Registrar In-charge, NIT Andhra Pradesh, appreciated the working team and encouraged the faculty members for applying such industry-sponsored research projects towards strengthening the academia-industry relationships of the Institute.