IIT Madras Researchers Patent Power Generation Technology from Tidal & Wind sources

This technology will involve fewer expenditures, require less maintenance and produce clean and sustainable energy and can also be utilised as a mobile vehicle

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have patented a ‘Combined Power Generation Technology’ technology that can generate electricity from both Tidal and Wind sources. This can be deployed as a mobile vehicle for Power Generation, Transmission and Storage.

The current innovation is an energy converter system that generates electricity in coastal areas to reduce electricity demand. The converter system can be deployed depending on the power requirements in the coastal area.

At present, the Researchers are focused on scalability and affordability and are trying to build a cost-effective prototype using 3D-Printing and other technologies.

This Research was undertaken by Sadham Usean Ramasamy, PhD Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, and Prof. A. Seshadri Sekhar, a former Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, who is currently on deputation to IIT Palakkad as its Director.

Commenting on a timeline for possible field deployment of this unique technology, Prof. A. Seshadri Sekhar said, “The present innovation is an energy converter system that generates electricity in coastal areas to reduce electricity consumption.  Furthermore, it has lower costs, requires less maintenance, and provides clean energy. It can also function as a mobile vehicle. Tidal energy is a clean, sustainable energy source with a lot of potential and the uncommon ability to be completely predictable.  The converter system may need to be relocated depending on the power demand in the coastal area. The system's or gadget's energy output is fully renewable. The solar panel on the roof is also used to power other equipment on mobile vehicles. The converter system may need to be relocated depending on the power demand in the coastal area. A wind turbine positioned on the vehicle's roof employs the converter technology to generate wind energy as well as convert tidal energy into electrical energy.  The energy output of the system or devices is entirely renewable. The roof-mounted solar panel is also used to power other equipment on mobile vehicles.”

The technology developed by IIT Madras researchers envisages locating the entire converter onshore. Hence, there would be no major corrosion issues. Additionally, the converter is a remote-based system that can be moved to any location based on wave height as well as power generation requirements.

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