The solar project will involve all the IITs from across the country.
The first big involvement from country’s premier engineering institute, IIT into the solar sector is now in place. Apparently, foundation stone for a PAN-IIT Solar Thermal Project involving all the IITs from across the country will be laid next week.
According to a Business Line report, the project worth Rs 150 million is said to be a research effort from IITs together, which will contribute towards establishment of its first solar thermal power generation system. The project will receive funding from the Centre through the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
“Three major projects have been envisaged under this effort, namely, the establishment of a direct steam generation based solar thermal power plant, a liquid dessicant based solar air conditioning system and a thermal storage system,” B Nagarajan, Deputy Registrar (Training, Placement and Public Relations), IIT-Madras reportedly said.
The solar project with direct steam generation will be jointly established by IIT Madras and IIT Roorkee as per the report. The liquid desiccant-based AC system and that on storage of solar thermal energy using phase change materials and other storage systems would be coordinated by IIT Bombay and IIT Guwahati, respectively, he added.
“All three projects will be integrated in a pilot solar thermal plant located at the Pathashaala, Vallipuram (Kanchipuram district), Tamil Nadu,” he said, adding the foundation stone for this ‘prestigious’ project would be laid on 17 February by T. Ramasami, secretary, Department of Science and Technology.
