4.Harnessing Research to Achieve Carbon Neutrality
A. Advancing Rural Electrification through Smart Grids and Renewable Energy Progress in 2023
As of 2023, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has made significant progress in its mission to provide sustainable energy solutions to rural India. With 40 active projects across 13 villages, the university continues to lead the way in rural electrification using smart grids and renewable energy technologies, improving the lives of communities in remote areas.
Amrita’s AmritaSphuranam project, inspired by Amrita’s Chancellor, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), continues to shine as a model for rural electrification. Initially focused on microgrid prototypes to address issues such as power theft and faulty billing, the project has now successfully implemented multiple smart grid systems. These systems are providing reliable, renewable energy to villages, with a particular focus on integrating solar power.
The landmark solar microgrid project in Mothakara village, Wayanad, Kerala, has been a model for the region. Since its inception in 2014, the solar-powered microgrid has electrified the village of 260 people, paving the way for socio-economic development. In 2023, Amrita is continuing to empower the local community by providing training to manage and maintain the grid, which can now be monitored remotely from the Amritapuri campus.
In Komalakudi, another tribal village in Kerala, Amrita’s micro-hydro generator has been fully operational for over two years, providing 24/7 electricity to eight homes, streetlights, and vital community centers like the multi-grade learning center, anganwadi (pre-school), and youth center. This access to reliable electricity has allowed over 50 students to pursue their studies without interruption.
The success of these initiatives has led to further expansion in Munnar, where a new micro-hydro plant has been installed, providing power to 60 homes, streetlights, and a learning center. The addition of solar rooftop systems ensures that electricity is available even when the hydro generator is offline.
In 2023, the university has been actively implementing water distribution systems in states including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra, further improving the quality of life for rural communities.
Through these ongoing projects, Amrita is not only making strides in rural electrification but also fostering sustainable development in India’s most underserved regions, providing both energy and essential services that enable long-term growth and resilience.
B. Amrita’s Patent-Winning Solar Electric Car: Pioneering Sustainable Mobility Patent Awarded to Amrita’s Solar Electric Vehicle – July 4, 2023
Amrita University has developed a groundbreaking, patent-winning solar electric car, showcasing an innovative fusion of solar energy and electric mobility. The car is equipped with 500W solar panels that generate enough energy to provide a daily range of 25-30 km, allowing it to run on renewable energy for over 7,500 km annually.
In addition to the solar power, the car features a 14 kWh/30 kWh battery pack that offers a driving range of 250-400 km on a single charge, with an average cruising speed of 50 km/h. The batteries can be fully charged in just 5 to 6 hours using a standard household wall socket charger. The car has a top speed of 100 km/h and comfortably accommodates up to four passengers, including the driver.
The car is powered by a 10 kW electric motor, with a peak power output of 15 kW, offering efficient and eco-friendly performance. The project involved retrofitting a Maruti car with a new motor, motor controller, batteries, battery management system (BMS), and solar panels, making this solar electric vehicle both cost-effective and accessible.
C. Hybrid Charging Station: Sustainable EV Infrastructure Project
In 2023, Amrita University developed and launched its innovative Hybrid Charging Station (HCS), integrating sustainable energy sources with electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to meet the energy needs of EVs in both urban and rural areas. This project aligns with Amrita’s commitment to environmental sustainability and clean energy in transportation.
The HCS primarily utilizes solar energy, with additional renewable sources to ensure a reliable power supply. Key components include solar panels, a wind turbine, four DC/DC converters, an energy storage system, and a fuel cell with a boost converter, all supporting a DC load of 40 kW.
A standout feature of the HCS is the use of machine learning weather prediction models, such as Neural Prophet, to forecast variations in renewable energy generation based on weather conditions. This technology optimizes energy distribution, predicting temperature and wind speed to adjust power generation and minimize reliance on non-renewable sources, improving system efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Amrita’s Hybrid Charging Station serves as a model for future EV infrastructure, showcasing how renewable energy and advanced technologies can support sustainable transportation and reduce the carbon footprint.
