A group of solar energy experts from Sweden and Germany visited Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham recently to explore collaborating on a number of solar energy projects. They represent various universities in Sweden and a company of theirs which manufacturers combined solar thermal and photo-voltaic (PVT) modules.

The Swedish Group from Lund University under Dr. Björn Karlsson, Professor, Gavle University, has submitted and received a proposal from Swedish Grant Agency for a grant to visit India and explore the possibility of developing a solar laboratory at Amrita and giving lectures in Solar Energy.

The Swedish team visited Amrita’s premier research centers of excellence like AMMACHI Labs, VALUE Virtual Labs, Amrita Center for Wireless Networks and Applications, E-learning and Nanosciences (Nano Biotechnology and Nanosolar).

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s VALUE Virtual Labs in the area of mechanical engineering offer excellent learning opportunity to students from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Most experiments covering the solar energy studies are remotely triggerable. Students can learn about the comparison between various different cells, configuring panels of various voltages and current, monitor solar energy production using sensors etc.

On their visit to WINSOC lab where landslide detection was simulated, the team was highly impressed and agreed to discuss future plans on similar areas with their civil department.

The world class research facilities at Amrita Center for Nanosciences at Kochi campus were well appreciated and the team agreed to start joint research in the field of solar energy.

Further, Dr. Björn Karlsson delivered a lecture on Hybrid Solar PV- thermal and its applications to the students and faculty members. He also shared his 40 year experience on solar energy and its applications with the audience.