IIT Roorkee launches the PEHEM Lab; a new era in HydroElectric Research.
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Marking a major development in hydroelectric research, IIT Roorkee inaugurated its renovated state-of-the-art Power Electronics and Hydro-Electric Machines Laboratory. Located in the Department of Water Resources Development and Management, this facility shall further encourage innovations in trying to solve some of the most mooted themes which plague the discipline of hydroelectric systems.
A Commitment to Innovation
One such quantum jump in the research capabilities at IIT Roorkee is the PEHEM Lab. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, this lab is envisioned to foster high-impact research that will integrate academia and industry. Prof. Thanga Raj Chelliah, In-charge of the PEHEM Lab and Head of the WRDM Department, explained the lab’s contribution toward solving real-life problems through collaborative research efforts. “By doing so, we can ensure that our research contributes to not just mere additions in the annals of academia, but informs real-world solutions to problems,” he said.
Ongoing Research Projects
The lab is currently active on several pioneering projects, including:
Development of Hack-Free Hydroplant Control SystemsIntegrated Operation Decision Support System for the Tehri Hydropower ComplexDesign of a Municipal Solid Waste Fueled Battery Charging Station using Solar Assisted Plasma PyrolysisSolutions in HVAC Energy Optimization, Recovery, and Generation through Waste
These projects have been sponsored/supported by organizations like Swachhta Action Plan under the Ministry of Education, NBCC Services Limited, THDC India Limited, iHub DivyaSampark, and ABB Global Industries and Services.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
The inauguration was followed by a joint workshop with the topic “Simulation of Water Resources and Hydropower Systems using ANSYS,” along with CADFEM India. The workshop was attended by many esteemed guests, including Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee; Prof. Madhukar Waware, Joint Secretary, UGC. These workshops highlighted new simulation methodologies that would enhance efficiency and reliability in hydroelectric systems; participants also experienced hands-on sessions on practical applications of the latest ANSYS software tools.
He emphasized the importance of the PEHEM Lab with the words, “The innovative projects taken up here, besides showcasing the technical capabilities of our researchers, have a sync with the broader goals in India with regard to sustainability and technological self-reliance.”
A Bright Future Ahead
It’s not just a facility—this is the PEHEM Lab—but what this shall demonstrate to IIT Roorkee is a commitment to progress in the research of hydroelectric systems. While continuing to augment research infrastructure and nurture industry partnerships, this institution will add much to pioneering solutions in the energy sector. The bright future lying ahead for hydroelectric research at IIT Roorkee has been well captured with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony at the very start of the program.
