Research Colloquium 2024 on CLEAN ENERGY was organized by the Centre of Excellence in Industrial Research (COEIR) in association the with Centre for Clean Energy and Circular Economy (C-CECE), NITCAA and IEEE during 28th to 30th July 2024. COEIR is the centre started by the 1994-98 Alumni batch of NIT Calicut and is focusing on Industrial Research connecting industries with academia through alumni.

Day 1: 28^th July 2024

Day 1 of the research colloquium started with the address by Dr.Pradeep Ashokkumar (1994-98) Alumni and introduction of the speaker Mr.Arijit Ghosh, Founder and Director, S.A.P. Automation, Noida, New Delhi. Mr.Arijit Ghosh has an expertise on Geothermal energy and establishes geothermal plants at various places of our country based on the requirements of the end users.

He delivered a detailed expert lecture on the production of geothermal energy, the constructional phenomenon, and materials to be utilized, the process of production and how this caters the needs of heating and cooling as per the requirements. Also, he detailed the geothermal net zero process and the aspects to be addressed to make our building net zero. The participants were highly motivated in his thought-provoking lecture on Geothermal energy.      

A workshop was also organized for our NITC students on "How to start a start-up?" and the speaker to deliver the talk was Mr. Naseef Ahammed, Climate Entrepreneur, Founder @ ReShift. 

Day 2: 29^th July 2024

The research colloquium was formally inaugurated by Prof.Prasad Krishna, Director, NIT and in inaugural address Director indicated the importance of clean energy and how the student community and faculty fraternity to be actively involved in activities of promoting green energy and appreciated the NITC Alumni 1998 batch for their efforts towards this colloquium in coordination with C-CECE. Keynote speaker on this day of colloquium was Dr.Joseph Martin Francis, Sustainability Strategist, PwC and he enlightened on the “Catalytic role of Campus to drive Sustainable Development”.

A panel discussion on “Converting NITC into a sustainable campus” was conducted with the members, Prof.A.Shaija, Dr. A.P. Sudheer and Shri.Krishnakumar, National general Secretary, Society of Energy Engineers and Managers. Each of the panelists presented their thought provoking views on making the NITC into a sustainable one by handling the bio-waste, establishment of roof-top solar power plant, inculcating energy conservation in the minds of the complete team of NITC. Ar. Kiriti Sahoo and Dr. Gangadhara Kiran Kumar.L delivered lectures on Net Zero Buildings and Dr. Arun presented in waste management and biofuels as energy source. The session on technology in energy management was handled by Mr.Hanish Kumar P K.

Dr. Kumaravel S, Dr. Nikhil Sasidharan and Dr. Sooraj V were the panellist for the “Future of Electric Vehicles” and conveyed the participants on various technologies behind EVs and its future drive through. In respect of the sessions, presentations based on Batteries and Smart Grid was made by Prof. Sajith V. Dr. Muhammed Shafi and Dr. Vivek Mohan presented on Thermal Management of EV Batteries - Energy Storage Batteries and Grid Modernization and Electricity market, respectively. 

Sri. A K Balasubramaniam, NITC alumnus (1978-83) & Rtd. Director (Technical), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. delivered the session on “Research Supporting Nuclear Energy in India”. Mr. Santosh K Gurunath, CEO, Umagine delivered his expertise on “Green Hydrogen: Is it all a hype or is it really happening?’” and Dr.Vinod Kumar Sharma presented on the various aspects of production and storage of Hydrogen Energy.  

Evening session of the colloquium was highlighted with the fireside chat among the Alumni – Student – Faculty Interactions and Prof.Ravi Varma, Dean IACR, Dr. Mohammed Firoz, Head DAP and Shri.Bobby NITC 1998 Alumni and students from IEEE SB branch were part of this fireside chat.  

Day 2 was concluded with a delicious Gala dinner.

Day 3: 30^th July 2024

Day 3 of the colloquium involved the participation from the faculty members and students for presentations on Ongoing/Proposed Clean Energy Projects. 

Team Unwired Club of NITC presented their project on “Design and Fabrication of an Electric All-Terrain Vehicle”, followed by Dr. Sharu on “3D Printing of Carbonated Cementitious Material Structures”. Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma presented on the project “Development of Metal Hydride based Thermal Energy Storage System” and Dr. Sandip Rudha Budhe on “Upcycling of Thermocol Waste to Cost-Effective Lap Board: Waste to Wealth”. 

The project on “Development of a Green 2-seater Cart driven by Compressed CO2” was presented
Dr. Nitinkumar D. Banker and “Design and Fabrication of a Briquetting Machine for Leafy Biomass Stock” was presented by Dr. T.J. Sarvoththama Jothi. Ms.Ayisha Fahmi, PhD Scholar of MED presented her project on “Plastic Waste Management on Campus” and the project “Piezoelectric Rain Energy Harvesting” was presented by Mr. Ishan Zalpuri, Mr.Kedar Kamath and Mr.Dikshit Makwana.

Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr.Abilash and Dr.Pradeepkumar Ashok of NITC 1998 Alumni batch. COEIR announced a funding of Rs 15 lakhs for various C-CECE projects. Prof.A.Shaija, Chairperson, C-CECE conveyed her thanks for the entire team behind the conduct of the research colloquium and making it as a grand success.