Newscast

Catalysts for cost-effective and efficient metal-air batteries NATRAX High Speed Track

The discovery of a new nonprecious, metal-based, bi-functional electrocatalyst is believed to have the potential to decrease cost and increase the efficiency of metalair batteries. The International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous R&D Centre of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), of the government of India, has found a solution to this by developing a costeffective electrocatalyst. The research has been published in ACS Applied Energy Materials. It is well known how the rise in demand for different energy sources has led to efforts being made globally to develop different kinds of energy devices. These include lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, redox flow batteries, lithium-air batteries, zincair batteries, sodium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and super-capacitors. The Zinc-air batteries among these have particularly drawn attention due to their claimed low cost and high energy density. Known as compact power sources for electric vehicles and energy storage devices, they are said to introduce efficiencies in the management of energy flow among renewable energy generators like wind turbines, photo voltaic panels, and electric grids. Catalyst development has been identified to be a major challenge here. The conventional catalysts available consist of noble metals in their composition, and are said to make batteries costly. The National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) inaugurated a High Speed Test (HST) track in Indore. Touted as the largest test track in the world, the four-lane track is 11.3 kilometres long and is also Asia’s longest track. The track will be used for the development and homologation of multiple vehicle segments, from passenger cars to heavy commercial vehicles. Each track will enable original equipment manufacturers to conduct coast down tests, brake tests, constant speed fuel consumption tests, speedometer calibration, noise, vibration tests and mileage accumulation among other tests.

Ministry of Power incentivises power trade from renewable energy sources

The Ministry of Power recently issued an order extending the waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges on the transmission of electricity generated from renewable energy sources like solar and wind for projects to be commissioned up to June 30, 2025, effective June 30, 2023, previously. The move is expected to promote the hydro Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects for meeting the balancing requirement of the grid as a result of large scale integration of renewables. An estimated 450 GW by 2030. The waiver of transmission charges is also extended to the trading of electricity generated and or supplied from solar, wind, PSP and BESS in Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) and Green Day Ahead Market (GDAM) for two years, till June 30, 2023. Notably, RE developers will be allowed to sell power in the power exchanges and stand to get paid on delivery of power itself without a lag. In addition, the buyers will also have an opportunity to sell their surplus power in the power exchanges or allow, in advance, the sellers to sell in the power exchange. The amendment order is being looked at as a boost to renewable energy and a step forward in the direction of the government of India meeting its international obligations and climate change ‘commitment’.

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TKM MoU with ACMA a commitment to share industry best practices for the future

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA). Using its training arm Toyota Learning and Development India (TLDI), TKM has committed to sharing its knowledge pool including best practices with ACMA’s member companies. It will include imparting knowledge gathered on people development and lean management principles in line with the company’s objective to offer ‘Lifelong Learning’ to the stakeholders of the industry. Mentioned G. Shankara, Vice President, Human Resources and Services, TKM, “Toyota Production System which is a globally renowned approach for the auto industry helps in building lean and agile systems. We are happy to share Toyota’s knowhow and contribute to the human development of the auto components industry.” Averred Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA, “The MoU between ACMA and TKM for people’s development is a step in the right direction to prepare our human resources for the future.” “The pandemic has led to the realigning of the shop floors to ensure sustainable manufacturing with safety. Auto components manufacturers who will undergo skilling under this joint TKMACMA initiative will be endowed with skills and knowledge for creating a manufacturing ecosystem that can overcome disruptions and ensure business continuity,” he opined. As part of the MoU, TKM will impart 131 programs with a focus on a wide array of subjects including automobile and electrified vehicle technologies, industrial safety, environmental management systems, quality and supply chain management. It will also cover automobile welding, car painting, mechatronics, automation and robotics. To impart the training, TKM will deploy trainers certified by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Japan and Toyota Asia Pacific Global Production Centre (AP-GPC), Thailand.

ZF four-point strategy for India

ZF Friedrichshafen AG has renewed its focus on India by earmarking a Euro 200 million investment. The company is also looking at a strategic consolidation of its business domains with an eye on the next decade. In a company statement, Dr Holger Klein, ZF Member of the Board responsible for the Asia Pacific region and India mentions that despite the pandemic marred fiscal, the company is buoyant of the long-term growth potential in the country. “The refresh four-point strategy includes a plan to rapidly growing business in one of the largest automotive markets in the world,” averred Dr Klein. Centred on the need to ‘Readapt’, “Reinforce’, ‘Retain’ and ‘Restructure’, through the investment, he added, the company plans to aid this growth through product launches, manufacturing and engineering footprint expansions. It will also look at hiring and developments across other business domains. The focus areas of the company remain in e-mobility and next-generation technology through a global portfolio. It also includes using the racetrack as a test bed for power electronics, electric motor and transmission. Coming off its recent acquisition of Wabco, forming the ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems Division, the company expects to be able to increase its content per vehicle. At the same time, the company aims to bolster India as a global sourcing hub across software development, information technology, manufacturing and material sourcing, as per Dr Klein.

Ceat Partners TyresnMore for home fit services

In an era of doorstep services, Ceat Tyres has partnered with TyresnMore to offer home fit services. With an aim to sell its range of tyres online and follow it up with home fitment, Ceat will pilot the new initiative in select cities. As stated, Amit Tolani, Chief Marketing Officer, Ceat Tyres Ltd., expects the company to tap into the growing customer inclination towards availing services on a touch and in the convenience of their home. Available for Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune, the tyre manufacturer aims to leverage its partner’s online marketplace for tyres and batteries to expand into other cities across the country. TyresnMore also offers tyre fitment, replacement, balancing, alignment among other maintenance services.

MTech in Defence Technology

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched a regular MTech program in defence technology in partnership with the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). Aero Technology, Communication systems and sensors, directed energy technology and high energy materials technology are among the courses on offer. Students can look forward to conducting their main thesis works in DRDO laboratories, Defence PSUs and across indistries. Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., congratulated DRDO and AICTE for initiating the program as he highlighted its importance for creating a talent pool for defence technology in line with the government’s ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ programme. Aimed at motivating aspiring engineers, the program can be conducted at any of the AICTE affiliated Institutes and Universities, IITs, NITs or private engineering institutes. The program will be adapted for both online and offline mediums.

Mobile calibration lab services

Godrej & Boyce of the Godrej Group has launched a mobile calibration lab service in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and Karnataka. Aimed at providing on-site calibration services to automobile, aerospace and manufacturing sectors, it will cater to the high precision requirements of these sectors. Xercsis K. Marker, Executive Vice President and Business Head, Godrej Lawkim Motors said, “On surveying our customers, we found out that a large volume of customers face problems in sending their instruments for calibration, and with this insight, we created the service.” The company will offer a high volume of measuring equipment with service provider Godrej Lawkim Motors, a NABL accredited, ISO 17025, calibration laboratory. The company will deploy a custom built van carrying calibration instruments to carry out 20 services on the go. With a claim of high vibrations dampening capability in the van, the company assures high precision calibration and instrument functionality.

New leadership in key industrial ministries

ION Energy Pre-Series A funding

A major expansion as part of the Narendra Modi led BJP government’s cabinet reshuffle has translated to key ministries undergoing a change of leadership. Union minister Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey took charge of the heavy industries ministry. Dharmendra Pradhan assumed charge of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship as a cabinet minister. In another change, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, from Karnataka, took office as the Minister of State (MoS) of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Both ministers resolved to create linkages between skilling and employment. Anupriya Patel took over the charge as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Union Minister Narayan Rane assumed charge of the MSME. Ramchandra Prasad Singh took charge of the Ministry of Steel. Raj Kumar Singh took charge of the Ministry of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Bhupendar Yadav took charge of the Environment, Forest and Climate change, and the Labour and Employment ministry.

ION Energy has raised USD 3.6 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. The funding has been raised from Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Silicon Valley-based Climate Capital, early-stage investor Yournest Venture Capital, Riso Capital, Venture Catalysts among other angel investors. Akhil Aryan, Co-founder and CEO of ION Energy mentioned, “Globally, we believe 2021 will be the inflexion point for the new energy transition as both companies and governments come together towards reducing carbon emissions.” “At ION, we’re confident that advanced electronics and software that help enterprises accelerate this transition will become mission-critical to meet our goals of a zero-carbon future,” he said. The fund raised will be used to grow the ION team from 70 to 150 plus. It will also be utilised for investments towards product development, expansion of the software business in North America and in Europe.

Tata Power rapid charger

Tata Power has installed a fast DC Electric Vehicle (EV) charger next to the popular statue of unity at Kevadia, in Gujarat. Expected to serve as an important pit stop for EV users, it will be accessible through the Tata Power EZ Charge application. The installation is in line with the recent announcements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA), Kevadia, on making the city, the country’s first EV city to run only electric buses, cars and twowheelers on its roads. Sandeep Bangia, Head, EV Charging, Home Automation & ESCO Tata Power committed to installing EV charging points at important highway locations and other such tourist destinations across the country.

Mr. Issac J Kuttisseril +91 _ 7397484425 issac@titan.co.in

Steep decline in operating profits of suppliers as per rating agency ICRA

Rating agency ICRA in its latest study estimates auto component suppliers to witness an over 70 per cent decline in operating profits during the first quarter of the current financial year (Q1FY22). Largely blamed on the second wave and associated lockdowns, the study expects challenges to be further compounded by the sharp increase in commodity prices. These price burdens are known to be passed on to the Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with a three to six-month lag. The study allayed fears by stating how most investment grade auto component suppliers are maintaining adequate liquidity to help them sustain and ensure continuity. Retail sales on the decline sharply during the last two months are said to indicate an inventory build-up in the system. Commodity prices could also remain high in the first half of the current fiscal. The shortage of electronic components and increase in semiconductor prices are known to have added to the woes, stated the report. “ICRA estimates a revenue loss of 30 to 40 per cent quarteron-quarter. This will translate into a sequential decline in EBIDTA of over 70 per cent during Q1 FY22 for the industry,” Vinutaa S, Assistant Vice President and Sector Head at ICRA reportedly said. However, the overall industry revenue will still be almost double than Q1FY21 level, she opines. Drawing attention to exports coming to the industry’s rescue in the last few months with domestic demand known to have been negatively impacte, she cited suppliers depending solely on domestic OE demand as the worst impacted. The domestic auto component industry is however expected to register a 20-23 per cent revenue growth in the current fiscal year, supported by doubledigit volume growth across most automobile sub-segments and with the impact of commodity inflation on realisations. Both aftermarket and export stability is expected to add to the industry’s revenue.