14 minute read
Innovations
Researchers at IIT Madras Develop Feasible
Alternatives to Li-ion Batteries
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The Indian Institute of Technology According to Madras (IIT-M) has announced the team, there that a team of researchers has are important made significant advances in developing advantageous alternatives to conventional lithium-ion characteristics of (Li-ion) and lead-acid batteries for flow batteries. As industrial usage. the active species
According to the researchers, the study are in a liquid into vanadium redox flow battery stack state and stored development opens up possibilities for outside the the indigenous fabrication of flow battery battery, the stacks by MSME units for domestic and energy can be grid-level energy storage applications. stored
“Our team designed, fabricated and indefinitely. The executed indigenous kW-scale vanadium number of times redox flow battery for application in the electrolyte energy storage, which can be integrated can be charged or into renewable sources such as solar and discharged is also wind energy,” Sreenivas Jayanti, very high. Also, Department of Chemical Engineering, there is no IIT Madras said. danger if the battery is completely independent scale-up of power and
“We have developed operating drained. energy, long cycling life, low Levelised protocols and design criteria for flow Thus, more percentage of energy cost of energy storage and milli-seconds battery stack of power rating up to 10 kW storage capacity can be withdrawn response time, shows great scope in using the prototype of a practical size effectively than what is possible with confronting with intermittency in that can be directly employed in popular solid-state batteries. renewable energy sources and load industrial-scale stacks for grid-level “Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries’ demand,” said Ravendra Gundlapalli, storage,” Jayanti added. (VRFB), with their distinct features of part of the research team.
bp & Microsoft Partner to Drive Digital Energy Innovation & Net Zero Goals
bp and Microsoft Corporation have announced that they have agreed to collaborate as strategic partners to further digital transformation in energy systems and advance the net-zero carbon goals of both companies. This includes a co-innovation effort focused on digital solutions, the continued use of Microsoft Azure as a cloud-based solution for bp infrastructure and bp supplying renewable energy to help Microsoft meet its 2025 renewable energy goals.
“bp is determined to get to net-zero and to help the world do the same. No one can do it alone – partnerships with leading companies like Microsoft, with aligned ambitions, are going to be key to achieving this,” said William Lin, bp executive vice president for regions, cities & solutions. “By bringing our complementary skills and experience together, we are not only helping each other achieve our decarbonisation ambitions but also creating opportunities to support others on their journey towards reducing carbon emissions.”
Earlier this year, bp announced its ambition to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world reach net zero. By the end of the decade, it aims to have developed around 50 gigawatts of net renewable generating capacity – a 20-fold increase on what it has previously developed, increased annual low carbon investment 10-fold to around USD 5 billion and cut oil and gas production by 40 percent. In January 2020, Microsoft announced its goal to be carbon negative by 2030 and remove more carbon from the environment than it has emitted since its founding by 2050.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two firms recognises the capabilities that each company can provide to accelerate progress towards their sustainability goals and help the world decarbonise.
City logistics is best suited for EV Fleets
COGOS, calls itself India’s fastest growing intra-city logistics company, with plans to induct 1000 EV’s in its fleet this year and a target of having 30% of the total COGOS fleet as EV by 2025.
Their e-commerce customers like Flipkart, Bigbasket, Amazon have shown interest in EV deliveries and have started their pilot projects across India.
We caught up with Prasad Sreeram, the Bengaluru-based Founder and CEO at COGOS Technologies for a quick catch up on COGOS.
What is the current size of COGOS fleet size? Break up by type of vehicles and EV versus non EV if possible. Where do you expect to be in size by 2022, 2025? Prasad Sreeram: COGOS has 10K+ fleet in the platform currently and growing rapidly. We will be deploying 1K EV in this year and making renewable fleet contribute 25% of the total trips by 2023
What is the business case for COGOS for your clients? What are the key insights you have had so far? Prasad Sreeram: More than 50% of the logistics cost for a package or goods is influenced by City logistics and we believe EV would achieve ROI in commercial goods transport first than the passenger market and city logistics is best suited for EV.
For electrification of transportation, logistics is clearly a low hanging fruit, just like e-rickshaws worked at a personal transport level. How do you see the market changing? What are the key challenges to faster adoption?
Prasad Sreeram: Renewable energy transport choices are needed for sustenance of the world and need of the hour for the Indian economy. EV being at the forefront of the revolution, for wider adoption we need both a strong policy framework and investments. These would lead to great solutions for the businesses and the public.
For your own fleet, are you looking to the emergence of a public charging network for EV’s, or your owned charging points? Prasad Sreeram: We would love to be able to charge anywhere, unlike gas stations and oil distribution network, EV charging should be more democratic and omnipresent. We are working for both our own charge points and the emergence of public charging.
Considering traffic, and other restrictions for larger commercial vehicles, do you see an opportunity in smaller, specialised cargo EVs for last-mile deliveries? Do you see Indian firms grabbing the opportunities here or foreign firms filling such need gaps? Prasad Sreeram: City Logistics is a wider gamut with Last mile, milk runs, a mid mile and first mile, which has varied sizes of the fleet with a wide variety of business workflows, this is where tech platforms like COGOS can fill in the gaps with innovative solutions. We need large firm participation in EV, while innovation and production is currently led by startups and smaller firms.
Tell us a little more about COGOS, in terms of company size number of employees, investors etc? Prasad Sreeram: COGOS is an AI-led technology platform digitally transforming 60 billion City logistics in India, we help the enterprises by providing fleet and deliveries, with the network in 300+ cities in 21 states is fast becoming a preferred player for marquee clients like Flipkart, Amazon, ITC, Supr Daily, Udaan, Coca-cola, etc., COGOS is founded by Prasad Sreeram and Dr K. R. Mohan, serial entrepreneurs with decades of experience in logistics, technology, scaling and global operations, assisted by a 150+ member strong team and funded by VCs IAN and EV2 (Emergent Ventures) and Angels.
What are the firms, global markets you watch for cues on the future evolution of your sector? Or do you see India evolving in its own unique way? Prasad Sreeram: India is unique by itself with various cultures and as a market is quite large 200+ billion USD, we see similar trends in emerging markets around the world with parallels in South Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Five Solar Products That Impressed Us
SolarPuff Solar Lantern
PRODUCT BRIEF: This award-winning solar light is engineered with an origami inspired, self-inflating design and creates beautiful, clean light in 3 colours: bright white, warm and multicolour.
PRODUCT FEATURES: It’s light weight, just 2.5 ounces and it floats and can withstand complete immersion under water. For as many hours as you charge it in the sun, it will provide light for just as long. For example, 5 hours of charging in the sun will provide illumination to light up a 10 X 10 room for 5-8 hours.
PRODUCT BENEFITS: Made from eco-friendly, recyclable PET sailcloth, the SolarPuff™ is lightweight, collapsible, waterproof and durable, even in extreme weather.
AVAILABILITY: The product has moved from a $446,940 kickstarter campaign to full scale production and is available for purchase on the firms website.
Lumos Thrillseeker Solar Backpack
Product Brief: With a built in Solar Fabric, the Lumos Thrillseeker solar backpack, can take rain, dirt, and even big impacts. Primarily, a 12-liter hydration bag it has been designed for great stability and clings to the wearer even during the roughest of trail rides.
Product Features: The backpack features adequate reflectors for safety and cross-straps for weight distribution. The bag is water-resistant and ships with a rain cover. The Solar Fabric charges a proprietary Lithium-based battery inside the bag which can be used to charge GPS devices, Bike Lights or Smartphones.
Benefits: The curved profile of the backpack fits the rider snugly, thereby reducing the strain of carrying a backpack during activities. The lithium based battery can be used to charge any USB compatible device on the go, and the water rating of the backpack and solar fabric make it easily the preferred choice on adventure trails.
Availability: The backpack is available on select e-commerce websites like amazon.in where it retails for Rs 4000.
Product Brief: Reolink’s has added to its flagship batterypowered security camera lineup with the unique and revolutionary ‘Argus PT’ outdoor pan tilt security camera.
Product Features: The camera is powered by a rechargeable battery or Reolink Solar Panel, which enables customers to charge the camera directly has an ultra-wide viewing angle with 355-degree pan and 140-degree tilt design. The IP65 weatherproof rating enables it to endure extreme weather conditions.
Benefits: The camera adopts an industry-leading starlight CMOS image sensor and is able to shoot stunning images, even in the dark. The video footage can be recorded at the maximum rating of 1080p full HD. Customers can configure or access the camera with smartphones or computers and whenever there are motion events, the system sends out a real-time app or email push notifications to alert the user.
Availability: The product currently retails for $118.99 on the company’s official website and a few select e-commerce websites.
PRODUCT BRIEF: Pearl, a new wireless earbud that rivals Apple’s popular audio product, the Airpods Pro.
PRODUCT FEATURES: The earbuds boast groundbreaking design, noise cancellation, without replacing the battery. The camera when paired with the included solar charging case. In its first three days, the brand generated over USD 120,000 in pre-orders.
AI-powered Earbuds
PRODUCT BENEFITS: The product boasts of Active Noise Cancellation, Solar Charging, Premium Sound, Water Resistance and even Touch Control. The charging case comes with USB-C, Wireless Qi or industry first solar charging. Developed with Weide electronics, the case comes with solar discs that and solar charging. Pearl earbuds allow for 60 hours of playtime
can be pulled out for charging in environments where outlets may not be available.
AVAILABILITY: The product is now available for preorder on indiegogo.
SolarGaps Smart Solar Blinds
PRODUCT BRIEF: The smart solar blinds by SolarGap are the for for those who can’t or don’t want to install rooftop solar panels to reduce their monthly power bill.
PRODUCT FEATURES: SolarGaps smart blinds automatically track the sun throughout the day, adjusting position to the optimal angles to generate solar electricity to power devices in your home, apartment or office. Built-in solar panels can generate up to 100W-150W of renewable energy per 10 sq. ft. of a window,
most economical and efficient solution enough to power 30 LED light bulbs or three MacBooks.
PRODUCT BENEFITS: With apartment renters in mind, the interior wall brackets are designed as a non-permanent, plug & play solution with additional installation options for homeowners to maximise energy production. In addition to generating solar energy, the window blinds also save energy by shading your home interior and reducing air condition cost by up to 80 percent.
AVAILABILITY: The firm raised USD 102,354 through its kickstarter campaign and has since moved to production phase.
Publication Date: 15 September 2020 Deadline for Application: 14 October 2020 (at midnight IST) Title and Grade: Director – Human Resources and Coordination P4/P5 Indicative Annual Salary: USD 73,512 – USD 88,162 (base salary per annum) and other benefits[1] Post Adjustment for Delhi: USD 24,180 – USD 29,005 (current per annum) Duration of Appointment: One year, with possible extension up to a maximum of 9 years Duty Station: Gurgaon, Haryana, India Expected Date for Entry on Duty: As soon as possible
For more details, visit: Internationalsolaralliance.org
Publication Date: 15 September 2020 Deadline for Application: 14 October 2020 (at midnight IST) Title and Grade: Director: Technology and Innovation P4/ P5 Indicative Annual Salary: USD 73,512 – USD 88,162 (base salary per annum) and other benefits Post Adjustment for Delhi: USD 24,180 – USD 29,005 (current per annum) Duration of Appointment: One year, with possible extension up to a maximum of 9 years Renewables, Real Assets
Job Location: Chennai
Job Description: Duty Station: Gurgaon, Haryana, India Expected Date for Entry on Duty: As soon as possible
For more details, visit: Internationalsolaralliance.org
Head of Construction at Mahindra Susten
Susten by Mahindra is a young, dynamic company with a focus on innovation in the renewables space. The firm has developed and is developing multiple solar and renewable energy projects in India and abroad. The company is looking for an Assistant General Manager / Deputy General Manager who will serve as the Head of Construction. Job Location: Mumbai Job Description: • To discuss and finalise with various internal and external stakeholders, clients about the construction work methods, sequences, productivities, equipment selection and method of construction etc and in-depth knowledge in PV installations, DC, LT, HT works, Heavy lifts (wind) and offshore construction is a must and ability to quickly adopt to technology demands like floating PV, storage etc would be desirable. • Responsible for construction and commissioning of Solar Power plant. Overall in charge to manage all EPC projects to target schedule, cost and performance. • Project Management through planning, implementation. Construction & site management which includes installation, testing and commissioning of the system. • Negotiate with EPC partners and/or subcontractors’ commercial terms and coordinate internal teams • Manage multiple projects, debottlenecking construction and providing MIS dashboard through site CMs and tracking construction projects, monitoring productivity benchmarks achieved, developments in construction equipment etc are desirable experiences. Eligibility Criteria: • B.E/BTech (Civil/Electrical/Mechanical) along with accreditation to global certification programs like PMP etc would be desirable. • Must have a keen understanding of HSE requirements in Substations,
Switchyards, Heavy lifts, Offshore structures etc and certification to reputed HSE standards like OSHAS, IOSH, NEBOSH is desirable • Must be capable of supporting in constructability studies, HAZOP, HAZAN,
Construction inputs required for Maintainability • Work experience in Green field and Brown field projects would be advantageous and experiences high safety standards like, O&G / Mines would be advantageous. Apply here: https://bit.ly/3cvog8c
Associate Power and Renewables and Business Development at CPP Investments
CPP Investments, is one of the fastest growing institutional investors in the world. With current assets under management valued in excess of USD 400 billion, it is a professional investment management organization that globally invests the funds of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to help ensure long-term sustainability. The firm is looking for an Associate for Power and • 20-25 years
• Responsible for working across two diverse, yet integrated, business verticals for CPP Investments and will report to the Director of Business
Management, International (India) and Senior Principal, Power & Renewables in support of CPP Investments’ growth strategy and business plan in the region, as well as evaluating and managing potential power & renewables investment opportunities. Supporting the Head of Asia Pacific and Director with presentations, briefing memos, effective reporting, monitoring, financial analysis of the portfolio and reporting of investment activity Identifying, developing and managing relationships and strategic partnerships with key peers, advisors, family offices and strategic corporates Building pre screening investment thesis on companies of interest across investment departments Participating and contributing to special projects led by International e.g., strategy projects
Analysing and evaluating a variety of power & renewables investment opportunities, etc. Eligibility Criteria: • 3-4 years experience in investment banking or private equity with an emphasis in infrastructure investments/ transactions is a plus • Experience in conducting research, data analysis and financial modeling • Ability to communicate structurally and effectively in a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary environment Apply here: https://bit.ly/33W4MWa
