Energy Boat Built By Tamil Nadu Students Makes It To Global Competition
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu:
A remarkable achievement has been made by a group of ten students from the Kumaraguru Institute of Technology in Coimbatore, as their hydrogen-powered energy boat has qualified for the finals of the prestigious Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in Europe. This innovative creation, made of carbon fibre and equipped with an in-house designed propulsion system, has caught the attention of the international community.
One of the key advantages of this energy boat is its eco-friendly nature. Powered by hydrogen, a clean and sustainable fuel, the boat can sail for four hours or cover a distance of twenty-two nautical miles with just a single unit of hydrogen. This breakthrough technology marks a significant milestone in India, as the use of hydrogen as a fuel system is relatively new in the country.
C Swaminathan, a third-year engineering student involved in the project, expressed his excitement, saying, "Hydrogen is an eco-friendly fuel system in India. It's common in Europe. In India, this is the first experiment." The team's innovative approach and commitment to sustainable mobility have earned them recognition and support from various sources.
Shri Sanjanaa, a second-year engineering student, revealed that the estimated cost of the project is Rs 60 lakhs, out of which they have managed to secure Rs 40 lakhs. To bridge the remaining gap, the team is actively engaging in crowdfunding efforts, aiming to raise an additional Rs 20 lakhs. Their dedication and resourcefulness exemplify the spirit of innovation and determination that drives their project forward.
The team spent a year working on the project at their campus and utilized a local lake for testing purposes. Their dedication and hard work paid off when they secured the sixth position in the same event last year. Building upon that experience, the team is now aiming for a podium finish in the upcoming competition. Their goal is to leverage this achievement to develop more sustainable mobility solutions and promote the adoption of green technologies.
Hemalatha V, a second-year engineering student involved in the project, emphasized the versatility of their technology, stating, "We can use this technology on any kind of e-vehicles that promote sustainability. It is a major green concept." This promising innovation opens doors for the integration of hydrogen-based systems in various modes of transportation, further contributing to the global efforts for a greener future.
The team from the Kumaraguru Institute of Technology stands as the sole representative from India in this global competition. Their selection for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is a testament to their exceptional skills and dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology. The competition, scheduled for the first week of July, will provide them with a platform to showcase their ingenuity and compete against other leading innovators from around the world.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the urgent need for sustainable solutions, initiatives like the hydrogen-powered energy boat developed by these Tamil Nadu students serve as beacons of hope. Their remarkable achievement not only brings recognition to their institution but also highlights the potential for young innovators to make a significant impact on global sustainability efforts.
The Kumaraguru Institute of Technology and its talented students have set an inspiring example for others to follow. By harnessing the power of innovation, they have created a vessel that not only showcases India's capabilities in the field of sustainable technology but also paves the way for a cleaner and greener future. Their journey to the finals of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and determination to drive positive change. The entire nation eagerly awaits their performance in the competition and wishes them the best in their endeavors.
