The Gujarat Energy Idea Awards 2024 is an initiative executed by the Gujarat Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN) and supported by the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO). The primary objective of these awards is to encourage energy innovation among students, grassroots innovators, and MSME clusters, fostering creativity in energy conservation, generation, augmentation, storage, and distribution.
As part of the project, ideathons were conducted in various colleges across Gujarat, where participants proposed innovative ideas/solutions for energy transition challenges. The competition aimed to inspire sustainable thinking and promote technological advancements in energy-related fields.
The Top 10 Ideators were honored with a cash prize of INR 20,000 each, along with a certificate and trophy, in recognition of their contributions. The awards were presented during the 5th ICCIG (International Conference on Creativity and Innovation at Grassroots) at IIM Ahmedabad.
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Gujarat Energy Idea Awards-2024: Final 10
Name – Jhanvi Amit Gandhi
Idea – Biocastic – The Better Plastic
Description – Normal bioplastics made from corn starch, glycerin, and vinegar can be costly for food packaging. To address this, the product incorporates recycled paper laminated on both sides with thin layers of bioplastic, which is then molded into food packets. This approach reduces the amount of bioplastic used by substituting it with recycled paper while ensuring that the food remains in contact with bioplastic, not paper, thereby solving the cost issue. Alternatively, geotextile can replace recycled paper as a cheaper option. This solution offers a viable and cost-effective alternative to single-use plastic in food packaging, with significant market potential.
Name – Vasoya Aman Manojbhai
Idea – Mini Biogas Plant
Description – In biogas plants, slurry often settles at the bottom, reducing productivity. To address this, a compressor can be installed below the digester tank to introduce outside air or circulate compressed gas. This circulation rotates the slurry, preventing sedimentation. The process is conducted every hour for 10 minutes to ensure consistent slurry movement and maintain optimal conditions. Additionally, a compressed gas holder tank can be installed to store compressed gas, creating space in the gas holder tank for new gas and enhancing production efficiency.
Name – Luhar Shiv Jitendra Kumar
Idea – Development of a Non-electrical Device to track the Sun’s movement
Description – The project proposes a non-electrical, cost-effective device to optimize solar panel orientation by tracking the sun’s movement. It utilizes a simple water balance mechanism, with two water bottles placed at opposite ends of the panel. The shifting weight of the water, influenced by the sun’s position, adjusts the panel to maximize sunlight exposure. Operating without electrical components, the device is ideal for remote and off-grid areas, promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Name – Rawat Santosh
Idea – Nature in Paper, Siyas
Description – Weatherproof Paper Pots, made from repurposed materials, these unique containers offer a visually appealing and eco-friendly alternative to traditional floral arrangements. Unlike short-lived bouquets in non-biodegradable containers, the paper pots provide a lasting impression while reducing waste. This eco-conscious solution elevates gifting by combining elegance with environmental responsibility, allowing recipients to enjoy a thoughtful gesture in a handcrafted, sustainable container.
Name – Shravan Kumar
Idea – Triple Benefit from Waste
Description – This concept utilizes restaurant, market, and kitchen waste to produce insect protein, lipids, biogas, and organic fertilizer in a single cycle, leveraging circular agriculture. Waste is sorted, crushed, and dehydrated; the liquid is used for biogas, and the solids feed insects. Insects convert waste into protein and frass, a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. Harvested larvae contain 35% lipid, which can be extracted for biodiesel. This method efficiently generates energy, feed, and compost, offering a sustainable alternative to direct biogas conversion while maintaining a closed nutrient loop.
Name – Dev Patel
Idea – TurbineRooftop Water pipe
In Gujarat, most houses are equipped with rooftops designed to store water, which is typically directed through a pipe to the ground and wasted. However, this setup offers an opportunity to generate free energy. As the water flows through the pipe, it gains kinetic energy due to the potential energy from its height. By installing a small turbine system within the pipe, this kinetic energy can be harnessed to generate electricity. This approach not only reduces wasted energy but also provides a sustainable power source. Additionally, the water can be stored in an underground tank, offering the dual benefit of energy generation and efficient water storage.
Name – Raju Barman
Idea – Phase Change Material Incorporated Energy Efficient Thermo-Electric Refrigeration System
Description – This project develops a portable solar thermoelectric refrigerator with Phase Change Material (PCM) to enhance solar panel efficiency, cooling performance, and device longevity. Using thermoelectric modules, it achieves uniform cooling to 5°C with efficient heat dissipation via heat sinks and fans. PCM and aluminium sheets improve thermal management, boosting panel efficiency by 24.4% and lifespan by 30%. Powered by solar panels with battery backup, it provides sustainable refrigeration for perishables and temperature-sensitive items, achieving a 27.2°C temperature difference.
Name – Yasam Veera Reddy
Idea – Flother
Description – The primary concept of this product is to transform waste floral materials into usable textiles and other items such as leather, candles, incense sticks, and more. The name of the product is derived from “flower” and “leather,” emphasizing its focus on sustainable leather alternatives. By incorporating textile elements, the material gains additional durability, addressing the issue of its inherent fragility. This eco-friendly leather offers durability comparable to real leather while being a sustainable, biodegradable, and animal cruelty-free solution. It can be supplied to clothing manufacturers, car factories, and various other industries, making it a versatile and ethical alternative to traditional leather.
Name – Darsh Kelaiya
Idea – Fuel Saving Car batteries
Description – These car batteries convert heat energy to electrical energy and then can reuse it to run the vehicle. This will reduce the cost of expenditure on fuel and also will help to mitigate few problem of climate change.
Name – Parama Datta
Idea – Foldable Parabolic Dome type Solar Dryer
Description – The dryer base is made of plywood with a mild steel sheet below and a black-painted aluminum sheet on top. It has a three-fold design with hinges for easy folding and eight caster wheels for mobility. Parabolic aluminum strips form a sliding dome secured with a polythene cover, allowing it to fold or extend. Cold air entry and hot air outlet holes are at opposite ends. During folding, the strips and dome are centralized, and the sides are folded upward. A black-painted aluminum tray with roller wheels is used inside for operation.
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Impact and Future Outlook
The Gujarat Energy Idea Awards 2024 is a significant step toward nurturing young minds and encouraging innovative solutions in the energy sector. By recognizing and rewarding groundbreaking ideas, the initiative aims to create sustainable energy solutions that can be implemented in Gujarat and beyond. Through continued collaboration between academia, innovators, and industry leaders, such efforts can drive long-term advancements in energy technology.
