Gandhigram University Professor makes auto running on solar power
Posted on: 09/Aug/2016 5:12:14 PM
Gandhigram Rural University Professor has made an auto which runs on solar power.
Professor S, Devaneyan has undertaken research activities in the Rural University non-conventional Energy Sources Centre located in Gandhigram, Dindigul district.
The auto has been designed to carry 3 passengers apart from the auto driver. The auto runs at 20 km per hour. 2 solar panels of 100 Watts are fitted on the roof of the auto. During day times, solar energy can be directly absorbed to run the auto. During the night, the auto can run up to 25 km through the battery where converted solar energy is saved.
Professor S Devaneyan explained that he saw vehicles running on electric power when he was abroad. The demand for autos and services is quite high in our country. So, there was a thought to try making similar autos running on electrical energy.
Similar vehicles are available in foreign countries at a price of up to Rs. 3 Lakhs. However, Professor Deveneyan has made his auto at a cost of Rs. 1.3 Lakhs. When he informed the erstwhile president Abdul Kalam about this, the former president advised that all material used must be from India.
Following Abdul Kalam’s advice, he used parts made from the local market right from the engine to other parts. The new vehicle would be extremely beneficial for the auto drivers. Currently, they are buying autos at around Rs. 1.5 Lakhs. If they run 100 km every day, they can earn Rs. 15000/- per month after taking care of the running expenses.
If autos running on solar power are used, the auto drivers can save the expense on fuel. The life span of solar energy auto will be longer. Maintenance cost is also less. So, they can save up to Rs. 30000/- per month.
The coordinator of the University’s non-conventional energy sources centre Dr. Kirupakaran informed that there are no gears in the solar powered auto. Mostly, light-weight spare parts have been used.
