The Institution of Engineers (India) Coimbatore Local Centre organized a one-day seminar on “Renewable Energy Integration in Chemical Engineering: Role and Challenges” in association with Department of Chemical Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore on 31st July 2024.
Forenoon Session:
Inaugural Session
The Inaugural function started at 9:30 am and Dr G Madhan Mohan, Honorary Secretary, IE(I) presented the welcome address and briefed upon the activities of IE(I) in promoting Science and Technology. Dr S Balasubramanian, Professor and Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, KPRIET presented an overview of the one-day Seminar. Dr P Ragupathy, Principal Scientist, Flow Battery Section Electrochemical Power Sources Division CSIR - Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi delivered the chief guest address elaborating the significance of Renewable Energy Integration in Chemical Engineering: Role and Challenges. Dr A K Priya, Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology & Committee Member, IEI Coimbatore Local Centre briefed about chief guest and Dr Uma Priya, Assistant Professor, proposed the vote of thanks.
Invited Lecture - 1
The first technical session on “Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion Systems: Great Challenges and Opportunities” by Dr P Ragupathy, Principal Scientist, Flow Battery Section Electrochemical Power Sources Division CSIR - Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi. The speaker covered several key aspects related to the field of electrochemical energy systems. He emphasized the critical role of research and development in overcoming the challenges associated with electrochemical energy storage and conversion. He highlighted the significant opportunities for innovation in this field and the potential impact on sustainable energy solutions.
Invited Lecture - 2
The second key note session delivered by Dr A Karthick, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology shared his expertise on “Role of Chemical Engineering in Renewable Energy”. He highlighted how chemical engineering integrates with renewable energy technologies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different engineering disciplines. Dr. Karthick discussed various renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, bioenergy, and hydrogen fuel cells, and their relevance to chemical engineering. He elaborated on the role of chemical engineers in optimizing processes for energy efficiency and sustainability in renewable energy production.
Afternoon Session:
Invited Lecture - 3
The Third key note session delivered by Dr R Ranjith Kumar, Project Officer, Department of Civil Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Madras shared his views on “Carbon - Free Fuel System”. Dr. Kumar provided an overview of what carbon-free fuel systems are, highlighting their importance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. He detailed various technological advancements that make carbon-free fuel systems feasible. This included innovations in hydrogen fuel cells, battery technologies, and the development of synthetic fuels. A significant portion of the talk focused on hydrogen as a potential clean fuel. Dr. Kumar discussed the production methods of hydrogen, such as electrolysis and natural gas reforming, and emphasized the importance of green hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources.
Invited Lecture - 4
The fourth key note session delivered by Dr S Pranav, Assistant Professor (Sr.G), Department of Chemical Engineering, KPRIET shared his views on “Technologies for Sustainable Production of Hydrogen”. Dr. Pranav emphasized the importance of continued research and development in sustainable hydrogen production technologies to meet future energy demands and reduce environmental impacts. He discussed about Lifecycle assessment of hydrogen production technologies and Integration of renewable energy systems with hydrogen production units.
The program ended with a valedictory session and distribution of certificates to the participants.
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