Current Science

M. Shravanth Vasisht ¹, C. Vishal ¹, J. Srinivasan ¹, Sheela K. Ramasesha ¹

Affiliations
1 Divecha Centre for Climate Change, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, IN

Abstract

Awareness for the need of sustainable and ecofriendly mobility has been increasing and various innovations are taking place in this regard. A study was carried out to assess the feasibility of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) modules atop train coaches. Most long-distance trains having LHB coaches do not have self-generating systems, thus making power cars mandatory to supply the required power for lighting loads. Feasibility of supplementing diesel generator sets with power from solar PV modules installed on coach rooftops has been reported in this communication. Not only is there a conservation of fuel, there is also a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. This work has shown that the area available on coach rooftops is more than sufficient to generate the required power, during sunlight hours, for the electrical loads of a non-A/C coach even during winter. All calculations were done keeping a standard route as the reference. Taking the cost of diesel to be Rs 66/litre, it was estimated that there will be annual savings of Rs 5,900,000 corresponding to 90,800 litres diesel per rake per year by implementing this scheme. The installation cost of solar modules would be recovered within 2-3 years. Implementation of this scheme would also amount to an annual reduction of 239 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Keywords

Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Diesel, Rail Coaches, Solar Modules.

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Roshan R. Rao ¹, H. R. Swetha ¹, J. Srinivasan ¹, Sheela K. Ramasesha ¹

Affiliations
1 Divecha Centre for Climate Change, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

Tracking systems, that continually orient photovoltaic (PV) panels towards the Sun, are expected to increase the power output from the PV panels. Tremendous amount of research is being done and funds are being spent in order to increase the efficiency of PV cells to generate more power. We report the performance of two almost identical PV systems; one at a fixed latitude tilt and the other on a two-axis tracker. We observed that the fixed axis PV panels generated 336.3 kWh, and the dual-axis Sun-tracked PV panels generated 407.2 kWh during August 2012-March 2013. The tracked panels generated 21.2% more electricity than the optimum tilt angle fixed-axis panels. The cost payback calculations indicate that the additional cost of the tracker can be recovered in 450 days.

Keywords

Cost Payback Time, Dual Axis Sun Tracker, Energy Conversion, Solar Panel.

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S. R. Adheesh ¹, M. Shravanth Vasisht ¹, Sheela K. Ramasesha ¹

Affiliations
1 Divecha Centre for Climate Change, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) took an initiative to check the overall benefits of introducing electric buses as a suitable replacement for the diesel buses to tackle the burgeoning pollution in the city of Bengaluru, India. For a trial run of three months, an electric bus was procured from a Chinese company 'Build Your Dreams' (BYD). Data were collected by BMTC on the operation and maintenance of the bus. This new initiative, if rightly guided, could have a direct impact on the lives of those in the city. An economic analysis of the running as well as maintenance of the electric buses within the city limits was performed. For comparison, the same analysis was performed for the data from the existing diesel bus operating on the same route. On the basis of the study, it can be concluded that the introduction of electric buses as a means of public transport in the city would be beneficial both economically as well as environmentally. The electric bus also makes much less noise, thereby helping reduce noise pollution and makes less vibration when compared to the diesel bus. This results in a more comfortable journey for the passengers.

Keywords

Air Pollution, Electric and Diesel Buses, Economic Analysis, Public Transport, Vehicular Emissions.

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Sheela K. Ramasesha ¹

Affiliations
1 Divecha Centre for Climate Change, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

This book is well-timed because of current interest in green and renewable energies for generating electricity. It attempts to cover the entire gamut of topics starting from how energy is generated on the Sun, all the way up to solar photovoltaic and thermal applications.

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