Indus Towers, a key player in the telecom infrastructure sector, has joined forces with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to inaugurate state-of-the-art Research and Development Laboratories. These labs, dedicated to Green Hydrogen and Battery Management System with Solar Integration, aim to spearhead sustainable energy solutions. The initiative, launched as part of Indus Towers’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) engagement program, underscores the company’s commitment to maximizing the use of renewable energy over fossil fuels.
Inauguration and Collaboration
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Regulatory Officer and CSR at Indus Towers, inaugurated the Research and Development Laboratories at the IIT Madras Campus. The event witnessed the presence of Professor Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean of Global Engagement, and Professor R. Sarathi, Dean of Planning at IIT Madras. The collaboration between Indus Towers and IIT Madras signifies a pivotal step in advancing sustainable energy solutions through cutting-edge research and development.
Focus on Green Hydrogen and Battery Management
The primary objective of these laboratories is to pioneer a solar-powered hydrogen generation system. Utilizing fuel cells to power the load, the Green Hydrogen Microgrid is designed to showcase 100 percent green hydrogen production through the integration of monocrystalline solar panels, alkaline/PEM electrolyzers, and PEM fuel cells.
Simultaneously, the Battery Engineering Lab, a key component of the project, focuses on developing a Battery Management System (BMS). This system ensures the safe and reliable performance of batteries in diverse applications. It includes features like accurate state estimations for the Battery Pack, lifespan prediction, and effective thermal control, addressing the widespread use of rechargeable Li-ion batteries across various industries.
Commitment to Sustainability
Manoj Kumar Singh emphasized Indus Towers’ dedication to sustainability through its CSR initiatives. “Indus Towers’ Corporate Social Responsibility is focused to maximize the ratio of renewable energy mix over fossil fuels. We are committed to supporting R&D towards newer sources of energy under our Flagship CSR Program – Pragati.”
Academic Perspective
Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations at IIT Madras, expressed the significance of these R&D initiatives, stating, “These state-of-the-art labs at IIT Madras represent a significant step towards a more sustainable future.”
The collaboration between Indus Towers and IIT Madras is poised to contribute substantially to the development of sustainable energy solutions and reinforce the importance of research in driving environmental progress.
