Aims at motivating farmers to take to non-conventional energy
The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University – Agricultural
Engineering College and Research Institute at Kumulur near here, has
successfully tapped solar energy by generating 572 Watts at its
Renewable Energy Park. A total of eight panels have been set up at the
park with a capacity of 74 Watts each and the power generated is being
utilised for pumping water using mini pump.
The
panels just need periodical maintenance and upkeep for its efficiency,
said K. Ramaswamy, Dean of the Institute. He said that the panel has
been set up with a view to motivating farmers to take to
non-conventional energy technique for deriving maximum advantage.
“We have planned to expose the farmers to these non-conventional gadgets,” he said.
This
apart, the Institute has taken up a series of experiment in tapping
solar energy for street lights. “We have set up 20 solar panels for 20
street lights within the campus,” he added.
Mr.
Ramaswamy also said that the Institute accounted for a large number of
cattle and a biogas plant has been set up using cow dung. “The fuel
energy needed for the canteen is got from biogas,” he said.
The
Institute has also taken up research on solar powered device to keep
birds away from crops. Whenever a bird comes near the field, the solar
panel emits a sound emitted from a pen-drive. “Farmers often complain
about the extensive damage to the produce, particularly on the eve of
harvest. The device will help keep away birds,” he said.
He
said scientists of the Institute have been organising a series of
awareness programmes to benefit farmers to utilise the non-conventional
energy.
The solar panel was set up as part of ‘students experience programme’ in co-ordination with John Gunasekaran, a faculty member.
Source : The Hindu
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