In the quest for new, clean and sustainable sources of energy, scientists are constantly looking to innovate. Pune-based scientist Dr Satishchandra Ogale and chairman of KPIT Technologies Ltd. Ravi Pandit are exploring a new technology for automobiles.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

"We have developed a super capacitor that allows us to store and provide great spurt of power. We are trying to use this along with batteries in cars. For instance, hybrid cars store the energy that is lost while braking and use it later. A super capacitor would allow car engines to start more easily and could also absorb the energy lost while braking and use it when the car restarts," explained Dr Ogale, a scientist with the National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL).

The reason why there is a market for this innovation is because batteries cannot charge or discharge big bulks of energy but they're great for running a car. The super capacitor, however, can provide the initial extra charge required for ignition.

While they have the theory, they're yet to begin experimentation, and therefore its cost-effectiveness is yet to be tested. "It will prevent wastage of energy and thus reduce fuel consumption which is sure to add to its cost effectiveness; however, we are not yet at that stage where we can estimate its cost," said Pandit.

Sustainability and cost-effectiveness aren't the only concerns. "There are many such concepts available in other countries as well, but the aim is to give boost to the local brains of our nation and encourage them to develop newer technology. It's time that we empower them and give them a chance to grow, for that will lead to the development of the nation as a whole," added Pandit.