1. Alternate Fuels:
In this center, work has been initiated to identify the best substitution to diesel fuels. So far we have identified Jatropha as the right substitution to the conventional diesel by reducing the viscosity through transesterification process. Studies are on with different combinations of blends with diesel to test the performance of diesel engine. We also try to test the performance of diesel engine with the effect of additive on the above combination blends. In addition to the performance is being tested by using the exhaust analyzer.
2. Condition Monitoring & Fault Diagnosis:
In this existing research center, an expert system has been developed to find the faults, if any, in the rotating equipments and accordingly remedial measures are suggested. The expert system has been developed based on tri-axial measurements and signatures. Equipment worth of 4.5 Lakhs has been procured funded by Naval Science and Technological Laboratories (DRDO) as a part of consultancy project. The expert system has been validated and found to be effective. It is proposed to develop expert system taking into account the remaining three tools. Finally it is planned to develop the composite expert system that can be used by any industry as per the availability of monitoring tools.
3. Robotics:
The field of Robotics is now becoming applicable into vast disciplines including non engineering fields like house keeping daycare, medical and surgical assistance and also into entertainment. However medical robots for surgical assistance in cardiac and eye surgeries are currently focused with a funding of 7.68 lakh from UGC under major research projects scheme. The telerobotics for medicinal and clinical needs is also being undertaken through the expected funding of Rs. 25 lakh from DST under “Swarnajayant” fellowship scheme. The schemes are supporting the research in this field in a meager manner. However there is immense scope to undertake research for robotic tools to provide remedial action for cardiac recirculation and also totackle the draw back of skilled doctoral support at various remote places, by a tele connected mechanism. These aspects need at least a minimum funding of over 1.25 cores to develop basic design and working models, which at a later stage can be patented/commercialized through some renowned companies.
4. Mechatronics:
It is the need of the hour to develop any techonology through interdisciplinary approach, and Mechonotrics is one such tool which involves mechanical machines/electrical machines that are governed as well as controlled using electronic sensors and PLC’s. The application of this methodology into Biomedical sector is currently focused in a means to develop fully automatic oxygen, blood and fluid injection mechanisms which shall aid the lack od skilled nursing support in many remote places as well as small towns where the cases of patients reported is much higher but availability of skilled doctors and nursing support is scarce. The funding for research in these lines is meager and is expected to be generated through TEQIP support.