IIT Roorkee Inaugurates PEHEM Lab and Hosts Industry-Academia Joint Workshop

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), Department of Water Resources Development and Management (WRDM) celebrated a significant advancement in research infrastructure with the inauguration of the newly renovated and modernized Power Electronics and Hydro-Electric Machines Laboratory (PEHEM Lab). The inauguration was followed by an industry-academia joint workshop in collaboration with CADFEM India, underscoring the institute's commitment to research and industry engagement.

The PEHEM Lab, a state-of-the-art facility within the WRDM department at IIT Roorkee, was officially inaugurated by Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee. The lab, recently upgraded with the latest technological advancements, is poised to drive innovation and research in hydro-electric systems, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the field.

During the inauguration, Prof. Thanga Raj Chelliah, Head of the WRDM Department and Incharge of the PEHEM Lab, provided an overview of ongoing research projects. These include the Development of Hack-Free Hydroplant Control Systems, the Development of a Decision Support System for the Integrated Operation of Tehri Hydropower Complex, the Design and Development of a Municipal Solid Waste Fueled Battery Charging Station using Solar Assisted Plasma Pyrolysis, and Solutions for HVAC Energy Optimization, Recovery, and Generation through Waste. These projects are being funded by prestigious organizations such as Swachhta Action Plan (under the Ministry of Education), NBCC Services Limited, THDC India Limited, iHub DivyaSampark, and ABB Global Industries and Services.

Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, expressed his admiration for the research being conducted in the lab, stating, "The PEHEM Lab represents a significant leap forward in our research capabilities in the field of hydro-electric systems. The innovative projects underway here not only demonstrate the technical prowess of our researchers but also align with India's broader goals of sustainability and technological self-reliance. I am confident that this facility will continue to contribute to pioneering solutions for the energy sector."

Alongside the lab inauguration, the WRDM department also hosted an industry-academia joint hands-on training workshop titled “Water Resources and Hydropower Systems Simulation using ANSYS,” in association with CADFEM India. The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. K.K. Pant and witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including Prof. Madhukar Waware, Joint Secretary, UGC, and Kartik Chittepu, Director-Customer Excellence, CADFEM India, who served as Guests of Honour.

The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and the institute anthem. In his welcome address, Prof. Thanga Raj Chelliah emphasized the department’s modernized research facilities and ongoing projects, highlighting the critical aspects of hydro-electric systems and the importance of industry-academia collaborations. He remarked, "The PEHEM Lab is a testament to our dedication to advancing research that bridges the gap between academia and industry. By fostering such collaborations, we ensure that our research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also addresses real-world challenges."

The workshop offered valuable insights into the application of advanced simulation techniques for water resources and hydropower systems. Participants explored the latest ANSYS software tools, learning how to model and simulate complex hydro-power systems effectively. Hands-on sessions showcased practical applications, demonstrating how simulation can enhance the efficiency and reliability of hydro-electric systems. Additionally, discussions on emerging trends and digital transformation provided a forward-looking perspective on the future of hydropower system simulation.

Prof. Madhukar Waware, an alumnus of IIT Roorkee, commended the institute for its continuous efforts in enhancing research infrastructure and fostering industry partnerships, aligning with NEP 2020. Prof. Deepak Khare highlighted IIT Roorkee's 177-year history, celebrating its achievements and recent advancements in NIRF and QS rankings. Chittepu emphasized the industry's shift towards digital transformation, achievable through academic collaboration. Director Prof. Pant commended the department's organization of the workshop and the impactful, interdisciplinary research aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing its importance in advancing India’s Vision 2047 and strengthening MSMEs through research and engineering technologies.

IIT Roorkee’s unwavering commitment to excellence and social impact has been a cornerstone of its legacy. The inauguration of the PEHEM Lab and the industry-academia workshop reflects IIT Roorkee's dedication to driving innovation that not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for sustainable solutions. The institute’s efforts in bridging academia with industry and addressing societal needs underscore its legacy of leadership and its role in contributing to national and global progress.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Premlata Jena, followed by the National Anthem, marking the successful inauguration of both the PEHEM Lab and the workshop.