Local Community Outreach for Energy Efficiency

Local Community Outreach for Energy Efficiency

Centurion University is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting energy efficiency, clean energy, and community development. Through partnerships with NGOs, implementing agencies, financial institutions, and manufacturers, the university has undertaken several projects to enhance the quality of life for rural communities. These projects focus on sustainable energy solutions and livelihood improvements, demonstrating the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility

 Projects Related to Clean Energy

Centurion University, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has implemented multiple community development projects to improve the quality of life for rural populations. These projects leverage clean energy technologies to enhance energy access, promote sustainable livelihoods, and support income-generating activities.

Minimum Energy Access and Productive Use of Energy by BOP Clients (ADEME)

Centurion University along with Harsha Trust, an NGO based in South Odisha, undertook this project in 2017. The proposed pilot project was implemented in the Koraput district of Odisha. Around 2500 households were covered during the project duration. They were selected through a detailed survey and participatory method. This project aimed to initiate a sustainable cycle that enhances minimum access to energy for the bottom of the economic pyramid (BOP) clients by linking it with social financing and income generation activities. The project used solar energy for lighting, solar-operated drip irrigation systems, and other utilitarian needs besides helping generate income. Existing local institutions are capacitated to undertake the task. Additional institutions and mechanisms were put in place to ensure the smooth functioning of energy-related interventions. Presently, 730 solar-operated drip irrigation systems are being used by rural farmers for irrigation purposes in South Odisha.

The project consisted:

• Developing solar electricity supply system at the BOP client household and community level;
• Establishing an institutional model for social financing;
• Putting in place income-generating activities;
• Developing clean energy entrepreneurs (CEE); and
• Conducting pilot training programs on awareness development, entrepreneurship development, marketing and market linkage, social financing, and management issues.

Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative through Solar Technology Intervention for Fisherwomen of South Odisha

A project was undertaken for a Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative through Solar Technology Intervention for Fisherwomen of South Odisha in 2018. Fisherwomen traditionally dried fish in the open and often in unhygienic conditions. This resulted in poor price realization in the market. The application of solar drying technology has the potential for the addition of fish products of higher value. Accordingly, a solar dryer has been designed and fabricated by the School of Engineering and Technology and School of Management of the Centurion University with financial support from the “Voluntary Integration for Education and Welfare of Society” (VIEWS), Gopalpur, Ganjam district, Odisha. The University developed the design and fabrication of the Solar Dryer in its Fabrication unit. The project generally consists of a 20 kg/ day fish dryer manufactured with Aluminium sheet and SS304 grade stainless steel perforated trays. Experimental analysis was conducted and efficiently calculated.  These dryers are being used by the fisherwomen in Markondi village, in the Gopalpur area in South Odisha.

Design of Bicycle Mounted Portable Solar Power Pump

To increase the income of tribal households and bring in livelihood security, a solar energy-operated drip irrigation system was developed by using a PENTAIR submersible pump (70 m max head, 310 LPH discharge, 155 W solar panel producing 4.1 Amp current), open dug well, and over-head tank and drip pipes. The solar panel is mounted on a bicycle for ease of movement from one farmer’s field to that of another for irrigating small parcels of land used for vegetable cultivation. Almost ten such solar cycles have been installed in different areas of Koraput and Nabrangpur district. Around 200 small farmers benefit from this technology by sharing water from a common source like deep bore wells and dug wells. Through this initiative, 11 defunct bore wells (due to unavailability of electricity) have been revived for irrigation and the farmers have been able to go for year-round vegetable production, enhancing their income up to 3 fold. A cooperative society named PACL has taken a loan of Rs 5 million from the State Bank of India to facilitate the promotion of solar technology in rural areas for irrigation and lighting. To start with five farmers/ farmer groups are provided with a solar energy-driven irrigation system at about Rs 25000 each. The loan amount is planned to be recovered in 24 monthly instalments. Solar-operated pumps and drip irrigation are now considered a ray of hope for the poor tribal farmers having limited resources. Farmers who have closely seen their crops dying due to scarcity of water have started integrating drip irrigation with solar pumping systems to ensure at least two-season crops in their fields. By adopting this technology only in 0.25 acres of land, a tribal farmer is expected to earn a net profit of Rs. 15000 annually. The University along with an NGO named Harsha Trust, undertook the project to provide energy needs for lighting, mobile charging, and other utilitarian services for domestic and community purposes and income-generating activities using solar energy. The University and Harsha Trust implemented the project in the field in 2019, and is still going on.

As of now, the project has successfully installed a total of 730 solar energy-operated drip irrigation systems across various regions in South Odisha. These installations are spread across the districts of Koraput and Nabarangpur, significantly impacting the local farming communities.

Ms. Pranati Barik’s Success with Solar-Powered Drip Irrigation

Ms. Pranati lived in Boriguma, where she struggled to sustain the agricultural activities. However, with the adoption of solar-powered drip irrigation, she was able to overcome these challenges and achieve remarkable results. By utilizing the power of the sun, she was able to pump water from underground sources and deliver it efficiently to the crops. The drip irrigation system ensured that each plant received the necessary water, allowing her to grow high-value crops on a previously barren land. The increased crop yields significantly improved Pranati’s income and provided opportunities for economic growth in the community. Furthermore, solar-powered drip irrigation allowed her to optimize their farm’s resource usage. The precise delivery of water reduced the need for fertilizers, as nutrients could be directly applied to the roots. This not only reduced costs but also minimized the risk of water pollution and soil degradation. Her success story inspired other farmers in the region to adopt solar-powered drip irrigation, leading to a positive transformation of the local agricultural landscape.

Survey Report on the Feasibility of Adopting Solar Dryers in South Odisha

To assess the feasibility of adopting solar dryers in Odisha, a comprehensive survey was conducted focusing on the socio-economic status of households. The study aimed to provide a baseline report using a set of pre-defined indicators to understand the current conditions and potential benefits of integrating solar dryer technology in the region. The survey was carried out in 4 Gram Panchayats (GPs) across the Dangadi and Harichandanpur blocks of the Keonjhar district of Odisha. The survey covered 4 GPs in Dangadi and Harichandanpur blocks, selected for their agricultural activity and potential for benefiting from solar dryer technology. A total of 250 households were surveyed using stratified sampling methods to ensure representative data from different socio-economic segments. The sample was carefully selected to reflect various income levels, access to resources, and agricultural practices. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to gather comprehensive information. Structured questionnaires were used to collect numerical data on income, savings, household expenditure, access to irrigation, and cropping patterns. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gain insights into household experiences, perceptions, and attitudes towards solar dryers. Average household income levels were recorded to understand the financial capacity of households to invest in and benefit from solar dryers. Data on savings patterns and bank account ownership were collected to gauge financial stability and the ability to invest in new technologies. Information on household expenditures provided insights into the financial pressures and priorities of the families. Access to irrigation resources was assessed to determine the current irrigation practices and the potential impact of solar dryers on agricultural productivity. The types of crops grown and their seasonal patterns were examined to identify how solar dryers could be integrated into existing agricultural practices.

The survey revealed varying income levels among households, with a significant portion having moderate to low income. Savings at banks were relatively low, indicating limited financial reserves. Household expenditure was primarily directed towards basic needs such as food, education, and healthcare. The potential for investment in solar dryers was constrained by existing financial commitments. Access to irrigation varied widely, with some households having reliable sources while others faced significant challenges. Improved irrigation practices were identified as a key area for enhancing agricultural productivity. The predominant cropping patterns included seasonal vegetables and pulses. The integration of solar dryers could help in improving the preservation of produce, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing market value.

Centurion University and Nandankanan Association

Centurion University along with Nandankanan Zoological Park undertook an MoU to provide technical support for the application of technical interventions, developing devices for the comfort conditioning of nocturnal animals, etc. It will also enhance efforts in wildlife conservation, including the protection of endangered species, habitat restoration, and biodiversity preservation. Both institutions will collaborate on research projects and initiatives related to wildlife biology, conservation, and sustainable practices. The partnership will facilitate educational programs and awareness campaigns to promote wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship among students and the wider community.

The University has received a work order to design and develop Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled timer food dispensers, IoT based smart dustbin and IoT based environment monitoring system and automatic water sprinkler prototype.

Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled timer food dispensers provide an intelligent solution for delivering predetermined quantities of food at predetermined frequency to Nandankanan animals/birds, irrespective of the caretaker’s physical presence.The users have the ability to program the dispenser with exact feeding schedules, indicating the time and portion size for each meal. This level of automation guarantees a consistent provision of food to zoo animals. These Internet of Things (IoT) food dispensers are outfitted with mobile applications or web interfaces, enabling users to modify feeding schedules, portion sizes, or even initiate an instant feeding function from a distance. This is especially advantageous for automated time-based and controller-enabled delivery from distant locations. This could be utilised for the interactive exhibit that will effectively foster the animal’s active involvement in exploring its environment. Certain sophisticated devices are outfitted with sensors to systematically track the quantities of food, guaranteeing an adequate supply of food in the dispenser. The provision of notifications on smartphones to caretakers during periods of low food supply guarantees the prevention of food shortages. Internet of Things (IoT) food dispensers can greatly enhance the management of animal health. These devices facilitate the regulation of food intake, so reducing excessive eating and effectively managing obesity and associated health problems. Moreover, meticulous feeding schedules can influence development and general well-being. The devices frequently gather data on feeding patterns, which can be of great value in comprehending an animal’s dietary habits and identifying any anomalies. This information can be particularly beneficial for veterinarians and personnel responsible for care.

With the advent of smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT), there is an increasing need to establish efficient waste management systems. The primary objective of this project is to develop an Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Dustbin that leverages technological innovations to optimize the effectiveness of waste collection and management procedures. The incorporation of sensors and connectivity in the Smart Dustbin is intended to enhance the collection process, reduce operational costs, and promote an ecologically sound and sustainable ecosystem.

The IoT-Based Environment Monitoring and Control System is a novel initiative that seeks to utilise Internet of Things (IoT) technology for the real-time monitoring and control of diverse environmental parameters. This technological solution will offer significant data for the purpose of environmental analysis and facilitate proactive management of crucial environmental parameters in several domains, including agriculture, intelligent buildings, and industrial operations.

Sarada Visit Load Survey

Centurion University conducted a “Sarada Visit Load Survey” to assess the Sarada village’s electricity consumption patterns and load requirements. The survey aimed to gather data on peak and off-peak electricity usage, voltage fluctuations, and power quality to optimize energy management strategies. The survey results informed decisions on infrastructure upgrades, energy-saving initiatives, and enhancing overall operational resilience at the facility.

Site Survey for Adarsa Gram Yojna

In 2016, Centurion University conducted a site survey in collaboration with the SELCO Foundation for the Adarsa Gram Yojana (Electrification), a Government of India initiative, in Sarada Gram Panchayat, Sambalpur. The survey involved a team from CREE and Suryamitra trainees. Following the survey, a 10kW solar system was designed and submitted to the SELCO Foundation for project implementation.

Site Survey for Adarsa Gram Yojana

Solar DC Pump Installation and Training

Centurion University installed a two-hp Solar DC Pump in 2016 for its trainers and research purposes. The system is being used for irrigation of vegetables and fruit orchards in Centurion University Campus. The capacity was 160000 LPD. The specialization of this DC pump is that it works without a storage unit.

Sarpanch Conclave

Centurion University organized a Sarpanch Conclave in 2023. The conclave highlighted the transformative potential of clean energy products like solar dryers and irrigation systems in rural development. Solar DC standalone system is in Damapada, Giringaput, Majana, and Minchipatana. Discussions focused on leveraging these technologies to enhance agricultural productivity, mitigate environmental impact, and improve livelihoods in rural areas. About 33 Sarpanches explored how solar-powered innovations can reduce dependency on conventional energy sources, lower operational costs, and promote sustainable farming practices in Chatabara Grama Panchataya.