HIGHLIGHTS
·
INS Sarvekshak has
been fitted with 18 sheets of solar panels atop its hangar.
· The 300-watt panels
generate about 5.4kW power.
· Commanding officer of
the ship said they were already noting down meter reading of solar power
consumption so as to look at using solar power for more devices.
For
the first time in the country, solar panels have been installed on an Indian
warship.
The
survey class vessel INS Sarvekshak, attached with the southern naval command,
has been fitted with 18 sheets of solar panels atop its hangar. "It took
about six months to put the entire system in place. We are now using solar
energy for lights and a couple of air conditioners," said Captain Rajesh
Bargoti, commanding officer of the ship. The 300-watt panels generate about
5.4kW power.
Bargoti
said one of the challenges faced by the project was that marine environments
were not suitable for normal solar panels, as saline and humid surroundings
would damage it. "Also, the wind speed can affect the panels, which may
get uprooted while at sea. So, we had to look at flexible panels that had
anti-rust properties, were marine compatible, could withstand high wind speeds,
perform on flat installations and had very low weight," he explained.
"We
have 10 batteries which are used for storage. So, we have been using only solar
power for the purpose of lighting during sail. When we are anchored, we use
power supplied by the state electricity board and not diesel," said
electrical engineer Commander Sreejith Thampi.
He
added that they were already noting down meter reading of solar power
consumption so as to carry out a power audit and look at using solar power for
more devices.
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi had appreciated the innovation when the project was put
on display at the exhibition organised by the Navy headquarters.
Source :- Times Of India
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