The Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET), Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, is undertaking a pioneering research project focused on converting engine waste heat into reusable energy. The innovative study aims to recover thermal energy that is typically lost through engine exhaust systems and convert it into useful energy, contributing to improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a cleaner environment.
The collaborative research demonstrates the commitment of IET DAVV and IIT Indore towards developing sustainable engineering solutions that address global energy and environmental challenges. By utilizing advanced thermal energy storage technology, the project seeks to maximize energy utilization while minimizing fuel wastage.
Innovative Thermal Energy Storage Technology
The research is based on an advanced Phase Change Material (PCM)-based Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES) system. During engine operation, nearly 30–40% of the fuel's energy is lost as heat through exhaust gases. Instead of allowing this valuable energy to dissipate into the atmosphere, the developed system captures and stores it for later use.
Phase Change Materials possess the unique ability to absorb large quantities of heat while changing their physical state and release the stored heat whenever required. This technology significantly enhances thermal efficiency and enables the recovery of waste energy that would otherwise be lost.
Joint Research by IET DAVV and IIT Indore
The project represents an excellent example of interdisciplinary collaboration between IET DAVV and IIT Indore, bringing together expertise in thermal engineering, materials science, and sustainable energy systems.
The research is being carried out under the guidance of distinguished faculty members from both institutions with the objective of developing an efficient waste heat recovery system capable of improving engine performance while reducing environmental impact.
Research Team
The research team comprises:
Ms. Neha Sonkar – Research Scholar, IIT Indore
Dr. Sharad Chaudhary – Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Indore
Dr. Vinaykaran Shanmugam – Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET), DAVV
Together, the researchers are working on innovative thermal energy storage solutions capable of capturing engine exhaust heat and converting it into reusable energy for future applications.
How the Technology Works
The developed system captures high-temperature exhaust gases produced during engine operation and transfers the heat to specially designed PCM-based thermal storage units. The stored thermal energy can later be utilized whenever needed, thereby improving overall engine efficiency and reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.
The technology is expected to find applications in:
Diesel engines
Heavy commercial vehicles
Trucks and buses
Industrial generators
Agricultural machinery
Industrial heating systems
Stationary power generation units
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The proposed technology offers several important benefits:
Recovery of 30–40% waste thermal energy generated by engines.
Improved fuel efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Significant reduction in harmful exhaust emissions.
Lower carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduced environmental pollution and global warming impacts.
Better utilization of existing energy resources without additional fuel consumption.
Increased sustainability in transportation and industrial sectors.
Potential Applications
If successfully commercialized, the technology can be implemented across numerous sectors, including transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, power generation, and industrial processing.
The recovered thermal energy may be used for cabin heating, industrial heating processes, auxiliary power generation, thermal management systems, and various energy-efficient engineering applications.
Towards a Greener Future
As nations worldwide strive to achieve carbon neutrality and improve energy efficiency, technologies that recover waste energy are becoming increasingly important. The research undertaken by IET DAVV and IIT Indore demonstrates how engineering innovation can contribute to cleaner transportation systems and sustainable industrial development.
The project aligns with India's national vision of promoting renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing energy security through indigenous technological innovation.
Strengthening IET DAVV's Research Ecosystem
This collaborative initiative highlights IET DAVV's growing emphasis on high-impact research and innovation. Through strategic partnerships with premier institutions like IIT Indore, the institute continues to create opportunities for faculty members and researchers to address real-world engineering challenges using advanced technologies.
Such interdisciplinary collaborations strengthen the institute's research ecosystem while fostering innovation that directly benefits society, industry, and the environment.
Advancing Sustainable Engineering Through Collaboration
The joint efforts of IET DAVV and IIT Indore reaffirm the importance of collaborative research in developing technologies for a sustainable future. By transforming engine waste heat into usable energy through advanced thermal storage systems, the research has the potential to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lower environmental pollution.
As this work progresses towards practical implementation, it stands as another milestone in IET DAVV's commitment to excellence in engineering education, impactful research, and technological innovation, while reinforcing its position as a leading institution contributing to India's green energy and sustainability goals.
