The Hindu : Kerala News : Eco-friendly boat draws buyers at IIBS

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Wednesday, Oct 25, 2006
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Kerala

Eco-friendly boat draws buyers at IIBS

Staff Reporter

Developed by students of the Cochin University of Science and Technology

INNOVATORS: Cusat students with the environment-friendly boat developed by them. - Photo: H. Vibhu

KOCHI: Air, water and noise pollution, global warming and scarcity of non-renewable energy sources are driving researchers and enterprising people to bring out environment-friendly innovations.

One such product was put on show by students of the departments of Marine Engineering and Ship Technology, Cusat, at the just-concluded India International Boat Show here. The innovative product has been labelled Ecosol, a boat powered by solar energy. As the name suggests, it is an ecological solution to air, water and noise pollution caused by conventional boats. The exhaust and fuel from conventional boats cause air and water pollution, while their engines cause sound pollution.

"Ecosol is free of all these. The light energy from the sun is converted into electrical energy by solar panels and stored in batteries. An electric motor (DC series motor) is connected to the batteries, which drive a conventional propeller," says Mathew Zachariahs, who was among the team of students who developed it.

The advantages of Ecosol are many — zero polluting, zero fuel cost, no fuel-supply problems, reliable power generation, almost-zero maintenance, minimal vibration and noise and increased passenger comfort.

The boat is suitable for operations in calm water, where there is minimum resistance. It is apt for use in inland waterways, canals, lakes and reservoirs. The boat is most suitable for lakes located in wildlife sanctuaries. It is ideal for the backwaters and for sightseeing trips.

The students were helped in their endeavour by Dilip Krishnan and P V Sasikumar, who teach them. The practical experience of Samudra Shipyard, Aroor, came in handy for the students in designing the boat. The solar panels for the boat were sponsored by Lifeway Solar.

Coming to the cost, Ecosol has been priced Rs.1.70 lakh. These enterprising students plan to market the boats in a big way. "We also dream of developing an Ecosol-series, aimed at developing comparable tourist boats designed exclusively for solar propulsion. The boats will be able to attain a maximum speed of six knots," says Mathew.

Mathew says that there was good response from buyers at the boat show. "The Casino Group of Hotels has placed an order for a 15-seater vessel. Fishermen cooperative societies too evinced interest in buying them."

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