Energize

2.1 Problem Statements

1. Development of devices or methods for generation of electric power through utilization of renewable sources of energy.
The challenge here is to develop methods of harnessing renewable sources of energy which can be utilized by a large portion of society. The solutions could range from innovative methods for using energy spent in exercise and other day-to-day human activities to using any natural renewable source of energy for generating electricity.

2. Development of products or methods for rural electrification.
With large portions of rural India not linked to the conventional electrical grid, low-cost products which use renewable sources of energy are the need of the hour. The first step in this regard would be the development of low-cost basic household products like fans and lanterns. Mini biogas plants capable of producing energy to perform small tasks such as running a motor to pump water from a well would be a huge leap towards replacing current manual methods. A simple, cost-effective solution from you can bring brightness into the lives of millions.

3. Improvement in efficiency and environmental compatibility of existing products or energy generation methods for electrical and thermal energy.

Following are some of the examples:

• a) Batteries that do not produce harmful wastes.
• b) Low cost batteries which can be charged using solar or wind energy.
• c) Wind energy based devices like grinding mills, devices to pump water, etc.
• d) Low-cost methods for cooling by air-conditioners which are conducive to the environment.
• e) Cooling methods capable of cooling a given substance to at least 2 degrees below the room temperature.

These are just examples to help you. You do not have to limit yourself to these problem statements. The job at hand is, still, innovation in the field of energy for the betterment of society.

View the Competition Structure »

Dates	Role of the participant
10th September	Submission of abstracts in the format specified below with detailed approach to solve the problem. Allocation of mentors would be done on this basis.
30th September - 30th November	Participants to prepare a model on their project and document it through a technical report and make a video showing the working mechanism .Last date of receiving the video and report: 30th November
30th November - 20th January	Shortlisted participants to improve upon the working prototype of their project and prepare a presentation for the same.
22nd - 24th January	Final presentation along with the demonstration of the working prototype.

Participants unable to submit their abstracts by 1^st September 2009 or those who haven’t been shortlisted for mentor allocation can still participate by sending us a detailed technical report along with the video by 30^th November 2009 (which is the last date for registration).

3.1 Abstract Submission

All submitted abstracts will be screened and the teams will be shortlisted based on these. Among these a few top student teams would be provided with mentors. A mentor would be an expert in the field relevant to the subject of the abstract. He would be of immense help in carving your brainchild into an implementable solution by providing you with guidance at each step.
The last date for submitting the abstract is 10^th September 2009.

The abstracts should be mailed to prayaas[at]techfest[dot]org with the subject "Prayaas: Energize Abstract Reg. No. ENxxxx ". Please do not forget to mention your registration number in your abstract while sending it.

Format for Abstract Submission

It is recommended that the abstract be as concise as possible, however the following points must be addressed in the abstract:

1. Introduction
   • a. Background of the problem to be solved.
   • b. Description of concept, idea or approach to solve the problem.
2. Technical details of product or method
   • a. Rough technical specifications, pictorial representation of the product.
   • b. Performance evaluation of the product.
   • c. Pros and cons of the product with respect to existing technology.
3. Plans of implementation
   • a. Approximate cost of the product or method developed.
   • b. Potential beneficiaries or customers.
   • c. Plans for mass manufacture (if any).
   • d. Any other relevant information in this regard.

The names of the shortlisted participants will be available on the website by 30^th September 2009.

3.2 Model Documentation - Technical Report and Video

After the short listing, participants will have to make a physical model for the solution, which will be reviewed in this stage. The participants will be required to submit a technical report and a video to demonstrate the progress made on their working model. The last date for the submission of the technical report and the video is 30^th November 2009. The panel of judges will analyze the report and the video and will give them a detailed feedback as to how the model can be modified to achieve a better result. The details of the shortlisted participants along with feedback from the judges would be communicated to them by 30^th November 2009.

The report and the video should be mailed by post to the following address:
Techfest Office
Students' Gymkhana,
IIT Bombay, Powai
Mumbai - 400076

3.3 Working Prototype and Final Presentation

After declaration of the finalists, participants will be required to make a working prototype of the project as well as a presentation covering the technical and financial aspects in a detailed manner. The teams will have to bring their prototypes to be judged and showcased at Techfest 2010.

The working prototype should be as close as possible to the product you intend to present to the end user. Support in manufacturing aspects of the prototype will be provided to few of the best teams. This would also help in deciding a better estimate of the cost of the prototype, reflecting closely the actual cost of the product.

No new entries will be entertained after 30^th November 2009.

Energize will be judged by a panel of experts in the field of sustainable technology. Following are the broad criteria for judging:

1. Innovation and creativity of the method or product developed.
2. Implementability of the product, evaluated on the following parameters:
   • a. Requirement of the product.
   • b. Cost of the product.
   • c. User compatibility.
   • d. Use of readily available materials.
3. Performance and efficiency.
4. Environmental sustainability of the technology used.

View the Rules »

4.1 General Rules

1. The participating entries must be in a team of a maximum of six people. If the participating team feels that their idea requires more participants in their team, they can forward their request, with suitable reasons, to prayaas@techfest.org with the subject "Energize team number increase".
2. The competition is open to all (students, research scholars and professionals).
3. Every team has to register online on our website for the competition. A registration number will be allocated to the team on registration which shall be used for future reference.
4. A team can participate at any point of time before 30^th November 2009. However, the abstracts submitted before 1^st September 2009 would be considered for mentorship. Teams which submit their abstracts at a later stage would be provided with mentors only if their idea is exceptionally good.
5. Judges' decision shall be treated as final and binding on all.
6. Note that at any point of time the latest information will be that which is on the site. The information provided in the pdf downloaded earlier may not be the latest. However, registered participants will be informed through mail about any changes on the site.

For International participants: All International participants will have to register before 30^th November 2009, and will have to submit the videos of their prototypes along with an abstract before 30^th November 2009. The shortlisted international team details will be put up on the website by 30^th November 2009.

4.2 Certificate Policy

Those participants whose ideas and plan of action are recommended by the judges on the basis of their ability to get implemented will be provided with certificate of participation.
The top entries from this event would be provided with certificate of excellence.

4.3 Team Specification

The participating entries must be in a team of a maximum of six people. If the participating team feels that their idea requires more participants in their team, they can forward their request, with suitable reasons, to prayaas[at]techfest[dot]org with the subject "Energize team number increase".

5.1 Finalized Results (17th December 2009)

The following teams have been shortlisted to present their Prototype during Techfest 2010 from 22nd to 24th January 2010.

1. EN 1057
   EN 1095
   EN 1108
   EN 1126
   EN 1130
   EN 1152
   EN 1160
   EN 1182
   EN 1187
   EN 1200
   EN 1282
   EN 1307
   EN 1321
   EN 1325
   EN 1335
   EN 1352
   EN 1359
   EN 1362
   EN 1368
   EN 1371
   EN 1372
   EN 1374
   EN 2001

5.2 Abstract Round Results

The following teams have been deemed as excellent on the basis of the abstracts:

1. EN1009
2. EN1055
3. EN1072
4. EN1095
5. EN1130
6. EN1151
7. EN1152
8. EN1155
9. EN1167
10. EN1198
11. EN1200