A warmer winter for army camps and hill homes in Himalayas, thanks to IIT Bombay

India Today

4 days ago

IIT Bombay has found a solution for people living in harsh winter conditions in the Himalayan region. The institute has come up with an innovation that begins with sunlight alone -- no electricity or external power required. For nearly three months each year, temperatures fall far below zero in the Himalayas.Most homes rely on diesel heaters to stay warm, but diesel is costly and must be transported through dangerous mountain roads.advertisementThe study from IIT Bombay introduces a solar-based heating system that stores energy using a chemical called strontium bromide.
This system captures heat in summer and releases it during winter --,just like a battery stores electricity.SUN POWERED SALT SYSTEM TO WARM HIMALAYAN HOMES FOR MONTHSHere's how it works: Solar air collectors heat air during summer. This hot air warms up strontium bromide hexahydrate, causing it to lose water molecules and store heat in a dry, 'charged' state.In winter, moist air passed through the salt triggers a reverse reaction, releasing the stored heat into the room.Dr Rudrodip Majumdar, who worked on the project, said the idea was inspired by his time trekking in the Himalayas. 'I've seen people walk miles to collect firewood. Diesel is the only option, but it pollutes,' he said.advertisementThe team built a prototype that can store up to 500 kilowatt-hours of energy -- enough to heat a small home for four months.PORTABLE HEAT UNITS MAY SOON REPLACE DIESEL IN REMOTE HOMES AND ARMY POSTSThe system is compact, about the size of two LPG cylinders, and built to withstand cold climates. It doesn't need to be replaced often and can go through hundreds of cycles.According to Dr. Sandip Kumar Saha, who led the study, these units could be 'charged' in sunny states like Rajasthan and transported to hill towns before winter. 'Solar collectors are not new. But storing seasonal heat in a chemical form for later -- that's the innovation,' he said.The study found the Levelized Cost of Heating (LCOH) using this system to be as low as Rs 31 per kWh in Leh -- much cheaper than diesel heating when transport and carbon emissions are factored in.'This technology can bring cleaner, long-lasting warmth to India's coldest corners,' Dr. Majumdar added.Despite the progress, the system needs real-world testing. Challenges like upfront costs and climate variations remain.But the team is confident it could soon help not just civilians, but also Indian Army camps stationed at high altitudes.- EndsMust Watch