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Mohali, November 2024 – In a significant breakthrough for sustainable energy, two aeronautical engineering students from Chandigarh University have developed a patented gravity-based energy-generation model, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for clean power. This innovative project, spearheaded by Annkit Sarkar and Tanishqa Gupta, marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable energy technologies.
The patented model is reported to be 20% more efficient than similar technologies used globally. Its design not only simplifies the complexity of traditional gravity-based systems but also reduces the reliance on resource-heavy inputs such as water and sand.
A Visionary Approach to Gravity-Based Power Generation
Annkit Sarkar, a final-year aerospace engineering student, conceptualized the idea of using gravity as a sustainable energy source. “I always wanted to know if we can extract energy from gravity,” Sarkar explained. “Existing models are very complex and use large quantities of resources. I started to find out if weights could be manipulated for creating a semi-automatic system to generate power through rotary motion.”
Sarkar’s model adheres to the Law of Thermodynamics and offers significant energy output improvements. “We will get 70 kW of power if we insert 30 kW using advanced automation. Our system can generate about 750 kW, compared to the 450 kW produced by existing gravity energy models,” he added.
The system requires a 15-meter tower, costing approximately ₹50 lakh and occupying 2,600 square feet of space—an economical alternative to a 450 kW solar power plant, which demands ₹2.5 crore and 36,000 square feet.
A Collaboration of Innovation and Sustainability
Teammate Tanishqa Gupta highlighted the increasing demand for sustainable luxury solutions. “High-end clients are increasingly opting for eco-conscious energy to align with their values and lifestyle,” she noted, pointing to the market potential of their innovation.
The team has already tested a small-scale prototype and is working toward launching a startup to develop a full-scale version.
Recognition and Impact
Chandigarh University Chancellor and Rajya Sabha MP, Satnam Singh Sandhu, lauded the students’ achievement:
“To avoid the adverse impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. To achieve this, there is a need for ending reliance on fossil fuels and investing in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable. This is a great innovation by the university students. I congratulate them on this.”
The innovation aligns with the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2024 report predicting accelerated global electricity demand over the next three years, underscoring the urgent need for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
A Testament to CU’s Research Ecosystem
This development reflects Chandigarh University's commitment to nurturing a research-driven academic environment that fosters creativity and innovation. By empowering students with the resources and mentorship to explore groundbreaking ideas, the university is setting a benchmark for education that prepares learners to address real-world challenges.
With this gravity-based energy model, the students have not only pushed the boundaries of engineering but also contributed to the global quest for sustainable energy solutions. Their journey exemplifies how academic institutions can act as catalysts for change, driving innovation and sustainability for a better tomorrow.
