B.Tech students Pushparaj Deore and Harsh Baviskar from the Mechanical Engineering Department of SSVPS BSD College of Engineering have achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a prestigious research grant of ₹8,23,000 from the International Project Research Fund of Dassault Systèmes. This recognition not only highlights the technical abilities and innovative mindset of the students but also brings pride to the institution and its Mechanical Engineering Department.
The project undertaken by the students focuses on the development of a Large Capacity Hemispherical Solar Dryer for the rural ecosystem. The primary objective of this research is to design and develop an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solar drying system that can be used by rural communities for preserving agricultural produce. In many rural regions, farmers face significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage and preservation facilities. Traditional open-sun drying methods often lead to contamination, uneven drying, and loss of product quality. The innovative solar dryer proposed in this project aims to address these challenges.
The hemispherical design of the solar dryer is expected to improve heat distribution and airflow inside the drying chamber, allowing agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and medicinal plants to dry more efficiently and hygienically. By utilizing renewable solar energy, the system will reduce dependence on electricity or fossil fuels, making it both environmentally friendly and economically viable for rural users. The large-capacity feature of the dryer ensures that farmers and small-scale agricultural producers can process greater quantities of produce at a time, thereby increasing productivity and reducing wastage.
The project is being carried out under the expert guidance of Dr. Suryawanshi, the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department. His mentorship and technical direction have played a crucial role in shaping the research methodology and engineering design aspects of the project. With his support, the students are applying advanced engineering concepts, simulation tools, and design methodologies to develop a functional prototype of the solar dryer.
The grant provided by Dassault Systèmes will significantly support the research and development activities associated with the project. The funding will be utilized for design development, material procurement, prototype fabrication, testing, and performance analysis of the solar drying system. Dassault Systèmes, known globally for its advanced engineering and design solutions, supports innovative student projects that contribute to sustainable development and technological advancement.
This achievement demonstrates the growing research culture at SSVPS BSD College of Engineering and reflects the institution’s commitment to encouraging students to engage in innovative and socially relevant projects. It also highlights the importance of industry-academic collaboration in nurturing young engineers and supporting projects that can have a meaningful impact on society.
The work of Pushparaj Deore and Harsh Baviskar has the potential to benefit rural communities by providing a practical solution for agricultural preservation and value addition. If successfully implemented, the Large Capacity Hemispherical Solar Dryer could help farmers reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, and increase their income while promoting the use of clean and renewable energy.
Overall, this project stands as an inspiring example of how young engineering students, with proper guidance and support, can develop innovative solutions to address real-world challenges and contribute to sustainable rural development.
