21 Research Clusters
IIT Madras has started multiple research initiatives, including about 21 clusters which it has internally funded each to the tune of $500K (~3.8 crores INR) so that they can pursue research in multiple areas. One of those clusters is in energy, and comprises seven centers of excellence that are engaged in research spanning the whole spectrum of energy generation, storage, conversion and distribution.
Energy & Sustainability Research Centres
National Centre for Combustion Research & Development (NCCRD)
World’s largest combustion research centre.
Founded by the Combustion Institute – Indian Section and supported by Science and Engineering Research Board, Dept. of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
Develops state-of-the-art capabilities in combustion research.
Research interests include automotive, thermal power and aerospace propulsion, fire research and microgravity combustion.
Endeavours to promote academic research in combustion and develop trained researchers, as well as increase the number of scientists and engineers in combustion research.
Many industrial and R&D organizations work closely with the NCCRD. Visit the Centre
Energy and Emissions (EnERG) Laboratory – EnERG Lab
- Established in 2016
- Focus on applied research in the areas of energy and emissions.
- Actively involved in development and testing projects in areas of waste heat recovery, solar energy, aerosol, and emissions
- Solar powered cycles, waste heat recovery from process using steam and Organic Rankine cycles, heat pumps
- R&D works on emission measurement and control devices.
Indo-German Centre for Sustainability (IGCS)
- Established in 2010 through collaborative efforts with various universities in Germany and IIT Madras to provide a platform for research on various aspects of sustainability like land-use patterns, water, environment, etc.
- Focus on environmental protection regarding water resources, energy, land use, rural development and waste management, and aims to develop the capacity and capability to promote sustainable development in Germany, India and South Asia.
- A major feature of IGCS is the interaction between German and Indian scientists, providing the possibility to study and research both at the IITM and at German Universities.
- Awards scholarships to students and researchers whose projects on sustainability issues.
Centre for Technology & Policy (CTaP)
- Provides analyses and strategy options to national policy-making bodies by leveraging the Institute’s cutting-edge research activities in the areas of water and sanitation, energy systems, human healthcare as well as educational technologies.
- Promotes strong, action-oriented and interdisciplinary approaches that involve the engineering and social science faculties as well as incubation centres of the Institute.
International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW)
- Established in 2018 with the objective of creating water professionals for tomorrow, ICCW ideates and translates disruptive technologies in the pursuit of sustainable clean water.
- With its network of renowned water professionals, the Centre bridges the gap between industry and academia.
- Key actions include building a strong network of scientific minds across academia and industry, nurturing technologies, incubating companies and tackling the socio-economic issues related to water at the grassroots level.
- Houses state-of-the-art equipment that is required for water research, product design, incubation and pilot production, with the corresponding technical, financial and legal services to encourage constant innovation.
- Partners with various governments, co-operatives, NGOs, and industries.
