Category: Alumni & Community

The IGCS actively contributes to the exchange of knowledge by facilitating collaboration between students and researchers, aiming to generate innovative solutions for sustainability. It is a research hub dedicated to addressing pressing sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Research is one of the core pillars of IGCS and is reflected in a wide array of our activities and events. The centre’s research involves collaborations with various esteemed institutions across Germany and India.

Today, we are excited to present a research brief from our alumni, offering insights into the key areas where our efforts are focused.

Fatima Bravo Lara was our exchange student who had their exchange period between 25. December 2023 until 05. March 2024 at the Department of Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India under Prof. Dr. Krishna Vasudevan. Their home institution is the Department of energy process engineering and conversion technologies of regenerative energies at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany under Prof. Dr. Frank Behrendt. Their research was on the topic of ‘Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency within the New Academic Complex at IIT Madras.’

The research focuses on improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system at the New Academic Complex (NAC) at IIT Madras, as part of India’s energy transition and carbon neutrality efforts. A collaborative study between IIT Madras and TU Berlin assessed the current state of the HVAC infrastructure at NAC, identifying challenges, such as ineffective temperature control, inefficiencies during low occupancy, and structural issues related to condensation.

The research methodology involved visual inspections, surveys, and data analysis. Findings revealed issues like excessive cooling at night, interrelated temperature changes between rooms, and energy consumption remaining high despite low occupancy. The study proposed several recommendations: implementing energy-saving measures, optimizing nighttime HVAC operations, and upgrading equipment for efficiency. A cost-benefit analysis was also suggested to prioritize energy-saving initiatives.

In conclusion, while NAC has made strides in energy optimization, further improvements in HVAC infrastructure and operation could enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and support IIT Madras’s sustainability goals.

Manikandan S, was a research grantee from the University of Kerala, at RWTH Aachen University from 01/10/2023 until 31/12/2023. Starting as the participant for the IGCS #WinterSchool in 2022 and again in 2023, he applied for the IGCS Grant for 2023 under IGCS’ Prof. Klaus Reicherter for his research on “Interstitial water-sediment characteristics from the tsunami affected areas of Kayamkulam and Edava-Nadayara Estuary, Southwest coast of Kerala, India.” His home supervisor is Dr.Jaya D.S.

The research from our grantee was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Klaus Reicherter focuses on the interstitial water-sediment characteristics post-tsunami along the Kollam and Alappuzha shoreline on India’s southwest coast. Interstitial water, found between sediment particles, is crucial for aquatic ecosystems due to its role in the exchange of dissolved species. This study is significant due to the severe impact of tsunamis and other natural disasters like the Ockhi cyclone in 2017 and the 2018 flash floods on this region.

You can read their Research Brief in their Scholarship Report below:

About IGCS

IGCS awards scholarships to students and researchers whose projects on sustainability issues benefit from a research exchange to India or Germany. The scholarship consists of a mobility grant and an accommodation grant.

For more information visit our Grants Info. Page

Manikandan S, was a research exchange scholar from the University of Kerala, at RWTH Aachen University from 01/10/2023 until 31/12/2023. Starting as the participant for the IGCS #WinterSchool in 2022 and again in 2023, he applied for the IGCS Grant for 2023 under IGCS’ Prof. Klaus Reicherter for his research on “Interstitial water-sediment characteristics from the tsunami affected areas of Kayamkulam and Edava-Nadayara Estuary, Southwest coast of Kerala, India.” His home supervisor is Dr.Jaya D.S.

He shares with us his experience report accounting his experience at the RWTH Aachen University, and Aachen City which was supported by the IGCS. He talks about moments that significantly improved his research skills and widended his global perspective and more! Manikandan’s experience report exemplifies IGCS’ core vision of harnessing the transformative power of international academic collaboration in climate science and sustainabilty.

About IGCS Grants

IGCS awards scholarships to students and researchers whose projects on sustainability issues benefit from a research exchange to India or Germany. The scholarship consists of a mobility grant and an accommodation grant.

For more information visit our website: https://www.igcs-chennai.org/grants/

The IGCS takes pride in sharing testimonial videos from our recent exchange scholars, where our researchers share first hand academic and cultural experience in their host country.

Today we share the accounts from Akshaya T R who stayed with us at RWTH Aachen University, Germany from 02.12.23 until 01.06.24. Akshaya shares her impression of Germany, research motivation and overall experience with the IGCS.

About IGCS Grants:

IGCS awards scholarships to students and researchers whose projects on sustainability issues benefit from a research exchange to India or Germany. The scholarship consists of a mobility grant and an accommodation grant.

For more information visit our website: https://www.igcs-chennai.org/grants/

RWTH Aachen University’s alumni organization and IIT Madras cordially invite you to a one-day symposium showcasing the strategic partnership between these two esteemed institutions. The highlight of the program will be a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Regenerating Cities: Issues of Resilience,” organized by the Indo-German Center for Sustainability (IGCS). Join us for a full-day event, providing ample opportunities to network and engage with RWTH alumni, IGCS members, academics from both institutes, and representatives from Indo-German businesses.

For further details, please visit the dedicated event website: https://ge.iitm.ac.in/iitm-rwth/

Please find the event information below:

Details and Schedule

Date: February 21^st, 2024. Time: 11:00 AM IST – 17:30 PM IST

Venue: Hall 3, IC & SR Building, IIT Madras Campus, Chennai

Event Schedule

11:00-12:00 PM: Inauguration of alumni event

• Prof. Dr. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director IIT Madras
• Prof. Dr. Ulrich Ruediger, Rector RWTH Aachen University
• Prof. Dr. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean – Alumni and Corporate Relations, IITM
• Prof. Dr. Bernd Markert, Rector’s Delegate for Alumni Relations, RWTH

12:00–12:45 PM: Strategic Partnership of IITM and RWTH

• Dr. Fabian Falter: RWTH’s India Activities
• Dr. Malati Raghunath: IITM’s Germany Activities

12:45 -1:30 PM: Lunch

2:00 – 3:30 PM: Panel Discussion (organized by IGCS)

“Regenerating Cities: Issues of Resilience”

Moderation: Prof. Martina Fromhold-Eisebith (RWTH) & Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam (IITM)

Panelists: Prof. S.A. Sannasiraj (IITM), Prof. Nicola Fohrer (CAU Kiel), Prof. Frank Behrendt (TU Berlin), Prof. Dirk Weichgrebe (LU Hannover)

3:30-4:00pm: Snacks

4:00-5:30 PM: Networking & display of initiatives/companies

Registrations for RWTH Alumni: here

Registrations for IITM Alumni: here

We look forward to your participation in our anticipated event.

IGCS Research Exchange Grantee, Shivam Dwivedi, from the Department of Metallurgical & Material Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India, reported their research brief that addresses the challenges in the #fabrication of proton-conducting #electrolysis cells (#PCECs) for large-scale electricity storage by aiming to harness the potential of hydrogen gas for reliable electricity storage. Their research delves into the intricacies of fabricating air electrode cer-cer composites, addressing critical factors such as chemical compatibility, sintering behavior, and mechanical properties.

Through a meticulous process, the study identifies key compositions and optimal sintering temperatures, ultimately honing in on a 70:30 ratio as the most promising candidate. Notably, the inclusion of 3% ethyl cellulose in the binder solution further elevates the material’s potential as an air electrode. Symmetric cells, formed by screen-printing the optimized composite pastes onto sintered electrolyte pellets, undergo thorough examination via scanning electron microscopy.

The research’s significance lies in its electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, conducted between 400-700°C with wet air (3% H2O). Amidst a plethora of compositions and conditions, the 70:30 ratio, with its exceptional #electrocatalytic activity, emerges triumphant as the frontrunner for an air electrode material. This research not only sheds light on the intricacies of PCECs but also paves the way for #transformative advancements in energy storage technology.

Shivam acknowledges Prof. Ravi Kumar, Prof. Olivier Guillon, Prof. Menzler, Dr. Mariya E. Ivanova and Prof. Krishna Vasudevan for their guidance, Sivaguru Nathan for introducing them to the IGCS and IGCS Project Coordinator Lisa Van Aalst for their assistance through the whole application process to RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich, in Aachen, Germany.

You can read the full report below:

Shivam Dwivedi, was an IGCS grantee from the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at IIT Madras, Chennai, India. Shivam recently completed their research exchange program at RWTH Aachen University, and Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany, under the mentorship of Prof. Olivier Guillon and Dr. Mariya Ivanova. His research focuses on Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells, exploring innovative solutions for storing renewable energy.

In their insightful report, Shivam shares their journey navigating challenges and adapting their research to present significant progress towards their M.S. thesis. From the meticulous planning required for visa arrangements to the vibrant cultural experiences in Germany, Shivam’s narrative provides valuable insights for future IGCS scholars. He emphasizes the importance of embracing extracurricular activities and fostering emotional resilience amidst academic rigour, highlighting the holistic growth fostered by IGCS exchange programs.

You can read their full experience report here:

IGCS Exchange Research Grantee Shiva Kumar Rajendra details their meticulous preparation, challenges with accommodation, and the enriching academic experience from their home institution at University of Mysore, supervised under Prof. Jayashree P. to their host institution at RWTH Aachen University under the guidance of Prof. Martina Fromhold-Eisebith.

Shiva explored the topic of “Spatial Dimensions of Urban Agriculture in India and Germany”, where they did a comparative study between Bengaluru and Aachen to understand agricultural dynamics over two decades (2003–2023). Revealing distinct patterns influenced by urbanization, culture, and climate, they highlighted the importance of preserving green spaces, adopting sustainable techniques, and smart land use planning amid urbanization. Urban agriculture emerges as a practical solution for nutritional challenges, community resilience, and additional income, despite limitations. The comparative study offers valuable insights, fostering international partnerships to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

You can read their full experience report here: