The CSIR-NCL, which has identified solar energy and fuel cell as two major "thrust areas" of its research, is working on harnessing solar energy to produce thermal and electric power, in particular "organic photovoltaics and dye-sensitised solar cells", the important components of the country's solar mission project to add 500 MW of power availability, according to Saurav Pal, director, CSIR-NCL.
"In the area of fuel cells, NCL's thrust is on polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) which combines hydrogen and air to produce electricity, water and heat, making it an important alternative energy source along with solar and wind," he said.
Their emerging applications of the fuel cells are in towers, replacement for diesel generations, co-generation in nuclear plants and electrification of rural and urban locations, Pal noted, explaining CSIR-NCL research activity aimed at taking science out of laboratories in order to enhance the quality of life of the common man.
NCL is a flagship laboratory of CSIR which is the largest network of publicly funded research institute in the country. (MORE)