BANGALORE: Forty-six-year-old principal research scientist of Indian Institute of Science's High Voltage Laboratory, Dr Subba Reddy B, has been awarded the prestigious National Research Development Corporation ( NRDC) Meritorious Societal Invention National Award by the Union Ministry of Science & Technology, which he is to receive next month.
He won the award for his work on insulators used in high voltage transmission line. His work helped enhance the pollution/contamination flashover strength of ceramic/porcelain insulators used in high voltage transmission lines.
There are three types of transmission lines currently used in India - porcelain/ceramic, glass and composite. The latter is a newly introduced phenomenon in the country though it's hugely popular in the West.
"Many form of contamination spreads on the surface of insulators because of various reasons. For instance if the insulators are near sea there's a gradual accumulation of salt, if near an industrial area, pollution is a big deterrent and so is water as a result of rains and fog," said Reddy.
"This results in the reduction of properties of insulators, leading to blackouts," he said.
Dr Subba Reddy B has been with the Indian Institute of Science for about two decades now, first as a student and then as a faculty member.
"I had an idea that could address the insulator problem in high voltage transmission line about a decade back. But, it was only in 2005 that I started working on them, both theoretically and practically," Reddy said.
My inspiration had been the people approaching the institute and me expressing their concerns about the insulator problem that resulted in frequent power cuts in the country, he added.
The gadget developed by Subba Reddy, to replace porcelain/ceramic insulators, most commonly used in high voltage transmission line in India, eliminates the flashover and thus reduces the blackouts to minimum.
It is made out of zinc and aluminum for experimental purposes, said Reddy.
"But, the metal of choice could be changed for industrial purposes," he added.
Currently, some of the big companies which deal insulators have approached IISC,, which holds the patent for the gadget since 2009.
"It's a long process which can take some time. So, we will have to wait for a few more years for the commercial manufacturing of the gadget," he added.
IISC scientist wins National Research Development Corporation award
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IISC scientist wins National Research Development Corporation award
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IISC scientist wins National Research Development Corporation award
