Chennai: Aiming to end total blackout (as experienced in Chennai during the December 2015 deluge for three days) and communication systems failure during cyclonic weather conditions, the CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, here, has embarked on a major ‘emergency power restoration’ project so as to offer a viable solution for the entire nation.
This is for the first time such a massive research project has been taken up in the backdrop of Chennai’s nightmarish experience during the December flooding. “We are working in association with the Central Power Grid Corporation to evolve an Indian model to be followed throughout the country. All parameters including the tower’s capability and safety aspects would be looked into,” says Prof. Santosh Kapuria, director, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) CSIR-SERC, Chennai.
He was responding to a question from this correspondent on whether the CSIR would take up any research activity to help the Tangedco or the cellphone operators to provide seamless service to the public during calamitous conditions. “We could evolve a standard code for India,” he expressed.
“Providing guidelines on the electrical and telecommunication towers that pass our battery of tests could be used. We could ensure uniformity of standards throughout the country,” Dr P.K. Umesh chief scientist and head, TTRS, Chennai, added. The CSIR-SERC will suggest possible causes of failure and measures to strengthen the failed towers.
At present research work is being carried out for optimal tower configuration, damage assessment, life enhancement, strengthening of existing tower members besides use of alternative materials for tower and development of emergency restoration system. The Tower Testing & Research Station (TTRS) of the CSIR-SERC at the Tirusoolum hillock opposite the airport here is equipped with modern facilities to test towers. Apart from artificial simulators, the station could regulate pressure to ascertain the tower’s capability to withstand natural calamities.
