Largest Solar Concentrator: Boon for India's Healthcare Sector
TerraGreen|June 2023
With an experience of over 35 years in the solar sector, Chairman and MD of Sunrise CSP India, Deepak Gadhia, is a manufacturer of Scheffler concentrators, steam cooking systems and parabolic cookers. He is also credited with engineering and helping create large arrays of Scheffler concentrators for institutions, one of which at Tirupati, solar cooks 30,000 meals daily. A trustee of the Muni Seva Ashram, Mr Gadhia, who overlooks its sustainability aspects, speaks to Sapna Gopal about the biggest solar concentrator that was installed at the hospital in the ashram premises, in April this year.
Sapna Gopal
Largest Solar Concentrator: Boon for India's Healthcare Sector

The Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Muni Seva Ashram in Goraj village, Vadodara district, Gujarat, has installed a solar concentrator, claimed to be the biggest globally. What was the thought behind this?

The Muni Seva Ashram had a 100 TR solar thermal air-conditioning plant running on 100 Scheffler Concentrator of 12.5 m2 each. This system had been operational since 2007 and had successfully proved that a 100 TR Solar VAM Chiller can run with solar generated steam. However, the 100 Scheffler Concentrator System required and occupied a lot of space— approximately 2500 square metres, which in 2007 when installed, was not a constraint. Since then, the hospital has grown from being a 160 bed to a 400 bed hospital and the Muni Seva Ashram has expanded as well. Thus, the Ashram was looking for a technology that could occupy lesser space to generate the same quantity of steam and this is where the BIGDISH Concentrator fitted perfectly. It occupies one-third of area/ footprint, which means it needed only 25 metre x 25 metre footprint, that is, 625 square metres.

When was this project envisaged and how much time did it take to complete?

This story is from the June 2023 edition of TerraGreen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2023 edition of TerraGreen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TERRAGREENView All
Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce The Rise of Vocational Education in India
TerraGreen

Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce The Rise of Vocational Education in India

The young population in India presents both opportunities and challenges, as the workforce needs practical skills that conventional education often lacks. Vocational education and training VET) is essential to provide job-specific expertise, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands. In this article, Amarpreet Kaur and Vidhi Rani highlight that vocational education and training serve as a cornerstone in India’s efforts to propel economic growth and empower its burgeoning workforce. Vocational education and training are a fundamental component of modern education systems, addressing a pressing need in society. The alignment of VET with the G20 objectives emphasizes its crucial role in inclusive growth, employment, and human capital development.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
Eco-conscious and Sustainability-focused Brand Kheoni Paving the Way for a Greener Future
TerraGreen

Eco-conscious and Sustainability-focused Brand Kheoni Paving the Way for a Greener Future

\"If you really, truly are into sustainability, you cannot operate in isolation. You need to be transparent.\" -Khayal Garg, Green Warrior

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2024
Water Sustainability Flexible approaches for managing and conserving water resources
TerraGreen

Water Sustainability Flexible approaches for managing and conserving water resources

In this article, Vijeta Thakur and Dr S K Bhardwaj discuss innovative technologies for water conservation along with urban water management solutions. They also explore policy and governance approaches regarding water conservation. Implementing Integrated Water Resource Management IWRM) helps coordinate the management of water resources across different sectors and stakeholders, balancing competing demands and ensuring sustainable use. Developing transparent and equitable water allocation systems, coupled with appropriate pricing mechanisms that reflect the true value of water, can incentivize conservation and efficient use while ensuring access for all.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
Lady Banks' Rose A Lady's Shady Rose
TerraGreen

Lady Banks' Rose A Lady's Shady Rose

The world may have been having an irate look towards China, cursing her for COVID-19 virus, assertions in South China Sea, and her alleged expansionist policies and so on. Whether she really deserves these insinuations may be a matter of academic discussions; there however, is no denying to the fact that the old Dragon has bestowed the world with things beautiful enough to capture anybody's attention

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
The Vanishing Bristled Grassbird
TerraGreen

The Vanishing Bristled Grassbird

In this article, Dr Surya Prakash tells us about the bristled grassbird, known scientifically as Chaetornis striatus. Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, the bristled grassbird finds itself perilously perched on the brink of endangerment, classified as a‘Vulnerable Species’ by the IUCN since 2010. The relentless decline in its population can be attributed primarily to habitat loss. Keep reading to know more...

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
Embracing Climate Disclosure Governance India's Banking Sector's Resilient Step
TerraGreen

Embracing Climate Disclosure Governance India's Banking Sector's Resilient Step

With the introduction of the Disclosure Framework on Climate-related Financial Risks 2024)’ by RBI, it is quite apparent that the banking sector is continuously striving towards sustainability and climate sensitization. The new framework evolves the narrative, acknowledging the inevitability of climate change affecting these entities and, consequently, the broader financial stability. The framework not only acts as a means to inform the various stakeholders about climate-related issues but also to develop a narrative of financial resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges related to climate risks. Naman Mishra and Dr Megha Jain say that the framework is built upon four main pillars—Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics Targets. Keep reading to know more...

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
India's Carbon Market On the Verge of Reality
TerraGreen

India's Carbon Market On the Verge of Reality

In this article, Yukta Anand and Prof. Asheesh Pandey throw light on carbon market, which is soon going to be a reality for India.

time-read
6 mins  |
May 2024
Water Equation India and the Nordics
TerraGreen

Water Equation India and the Nordics

The Nordic countries, known for their commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection, offer invaluable knowledge and technologies to improve water management practices. From state-of-the-art water purification systems to sustainable irrigation techniques, Nordic expertise provides crucial tools to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources. In this thought-provoking article, Biba Jasmine discusses that by utilizing the expertise and cutting-edge technologies from the Nordic region, Indian industries can enhance their water management systems, reduce pollution, and increase resource efficiency.

time-read
10 mins  |
May 2024
Charging towards Sustainability The Circular Revolution of EV Battery Recycling
TerraGreen

Charging towards Sustainability The Circular Revolution of EV Battery Recycling

Ankit Sharma is the Co-Founder & Director, Vidyuta Materials Pvt. Ltd., which stands at the forefront of innovation in the energy storage industry, pioneering the manufacturing of cutting-edge battery materials for the batteries used in energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVS), mobiles, laptops, etc.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
The Magic of Traditional Indian Barbeque Strengthening local economy and sustainability
TerraGreen

The Magic of Traditional Indian Barbeque Strengthening local economy and sustainability

Manu Shrivastava's article highlights the traditional dishes of South Gujarat and Maharashtra's Konkan region-ubadiyu, undhiyu, and popti.

time-read
7 mins  |
May 2024