Drive Forward: One-Way Torque Challenge
ANRF-PAIR Hub (IIT Bombay) and ANRF-PAIR Spoke (COEP Technological University, Pune), in collaboration with Wilo Mather & Platt Pumps Pvt. Ltd., invite innovators to solve a real industrial challenge.
🔧 Challenge: Freewheeling Mechanism for Lift Irrigation Pumps*
Lift irrigation systems use heavy-duty pump-motor units (50–500 kW) to lift water to higher elevations. During sudden power failures, reverse water flow can drive the pump backward, and this reverse rotation at 2–3x rated speed causes severe mechanical damage to pump components (shafts, couplings, bearings, seals, and impellers).
This leads to:
• Frequent power failures can cause reverse pump rotation exceeding 10x normal operating pressure.
• Reverse spinning draws 6–8x rated current, risking winding failure.
• Unexpected breakdowns disrupt irrigation and operations
• Equipment damage results in 3–7 days of downtime and losses of ₹2–15 lakh per pump set.
🎯 Your Mission
Design a Passive Mechanical Freewheeling Mechanism that:
✅ Allows reverse freewheeling without driving the motor backward
✅ Prevents reverse torque transmission and equipment damage
✅ Minimizes water hammer and reverse-flow effects
✅ Is rugged, retrofittable, compact, and cost-effective
👥 Team Size: 2–5 Members
🎓 Eligible Participants: UG Students | PG Students | PhD Scholars | Researchers | Startups | Industry Professionals
🏆 Prizes Worth ₹50,000+ : 🥇 ₹25,000 | 🥈 ₹15,000 | 🥉 ₹10,000
📝 Registration Deadline: 28 June 2026
🔗Register: Click Here
Join us in developing practical, scalable, and industry-relevant mechanical innovations for reliable lift irrigation infrastructure.
