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.
๐ง Challenge: Freewheeling Mechanism for Lift Irrigation Pumps*
Lift irrigation systems use heavy-duty pump-motor units (50โ500 kW) to lift water to higher elevations. During sudden power failures, reverse water flow can drive the pump backward, and this reverse rotation at 2โ3x rated speed causes severe mechanical damage to pump components (shafts, couplings, bearings, seals, and impellers).
This leads to:
โขโโโโโFrequent power failures can cause reverse pump rotation exceeding 10x normal operating pressure.
โขโโโโโReverse spinning draws 6โ8x rated current, risking winding failure.
โขโโโโโUnexpected breakdowns disrupt irrigation and operations
โขโโโโโEquipment damage results in 3โ7 days of downtime and losses of โน2โ15 lakh per pump set.
๐ฏ Your Mission
Design a Passive Mechanical Freewheeling Mechanism that:
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Allows reverse freewheeling without driving the motor backward
โ
Prevents reverse torque transmission and equipment damage
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Minimizes water hammer and reverse-flow effects
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Is rugged, retrofittable, compact, and cost-effective
๐ฅ Team Size: 2โ5 Members
๐ Eligible Participants: UG Students | PG Students | PhD Scholars | Researchers | Startups | Industry Professionals
๐ Prizes Worth โน50,000+ย : ๐ฅ โน25,000 | ๐ฅ โน15,000 | ๐ฅ โน10,000
๐ Registration Deadline: 28 June 2026
๐Register:ย Click Here
Join us in developing practical, scalable, and industry-relevant mechanical innovations for reliable lift irrigation infrastructure.
