Indian-origin Techie Develops Technology to Charge Phones/Laptops in A Minute and EVs in 10 Minutes

Ankur Gupta, an Indian-origin researcher and assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, a public research university in Boulder, Colorado, United States, has made a significant breakthrough. His research has led to the development of a technology that can charge laptops and mobile phones in just one minute. Moreover, this technology also has the potential to charge electric vehicles in about 10 minutes.

The key to this innovation lies in the efficient movement of ions within a complex network of minuscule pores, which could lead to more efficient energy storage devices like supercapacitors. Supercapacitors are known for their rapid charging times and longer lifespans compared to traditional batteries. Gupta's work modifies Kirchhoff’s law, which has governed current flow in electrical circuits since 1845, by demonstrating how ions move due to both electric fields and diffusion.

This discovery is not only promising for personal electronic devices but also for power grids, where fluctuating energy demand requires efficient storage to avoid waste during periods of low demand and to ensure rapid supply during high demand¹. It's indeed an exciting development in the field of energy storage and could revolutionize how we charge our devices in the future.

The research is still in the development phase and has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Gupta's team at the University of Colorado Boulder has discovered how ions move within a complex network of minuscule pores, which is a significant step towards developing more efficient energy storage devices like supercapacitors

Technology

Ankur Gupta's technology is based on the efficient movement of ions within a complex network of microscopic pores, leading to rapid charging capabilities for devices like laptops, mobile phones, and electric vehicles.

Simplified Explanation of How Ankur Gupta's Tech works:

Supercapacitors: The technology utilizes supercapacitors, which are energy storage devices that store and release energy by accumulating ions in their pores.

Ion Movement: Unlike traditional batteries, where ions move relatively slowly, Gupta's technology allows for a more efficient movement of ions. This is achieved by optimizing the flow within a complex structure of interconnected pores.

Charging Speed: By enhancing ion mobility, the charging process becomes much faster, allowing for a laptop or phone to be charged in just a minute and an electric vehicle in about 10 minutes.

Energy Storage: This method is not only beneficial for personal electronics but also for power grids, where efficient energy storage is crucial to handle fluctuating demands.

The breakthrough lies in modifying Kirchhoff’s law, which traditionally describes current flow in electrical circuits. Gupta's research demonstrates how ions move due to both electric fields and diffusion, which is a significant departure from the behavior described by Kirchhoff’s law in a single straight pore.

This discovery enables the simulation and prediction of ion flow in a complex network of thousands of interconnected pores within minutes, which was previously not possible¹. It's a leap forward in energy storage technology, promising faster and more efficient charging for a variety of applications.

The research is ongoing, and it may take some time before we see this technology implemented in everyday devices. However, the potential impact of such a technology on the market and our daily lives could be substantial, offering much faster charging times and longer-lasting energy storage solutions.

Via ~ Sagar Khubchandani @LinkedIn

Source – Colorado.edu

8 Girl Innovators to Present Their Projects Before the Startup Advisory Council

Union Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal interacts with Girl Innovators on the occasion of National Girl Child Day

“When girls are empowered, then countries become stronger & more prosperous”: Shri Goyal

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal held an Interaction with eight Girl Innovators today to mark the National Girl Child Day.

Addressing on the occasion, Shri Goyal said there is huge potential in each of the sectors that the eight Girl Childs have shown today:

• Low-cost biodegradable sanitary napkins
• Smart gloves which converts sign language to text & speech
• Use of AI & GPS

"I am very inspired to see these Girl Innovators, making the nation as well as their parents proud at such a young age (10-18 yrs). You are the true leaders of India," said Shri Goyal, during the programme held over Video Conference.

Stating that "When girls are empowered, then countries become stronger & more prosperous," Mr.  Goyal said we have to strengthen our Nari Shakti, as Prime Minister said, "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao."

Mr, Goyal said women today are challenging status quo and have stepped up as nation builders & change makers. India has been a powerhouse of strong women across fields: Be it sports (Meerabai Chanu, Mary Kom), Business (Falguni Nayyar of Nykaa, Indira Nooyi), Science & Technology (Kalpana Chawla), etc.

Shri Goyal gave a four point call for action:

1. Make Vocal for Local a Jan Andolan:
2. Become ambassadors of Quality Revolution: Increase consumer awareness & create sustainable goods with utmost focus on quality.
3. Collaborate with each other and with other fellow women entrepreneurs: Harness the immense potential of women in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
4. Connect with India’s heritage: Explore our country’s rich culture & traditions to innovate in areas of handlooms, handicrafts, art & craft etc.

Mr. Goyal said the projects of these eight Girl Innovators will be presented before the Startup Advisory Council after three months. During the programme, the Women & Child Development Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani complimented Shri Goyal for his initiative and leadership in promoting Innovation among Girl students “in tribute to the Prime Minister’s clarion call of ensuring that New India will see Women led development.”

Mr. Goyal said our women have time & again proven their capabilities. I would urge all girl children to:

• Dream big
• Never fear failure, failure is stepping stone to success
• Lead with conviction & confidence

Quoting Steve Jobs, - “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do,” who really change the world,” Shri Goyal said, for a civilization to truly flourish we need to “Empower, Educate & Encourage” our girl child.

Young Indian Researchers To Get Support and Grant for Exposure at German Industries and Industrial R&D Institutions

The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) Industrial Fellowship programme was launched by Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India Prof. Ashutosh Sharma on the occasion of IGSTC’s 11th Foundation day on 14th June 2021.

“This fellowship would encourage capacity building and would encourage students to think of challenges faced by industry and research solutions for them. It will encourage applied research, technology development and industrial experience in German setup for young researchers,” said Prof. Ashutosh Sharma.

The IGSTC Industrial Fellowship shall support young Indian PhD students and Post-Doctoral researchers in Science & Engineering for industrial exposure at German industries and industrial R&D institutions.

Supported by an attractive grant for a maximum of one year, the fellowship aims to motivate young Indian researchers towards applied research and build capacity to foster innovation and technology development through exposure at advanced German industrial ecosystems.

The programme was launched at a virtual meeting in the presence of the IGSTC Governing Body Co-Chairs & members, representatives from Indian & German Governments, Industries and Academia.

HeidelbergCement, a German multinational building materials company has recently announced its plan to become the world’s first carbon-neutral cement plant.  

SK Varshney, Head, International Division, DST and Indian co-chair of IGSTC, while congratulating all stakeholders, mentioned that the Centre has created a niche for itself by propagating Indo-German cooperation in applied research and technology development by industries. He requested all scientific agencies and the industry to utilize services of the centre in furthering bilateral scientific cooperation of industrial relevance.

“This programme will bring talented Indian researchers to Germany to work with German companies or government institutes for applied science. As fellows, they can create a long-lasting relationship between both countries for the future,” said Ms Kathrin Meyers, Director, BMBF and German co-chair of IGSTC.

“Since the Centre is promoting research led by industry and supported by academia/research organisations, it also provides a unique platform which should be utilized for newer cooperation”, she added.

IGSTC was established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India & Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Govt. of Germany to facilitate Indo-German R&D networking with emphasis on industry participation, applied research and technology development. IGSTC, through its flagship program ‘2+2 Projects’, has been supporting innovation-centric R&D projects by synergising the strength of research and academic institutions and public/private industries from India and Germany.

More information on the categories, eligibility, grant and Fellowship guidelines can be found at www.igstc.org .