A team led by a former ISRO scientist Rakesh Aggarwal has developed cost-effective green efficient GARV (Guided Airflow Rotational Vortex) technology in wind sector, offering a promising solution to support India’s ambitious targets for Carbon Net Zero by 2070.
Validated by BITS, Goa, this groundbreaking technology based on ‘drag cum lift wind turbine’ concept is patented in several major jurisdictions, including India, the US, Australia, Russia, New Zealand, and European countries.
Talking about its key features, Aggarwal explained the technology utilises a unique design that creates a rotational vortex effect, which significantly increases the amount of wind energy captured by the turbine blades. This results in a higher conversion rate of wind energy into electrical power when compared to the conventional turbines.
“It achieves this by optimising airflow and reducing the wear and tear on turbine components, leading to lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan,†said the senior scientist, an expert in electric and control designs.
Aggarwal noted that it took him 3-4 years to develop the technology, which he feels can be a game changer in the green sector as it can adapt to various wind speeds “These GARV turbines are capable of operating efficiently across a wide range of wind speeds, from low to very high.
This adaptability ensures consistent energy generation even in areas with fluctuating wind conditions.â€
Similar to other innovations in green technology, GARV wind turbines developed under the umbrella of TDR Foundation, a non-profit organisation can be fabricated and installed locally, reducing transportation costs and supporting local manufacturing industries.
“A unique feature of this wind turbine technology is its adaptability—it can be fabricated and installed directly at the site and can handle a range of capacities from a few kilowatts to several megawatts.
The system optimis es drag force into torque, enabling it to generate electricity from very low wind speeds to speeds exceeding 200 km/h,†said Aggarwal.
He said the turbines can generate electricity from wind speeds of a few kilometres per hour to above 200 kilometres per hour and has the capacity to meet the energy needs of India and other countries with cheap green energy making fossil fuels irrelevant.
Its innovative approach and cost advantages make it a potential game-changer in the wind energy sector, offering economically viable alternative to conventional energy sources, said Agarwal, reflecting on his childhood dream of developing an indigenous concept, which also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Made in India’ and ‘Go local Go Vocal.’
