Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India sanctioned a Project to Establish a “Center for Promotion of Additive Manufacturing (CPAM): Renewable Energy & Distributed Manufacturing using customized 4D & 3D technologies (CPAM: RE & DM)” at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Himachal. Special emphasis will be placed on designing and developing green materials and processes for distributed additive manufacturing, with the aim of providing sustainable solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the Himalayan region. Additionally, the project will extend support to several startups in Himachal Pradesh and other states, particularly focusing on Renewable Energy & Distributed Manufacturing (RE & DM) domains. A team of experts, led by Chief Investigator, Prof. Satinder Kumar Sharma, School of Electrical & Computer Engineering (SCEE) of IIT Mandi, along with Co-Chief Investigators Dr. Viswanath Balakrishnan, Dr. Ranbir Singh, Dr. Mrityunjay Doddamani (all from School of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Engineering (SMME) IIT Mandi), and Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma (PGIMER, Chandigarh). CPAM aims to provide a sustainable ecosystem, facilitating decentralized manufacturing, skill development, and digital networks of decentralized production conducive to the advancement of additive manufacturing in India.

Products and POCs developed:

1. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blade (VAWT): It has blades that rotate around a vertical axis, unlike traditional horizontal turbines. It captures wind from any direction, making it ideal for urban or turbulent environments. VAWTs are compact, quieter, and easier to maintain, though generally less efficient than horizontal-axis turbines. VAWT blades are vertically oriented and rotate around a vertical shaft. Blades endure cyclic stress and variable wind directions. Made from composites for strength and lightness, they offer easier maintenance.

2. Mini Spiral Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade (HAWT): It has blades that rotate around a horizontal axis, like a traditional windmill. It faces the wind directly and efficiently converts wind energy into electricity. Commonly used in wind farms, HAWTs are effective in areas with consistent wind direction and high wind speeds. A spiral HAWT blade features a twisted, helical design to optimize airflow capture across the rotor span. This geometry improves lift distribution, reduces turbulence, and enhances structural stability. The twist aligns blade angle with varying wind velocities, increasing efficiency, especially in low or turbulent wind conditions.