INTERNSHIP, RESEARCH

Research Intern @ Design and Innovation Center, Panjab University, Chandigarh

This blog recounts my first research internship experience at DIC Panjab University. DIC Panjab University is one of the twenty DICs established in the country by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, as part of the national initiative for setting up Design Innovation Centers, Open Design Schools, and the National Design Innovation Network. I became aware of this opportunity through a senior at the IEEE Student Branch (which I was member of).

DIC LOGO
Logo: DIC, Panjab Univerisity

I worked on a project related to the maintaining the efficiency of solar panels during summer. The problem was after reaching a specific temperature, the efficiency of solar panels in producing energy decreases. For instance, if the temperature coefficient of a solar panel is -0.38% per one degree Celsius, its maximum efficiency will decrease by 0.38% for every degree above 25°C (77°F). Conversely, for every one degree Celsius below 25°C, the maximum efficiency of that solar panel will increase by 0.38%. (Yes—cooler, sunny weather is best for your solar panels and can help offset any decreased efficiency in the summer.)

So, my project involves developing a cooling mechanism so that solar panels maintain a certain optimum temperature and can produce energy efficiently. Here are some objectives that I achieved:

  • Devised and implemented a water-based cooling mechanism, significantly elevating the overall efficiency of photovoltaic cells.
Design
Circuit Design of Cooling Mechanism
  • Established an Arduino microcontroller-based system to regulate solar panel temperature, incorporating sophisticated logic and control algorithms.
  • Successfully constructed a functional small-scale prototype, validating the effectiveness and feasibility of the cooling system.

Working on this project has taught me a lot. I used to think that I should know everything before starting something. However, from working here, I’ve learned that it’s all about learning while working on a project. You don’t need to know everything; you can just start and learn as you go. I believe this is a principle I will implement for a lifetime. Also, I had the opportunity to showcase my project at the ‘All India DIC MEET,’ where students and professors from all over India were present.

Dig
All India DIC Meet 2023, Delhi

How I got it ?

As a fresher, I lacked much experience. I had only explored a few technologies, but I wanted to work on a real project to gain valuable experience. So, I approached a senior colleague who was engaged in a project at DIC, expressing my interest in joining. He posed some technical questions related to a project and asked if I knew how to program Arduino. Knowing nothing about these things, I admitted my lack of knowledge. I expressed my willingness to learn quickly if given the chance. He gave me one week to learn Arduino and circuit design and provide a solution to a problem statement. I successfully accomplished this task, securing my first internship. I believe joining communities/clubs and participating in workshops/seminars is a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals. Not only will you learn from them, but you will also have the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds, just as I have.

One lesson I learned from this experience: don’t hesitate to try, even if you lack confidence. At worst, you won’t succeed. Just give it a try and don’t dwell on the outcome.

You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. - Krishna, BG

I look forward to applying the lessons learned in future endeavors! For now, Adios!