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Research Scheme

The Government of India is promoting Research and Development for the Indian power sector through Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), which promotes applied research leading to technology development in the power sector through “R&D schemes of Ministry of Power being implemented through CPRI” which consists of the following three schemes:

  • R&D under National Perspective Plan(NPP)
  • Research Scheme on Power (RSoP)
  • In-House R&D (IHRD)

R&D project proposals are invited by CPRI under the above Research schemes. For further details contact:

Dr. Venkateswara Rao M

Additional Director & HOD,

R&D Management Division

Central Power Research Institute

P B No.8066, Sadashivanagar (PO), Bangalore 560 080, INDIA.      

Phone No: 080-2207 2234, Email id: mvrao@cpri.in

The Indian Power Sector is facing major challenges today with the introduction of reforms, globalization and liberalization policy of the government. Despite our country's the power system planners have given utmost importance to energy sector since beginning and there being manifold increase in installed generation capacity and transmission networks.

With increase in system expansion stability and security problems have become challenging. It is of vital importance to focus our attention now on ways and means to build expertise within the country, to find solutions for the problems existing in the system and also for the problems that may arise in the future. Research is urgently needed to bridge the knowledge and technology gaps, more so due to changes in technology today at a more profound and faster pace in the new millennium.

Realizing the importance of Research & Development, The Ministry of Power constituted a Standing Committee on R&D to frame national Perspective Plan for R&D in Indian Power Sector. While formulating the National Perspective Plan, it is important to critically review the growth of power sector, assess the existing R&D infrastructure in the country and identify the crucial R&D needs for the power sector. All the key players like CEA, CPRI, NTPC, POWERGRID, NHPC, NEEPCO, BBMB, DVC, NPTI, THDC, SJVNL, BHEL and IIT's have participated in this task and brought out R&D plan report.

Ministry of Power, Government of India constituted "Standing Committee on Research and Development" for identifying Research needs in Power Sector and draw a road map for research. The Committee was chaired by Chairperson, CEA and CPRI as member Convener. The Committee has experts in various fields as its members.

The Committee after lot of deliberations and brain storming sessions, brought out a report entitled "National Perspective Plan for R&D in Power Sector". The Committee while preparing the perspective plan report considered the following broad aspects.

  1. The basic and the applied Research and Development needs of the Power Sector.
  2. The National level and Organizational level Research and development plans.
  3. To channelizer the outcome of Research for the benefit to the customers and the operational efficiency of the power sector.

The crucial R&D needs required to bridge the technology gaps in various subsections of power sector (Generation, Transmission & Distribution), are identified and prioritized. The R&D needs aim at either improving design of an individual plant component and/or evolving cost efficient overall process. R&D needs also include taking advantage of the advances in IT, electronics and communication to improve the control & instrumentation system, data acquisition system and monitoring of system performance parameters. The major thrust areas for R&D are provided in the link: Click here

TITLE RELATED DOCUMENTS
  • Format No 1: NPP New Project Proposals Test
  • Format No 2: NPP Quarterly Progress Report (QPR)
  • Format No 3: NPP Abstract of Completion Report
  • Format No 4: NPP Final Technical Report
  • Format No 5: NPP Birds Eye View (BEV) Report
  • Format No 6: NPP Utilization Certificate (UC)
  • Format No 7: NPP Reviewers
  • Format No 8: MOU Sample NPP

The aim of this Scheme is to ensure optimum utilization of the allocated fund with emphasis on maximizing the research benefits by better management of research projects under the scheme. This is in tune with the mandate of CPRI as an apex body for initiating and coordinating various research and developmental activities in the field of electric power by networking with various state electricity boards, Distribution companies and maintaining liaison with Academic Institutions engaged in research connected with power systems and/or power equipment in the country. The themes of the projects may be summarized as follows: 1) Decentralized generation 2) Power Electronics application to power system 3) Improvements in power generation, transmission and distribution systems 4) Advanced Remaining Life Assessment (RLA) methodologies 5) Information & Communication Technology applications to power sector 6) Insulation Engineering and Technology for HTS based Power Apparatus.

Research projects which are pertinent to the area of power sector development e.g. Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Renewables etc. can be taken up by the Utilities/Academic Institutions which can be funded under the RSoP scheme to enable them to address mainly local specific operational issues. In certain cases, the Utilities could associate R&D and academic institutions and take up the projects in a collaborative manner.

As far as possible, the projects to be devised with the involvement of relevant industries / utilities or ultimate beneficiary for smooth transfer of Technology.

Project Implementing organization proposing the project should ensure that the services of key investigators indicated in the project proposal are made available for the entire duration of the project.

Project proposals to be formulated after a thorough literature survey in order to ensure that similar work is not already done elsewhere.

Some of the thrust areas identified for Research under Click here

Title Related Documents
Format No 1: RSOP New Project Proposal
Format No 2: RSOP Purchase of Equipment
Format No 3: RSOP Quarterly Progress Report (QPR)
Format No 4: RSOP Expenditure Report
Format No 5: RSOP Abstract of Completion Report
Format No 6: RSOP Utilization Certificate (UC)
Format No 7: RSOP Final Report
Format No 8: RSOP Specimen Copy Unspent Grant
Format No 9: RSOP Submission of Feedback Form
Format No 10: RSOP Project Evaluation
Format No 11: RSOP Memorandum of Understanding
Format No 12: RSOP Reviewers' Comments
Format No 13: RSOP Birds Eye View Report		 Download (213.3 KB & pdf)
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The IHRD scheme is exclusively for scientists and engineers of CPRI to enable them to take up research projects in areas of importance to the Power Sector and help the utilities and manufacturers of Indian Power Sector. Under this scheme, Research Projects are undertaken for: 1) Augmentation of Research and testing facilities. 2) Improvements / New techniques in testing / Diagnostic methods/Research studies. 3) Product / Process Improvements. 4) Improvement in products and 5) evolution of national standards.

TITLE RELATED DOCUMENTS
  • Format No 1: IHRD New Project Proposal
  • Format No 2: IHRD Quarterly Progress Report (QPR)
  • Format No 3: IHRD Completion Report
  • Format No 4: IHRD Technical Report
  • Format No 5: IHRD Interim Report
  • Format No 6: IHRD Request for Extension
  • Format No 7: IHRD Record notes on PRC
  • Format No 8: IHRD Birds Eye View report
  • Format No 9: IHRD Short Closure
  • Format No 10: IHRD Utilization Certificate (UC)
  • Format No 11: IHRD Financial Closure
  • Format No 12: IHRD Reviewers Comment

Sl. No. TITLE RELATED DOCUMENTS
ON-GOING CALLS
1 Proposals Invited for RSOP and NPP Schemes Download (Language : English) (pdf & 0.16MB)
2 Invitation For Research Proposal Under The “R&D Schemes Of Mop Being Implemented Through CPRI” Download (Language : English) (pdf & 0.77MB)
PREVIOUS CALLS
1 Call For Proposals on "Recycling of waste generated from end-of-the-life components of solar power plants and wind power plants" Download (Language : English) (pdf & 0.29MB)
2 Call For Proposals for funding support under The “R & D Schemes of Ministry Of Power being implemented through CPRI" on “Research for new areas for use of Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Gypsum suited to Domestic requirements” Download (Language : English) (pdf & 0.39MB)
3 Call For Proposals for funding support under the “R & D Schemes of Ministry Of Power being implemented through CPRI" on “Hydro Power Generation theme" Download (Language : English) (pdf & 0.24MB)

 

General Information on Proposal Submission

Funding: 

The projects approved under IHRD and RSoP schemes will be fully funded by the Ministry of Power. Projects under the NPP scheme are expected to be 50% funded by MoP and 50% by a collaborating industry.

Components of financial outlay of the project: 

The project proposal's expenditure, including equipment, instruments, travel, consultancy, hiring charges for temporary research staff, overheads, and miscellaneous costs, can be included in the project's cost. Overhead charges of 10% are generally allowed. Projects focused solely on simulation studies or expensive software purchases are not encouraged.

Inclusion of salary component for permanent research staff is discouraged.

 However, costs for hiring temporary research staff for the project duration are acceptable.

Expert Review:

 Proposals submitted to CPRI are sent to external experts from various institutions for techno-economic evaluation by a Technical Committee constituted by MoP. There are four technical committees focused on specific domains: Transmission, Generation-Thermal, Generation-Hydro, and Grid/Distribution/Energy Conservation.

Techno-Economic Evaluation: 

The Technical Committee, chaired by professors from IITs with industry participation, reviews the project proposals. Principal Investigators usually defend their projects in meetings. The Committee evaluates deliverables and impact on the utility/power sector before recommending the proposal for approval.

Project Approval and Commencement:

 Proposals approved by the Technical Committee are presented to the Competent Authority for approval. The Director General of CPRI is the approving authority for proposals with an outlay up to Rs 50 lakhs, while the SCRD, chaired by the CEA Chairperson, evaluates and approves projects with higher outlays.

Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR): 

Principal Investigators must submit quarterly technical and financial progress reports within a month of each quarter's end. The 1st quarter starts in April of every financial year, and reports are to be submitted in prescribed formats.

Fund Utilization Certificate (UC): 

Principal Investigators must submit a Fund Utilization Certificate immediately after fund exhaustion. Satisfactory progress and submission of UCs are prerequisites for further funding installments.

Project Monitoring: 

The R&D Management department monitors projects by analyzing QPR and UC submissions. The Technical Committee reviews project progress, sometimes via meetings in Bengaluru or at the investigator’s organization, or through video conferencing.

Project Completion & Technical Report:

 The investigating agency must present their completed project to the Technical Committee. CPRI scrutinizes and analyzes final project results before the Technical Committee declares the project completed.

Dissemination: 

Information on developed technologies/products is available on CPRI’s website. Project Investigators are encouraged to hold workshops and seminars for knowledge dissemination.

Who Can Submit the Proposal?

1. Power Utilities

2. Academic Institutes

3. R&D Institutes

4. Manufacturers

Collaborative proposals are encouraged. Projects from individuals are not accepted.

When and How to Submit a Proposal?

1. Research proposals can be sent at any time during the year to CPRI.

2. Formats for submission are available on CPRI’s website or by writing to the Head, R&D Management Division.

3. Proposals should be submitted through the head of the institution to CPRI after recommendation by external subject experts.

4. The Principal Investigator must present the proposal to the Technical Committee.

VTU Research Centre

Realizing the need for quality education and training requirements of the Indian Power Sector, CPRI forayed into the realm of higher education in Power. To further the cause of continuing education for the officers / scientists / engineers of Indian power Sector, a Research Centre was established in the year 2013, which offers Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) positions leading to M.Sc. (Engg.) and Ph.D. (Engg.) in Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical and Chemical Engineering and PhD (Chemistry) under regular schemes. The Research Centre is recognized by Visvesvaraya Technological University Belgaum and currently operates with forty eight research scholars of which thirty nine are registered as JRF/SRF, three are registered for Ph.D ( Engg.) though external registration and six officers of CPRI are registered for M.Sc. (Engg.)/ Ph.D (Engg.) through part-time registration. The JRFs/SRFs contribute towards the on-going research activities in CPRI under In-house R&D Scheme. So far seventeen (17) research students received their research degrees through this Research Center. Fourteen (14) CPRI Officers are recognized supervisors of VTU Belgaum.

RTMNU Research Centre

Thermal Research Center (TRC), CPRI, Nagpur is also a recognized Research Center of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), Nagpur, Maharashtra.

 

Advertisement No. CPRI/R&D/06/2021 -- SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (SRF) PROGRAMME. The last date for submission of application form is 19/09/2022. In view of the notification issued by VTU, Belgaum (No.VTU/BGM/Aca/Ph.D/2020-21/669), candidates applying for the post of SRF in Mechanical Engineering are requested to send an advance copy of the application by email to rnd[at]cpri[dot]in latest by 12.09.2022.

 

Advertisement No. CPRI/R&D/05/2021 -- SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (SRF) PROGRAMME. The last date for submission of application form is 24/06/2022

 

Advertisement No. CPRI/R&D/04/2021 -- SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (SRF) PROGRAMME. The last date for submission of application form is extended upto 02/06/2022

 

Post Graduate Project

CPRI provides opportunity to Post Graduate Students (M.E / M.Tech / M.Sc (Physics/Chemistry)) to carryout Project work in CPRI as part of their Masters course at CPRI, Bengaluru and its other units at Bhopal, Nagpur, Noida, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Guwahati.The aim of the scheme for Post Graduate project work in CPRI is to facilitate Post Graduate students (M.E / M.Tech / M.Sc) to work in advanced areas of Power Engineering. Project guidance and support to selected students will be provided by Officers of CPRI in close coordination with the guide from the student’s institute.

Advertisement No. CPRI/R&D/Postgraduate – Projects/2022 PROJECT WORK FOR POST GRADUATE STUDENTS IN CPRI.

 

TITLE RELATED DOCUMENTS
  • SRF Advertisement-CPRI/R&D/06/2022
  • Annexure-I
  • Application Format
  • SRF Advertisement-CPRI/R&D/05/2021
  • Annexure-I
  • Application Format
  • SRF Advertisement-CPRI/R&D/04/2021
  • Annexure-I
  • Application Format
  • Post Graduate Advertisement
  • Annexure-I
  • Application Format

Steps for the proposal approval, monitoring and completion

Step 1: Call for Proposals:

  • Call for proposal is advertised on the CPRI website, MANTHAN platform and also sometimes in newspapers.

Step 2: Screening of the proposals:

  • The proposals are screened for completeness and whether the theme of the proposal is in line with the Thrust Areas of Research identified in the National Electricity Plan.
  • The proposals must have clear and quantitative deliverables
  • Application oriented research proposals are only supported and basic/fundamental research proposals are not entertained under the scheme.
  • If the proposals are not in line with the scope of the scheme, the same is brought to the notice of the Project Investigators and asked for modification.

Step 3: Expert Review Process:

  • The proposals are then sent to Two external subject matter experts for review
  • The external experts generally are from prestigious institutions (IITs, IISc, NITs) and Govt. Organizations (CSIR labs, CPSEs etc).
  • The list of reviewers are identified and approval for sending to the reviewers is obtained from Director General CPRI
  • A double blind process is being followed during the review and the identity of the proposers are masked. If both reviewers reject the proposal, it is denied. If reviewers disagree, a third reviewer makes the final decision. If a reviewer suggests changes, the project investigator will be notified. If both reviewers approve, the proposal goes to the Technical Committee.

Step 4: Review by the Technical Committees:

  • The proposals are presented to the Technical Committees constituted by the Ministry of Power. The Committee consists of IIT Professors as Chairman and representation from CEA, CPRI, IEEMA, PSUs, DISCOMS etc.
  • There are four technical committees, each focusing on different sectors like transmission, thermal generation, hydro generation, and grid/distribution.
  • The Project Investigators have to defended their proposal in front of the Technical Committee.
  • Technical Committee meets only 2-3 times in a year for techno-economic evaluation and recommendation of projects to the Competent Authority for according approval.
  • Recommendations of the Technical Committee will be communicated to the Principal Investigator through e-mail.

Step 5: Review by the Standing Committee on R&D (SCRD):

  • The proposals recommended by the Technical Committees are put up to the SCRD for ratification/ approval.
  • The PI’s with projects above 50 lakhs, defend their proposals to in front of the SCRD
  • The SCRD is chaired by Chairperson CEA and has representation from CEA, MoP,MNRE, DPIIT, DSIR, POWERGRID, NTPC, NHPC etc
  • The SCRD meets only 2-3 times in a year for evaluation of the projects and review of the progress of the schemes.

Step 6: Project Approval and Start:

  • Proposals recommended by the Technical Committee are approved by the Director General, CPRI for project outlay Rs 50 lakhs and below, and SCRD chaired by Chairperson CEA for proposals above Rs 50 Lakhs.
  • After approval of the project CPRI enters into MoU with the project implementing organizations where the signatories from Project Implementing Organization  includes Registrar/ Dean R&D/ HoD  of the PI’s division etc.

Step 7: Project monitoring:

  • Quarterly Reports:

The principal investigator must report both technical and financial progress every quarter.

  • Utilization of Funds:

The principal investigator must submit a Fund Utilization Certificate duly signed by the Accounts department of the Project Implementing Organization. Successful submission of these certificates and progress reports are required to release additional funding.

Step 8: Project Completion:

At the end of the project, results are presented to the Technical Committee, which then approves the completion based on the project's achievements compared to the original goals.

Achievements under the “R&D Schemes of MoP being implemented through CPRI”

 

The Ministry of Power, Government of India has made significant policy changes in the last few years to enhance the infrastructure for generation, transmission and distribution of power in India to fulfil the objective of 24x7 power for all. The Government of India has also laid much emphasis on clean energy generation and efficient use of energy.

To make our country self-sufficient in terms of energy and achieve the goal of “Power for All”, CPRI has played crucial role in creation of a conducive environment for R&D in the area of Power Sector to flourish in the country by carrying out/co-ordinating various research projects on identified thrust areas leading to new technology development, evaluation studies for bringing out new standards and process improvement. Majority of the projects are taken up in a collaborative mode involving Utility, Industry, Academia and Research Organizations. The research projects are taken up under the “R&D schemes of MoP being implemented through CPRI”.  The research scheme has been granted approval by the Ministry of Power to continue from 2017 to 2021 with a total budget of Rs 90.8284 crores. Additionally, it has been approved to continue from 2021 to 2026 with a budget of Rs 112.00 crores.

Since 2017, CPRI has supported 134 innovative research projects from eminent institutions across India like IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, NIT Meghalaya, NIT Raipur, CSIR-CMERI, ICAR-CIRCOT etc. The scheme has provided support to over 200 researchers, allowing them to foster their innovations and develop a proof of concept to substantiate their innovative ideas for the Power Sector. CPRI has also encouraged collaborative research projects with manufacturers/utilities like BHEL, THDC, NHPC, POSOCO etc. for developing capabilities to come up with indigenous solutions to various challenges faced by the Indian Power Sector. The projects have resulted in more than 258 publications, 18 patents and 1 copyright.

Furthermore, CPRI has launched focused research initiatives under the scheme, on some of the new areas of research like “Cyber-security of Power Sector”, “Electricity based cooking technologies”, “Recycling of waste generated from end-of-the-life components of solar power plants and wind power plants”. The focused research initiatives will lead to development of new technologies/processes and generate necessary know-how to aid in achieving net zero emissions and securing the Indian Power Sector from the growing cyber risks. Through the R&D scheme, CPRI is also supporting the research projects of the SAMARTH Mission to facilitate the co-firing of biomass (crop residue) in coal fired Thermal Power Plants to reduce the effects of crop burning especially in Northern India.

 

 

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