Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 19: This is no run-of-the-mill ordinary oven. It is an eco-friendly oven that saves up to 60 percent of gas, and what's more, it can help restaurants and hotels save lacs of rupees.
Vijay Kumar Hegde, director of Susi Global Research is the inventor of this energy saving oven. Normally, when the flame touches the utensil, 35 to 40% of energy is used and the rest goes out in the air as waste. This oven, however, converts the wasted flame into steam out of which food items like rice, sambar, idli etc and non-veg can be prepared at no extra cost.
Speaking about the oven, Hegde says, "There are 25 to 30 lac hotels operating in the country. If only 7.5 lac hotels use this oven, they can easily save at least Rs 600 per day. And if the whole nation uses this, we would save of Rs 16,000 crore per day."
Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes launched this unique oven and observed its functioning.
Oscar wished Vijay Hegde on the occasion and said that people would support his project because the country will gain by this invention.
"It is very difficult getting patent for an innovative product. If he succeeds in proving his invention, he will definitely get patent right. Not may are doing research on energy saving methods and subjects.
"If Vijay demonstrates his project successfully, the parliament will recognize his work and government will provide support. There is surplus energy, but it is not permanent. Wave energy is an unlimited source so we should make use of it.
"I am working on fuel saving methods myself. When time comes for joining hands, I will work with Hegde," Oscar said.
The advantages of the oven are many. The use of this oven will maximize the utility of fuel by 60%. It reduces carbon emission by 60% and power consumed by chimney can be cut down. It is kitchen-friendly and hygienic as well.
The oven costs about Rs 75,000. Hegde has already installed this oven in hotels at Kota wedding hall and Manipal. He has been receiving good response from his clients.
Vijay Kumar Hegde is the patent holder of tidal power generator unit in Udupi.
Hegde says, "I have spent crores of rupees on my research. But I did not get any support from the government for this project. Without the support of government, it would be difficult to complete my dream projects."
His next projects are battery-powered automobile with self-charging feature, battery-powered self-charging system for railway, tidal drive in cooler for fish transport in vehicles, sky jet bus, folding car and many others using renewable energy sources.
Narayan Shanbhag, retired principal, Canara College helped Hegde in this project.
Gurme Suresh Shetty, Baikady Suprasad Shetty, Mattar Ratnakar Shetty, Sudhakar Shetty, Nagesh Hegde and others were present.