Bangalore: In an endeavour to go green and harness the power of solar energy, a device created by students of PES Institute of Technology (PESIT) has gone a step ahead in the use of solar panels. The novel sun-tracking device, which can position solar panels suitably to maximize power generation has, in the process, garnered the JC Bose Award of Rs 25,000 at the PES Project Fair 09. "Other than increasing power efficiency by 50 per cent, the device can be used by individual households as well as for larger projects such as street lighting and traffic signals," said Krishna Ranjan, the brain behind the innovation. More such path-breaking and innovative experiments were on show at the fair. A plane with the shortest take-off and the ability to lift more than its weight was one of the highlights. Akash, part of the team that created the wonder said, "We were placed 13th overall in the world and first in Asia at the Society of Automotive Engineers' fair along with NASA and Lockheed Martin, held at Atlanta, USA. It has been designed for the shortest take-off and has the ability to lift more than its own weight." The young innovators had something for the road too. Team Haya, an established car designing group of students from PESIT, displayed their latest creation, the PM408. The car, which has in its kitty the distinction of being the only one to be ever displayed at the Aero-India 08, has now set its eyes on the Formula SAE event which will be held in Michigan, USA, in May 2010. "Besides being the youngest exhibitors ever at the aero show, we also had most visitors. Our next model will touch 200 kmph with an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in less than 3.5 seconds," said Rohan from Team Haya. The energy and enthusiasm of young creators together with an inquisitive crowd made the event a success. Technical honchos from firms such as AMD were also involved in shortlisting projects for the JC Bose Award, Dr R K Pachauri Award and Sir M Visvesvaraya Award for excellence in fields like environmental and societal effect of designs. "The event has been organised to promote and recognise innovation among students and provide them with an opportunity to showcase their intellectual capabilities," commented Dr J Surya Prasad, Principal, PESIT. (Source: Bangalore Mirror)