A group of engineering students has come forward to use their technical knowledge and chip in their mite for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious project ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’.
Five students of the College of Engineering, Chengannur, have developed a ‘Green Bin’ that is touted to effectively aid in waste management.
The automatic waste bin has been developed by Amal S. Kumar, Benz Oommen, Amal K.P., Rahul Varma, and Arun B., all final-year students pursuing various branches of engineering, as part of their mini-project under the aegis of the Product Design and Development Center of the college.
Opening bin
The innovation has been developed in a manner that the waste bin opens up whenever a person comes within 3 to 7 metres. “It relies on a Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensor that detects motion and sends the signal to the micro-controller, which controls the motor of the bin. A sound clip has also been incorporated with the innovation. Whenever a person comes within its range of sensing, the bin automatically opens its lid and says ‘Hello, use me please’. The lid closes as the person moves away,” Mr. Varma said.
According to him, the Green Bin enables people to avoid touching the lid of the waste bin, even while ensuring that it remained closed when not being used. Among the salient features of the innovation is its low power consumption with 2.5 W being the upper limit. It required an input supply of 230V and 50Hz.
The developers stress on the scope for development of the bin, which could separate biodegradable wastes and non-biodegradable wastes. The equipment can also be modified to be operated using solar power. Further instructions can also be included in the sound system.
The Railways have expressed an interest in the innovation and are mulling over the proposal of utilising the product. The engineering students have already conducted demonstrations at the Chengannur railway station and at Varkala.
Other targeted areas include highly frequented places such as hospitals, restaurants, and public areas.
