Technical Discussion on Battery and Hydrogen projects, KPR Institute Engineering and Technology, Autonomous Engineering Institution, Coimbatore, India

KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology (KPRIET), Coimbatore

Minutes of Meeting – Industry Interaction with Gudlyf Mobility, Madurai

Date & Time: 14.05.2025 & 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Venue: Meeting Hall, Gudlyf Mobility, Madurai

Participants:

1. Dr. Ajeet Kumar, CEO, Gudlyf Mobility, Madurai

2. Dr. P. K. Panda, Former Scientist, NAL, Bangalore & Visiting Professor, KPRIET

3. Dr. B. Arulmurugan, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, KPRIET

4. Mr.D.Balaji, Assistant Professor (III), KPRIET

Agenda:

Industry-Academia Collaboration in the Area of Green Hydrogen and Battery Technologies

Discussions Held:

• Company Profile Presentation

Dr. Ajeet Kumar introduced Gudlyf Mobility, Madurai, elaborating on their core activities related to Green Hydrogen Storage Cylinder fabrication and testing, especially Type IV composite cylinders.

• Key Focus Areas:

  • Challenges in liner fabrication, carbon fiber procurement, precision winding, and testing requirements.

  • Need for high-pressure tolerance (up to 700 bar) for hydrogen cylinders intended for defense applications.

  • Goal to develop cheaper, lighter, and compact cylinders compared to existing solutions.

  • Ongoing collaborations with DRDO, oil & gas industries, and leading automotive companies in India and abroad.

• Achievements & Credentials:

  • Dr. Ajeet Kumar shared accolades such as startup awards, and government grants received from various agencies, including international collaborations (e.g., Indo-Korea bilateral funding).

  • Shared his ongoing research in advanced battery technologies.

• Expert Input by Dr. P. K. Panda:

  • Highlighted growing demand and technological prospects of hydrogen and battery-based energy systems in India.

  • Discussed national priorities and opportunities for collaboration.

Proposed Collaborative Activities:

Hydrogen Technology:

• A dedicated research team and a Hydrogen Production Center (utilizing electrolysis, fuel cell, and membrane-based methods) can be established at KPRIET. The produced hydrogen can then be stored and tested at Gudlyf Mobility.

• Selection of two Post-Doctoral Fellows (PDFs) to initiate foundational research.

Electric Vehicle Battery Research:

• Solid-state electrolyte synthesis and coin cell fabrication to be carried out at KPRIET.

• Battery characterization and validation to be undertaken at Gudlyf Mobility.

Additional Technical Proposals:

1. Hydrogen Cylinder Liner Fabrication:

Utilize Robotic Welding and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) facilities at KPRIET for manufacturing liners.
Followed by carbon fiber winding and pressure testing at Gudlyf Mobility.

2. High-Pressure Reduction Valve for O₂ Cylinders

Proposal for developing a valve with high pressure reduction capability, specifically designed for Air Force oxygen cylinders to reduce pressure from 100 bar to 1 bar, integrating piezoelectric actuation technology.

3.     International Collaboration in Different Bilaterals

Gudlyf Mobility has already received funding under the Indo-Korean bilateral proposal. The company is willing to act as an industry partner in various upcoming bilateral collaborations, including but not limited to Indo-German, Indo-Japanese, and Indo-US proposals, in collaboration with KPRIET and other research bodies.

Next Steps / Action Items:

Action Item

Responsible

Timeline

Identify 2 PDF candidates for initial research

KPRIET

Set up hydrogen research lab infrastructure

KPRIET

Hydrogen stroage tank test

Gudlyf Mobility

Solid state electrolyte synthesisand coin cell fabrication

KPRIET

Battery characterization

Gudlyf Mobility

Schedule visit for testing facility assessment

Joint Team

MoU

KPRIET & Gudlyf Mobility

Conclusion:

The meeting concluded with mutual agreement on the strategic collaboration between KPRIET and Gudlyf Mobility in the areas of Green Hydrogen Storage, Battery Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Techniques. Both parties expressed enthusiasm and commitment toward innovation and impactful R&D that can support national and defence energy initiatives.