Mansukhbhai Sanchaniya Suthar of Gujarat, India owns an automobile service centre and he has around 40 years of experience in repairing diesel engines. He has also worked as a lathe operator for a few years in a manufacturing company. His vast experience with diesel engine made him to take up the challenge of making a smaller diesel engine than what he saw at an exhibition. In order to develop the engine Manshukhbhai tried various combinations of materials and many times they used to burn out of excess heat. However, his hard work and dedicated effort paid off and he was able to develop a small 3.5 hp four stroke diesel engine.
Features and advantages of the grassroots innovation
This compact diesel engine is just half in size as compared to other conventional engines of similar ratings. The engine with its volume of 205 cubic cm is capable of generating 3.5 brake horse power at 4500 rpm.
Manshukhbhai has used special aluminum alloy for some components of the engine like engine block and cylinder head which makes the engine just one third in weight as compared to the other conventional diesel engines. So, it also has a higher strength to weight ratio.
The machine has an improved cooling system and it require less lubricants to operate.
This diesel engine can be used in motorbikes because of its compact size and light weight. When tested on a bike, the engine gave a mileage of 100 km per liter.
Apart from two wheelers, this diesel engine can be used in pumps, mini-flours mills, elevators etc.
Support and recognition of the small diesel engine
Manshukhbhai is well known for his skills, knowledge and experience in his area. Some diesel engine manufactures use to call him for his suggestions in developing better diesel engines and solving other R&D problems. His innovative diesel engine appeared in regional newspapers.
National Innovation Foundation, India (NIF) also recognized his innovation and has awarded it in its biennial national competition for unaided green grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge. Manshukhbhai has received a certificate of appreciation from NIF’s sister organization SRISTI. NIF has also funded him in the development and testing of the prototype of his innovation. Manshukhbhai is sure that the engine can be developed at a cost of Rs. 12000.
Tags: aluminum alloy, automobile service, brake horse power, compact diesel, conventional engines, cubic cm, gujarat india, lathe operator, national innovation, stroke diesel