SRI SIVASUBRAMANIYA NADAR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, CHENNAI
(Approved by AICTE, New Delhi and Autonomous institution Affiliated to
Anna University: Chennai)
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
HACKATHON’24
Topic: Clean & Green Technology (Software & Hardware)
1|P age
PROBLEM STATEMENTS:
Problem 1:
Application of AI Techniques in Fault Detection and Diagnosis in
Chemical Engineering (Software)
Statement:
The chemical engineering industry faces difficulties detecting and
diagnosing faults in complex processes. Traditional methods frequently fall
short in identifying problems quickly and accurately, resulting in
inefficiencies and safety risks. AI techniques can improve fault detection and
diagnosis processes by increasing accuracy, speed, and overall system
reliability.
Challenge:
Create a strategy to use AI techniques for fault detection and diagnosis in
chemical engineering. This involves identifying effective AI methods,
integrating them with existing systems, and ensuring solutions are
technically and economically viable.
Objectives:
Research AI Techniques: Investigate various AI methods, such as machine
learning, neural networks, and predictive analytics, for their applicability in
fault detection and diagnosis.
Develop Diagnostic Models: Create and refine AI models that can accurately
detect and diagnose faults in chemical engineering processes.
2|P age
Enhance System Integration: Ensure seamless integration of AI techniques
with existing chemical engineering systems and workflows.
Evaluate Performance: Assess the effectiveness of AI techniques in
improving fault detection accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Ensure Economic Viability: Analyse the cost-effectiveness and economic
benefits of implementing AI solutions in chemical engineering.
Expected Outcomes:
Advanced Diagnostic Models: Development of AI models that improve the
accuracy and speed of fault detection and diagnosis.
Enhanced System Integration: Successful integration of AI techniques with
chemical engineering processes.
Increased Efficiency: Improved operational efficiency and reduced
downtime through effective fault detection.
Economic Benefits: Demonstrated cost-effectiveness and financial
advantages of using AI in fault management.
Industry Adoption: Wider acceptance and implementation of AI techniques
within the chemical engineering industry.
3|P age
Problem 2:
Design a IoT based waste management for smart cities (Software)
Problem Statement:
Rapid urbanization and population growth make efficient waste management
even more challenging. Inefficient waste management systems can pollute
the environment, pose health risks, and increase operational costs. Using the
Internet of Things (IoT) in smart cities can optimize waste collection and
disposal processes, providing innovative solutions to waste management
challenges.
Challenge:
Create IoT-based strategies, tools, and platforms to improve waste
management efficiency in smart cities. Your solution should use IoT
technologies to optimize waste collection, transportation, and disposal,
resulting in a cleaner, healthier urban environment.
Objectives:
Enhance Monitoring: Develop IoT-enabled systems to monitor waste levels
in real-time.
Optimize Collection: Implement solutions to optimize waste collection
routes and schedules based on real-time data.
Improve Resource Allocation: Ensure efficient allocation of waste
management resources using IoT data analytics.
4|P age
Promote Sustainability: Design systems that encourage recycling and reduce
overall waste generation through smart technologies.
Expected Outcomes:
An IoT-based solution that significantly improves the efficiency and
effectiveness of waste management in smart cities.
Demonstrable reduction in operational costs and environmental impact
associated with waste management.
Scalable and sustainable systems that can be adopted by municipalities to
enhance urban cleanliness and public health.
5|P age
Problem 3:
Refractory COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) in Industrial Wastewater
Streams Using Next-Generation Advanced Oxidation Process
(Hardware)
Problem statement:
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are sustainable technologies used to
treat refractory organic compounds (ROCs) present in various industrial
wastewaters. These processes aim to mineralize ROCs into readily
biodegradable organics, which conventional treatments cannot achieve
effectively. AOPs utilize components like ozone, UV, and catalysts, and non-
conventional systems include microwave, ultrasound, and plasma pulse-
assisted methods.
Challenge:
Develop an innovative, efficient, and cost-effective advanced oxidation
process (AOP) to reduce Refractory COD in industrial wastewater. Enhance
the degradation of complex organic pollutants that are resistant to
conventional biological treatment methods.
Objectives:
• Create an innovative and economical advanced oxidation process
(AOP) to effectively reduce Refractory COD in industrial wastewater,
focusing on the efficient breakdown of complex organic pollutants
using advanced techniques such as microwave, ultrasound, plasma or
any other.
6|P age
Outcome:
• A viable AOP solution that significantly lowers the Refractory COD in
wastewater, making it compliant with environmental regulations.
Improved wastewater treatment efficiency and reduced environmental
impact. Potential scale-up for industrial application.
7|P age
Problem 4:
Advanced Energy-Efficient Heating Sources for Effluent Wastewater
Evaporation Processes (Hardware)
Statement:
Effluent wastewater evaporation processes play a crucial role in treating
industrial wastewater. To enhance energy efficiency, researchers explore
innovative heating sources. These include solar thermal systems, waste heat
recovery, and microwave-assisted evaporation. By harnessing these
advanced technologies, we can minimize energy consumption and improve
the overall sustainability of wastewater treatment.
Challenges:
Enhance the effluent wastewater evaporation processes include seamlessly
integrating advanced heating sources such as solar thermal systems, waste
heat recovery, and microwave-assisted evaporation with existing
infrastructure. Optimizing these technologies for maximum energy
efficiency while managing variable energy inputs and treatment needs is
crucial. Additionally, finding a balance between the initial investment costs
and the long-term operational savings of these advanced heating methods is
essential for achieving cost-effective and sustainable wastewater treatment
solutions.
8|P age
Objective:
• Design and implement energy-efficient heating technologies for the
evaporation of effluent wastewater, reducing energy consumption and
operational costs. Explore alternative energy sources and advanced
materials to enhance the thermal efficiency of the evaporation
process.
Outcome:
• A prototype or process design that significantly reduces the energy
required for wastewater evaporation.
• A sustainable and scalable heating solution that minimizes the carbon
footprint and operational costs of wastewater treatment plants.
9|P age
Problem 5:
Advanced Process Method for Graphene Manufacturing
Statement:
Graphene manufacturing involves cutting-edge techniques to produce this
remarkable material. Researchers explore methods like chemical vapor
deposition (CVD), liquid-phase exfoliation, and epitaxial growth. These
processes yield high-quality graphene sheets with exceptional electrical and
mechanical properties. As demand for graphene-based applications grows,
optimizing manufacturing methods becomes crucial for scalability and
commercial viability.
Challenges:
Develop innovative strategies to enhance the scalability and commercial
viability of graphene manufacturing by optimizing cutting-edge techniques
such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), liquid-phase exfoliation, and
epitaxial growth. Focus on improving the quality, consistency, and cost-
effectiveness of graphene sheets to meet the growing demand for high-
performance graphene-based applications.
Objective:
• Develop a novel, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing process for
high-quality graphene.
Outcome:
10 | P a g e
• A new or optimized graphene manufacturing method that enhances
product quality while lowering costs. Potential commercialization of
the process, contributing to advancements in electronics, materials
science, and other fields that leverage graphene's unique properties.
11 | P a g e
Problem 6:
Title: Sustainable Plastic Reuse (Hardware)
Problem Statement:
Plastic, a revolutionary invention of the twentieth century, has become a
significant environmental challenge over time. The accumulation of plastic
waste poses a threat to sustainable living, necessitating innovative methods
to integrate recycled plastics into everyday use. While some progress has
been made, such as using recycled plastics in road construction, the sheer
volume of plastic waste requires new and creative solutions for its effective
reuse in public spaces.
Challenge:
Identify and develop modern, innovative ways to utilize recycled plastics in
public places. Your solution should aim to reduce plastic waste, promote
environmental sustainability, and integrate seamlessly into everyday life.
Objectives:
• Increase Recycled Plastic Utilization: Develop novel applications for
recycled plastics in public spaces to maximize their reuse.
• Promote Environmental Sustainability: Ensure the solutions contribute
to reducing plastic waste and improving environmental health.
• Enhance Public Awareness: Create initiatives that educate and engage
the public on the benefits of using recycled plastics.
12 | P a g e
• Encourage Adoption: Design solutions that are practical, scalable, and
easy to implement in various public settings.
Expected Outcomes:
• A comprehensive strategy or tool(Prototype) that effectively
incorporates recycled plastics into public spaces.
• Measurable reduction in plastic waste through innovative reuse
applications.
• Sustainable and scalable solutions that can be adopted by communities
worldwide.
13 | P a g e
Problem 7:
Title: Smart Solutions for Real-Time AQI Monitoring via Mobile and
Stationary Sensors. (Software)
Problem:
The technological solutions for capturing AQI values through mobile and
other forms of stations.
Challenges:
DPCC is using different stations at fixed sites for measurement of AQI and
other pollution parameters. These fixed stations suffered from various
limitations and generally do not give representative values e.g. station
located near an industrial area will give higher readings due to proximity to
such industrial area which may not be representative of the wider area.
Similarly, a temporary construction site/activity near these fixed sites give
higher pollution readings due to local reasons. The technological solutions
may be required for capturing AQI values through mobile and other forms of
stations. Drone would be one of the options where they can record real-time
pollution parameters through on-board sensors.
Objectives:
• The goal is to develop mobile and dynamic sensing systems, like
drones, to provide accurate and representative AQI values. Challenges
include ensuring sensor accuracy, real-time data reliability, and
effective data integration, while addressing deployment and
operational issues.
14 | P a g e
Outcomes:
• Improved Air Quality Monitoring:
o Development and deployment of advanced mobile and stationary
sensors that provide accurate, real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
data across various locations.
• Enhanced Public Awareness:
o Increased public access to real-time AQI information through
mobile apps, websites, and other platforms, enabling individuals
to make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
• Community-Driven Initiatives:
o Empowerment of communities to take local action based on
accessible AQI data, leading to grassroots environmental
initiatives and pollution reduction efforts.
• Scalable Solutions for Urban and Rural Areas:
o Development of scalable AQI monitoring solutions that can be
adapted to both densely populated urban areas and remote rural
regions.
15 | P a g e
Problem 8:
Title: Student Innovation (Software)
Description:
Creating intelligent devices to improve the Green and Clean Technology
sector
Come up with your own problem statement and your objective and
challenges.
• If required present a prototype.
16 | P a g e
Problem 9:
Title: Student Innovation (Hardware)
Description:
Solutions could be in the form of waste segregation, disposal, and improve
sanitization system.
• Come up with your own problem statement and your objective and
challenges.
If required present a prototype.
17 | P a g e
Problem 10:
Title: Water Conservation and Reuse
Problem Statement:
In a world where water scarcity is becoming increasingly prevalent,
effectively conserving and reusing rainwater is crucial for reducing water
demand at its source. Despite awareness of water conservation, many
communities and individuals lack the necessary methods, motivation, and
resources to implement effective rainwater harvesting and reuse systems.
Challenge:
Identify and develop effective strategies, tools, or platforms to enhance the
conservation and reuse of rainwater. Your solution should empower
communities and individuals to actively participate in water-saving
practices, promoting a deeper understanding and commitment to sustainable
water management.
Objectives:
• Increase Awareness: Develop innovative methods to educate
communities on the importance of rainwater harvesting and
conservation.
• Boost Motivation: Create incentives or programs that motivate
individuals to implement rainwater reuse systems.
• Provide Resources: Ensure that communities have access to the tools,
information, and support they need to engage in water conservation
practices.
18 | P a g e
• Promote Community Engagement: Design solutions that encourage
communities to implement rainwater harvesting and reuse practices.
Expected Outcomes:
• A well-defined strategy or tool (Prototype) that significantly improves
rainwater conservation and reuse.
• Demonstrable impact on community participation in water-saving
initiatives.
• Sustainable and scalable solutions that can be adopted by communities
to foster a culture of water conservation.
Overall Evaluation Criteria: For all the problem statements
Innovation: Originality and creativity of the proposed solution.
Impact: Potential effectiveness in increasing rainwater harvesting and
reuse.
Feasibility: Practicality and ease of implementation.
Sustainability: Long-term viability and potential for scaling the solution.
19 | P a g e