The second National Conference on ‘Sustainable Trends in Energy and Environmental Resources’ (STEER) was  conducted by the SSN Chemical Engineering Student Chapter in association with the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, Chennai Regional Centre on 25th and 26th of February 2016. The main objective of this conference was to bring to limelight, the emerging arenas of research in the energy and environment sector. It brought together distinguished guest speakers and practitioners, and different research and undergraduate scholars from colleges all over Tamil Nadu to discuss the most pressing issues related to energy and environment and to ensure a sustainable future. It hoped to provide a platform for such discussion and STEER the students and researchers to a new spectrum of study.

The main thrust areas were:

1. Bio technology/Bio sensor/ Bio process

 

2. Clean Fuel technology / Eco friendly technology / Green technology

 

3. Effluent treatment / Wastewater treatment

 

4. Nano-technology / Novel materials technology

 

5. Pollution abatement

 

6. Process intensification

 

7. Technologies/sources for renewable energy

 

8. Modelling, simulation, control and optimisation

 

The conference was highly inter disciplinary and we received more than 85 papers and nearly 15 posters for the same, from different fields like chemical engineering, biotechnology, electrical and electronics engineering, civil engineering, electronics and communication engineering, mechanical engineering  and so on.

 

There were two workshops organised. The first one was on CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis and algorithms to solve and analyze problems that involve fluid flows.  The second one was on MATLAB (MATrix LABolatory), a tool used to simplify engineering calculations.

 

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. P. R. Venugopal, a retired Nuclear Scientist.  The esteemed chief guest graced us with his presence and a good one hour speech about his experiences and the innovations in the field of nuclear research. He focussed on the history and development of nuclear research. His talk enlightened young minds.

 

 

The initiation of the conference was marked by the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. The CD of the conference proceedings, which contained about 85 abstracts for both paper and poster presentations, was also released in the inaugural function by the guests.

 

 

Total papers accepted to present at the conference was 85 of which nearly 75 of them presented. The paper presentation sessions were divided into a number of sessions, of variegated fields. The conference thrust mainly on three major topics, namely- energy, environment and chemical engineering. Every session had one internal judge. Dr Kumar, an external chair judged one of the sessions.

 

 

Participants were asked to present on the topic for 7 minutes and were questioned by the judges for 2-3minutes. Every session was awarded a “Best Paper Award” based on the valuations of the judges.

 

Winners, Swathi.K and Sangeetha.A of Kongu Engineering College and Sri Janani.L of VIT University were given opportunity to do internship at Nippon paints.

 

The poster presentation was held in a single session. Participants were judged on the based on originality, innovation and were questioned about the topic of presentation. Around 10 posters were displayed and one of the team was given certificates of appreciation.

 

Workshop on CFD had about 40 registrations. It was held on 25th February 2016, 1:30pm-3:30pm by Dr. B.Ambedkar, Associate Professor, Dept of Chemical Engineering, SSN College Of Engineering. His interactive session gave the participants a basic idea about the principles behind Computational Fluid Dynamics.

 

Workshop on MATLAB had about 65 registrations. It was held on 26th February 2016, 9am-10:30am by Dr. M.Subramaniyam, Associate Professor, Dept of Chemical Engineering, SSN College Of Engineering. His powerpoint presentation and teaching assured students how computer simplifies human problems.

The valedictory session was graced by Mr Sunil Kumar’s intriguing speech that challenged the thinking of students’ minds. Prizes to the winners were distributed. The session ended with the National Anthem.

 

 

 

It wouldn’t have been possible for the department to successfully conduct this national conference, first under the SSN Student Chapter, if not for the support extended by the management and sponsors- Edu2020,Nippon Paints, SRM Pritech, Bavadharini Printers and Banners, Mangal thirth estate ,Punjab National Bank and  Minerva Designers. The second, third and final year students also enthusiastically participated in conducting this conference successfully.