Ecotron, from Ecozen Solutions, aims to be a solution for sustainable irrigation – given that India annually uses about 4 billion litres of diesel and 85 million tonnes of coal to support its irrigation activities. In this interaction, we have Devendra Gupta, Co-founder & CEO, Ecozen Solutions, telling us more on the scope for Ecotron in an agrarian economy like India. Solar pumping in agriculture has made a good beginning in India thanks to Central government support, Gupta notes whilst explaining why Ecotron is today the most advanced solar pump controller available to Indian farmers.
What is the scope for carrying out irrigation using renewable energy?
India has no dearth of sunlight, and it is estimated that most parts of the country get about 4-7 kWh of the nearly 5,000 trillion kWh of the total solar energy that is received across the nation’s geographical area.
The proliferation of solar pumps is in part due to rising fuel costs but can be majorly attributed to the push from the government through schemes and state electricity distribution companies (discoms) promotions of those schemes.
The cost-effectiveness of the decentralized solar pump impacts all stakeholders. The lower opex (50~70 per cent lower) of running the decentralized solar pump is much lower for farmers when compared to diesel pump sets.
Also, they do not need to make frequent trips to ensure adequate fuel supply, adding to the convenience of using a decentralized solar pump.
From the perspective of a discom, providing farmers with decentralized solar pumps can be done much faster and at lower costs as compared to setting up grid infrastructure, supplying electricity at subsidized costs and dealing with transmission and distribution losses.
The 5-year warranty provided by the system integrators implementing the projects benefits both the farmer and the discoms. The discoms do not have to worry about service and maintenance costs for the first 5 years.
Please tell us about the “Ecotron” solution of Ecozen, which we understand is a sustainable solution for irrigation.
Ecotron is a smart connected solar pump controller that is equipped with embedded AI, IoT devices and advanced motor controls. It enables the use of solar/thermal energy to run irrigation pumps and motors.
All this tech comes packaged in an IP65-rated enclosure and an easy-to-install plug-and-pump design with in-built surge protection which ensures robustness for outdoor applications.
The smart connected Ecotron is coupled with double oil sealed, easily rewindable and serviceable water-filled motors and high-efficiency early start and late operations pump sets made from highly durable SS 304 grade steel parts.
What are the features that distinguish Ecotron from similar available solutions? Tell us in particular about the rewindable motor design and the “remote” un-jamming feature.
With advanced motor controls, AI & IoT modules and superior 4G network connectivity, Ecotron is the most advanced solar pump controller available to Indian farmers. Advanced motor controls coupled with an inbuilt dynamic MPPT algorithm, deliver a thermal energy usage efficiency of over 99.5 per cent.
The AI & IoT modules onboard the Ecotron, ensures that we capture key operational data within our Ecozen.ai dashboards (over 130 data points). It enables one-click integration with third-party data systems as well.
Also, our data science frameworks and predictive analytic algorithms enable us to predict problems before they occur and in some cases even run fixes remotely. As the controller connects to 4G networks, the farmer can operate (turn on & off), and schedule operations of his/her pump through the Ecotron mobile application.
Superior connectivity allows firmware and software updates to be sent out Over-The-Air (OTA) ensuring the farmer always has access to the latest fixes and updates.
While system integrators can manage the portfolio of Ecotrons through Ecozen.ai, farmers can monitor their pumps through the Ecotron mobile app. Similarly, they can track and raise service requests from their respective dashboards.
The entire system is compliant with MNRE guidelines and provides farmers with stable and efficient irrigation, especially in areas with no or unstable electricity supply.
Data-based pump jam detection and proprietary algorithms to unjam it. Based on the online logged parameters like voltages, currents and frequency, it is detected whether the pump/motor is jammed. Once the detection is complete the controller runs the unjamming sequences which eventually unjams the pump/motor with limited solar power.
Ecotron also scores high on predictive analysis to prevent burnout of the pump. Please elaborate.
Ecotrons constantly send data to our servers. The data consists of electrical and mechanical signatures as well as some onboard processed data. This helps us use the physics and simulation models of motors and pumps to predict issues.
We also understand that Ecozen is working on a locally sourced magnetic component that can potentially reduce dependency on imports. Please tell us more.
High efficiency PMSM motors, though great from an energy efficiency standpoint, often are plagued with the fact that there is dependency on the supply chain of rare earth magnets which are not found in ample quantities in India. Making motors with ferrite magnets that are abundant, has been practically quite challenging for the industry where ecozen has been working on an approach that strikes a balance between the amount of magnets, type of magnets and motor topology to ensure performance, robustness and compact form factor.
What has been the market acceptance of Ecotron so far? Who is your typical clientele, and what has been the geographical distribution of Ecotron’s installations so far?
Over 70,000 Ecotrons are deployed across 20 states in India. We have a 20 per cent market share in the solar pumping segment. Our clients include system integrators (L&T, Mahindra, GK Energy etc.) and state government energy departments (MEDA, HAREDA, CREDA etc.)
Please orient us with “EcozenAI” that we understand forms the core of all Ecozen solutions, including Ecotron.
Ecozen.ai platforms brings in new-age analytics for smart irrigation. Powered by Ecozen’s own data science modules and predictive analytics algorithms, Ecozen.ai leverages data for optimizing processes for solar water pumps (during survey, installation and servicing phases)
Over 500 GB of raw device performance indicator and customer usage data from over 70,000+ devices leads to better AI.
Its data inputs are collected through a VFD indigenously designed by Ecozen. It provides stakeholders with a relevant birdseye view of his/her system(s) with real-time data inputs of over 150 parameters. There is a highly customized solution for each stakeholder – 8 different mobile apps for customers, service providers and device manufacturers.
Besides, stakeholders can monitor, manage, update and operate their ecotrons through the relevant mobile application and raise and track service requests.
Do you feel that the Indian market is ready enough for sophisticated products like Ecotron? How is Ecozen working towards creating market awareness and consumer acceptance?
Yes, we do see the Indian market ready for Ecotron and we see a sharp rise in adoption going forward. This can be seen in the 20 per cent market share we’ve been able to capture in this segment based on our technology offering.
We work with multiple system integrators and state energy development departments on growing awareness of the technology and its impact.
With the latest fund infusion of Rs.54 crore (tranche 1) of an Rs.200 crore series C raise, we will look to deploy funds focused on marketing communications and expanding our distribution footprint.
Given that irrigation will continue to be a major activity in India, how do you see the years ahead for Ecotron? What will be your business growth drivers?
We see two main proponents for growth: short term – government pushes through schemes like KUSUM, and long term – the solar-generation systems becoming a decentralized power source for the farm and its household.
Schemes like KUSUM help communicate and deliver the benefits of decentralized solar pumps to the farming community.
However, going forward, just like the value of the tractor was enhanced in the farmer’s mind when it was capable of running multiple farm machinery, we see the solar pump going down the same route.
The solar system used to power the pump can be used to power other farm machinery and household appliances as well. With the adoption of EVs growing, the electric 2-wheeler can be charged using the same solar power generation system.
The players that win the market in these conditions would have technologically advanced controllers, that provide farmers with usable information using AI & IoT, and have the ability to run multiple functions/machinery/appliances, and are backed by a strong brand awareness and presence as well, especially through a robust service and distribution network.
