Browsing by Author "Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar"

Now showing 1 - 17 of 17

Analysis of multi-renewable energy potential sites in india using spatial characteristics: a gis and hybrid MCDM approach
(Springer, 2024-08) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
Land use and site selection are critical factors in the sustainable installation of large-scale renewable energy projects at a significant scale to accomplish the global goals of promoting renewable energy adoption and fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future. To systematically investigate, the present study developed a geographical information system (GIS)–multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) comprehensive framework to evaluate the spatial characteristics of suitable sites in India. Subsequently, the study identified prominent potential sites and states with abundant renewable resources and assessed the pre-feasibility of renewable power projects. Utilizing the developed framework and analysis, the study identified eight solar sites and seven wind sites as prominent potential locations. Furthermore, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu were identified as states with substantial renewable energy potential, and their renewable energy policies were discussed. The study also conducted case studies on two notable sites, Virudhunagar (S26) and Tirunelveli (W34), in Tamil Nadu, evaluating their technological and economic viability. The levelized cost of energy for solar and wind energy at these sites was determined to be $0.035/kWh and $0.039/kWh, respectively, which is comparable to, and lower than, the costs associated with existing projects. The study emphasizes the significance of incorporating spatial characteristics of suitable sites and evaluating their techno-economic repercussions to ascertain the triumph of the endeavor.
Assessment of EVs Adoption in India Using AHP-BWM Approach
(Routledge, 2023) Routroy, Srikanta; Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
The deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) is considered as one of the potential solutions for addressing the issues like climate change, energy security and air pollution. At present, for most of the people, pollution has become an alarming concern. Pollution free environment is what everyone is aiming for, but the actions are taking apart from the goal of sustainable and environment friendly surroundings. Among various factors for pollution in India, the transportation sector holds a significant share of approximately 21% of CO2 emissions. While, the pacing numbers of registrations of automobiles in India, needs an immediate direction which must result into sustainable and environmentally friendly modes of transportation. The possible solution to this current dilemma is shifting on EVs. However, EV acceptance is not taking place at a desirable rate, although it is intended to grow in the coming years. This qualitative study incorporates exploration of various factors necessary for the adoption of EVs. Although, a big set of complex factors are tangled when considering the adoption of EVs in a developing country like India. The purpose of this study is to catalyse the adoption of EVs in India by highlighting the crucial factors, and validating them using hybrid multi-criteria decision-making method, including best-worst method (BWM), and analytic hierarchy process (AHP).
Assessments of social factors responsible for adoption of electric vehicles in India: a case study
(Emerald, 2023-01) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
Environmental crisis and energy security concerns forced researchers, environmentalists and industrialists to look for a cleaner mode of transportation. Rigorous efforts have been made to make electric vehicles (EVs) feasible for commercial use. However, despite of many efforts by the Government of India, the rate of adoption of EVs in India has not been up to the mark. To bridge this gap, present study understands the social acceptability and sustainability of EVs and identifies the social factors, builds inferences from the results obtained and helps in orienting the manufacturers and decision makers towards faster adoption of the EVs.
A comprehensive framework for analysis and evaluation of factors responsible for sustainable growth of electric vehicles in India
(Elsevier, 2022-12) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
The Indian transport sector powered by fossil fuels is primarily responsible for creating severe issues like greenhouse gas emissions, foreign fuel dependency, economic burden, and chronic health effects. To mitigate these severe issues, electric vehicles (EVs) are positioned as an alternate green and clean technology, which can potentially enable the efficient transition to a sustainable low-carbon emission transportation system and preservation of natural scarce resources. Despite announcing favorable policy measures to encourage EV adoption, the multiplicity of potential factors with mutual interaction has resisted its penetration in several countries. Though researchers have identified the critical factors, the question “How do these factors mutually interact among themselves?” has remained largely unanswered in empirical research. Unpacking the relationship between the factors will empower manufacturers and policymakers in strategic planning, and devising suitable measures in controlling the factors. The primary goal of this research is to undertake a thorough assessment and give a brief understanding of the various factors responsible for sustainable growth of EVs market in India. Factors are identified from past academic literature and experts' interviews. Study further empirically validated the identified factors. Then integrated Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) – Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) approach has been used to demonstrate the interrelationship and hierarchal structure of the factors. The present study will be useful to the manufacturers, policymakers to focus on the gray area so that they can expedite the growth of EVs deployment in India.
A data-driven framework for optimizing multi-period ev charging infrastructure deployment
(IEEE, 2024-12) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar; Routroy, Srikanta
The rise of electric vehicles represents a transformative shift in the automotive industry, signaling the dawn of a new era of clean, sustainable transportation, but their operation requires a distributed rapid-charging infrastructure. Building such rapid charging networks is currently capital-intensive and therefore, requires careful planning and the development of the charging infrastructure must be maintained. However, infrastructure construction is not a one-off investment but a multi-period plan. A multi-period location and capacity expansion model of the charging stations will be needed. This study proposes a novel data-driven framework for deploying suitable rapid-charging infrastructure for EVs in large urban areas. This study combines an iterative clustering technique with a geographical information system analysis tool to determine the suitable regions for developing an optimized EV charging service. The analysis intends to plan a case study for Gurugram City of India and suggest the locations that should be the potential points for consideration of charging station development.
Empirical Investigation of Socio-Demographics, Travel Modes, and Preferred Future Mobility Solutions from the Context of Urban Transportation Planning: Case Study of Western India
(2023-02) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
Transportation impacts economic, social, and environmental on a long-term basis, making it crucial for urban sustainability. It’s observed that modern travel behaviour is changing rapidly to promote sustainable mobility solutions. Compared to developed countries, India's shift to green mobility solutions is gradual due to unique barriers. This research conducts an empirical study related to satisfaction levels of transport solutions and identifies the primary factors that influence different commuting options. Western India's socio-demographics, travel modes, and preferred future mobility solutions were quantified through data, and this study compares demography and travel behaviour for everyday work, intercity travel, leisure, and tourism. Roadways are the favoured travel mode, and this research endorses that and highlights that given a choice, the consumers value comfort and convenience over other options of like cost, time, health, and the environment. This indicates that Indians are open to shifting toward green modes like Electric Vehicles (EVs) and shared mobility but are hindered by a lack of infrastructure. This study made for Western India can serve as a benchmark for policymakers, industry, and academia for arriving at mobility solutions for other regions of the country. It can also contribute towards creating a road map for policies for future sustainable mobility in India.
Empirical Investigation of Various Mobility Solutions for Urban Transport Planning: A Study from Western India
(SAE, 2022) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
Transportation has significant and long-lasting economic, social and environmental impacts which makes it an important dimension of urban sustainability. The World is witnessing rapid changes in modern traveling behavior, and efforts are continuously being made to stimulate sustainable mobility solutions with smart policies, new business models, and advanced technologies (connected cars, sensors, electrification). However, the shift is gradual in India when compared to developed countries due to unique barriers to emerging green mobility solutions. This paper empirically investigates public travel satisfaction and the primary factors for the selection of modes for different types of commutes. Quantitative data were collected including socio-demographic, travel mode choices, and preferred future mobility solutions from the western states of India. This study analyses the correspondence between demography and traveling behavior for various types of commutes like daily work, intercity travel, leisure, and tourism. The results support various previous findings and provide evidence for roadways being the most preferred mode. Additionally, the survey highlights that the consumer base looks for comfort and convenience over time, health safety, cost & environmental concerns. This paper benefits academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers by suggesting mobility solutions from other parts of the country and the world that can help in road-mapping future sustainable mobility policies for India.
A geospatial integrated multi-criteria approach for assessment of solar and wind energy potentials with economic and environmental analysis
(AIP, 2023-12) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
India has made an international commitment to generate about 50% of its total energy needs from renewable energy sources by 2030. Here, to meet such a commitment, this study developed high-resolution (1 × 1 km2) geospatial solar and wind geographical potential maps with an aim to calculate the theoretical and technical potentials with economic and environmental sustainability. These geographical potential maps are developed by taking into account 13 evaluation and restriction factors pertaining to technical, economic, and socio-environmental categories. The investigation identifies that Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Gujarat have a plurality of extremely favorable land areas for solar and wind energy sources. Furthermore, the results imply that appropriate planning for the installation of renewable projects at the identified optimum locations can fulfill India's commitments with regard to an optimal energy mix scenario, with energy available twice the available potential for consumption in 2030. Furthermore, with the least average levelized cost of energy of 38.8 $/MWh (2.83₹/kWh) and 42.3 $/MWh (3.09₹/kWh), solar and wind energy sources are potentially more appealing and affordable than conventional energy sources. The findings of this study will also significantly advance India's attempts to accept and develop renewable energy sources, helping to realize the government's objective for sustainable electricity production
Identification and Analysis of Health Parameters for the Development of a Mobile App and Sensor Based Wearable Health Band
(Taylor & Francis, 2023) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
During Covid-19 pandemic, the World has experienced a crisis at a scale that was never witnessed before in history. The entire ecosystem all over the globe has been changed after the pandemic. The life style of each and every community of people changed drastically. Therefore, the health awareness has been increased due to the situations realized by the people during pandemic. With this in view, the current research makes an attempt to explore various challenges faced by the people in the community during and post Covid and comes up with the study of identification and analysis of health parameters for the design and development of an integrated mobile app and sensor based wearable device. In addition to biological health parameters, we also surveyed and analyzed the mental stress and anxiety issues among the people. To accomplish this objective, we conducted an online survey among 500 to 600 Indian population to understand the health-related issues of people of different ages. The data collected from the survey is analyzed and based on the analysis, health parameters are identified for building a mobile app integrated with a health cum safety band. The findings of our study show that there is an immense need for the design and development of an interactive mobile app and sensor based wearable device which will help the people to overcome their health-related problems.
Indian residents willingness to pay green cess to support electric mobility ecosystem: a societal benefit perspective
(Elsevier, 2024-12) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
This study investigates the societal benefit of willingness to pay (WTP) green cess on polluting vehicles, to build an ecosystem for promoting zero emissions electric mobility in Western India. A survey method employed enabled data collection from 492 commuters and analysed using an open-ended contingent valuation method (CVM). As per the findings, about 67 % of commuters are in favour to pay green cess to help building an ecosystem for faster adoption of electric vehicles, but at comparatively low price. On positive note, around acknowledged electric mobility adoption needs a supportive ecosystem, while were not so forthcoming. The findings depicted that the average open-ended WTP for green cess evaluates to Rs 370 per month. The study engages commuters as stakeholders, helps analyse their sustainability orientation in terms of WTP and suggests recommendations for utilizing key learnings and monetary tool for inclusive developments towards a cleaner environment
Industry 4.0 implementation: evidence from Indian industries
(Springer, 2023-12) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
The emergence of “Industry 4.0” signifies a new industrial era, where various technologies converge to provide digital solutions. Industry 4.0 (I4.0), encompasses a range of digital technologies that profoundly impact manufacturing businesses. However, there is limited knowledge regarding how businesses utilize these technologies. This paper addresses the pillars of Industry 4.0, a crucial part of the next industrial revolution for Indian manufacturing industries aiming to become competitive smart factories in the global market. A survey of 73 Indian industries assessed their current technologies. Implementation criteria for Industry 4.0 in Indian industries were established based on the survey results. The findings reveal that customer satisfaction and quality are top priorities for Indian industries. While most industries have implemented Industry 3.0 practices, awareness and adoption of I4.0 still pose challenges, particularly for SMEs. This report analyzes the technological status of Indian industries, identifies the gap, and provides a roadmap for adopting Industry 4.0. Bridging this knowledge gap and embracing Industry 4.0 can enhance competitiveness, drive innovation, and meet the evolving demands of the global market. The transition to smart factories powered by Industry 4.0 unlocks new opportunities for India’s industrial sector, propelling it towards a prosperous future.
Integrating Theory of Constraints, Lean and Six Sigma: a framework development and its application
(Taylor & Francis, 2022-05) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
This paper presents an integrated framework that combines the strengths of three relevant business excellence philosophies: Theory of Constraints, Lean, and Six Sigma (TLS). The integrated framework increases the TLS Orientation of a firm when management employs a unique growth-oriented mindset, adopts global measurements, and implements an integrated continuous improvement methodology. We discuss how a small-to-medium enterprise (a real but disguised manufacturing firm in India) implemented the proposed framework by employing the cognate key concepts and tools in an integrated manner, and improved its business excellence in terms of improved flow, reduced waste, and increased process capability, which, in turn, strengthened its financial performance. We conclude the paper by discussing the limitations of the study (e.g. an application in a small business) and providing future research directions to further develop its underlying theory and validate the proposed TLS orientation construct by means of case studies and questionnaires. Some initial results are reported.
Modeling the supply chain risk and barriers to electric vehicle technology adoption in India
(Springer, 2023-12) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
The Electric Vehicle (EV) technology is believed to be the most effective to reduce dependency on petrol and diesel vehicles and thereby achieve clean environmental objectives. In pursuit of achieving emission net zero by 2070, central government and state governments are putting substantial efforts to drive the EV technology growth in India. The central and state governments in India through various schemes such as Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-II), Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI), Swapping policy for batteries, Special Electric Mobility Zone, and subsidies such as tax rebate on EVs. Yet the complete switch to the EVs from petrol and diesel vehicles, still has significant technology and supply chain barriers. This research paper identifies the risks and barriers with respect to supply chain, technology, finance, and policy for the growth of EV technology in India. The research paper using an Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) demonstrates the critical supply chain barriers. Based on the analysis carried out in this research paper, the barriers such as availability of battery packs, raw materials, charging network, and interoperability of batteries are the most critical supply chain barriers to implementing EV technology in India. The research findings will enable policymakers to develop a sustainable EV supply chain in India and in similar developing countries.
Modelling factors influencing charging station location selection to accelerate ev adoption in India: an ISM-MICMAC analysis
(Springer, 2023-12) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar; Routroy, Srikanta
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rising fast to prominence as a key component of the effort to meet sustainable energy goals. The research and mass manufacturing of new energy vehicles, especially electric vehicles, offer several benefits over conventional energy vehicles, such as zero exhaust emissions, zero pollution, cleanliness, and low cost. As a result, more and more nations are paying attention and placing importance over the development of EV-fleet, but EV sales are still a modest part of all vehicle sales. The protruding reason highlighted by the literature and researchers is underdeveloped charging infrastructure. To get the most out of an EV, an appropriate charging station with optimum configuration needs to be placed in a specific location with all the infrastructure to make it supportive and sustainable hotspot for EVs. This study aims to identify all the factors that needs to be considered while selecting a location for setting up a sustainable charging station for EVs in semi-urban areas. A deeper understanding of factors is explored, using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis. A total of 17 factors are considered for the analysis which are crucial in developing the configurations for an EV charging station. The outcomes of the paper will support the policymakers to locate, determine and decide the suitable locations, and configuration for constructing EV charging stations and escalate the EV adoption.
Study of Key Attributes of Sustainability of Automobile Solutions in India
(SAE, 2022-10) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
The changing mobility landscape of India reveals that the erstwhile transport modes of the 20th century i.e., railways and road buses are making way for airlines, personal vehicles, shared mobility, metro rails. Rapid technological changes, stricter regulations, new transport cultures autonomous, connected, electric and shared (ACES), state-of-the-art and environmental concerns are shaping up the eco-system for automobiles. Despite these challenges roadways and automobiles will continue to be most prominent solution in India for future. But for that, the automobile sector should be agile, innovative, and adaptable to changing eco-system, vigilant to thwart threat of alternate mobility solutions and must provide sustainable solutions for the future. The purpose of this paper to evaluate various mobility solutions, ascertain prominence of upcoming automobile solutions and their sustainability for future in India. A systems engineering approach has been adopted to the eco-system influencing sustainable automobile solutions, for identifying the key attributes (drivers and barriers) and validating the resultant V-model. Data was collected from extensive literature review and questionnaire surveys conducted in India and a hybrid MCDM (multi criteria decision making) technique, suitable for the hierarchical and interdependent attributes, was adopted to arrive at the rankings of the key attributes in relation to sustainable automobile solutions.
Towards sustainable automobile ecosystem in India: Integrated analysis of technical, economic, and ESG dimensions
(Elsevier, 2024-09) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
Global environmental concerns are leading to paradigm shift in the automobile eco-system. This comprehensive study of the automobile ecosystem, incorporates technical, economic, and environmental-social-governance (ESG) dimensions. An “integrated multi-criteria decision-making” (MCDM) methodology using “interpretive structural modelling” (ISM) and “fuzzy analytical hierarchy process” (FAHP) is deployed, The ISM models highlights prominent drivers and critical barriers, establishes their hierarchy, and depicts interrelationships. The FAHP rankings for drivers favours electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel vehicles over others, while barriers promote hybrids and alternate fuels like Biofuel, CNG/LNG. Unlike previous works, this study considers all eco-system factors, both critical drivers and barriers, and demonstrates hierarchy using a unique V-model. This is an innovative extension of V-model from traditional systems engineering to strategic project management domain. This holistic approach, in sync with the natural state of things, will enable government, industry, and academia in formulating a strategic framework towards future automobile sustainability.
Towards sustainable mobility in India: an integrated mcdm analysis of fuel and drive alternatives
(2024-01) Digalwar, Abhijeet Kumar
Automobiles are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for approximately 17-20% of total emissions, posing a critical threat to sustainability. In addressing this threat, innovation is a crucial component. However, understanding various fuel-type vehicles and the upcoming alternatives from the technical, economic, and environmental-social-governance (ESG) dimensions within the Indian context is what has been stated as a research gap. The study compares current fossil fuel vehicles to sustainable alternatives: Fully Electric Vehicles (FEV), Hydrogen Fuel Vehicles (HFV), Hybrid Vehicles (HV), Compressed/Liquefied Natural Gas (CNG/LNG), and Biofuels. Alternative solutions are evaluated and ranked using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique incorporating global weights. A cross-validation process employs six different MCDM techniques, a correlation index method, and sensitivity analysis to ensure robust and consistent results. The findings are presented through a unique V-model developed using a systems approach. The study identifies FEVs as the most suitable option, followed by HFVs and HEVs, to address future sustainability challenges. This paper contributes to a comprehensive understanding of sustainable automotive solutions, paving the way for India's greener and more environmentally responsible automotive landscape.