Technology
innovation and a spirit of resilience converge to ensure the Indian national
flag flies majestically in low-wind conditions.
Elgi Equipments, one of the
world’s leading air compressor manufacturers, has successfully developed a
technology solution capable of delivering air at adequate volume and pressure
to sustain the flying of a flag during periods of low wind speed.
When a national flag flies,
it evokes a lot of emotion. However, sometimes, when the wind is less, flags
droop. "Project Tiranga" at ELGi, conceptualized to ensure that the
national flag flew high, was initiated with an enterprise-wide innovation
challenge that yielded promising concepts, each leveraging ELGi’s expertise in
compressed air technology. A team of ELGians from operations and technology
demonstrated unwavering dedication to the mission, and a breakthrough solution
finally emerged after rigorous testing and validation, reflecting the
resilience and expertise ingrained in ELGi's ethos. The solution comprised a
mechanical system that lifted the flag using blowers, a swivel mechanism to
align the fan modules with the wind's direction and speed, and a designed rope
guide system that allowed the flag to be raised and lowered smoothly through
the modules. Integrating the above concepts—lifting fans, the swivel mechanism,
and the flag-raising and lowering systems—into a custom-made flag mast
measuring 110 feet enabled the flag to fly majestically despite periods of low
wind speed. Today, the module stands ready to showcase the grandeur of any flag
in the absence of natural wind at the ELGi Air Center Plant in Coimbatore,
Tamil Nadu.
Dr.
Jairam Varadaraj, Managing Director, Elgi Equipments Limited,
commented, "ELGi remains committed to finding innovative solutions to
complex challenges. Technology is the cornerstone for our engineering products
as we strive towards consistently delivering customer satisfaction through
multiple initiatives that help us define ourselves as disruptors and not
followers of global industry standards. Project Tiranga was no easy task, and
there were several hindrances along the way. Nevertheless, in line with our
culture of innovation and long-term thinking, we collaboratively drew on our
knowledge and experience in compressed air systems to go above and beyond and
contribute to a matter of national pride."
For over 60 years, ELGi's
pioneering products and compressed air solutions have served various
applications across industries ranging from manufacturing to food and beverage,
construction, pharmaceuticals, and textiles in over 120 countries. Powering a
400+ product-strong portfolio, ELGi's state-of-the-art global manufacturing
facilities, spanning three continents, are committed to carbon neutrality,
water conservation, and circular waste management.