BHEL Research and Development spend almost Doubled, Record Turnover of Rs.29,360 Million achieved from Products developed in house

During 2007 08, out of its total turnover of Rs.216,080 Million, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited BHEL has achieved a record turnover of Rs.29,360 Million, nearly 14 per cent of the total turnover, through commercialization of products and systems developed by way of in house Research and Development efforts. This is the result of a constant thrust on developing new technologies and products, besides improving existing products and systems in terms of reliability, cost and quality through in house R and D initiatives.

Significantly, during the year, BHEL spent over Rs.4,640 Million on R and D efforts, 83 per cent more than the previous year on top of 68 per cent growth over 2005 06. In fact, the R and D spend at 2.14 per cent of the turnover, is among the highest in India in its kind of industry.

A notable achievement of fiscal 2007 08 has been the significant growth in Intellectual Capital with around one Patent/Copyright filed every alternate working day. BHEL filed 175 patents and copyrights during the year, enhancing the companys intellectual capital to 664 patents and copyrights filed, which are in productive use in the companys business.

In addition, BHELs fifth World class Centre of Excellence for Intelligent Machines and Robotics is being established, aimed at consolidating its strengths in crucial technology areas, developing cutting edge technologies and improving manufacturing processes.

New products and systems developed during the year for various infrastructure sectors of the economy include, Indias largest rating 7161 kW Pressurised Squirrel Cage Induction Motor, largest size 220 Watt PV Modules, Traction Motor for 350 HP Diesel Electric Multiple Unit against an export order of 20 numbers for Angolan Railways, higher rating 1430 kVA Brushless Alternator for oil rig application and the first of its kind in the world HVDC Disc Insulators of 320kN / 420kN rating for application in 800 KV HVDC transmission systems, among others.

Reinforcing its commitment to conservation of natural resources, BHEL has developed a new variant of 500 MW Steam Turbine. This design improves efficiency and saves coal consumption by around 8,200 Tonnes annually. This design is being commercialised in 11 sets of 500 MW being supplied and commissioned countrywide.

R and D and technology development are of strategic importance to the company as it operates in a competitive environment where technology is a major factor. BHELs R and D programme focuses on areas like state of the art control and instrumentation systems, clean coal technologies, improved T and D products/systems, high efficiency silt resistant hydro turbines and improved transportation systems, etc.