Sri Lanka’s burgeoning industrial landscape took centre stage this June as the country geared up to host the “International Industry Expo 2024” at the prestigious Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. Organized by the Ministry of Industries and the Industrial Development Board (IDB), this landmark event united industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across the globe. Spanning five dynamic days from 19th to 23rd June, the Expo showcased advancements across 25 diverse industry sectors, featuring over 1000 exhibitors and a comprehensive spectrum of products and services.
At the heart of this vibrant exposition lies the National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka (NERDC), a hub of innovation and technological advancement. This year marks a significant milestone as the NERD Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary, a testament to its enduring commitment to pioneering research and development in the realm of technology. Established in 1974 under the visionary guidance of Engineer DLO Mendis and supported by the former Minister of Industries and Scientific Affairs T.B. Subasinghe, the NERD Centre was created by an act of parliament to bridge the gap between industrial extension services and scientific research institutes. Initially housed within the Industrial Development Board complex in Katubadda, Moratuwa, it has since grown into a leading institution located at the IDB Industrial Estate in Ekala, Ja-Ela.
The NERD Centre’s mandate encompasses a broad spectrum of objectives aimed at fostering indigenous technology development, facilitating technological coordination across industries, and promoting sustainable technology adoption aligned with national objectives. From designing and testing prototype machinery to offering consultancy services and promoting training activities, the Centre plays a pivotal role in enhancing Sri Lanka’s engineering and industrial capabilities.
As the Expo unfolded, visitors explored how the NERD Centre continues to drive innovation and propel industries forward through its pioneering research, collaborative initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
The NERD Centre’s stall at the BMICH Exhibition showcased an array of amusing contraptions and technologies.
- The Repairable LED Bulb
The Repairable LED Bulb, an innovative creation from the National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka, represents a significant leap forward in sustainable lighting technology. Designed with a locally-made LED driver, this bulb reduces the country’s reliance on imported products, fostering a robust local industry and generating employment opportunities. Its standout feature lies in its repairability, which simplifies maintenance through the use of standardized component values, thereby extending its operational lifespan. Equipped with Constant Current (CC) technology, the bulb ensures stable performance and reliability. Moreover, its high-Power Factor enhances energy efficiency, aligning with global standards for sustainable energy consumption. The inclusion of an Aluminum PCB further enhances the bulb’s durability by improving heat dissipation, thereby ensuring consistent brightness and longevity. With a designed wattage suitable for various applications, the Repairable LED Bulb not only offers a practical lighting solution but also contributes to Sri Lanka’s journey towards sustainable development and self-reliance in technology.
- Pure Sine Wave Inverter
The Pure Sine Wave Inverter is an advanced electronic device designed to convert direct current (DC) from a 48VDC battery or power source into a stable alternating current (AC) with a precise voltage of 230 volts and a pure sine wave output. This technology ensures compatibility with sensitive electronic equipment and appliances that require clean and reliable power, akin to what is delivered by the utility grid. Offering a robust 5000W capacity, this inverter combines high efficiency with repairable features, including the ability to replace boards and components for an extended lifespan and reduced maintenance costs.
It boasts a pure sine wave output with low distortion, ensuring that the AC waveform closely matches that of the main power line. Additionally, the inverter includes comprehensive protection features such as under-voltage, over-voltage, overload, over-temperature, and short-circuit indication, safeguarding both the inverter and connected devices. Users can conveniently monitor output parameters like voltage, frequency, and temperature via an integrated display, providing real-time operational insights. Ideal for a range of applications from residential to industrial settings, the Pure Sine Wave Inverter exemplifies reliability, efficiency, and adaptability in providing stable power solutions.
- Elephant Fence energizer
The Elephant Fence Energizer, a collaborative innovation by NERDC and Nano Vision Anuradhapura (Pvt) Ltd, represents a breakthrough in sustainable energy solutions for Sri Lankan homes. This innovative Wind Solar Hybrid System integrates wind and solar power to provide reliable electricity, catering specifically to residential needs. Designed to harmonize renewable energy sources, the energizer ensures a consistent 24V power supply with a rated output of 100W, facilitating sustainable lighting and powering essential appliances.
It significantly reduces energy costs while promoting eco-friendly living through its off-grid capabilities and adherence to Sri Lankan standards for power output. The energizer features intelligent energy management, supported by a durable plastic enclosure and built-in buzzer with an external signal line for enhanced operational awareness. Backed by excellent after-sales service, including assistance with fence design and maintenance, and offering a comprehensive one-year warranty, the Elephant Fence Energizer embodies quality, reliability, and local manufacturing pride, serving as a testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable development.
- Manioc Slicer
The Motorized Manioc Slicer is a versatile solution designed to efficiently slice various vegetables and fruits to precise sizes and thicknesses. It is highly sought after by SMEs due to its capability to slice manioc at a rate of 100 kg/hr, achieving a thickness of 0.8 mm. This machine is equally adept at slicing vegetables such as carrots, brinjals, lotus roots, and ginger, catering to diverse culinary needs. With a motor capacity of 180 W and operating on a standard single-phase 230V/50Hz supply, it offers reliability and ease of use. Weighing 16.5 kg and compactly sized, it is portable and designed for single-person operation, ensuring efficiency in both operation and maintenance. Ideal for a range of applications from manioc and vegetable slicing to ginger preparation, the Motorized Manioc Slicer combines precision, productivity, and user-friendliness.
- Smoked Fish Processing Unit
The Smoked Fish Processing Unit addresses critical issues in the quality and safety of smoked fish production in Sri Lanka. With a capacity to process 25-30 kg of fish per batch, this unit not only ensures high-quality smoked fish with reduced Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination but also offers versatility by enabling the production of smoked meat and sausages. Using cinnamon wood for smoking and saw dust as fuel for drying, the unit maintains strict hygiene standards with food-grade stainless steel components. Its compact dimensions (1800x600x1650mm) and portability, facilitated by caster wheels, make it suitable for small and medium-scale enterprises. With precise control over smoking and drying processes, it achieves a final moisture content of 58-62%, extending the product shelf life to 14 days in refrigerated conditions and up to 3 months when frozen. This innovation not only enhances product quality but also supports the growth of the local food industry, catering to the rising demand for high-quality smoked fish products.
- Macro Electric Three-Wheeler
The Macro Electric Three-Wheeler, a collaborative effort between the Sri Lanka National Engineering Research and Development Center and Desingha Pathirage Motor Company, represents a significant advancement in electric vehicle technology. Powered by a 5kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) operating at 48V, it utilizes a swappable Li-ion battery system, with Lead-Acid batteries also available as a cost-effective alternative. The vehicle boasts robust suspension: an offset column with hydraulic shock absorbers and helical springs at the front, and independently sprung rear wheels supported by maintenance-free integrated hub trailing arms, also with helical springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. With a spacious design providing seating for a driver plus three passengers, the three-wheeler offers a generous range of 120km per charge, making it ideal for urban and suburban transportation needs. Its overall dimensions of 2740 mm length, 1300 mm width, and 1750 mm height, coupled with a wheelbase of 2100 mm, ensure both maneuverability and comfort, marking it as a promising solution in sustainable mobility.
- Automated Wall Painting Device
The Automated Wall Painting Device from the National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka introduces a groundbreaking solution for efficient and cost-effective wall painting. Designed primarily for large-scale commercial buildings, this machine revolutionizes the construction industry by significantly enhancing speed and efficiency. It supports various surfaces including masonry walls, wood, and metal, delivering superior wall finishing without brush strokes. Operable with a standard 230V domestic power supply, it offers automatic operation and adjusts up to 15 feet in height for painting vertical and dome-shaped walls. Capable of painting up to 1500 square feet per hour, this device minimizes labor requirements and eliminates the need for skilled personnel, making it an indispensable tool for modern construction projects focused on productivity and quality.
- Prestressed Concrete Retaining Wall Panels
The Prestressed Concrete Retaining Wall Panels offer a robust solution for construction projects requiring efficient and durable retaining walls. These rectangular panels, ranging in thickness from 3 to 7 inches, are anchored onto an in-situ concrete foundation with a tie beam at the top for added stability. Each panel incorporates up to six 5mm high tensile steel wires tensioned to 20 kN, ensuring structural strength and longevity. Constructed using Grade 40 concrete for the panels and G25 concrete for the foundation, this system is designed for versatility and ease of installation. Advantages include their thin profile, facilitating easy handling and transportation, as well as rapid construction timelines. Ideal for applications requiring retaining walls up to 12 feet in height, these panels not only enhance structural integrity but also offer aesthetic appeal, making them suitable for a wide range of architectural and engineering projects.
All equipment showcased at the exhibition is available for purchase, and the technologies demonstrated are also open for sharing by the NERD Centre. Interested parties are encouraged to contact them directly for further information and inquiries at nerdcentre@nerdc.lk.
