Innovative ‘Press Fit Fuse’ Project earns TPSODL prestigious award for ‘Best Innovation’

TBB BUREAU

BERHAMPUR, MAR 18, 2024

Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) was honored with the prestigious “Best Innovation Project” award at the Innovation Council-2023 held in Mumbai, recognizing their groundbreaking initiative – the ‘Press Fit Fuse’. This patented safety innovation, aimed at revolutionizing electrical safety measures, was successfully implemented across various Distribution Substations (DSS) at TPSODL, effectively mitigating electrical accidents and prioritizing safety above all else.

The award was presented to Sushil Panigrahi, Head of Safety at TPSODL, by Himal Tewari, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Chief Sustainability Officer of TATA Power, during the Annual Award Ceremony.

Previously, the process of replacing a burnt fuse involved linemen physically ascending the HG fuse structure, despite safety measures in place. Unfortunately, this method often led to accidents despite precautionary measures, and the replacement process was time-consuming. In response to these challenges, TPSODL developed the innovative Press Fit Fuse, a solution that operates on press-fit principles, enabling easy replacement from ground level without compromising on safety. This innovative approach eliminates the need for ladders and additional electrical tools, ensuring a safer and more efficient fuse replacement process.

This groundbreaking innovation not only facilitates quicker fuse replacement and outage restoration but also proves to be cost-effective and inherently safe. With just one skilled individual, faulty fuses can be swiftly replaced with minimal effort, eliminating the need for hazardous climbs. Notably, the development of the Press Fit Fuse was a collaborative effort between TPSODL and the Government ITI College, Berhampur, with technical expertise and resources provided by TPSODL’s Safety and Operations team. This remarkable achievement has resulted in a joint patent held by TPSODL and the Government ITI Berhampur, marking a significant milestone in electrical safety innovation.