The APOGEE English Press sat down with the coordinator of the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), Chirag Saksham, to understand their work for the upcoming fest.

Chirag mentioned that ISHRAE will only be organizing their flagship event this year—the Ice-Box Challenge.  He added that it is a design challenge comprising of two rounds for heat-transfer enthusiasts. He explained that the first round consists of around ten problem statements, of which a participant needs to choose one and prepare a viable design with original ideas. The participants will be judged based on their creativity and the feasibility of their project. He added that tor the second round, the participants must present a 3-D Computer-Aided-Drafting (CAD) model for their designs. He revealed that the first place and the runner-up will get a prize of 5,000 and 2,500 Rupees, respectively.

Chirag shared that they started preparations around a month before APOGEE. He explained that presently, the problem statements have been finalized, but they are still collaborating with other departments for accommodation and posters respectively. 

He asserted that the biggest problem they faced last year was low participation. To tackle this problem, they have vastly improved the event by making it more rewarding. The problem statements have been made more interesting by adding robotics as part of the solution. Deserving candidates who have performed well in the competition might also get to work with professors on their projects. 

Speaking of his experience as the coordinator for ISHRAE, Chirag appreciated his juniors and seniors for helping him. He applauded the society’s culture, saying that it has developed into a space for learning new things.