Project Team.
Dr. Hasan Baig
Principal Investigator
Dr. Hasan Baig, a Chartered Energy Engineer with over 12 years of experience, focuses on sustainable energy technologies, and decarbonizing energy usage in buildings and transport. His research aligns with UKRI/Innovate UK-funded projects and ERDF expectations, yielding novel solar technologies and over 50 publications.
Dr. Paola Falugi
Co - Investigator
Dr. Paola Falugi, a Senior Lecturer at UEL and visiting researcher at Imperial College London, specializes in data-driven modeling and optimization methods, focusing on large-scale expansion planning in energy networks, predictive control, and system identification.
Dr. K Ravi Kumar
Principal Investigator
Dr. K Ravi Kumar is a renowned expert in energy-efficient solar power receivers, thermal energy generation, and storage, with expertise in solar industrial process heat applications, energy storage, solar radiation forecasting, and solar adsorption cooling systems.
Dr. K. SRINIVAS REDDY
Principal Investigator
Dr. K. Srinivas Reddy, a PhD holder in Energy Studies, is currently Professor of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras, serves as an honorary professor at the University of Exeter, and was an Adjunct Professor at CEERI-CSIR.
RESEARCHERS
Researcher :- Joel Crowther (UEL)
Decarbonising existing gas heated student accommodation
This research aims to understand challenges in making existing buildings greener. We'll explore heat loss, electricity costs, and solutions like better insulation, lower heating water temperatures, heat pumps, and solar panels. We'll estimate performance, analyse financial viability, and recommend best decarbonization steps.
Researcher :- Santosh Gandhari (UEL)
Micro Wind Turbines as Range Extender Technology for Electric Vehicles
This research investigates adding micro wind turbines (MWTs) to electric vehicles (EVs) to extend their driving range. They achieved an average power output of 2 kW per turbine and a 50% range increase in simulations. A special air channel significantly boosted output. Future plans include real-world testing, exploring advanced materials and blade designs, and evaluating large-scale adoption by the auto industry.
Researcher:- Mounir Hibat Allah (UEL)
The synergy between photovoltaic systems and passive solar gain in Nearly Zero Carbon Buildings in the UK
This research focuses on combining solar panels (active) and building design (passive) to optimize Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs). Existing designs often miss this potential. The project will develop a framework using real-world data (quantitative) and user experience (qualitative) to improve NZEB performance, comfort, and cost-effectiveness.
Researcher:- Rabah A. Baraka (UEL)
Solar Blinds
Solar blinds aim to tackle three areas:
1) Energy Savings: generate electricity and lower energy costs.
2) Comfort: automatically adjust for glare and heat for a pleasant environment.
3) Smart Homes: integrate with smart systems for convenience, automation, and data-driven efficiency improvements.
Researcher:- Hissan Qadri (UEL)
Simulation of PV modules using Pvlib function
The objectives of the research project are to simulate the performance of certain PV modules in specific locations and to gather data on the performance. The planned outcomes are to use the data to gauge how well the modules tested perform in generating energy in different environments and irradiance, and the analysis results may be used to aid in proper implementation of modules.
Researcher:- Mussa DJALO (UEL)
Energy Storage Batteries
This research aims to understand how temperature and depth of discharge (SOC) affect the lifespan of energy storage devices. They'll use PvSyst modeling to optimize performance and develop recommendations for extending battery life and designing sustainable battery casings.
Reseacher:- Ayushi Kapadia (UEL)
Agrivoltaics system farming combining photovoltaic land use in United Kingdom and India
This research explores combining solar panels with high-quality fodder crops (agrivoltaics) to maximize land use. They'll analyze benefits for farmers and communities in various climates and simulate performance using software. Expected outcomes include data on crop compatibility, irrigation, and energy generation, along with evidence of increased land value (160%) and economic benefits for rural areas
Researcher:- Narmadha Vellora Veetil (UEL)
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES
This research will analyze the environmental impact of solar PV technologies. They'll build a life cycle assessment (LCA) model using Open LCA software and compare different technologies. Expected outcomes include:
1) Eco-Friendly Solar Panel Rankings: Rank solar panels by environmental impact, considering emissions, efficiency, and recyclability.
2) Sustainability in Manufacturing: Identify ways to reduce resource use, emissions, and waste in solar panel production.
3) Technology Comparison and Policy Advice: Compare perovskite and heterojunction panels with traditional ones, suggesting sustainable tech choices and policy improvements.
Researcher:- Ankan Mitra (UEL)
Advanced thermal management systems: integration of PCMs in PV to enhance the efficiency and longevity of photovoltaic panels
This research focuses on improving solar panel efficiency by managing heat. They'll use simulations to model how Phase Change Materials (PCMs) can passively cool panels and compare them to other cooling methods. The goal is to understand how temperature affects performance and identify the most efficient, cost-effective cooling solution.
Researcher:- JatinBhai R. Moradiya (UEL)
Harnessing Solar Synergy: Integration of Photovoltaic Tracking Towers with Heat Pumps for Net-Zero Carbon Buildings
This research compares solar energy generation between fixed panels and tracking towers. They aim to see if combining tracking towers and heat pumps can achieve net-zero carbon buildings. The project expects a 25-35% energy increase with tracking and improved efficiency in low-light conditions. They'll also determine optimal setups for different buildings and climates, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact
Reseacher:- Prasadini Abhirandika Uhanovitage (UEL)
IoT- DRIVEN TEMPERATURE OPTIMIZATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS IN PVT SYSTEMS:
AUTOMATED FLOW RATE CONTROL
This research aims to optimize a solar panel system (PVT) for better efficiency. They'll use software to create a 3D model and an automatic control system to manage coolant flow for even heat distribution. This should improve both electricity production and heat capture from the panels. The project expects a more efficient system with ideal settings for various climates.
Reseacher:- Meera Patel (UEL)
BIM for BIPV Solutions
This project builds a software tool for architects to design building facades with solar glass bricks using Revit. The tool will:
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Offer pre-made solar glass brick components.
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Allow for easy facade design and connection to the building.
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Simulate energy production to find the best balance between aesthetics and solar power.
Reseacher :- U. Nithiyanantham (IIT-Madras)
Development of advanced molten salt based nanofluids and their corrosion mechanisms for thermal energy storage system
This research aims to create cheaper molten salt energy storage by developing nanofluids. These special fluids will store more energy, transfer heat faster, and allow for smaller storage tanks. They'll make the nanofluids using wet chemistry and tiny tubes/flakes. Early results are positive, showing better heat properties and less corrosion. The next steps are to make the nanofluids more stable and further prevent tank corrosion.
Researcher:- Julia Clarisse Sta Maria(UEL)
Simulating Thermal Cooling Solutions in India and UK
This research simulates and compares sustainable cooling strategies for homes in New Delhi and London using IES software. It aims to identify the best solutions for reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort, highlighting the importance of climate-specific approaches in residential building design.
Researcher:- Stephen Okoekpen (UEL)
CCUS Technologies: An Underdeveloped Pathway towards Carbon Emission Targets
This research aims to comprehensively describe various CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) technologies, focusing on reviewing advancements with a case study of the Net Zero Teesside Project in the UK. It includes conducting a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment and validating findings through literature review. Expected outcomes include validating the crucial role of CCUS technologies in achieving global climate targets and assessing the feasibility of scaling global CCUS uptake by 2050 to levels sufficient for countries to meet their net-zero carbon pledges, aiming for 4-7 gigatons per year of CO2 capture.
Reseacher:-Tarun Goel (IIT DELHI)
Forecasting of solar energy potential for efficient design of latent heat storage system
This research focuses on multi-step solar radiation forecasting and hybrid deep learning models (CNN-LSTM, CNN-GRU, GRU-LSTM) for day-ahead power forecasting in solar PV plants. It includes numerical modeling and experimental investigations into latent heat storage systems under transient heat flux conditions, aiming to optimize design parameters and validate performance for industrial application.
Reseacher:- Neelesh Soni (IIT MADRAS)
Design, development, and assessment of Renewable energy-based green hydrogen production
This research is looking at ways to use concentrated sunlight (CSP) to create clean hydrogen fuel. Here's the gist:
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They'll design and analyze systems that capture the sun's heat, store it, and then use it to make hydrogen from water.
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They'll explore different materials and techniques to make this process efficient and affordable.
Reseacher:-Mallayya (IIT DELHI)
Design and Development of High Temperature Latent Heat Storage System
This research aims to model latent heat storage with passive heat transfer enhancements using various fin and shell configurations. It includes designing a lab-scale system to simulate charging and discharging operations, characterizing phase change materials, and conducting experiments under different parameters. Results highlight effective configurations for improving storage efficiency and thermal performance.
Reseacher:- Gaurav Arora (IIT DELHI)
Design and Development of Solar Thermal based Metal Hydride Hydrogen Compressor
This research aims to design and optimize a metal hydride reactor for a compressor system, focusing on improving cycle time and charging/discharging rates. It involves numerical analysis to predict performance under various parameters and configurations, culminating in a real-time demonstration of solar-driven hydrogen compression at targeted pressure and temperature ranges.
Reseacher:-Shantanu Kumar (IIT DELHI)
Design and Development of Energy Efficient Solar Tea dryer
This research aims to identify and size a solar energy-based dryer suitable for small tea growers, determining its design, capacity, solar collector area, and thermal energy storage needs. It includes numerical investigations and experimental studies on heat and mass transfer to analyse tea leaf drying. The expected outcomes are a detailed heat and mass transfer model for tea leaf drying, identification of optimal operating conditions for the dryer, and the development of a real-time solar dryer solution tailored for small tea growers.
Reseacher:-Naveen T K (IIT DELHI)
Short-term and Medium-term Forecasting of Solar Radiation Forecasting
This research aims to enhance weather forecasting in India by using the WRF model for day-ahead predictions across diverse climatic zones, assimilating meteorological data with WRF-Solar through Data Assimilation, and employing machine learning for intraday global horizontal irradiance forecasting. It aims to integrate AI for prediction accuracy in real-time energy markets, evaluating parameterization schemes and financial implications for stakeholders.
Reseacher:- Rajeev Awasthi (IIT DELHI)
Solar-assisted membrane distillation for seawater purification
This research focuses on designing an integrated FO-MD experimental setup and modeling its performance under varied conditions. It explores localized heating in membrane distillation using metallic substrates and investigates different feed spacer designs to mitigate concentration polarization. The study aims to assess performance enhancements and sustainability in desalination through direct contact membrane distillation with localized heating.
Reseacher:- Swetha.K (UEL)
Beyond Fashion: A 3D Printed Jacket with Integrated Solar Technology
This research aims to develop a 3D-printed jacket with integrated solar panels for on-the-go phone charging using renewable energy, evaluating the feasibility of thin-film solar cells for wearables. It includes designing and testing a safe, efficient charging circuit. Expected outcomes are a functional prototype, recommendations for optimal solar panel placement, a validated circuit design, and increased awareness of sustainable wearable technology solutions.
Reseacher:-Abhinav Kumar (IIT MADRAS)
Use of Machine Learning to Analyse Thermal Performance of Solar Thermal Collectors
This research aims to analyze how input parameters affect the thermal performance of collectors, evaluate the accuracy of machine learning (ML) models in predicting this performance, and utilize ML models to predict and optimize thermal performance, providing insights into parameter dependencies and ML accuracy.
Reasecher:-Mainak Das (IIT MADRAS)
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Cycles for Cleaner Power Production
This research focuses on energy, exergy, and economic analysis of various Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycles using Gen-IV nuclear reactors as the primary energy source. It aims to design a power and hydrogen cogeneration system and enhance system performance through multiobjective optimization, expecting increased efficiency, reduced Levelized Cost of Energy, and identification of the optimal Brayton Cycle configuration.
Researcher:- Adane Kassa Woemago (IIT MADRAS)
Simulation and Performance Analysis of Linear Fresnel Reflector Based Solar Polygeneration Plant: Efficiency, Economic Feasibility, and Environmental Impact
This research analyses energy, exergy, environmental, and economic aspects of a Linear LFR-based polygonation plant, comparing it with PTC. It examines geographical and climate impacts, developing numerical models, feasibility insights, and recommendations for informed deployment decisions.
Reseacher:- J.S.D. NANDINI (IIT MADRAS)
Green Hydrogen Production
This research aims to enhance the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) for hydrogen production, focusing on electrode catalysts, thermal stability, and material optimization, yielding high-purity hydrogen, extended system lifespan, and reduced carbon footprint.
Reseacher:-Nadiya Philip (IIT MADRAS)
THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF FUEL CELLS FOR APPLICATION IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES
This research aims to enhance FCEV commerciality by developing a PCM-based thermal management system, reducing radiator size significantly. Achievements include a sizing methodology, high energy efficiency, favorable payback period, and improved sustainability, with future experimental validation planned.
Researcher:- Abhinav Rajan (IIT MADRAS)
Investigations of parabolic dish collector with thermal energy storage for process heating applications
This research made sun-powered industrial heating more efficient. They designed special collectors that focus sunlight really well and convert it to heat. Their design captured a lot of sunlight and turned it into heat very effectively. They also looked into ways to store this heat for later use.
Researcher:-Sourav Kumar (IIT MADRAS)
Study and performance enhancement of Low Concentrating Photovoltaic Thermal Solar System for Trigeneration
This research tweaked designs for solar panels that capture sunlight to generate both heat and electricity. They compared different shapes for the sunlight concentrators and how you arrange the heat collector.
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Some concentrators spread the sunlight more evenly, while others capture more overall.
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They found a sweet spot for one design that captures a good amount of sunlight and converts it efficiently to both heat and electricity.
Researcher:- Dunna Ganesh (IIT MADRAS)
Characterization of Energy storage material for thermal application
This research aims to design a high-temp heat storage system for solar power used in industrial processes. They'll pick the best material, integrate it with collectors, and compare its performance to existing systems. This could improve efficiency in factories using solar heat.
Reseacher:- Aditya Kumar Jatav (IIT MADRAS)
Thermal Energy Storage
This research designed a heat storage system for concentrated solar power using special materials that change state to store heat. They looked at how different shapes and layering (cascading) affect how well the system stores heat. Results show shorter charging times and more energy storage with a specific design. Future work will explore optimizing layering and using fins for further improvement.
Reseacher:- RAJA KUMAR (IIT MADRAS)
Space-conditioning of Net-Zero Energy Buildings
This research explores using renewable energy for cooling buildings and powering them with hydrogen. They're looking at using special materials (PCM) for cooling and analyzing a system that combines solar, hydrogen storage and efficient energy use for near-zero energy buildings. This could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve comfort for occupants.
Researcher:- Jabeen Hamza N and Rukhieya Osman (UEL)
Vertical Bifacial Photovoltaic system with zero busbar – testing and manufacturing
This research analyses the performance of a novel solar technology (likely panels or systems) across diverse global locations, ground setups, and economic factors. It will be validated through simulations and real-world testing under various conditions. The goal is to achieve a comprehensive performance report, reduce the cost of electricity production, and provide practical implementation guidelines for urban environments.
Researcher:- Adithia Nayarussery Sunil Deth and Rukhieya Osman (UEL)
Enhancing Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) System Efficiency Using Tesla Valve as Heat Exchanger
This research aims to design a new photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system that uses Tesla valves for improved heat exchange. They will use COMSOL software to simulate the system's performance and identify the optimal design for the Tesla valves to maximize both electricity generation and heat output. Tesla valves are passive (no moving parts) and create turbulence for better heat transfer with lower resistance.
Reseacher:- GAURANG PARMAR and RAFIA MAHMUD(UEL)
Solar technology in EV Vehicle
The goal is to introduce affordable solar-powered cars by 2035, promoting eco-friendly travel and innovation. Using 30% efficient perovskite solar panels on car roofs linked directly to batteries aims to address charging infrastructure, time, and mileage challenges. The timeline includes R&D, marketing, and operational improvements over 12 months for market readiness.
Reseacher:- Prof. B N Rao & Prof. Srinivas Reddy (IIT MADRAS)
Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems for Net Zero Energy in Tropical Climatic Conditions
This research aims to achieve Net Zero Energy (NZE) conditions for buildings in tropical climates using BIPV panels, focusing on Chennai, India. It includes power generation studies of vertically placed PV panels, integration into building walls, fabricating a 1BHK NZE building, comparing horizontal and inclined PV panels, structural integration analysis, life cycle analysis, and cost-benefit analysis for various building types. The study aims to develop a framework for NZE conditions applicable globally and software for location-specific NZE facilitation.