Dr. Luca Socci – Energy and Environmental Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luca Socci - Energy and Environmental Engineering - Best Researcher Award

University of Florence - Department of Industrial Engineering - Italy

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🌍 Early academic pursuits

Luca Socci  in florence, italy. his academic journey began with a deep passion for environmental engineering, leading him to pursue higher education at the university of florence. he completed his bachelor's degree in environmental engineering with honors, demonstrating early excellence in thermodynamics and heat transfer. his thesis focused on calibrating instruments for temperature monitoring in an ejector refrigeration cycle prototype, laying the foundation for his expertise in energy-efficient cooling systems. his outstanding academic performance continued into his master’s degree, where he graduated with top honors, further refining his research on efficient data center cooling solutions.

💡 Professional endeavors

As a funded researcher at the thermo group – department of industrial engineering (dief) at the university of florence, luca has been at the forefront of advancing thermodynamics and heat transfer applications. he transitioned seamlessly from academia to research, first as a doctoral student and later as a funded researcher. his work has been instrumental in optimizing hvac systems, particularly in desiccant devices and evaporative cooling technologies. he has actively contributed to educational programs, mentoring students and supporting courses in applied thermodynamics, energy efficiency, and hvac systems for industrial and civil applications.

🌐 Contributions and research focus

Luca’s research has significantly contributed to the understanding and enhancement of heat and mass transfer processes, focusing on sustainable energy solutions. his studies encompass Energy and Environmental Engineering hvac energy optimization, air disinfection methods, building energy efficiency, and the environmental impact of energy systems. he has made notable advances in humidification-dehumidification desalination systems, integrating innovative cooling technologies to boost performance. his numerical simulations and optimization models have provided new insights into efficient hvac equipment design, ensuring improved indoor air quality and energy sustainability.

🌟 Accolades and recognition

Luca’s academic excellence has been evident since his early years, earning him top honors in both his bachelor's and master’s degrees. his research work has been recognized through funding awards, allowing him to further explore groundbreaking developments in thermodynamics. his dedication to education and research has made him a valued member of the university of Energy and Environmental Engineering florence’s scientific community, where he has co-supervised multiple bachelor’s and master’s theses, shaping the next generation of energy engineers.

💪 Impact and influence

Through his innovative research, luca has played a crucial role in advancing sustainable hvac technologies, leading to practical applications that reduce energy consumption and enhance Energy and Environmental Engineering indoor air quality. his contributions to numerical simulations have influenced the design of more efficient cooling and ventilation systems, particularly in data centers, where energy efficiency is paramount. his collaborative efforts with students and researchers have fostered a culture of knowledge-sharing and scientific curiosity in the field of thermodynamics.

🏆 Legacy and future contributions

With a strong foundation in environmental engineering and thermodynamics, luca’s research continues to shape the future of energy-efficient technologies. his ongoing projects in hvac system optimization and desalination systems energy efficiency promise to deliver impactful advancements in the field. as he progresses in his career, his commitment to sustainable energy solutions and innovative research methodologies will leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that his work benefits both academia and industry for years to come.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Desiccant thermally controlled dehumidification in HVAC systems: Energy and exergy analysis, evaluation of different materials
    Author(s): Luca Socci, Andrea Rocchetti, Martina Lippi, Federica Savelli, Antonio Verzino, Andrea Zini, Lorenzo Talluri, Giampaolo Manfrida, Lorenzo Ciappi
    Journal: Journal of Building Engineering

  • Title: Scenarios for the energy renovation of a residential building
    Author(s): Guglielmo Malevolti, Andrea Rocchetti, Luca Socci
    Journal: E3S Web of Conferences

  • Title: Ceramic Air-to-Air Recuperator for energy recovery in HVAC systems: CFD analysis and comparison with experimental tests
    Author(s): Luca Socci, Javier M. Rey-Hernandez, Andrea Rocchetti, Alberto Rey-Hernandez, Francisco J. Rey-Martínez
    Journal: Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments

  • Title: Enhancing third-generation district heating networks with data centre waste heat recovery: analysis of a case study in Italy
    Author(s): Luca Socci, Andrea Rocchetti, Antonio Verzino, Andrea Zini, Lorenzo Talluri
    Journal: Energy

  • Title: Exploiting the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology for green hydrogen production and storage: Exergo-economic analysis
    Author(s): Lorenzo Ciappi, Luca Socci, Mattia Calabrese, Chiara Di Francesco, Federica Savelli, Giampaolo Manfrida, Andrea Rocchetti, Lorenzo Talluri, Daniele Fiaschi
    Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Mr. Sathiesh Kumar N – Energy – Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Sathiesh Kumar N - Energy - Best Researcher Award 

Karpagam Academy of Higher Educationn - India  

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🎓 Early academic pursuits

Sathiesh Kumar n began his academic journey with a strong passion for engineering and technology. Energy he completed his diploma in mechanical engineering (dme) from p a polytechnic college, pollachi in 2011, securing an impressive 90.12%. his exceptional academic performance and enthusiasm for the field encouraged him to pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering (b.e.) from p a college of engineering and technology, pollachi under anna university. he successfully completed his graduation in 2014 with a remarkable cgpa of 8.44. with a keen interest in energy engineering, he further pursued his master's degree in energy engineering (m.e.) from psg college of technology, coimbatore under anna university, achieving a cgpa of 7.51 in 2016. his academic foundation equipped him with a solid understanding of thermal engineering and energy systems, shaping his career towards sustainable energy solutions.

💼 Professional endeavors

Following his post-graduation, sathiesh kumar n began his professional career as an assistant professor in the department of mechanical engineering at coimbatore institute of engineering and technology. during his tenure from july 2016 to april 2017, he actively contributed to academic growth by handling core subjects like fluid mechanics, engineering thermodynamics, and heat Energy power engineering. his ability to deliver technical knowledge with clarity and precision made him a dedicated educator. later, he joined karpagam academy of higher education in june 2017 as an assistant professor in the mechanical engineering department. with over three years of teaching experience, he has been a driving force in enhancing students' practical and theoretical knowledge in the domain of thermal and energy engineering. his commitment to fostering academic excellence and guiding aspiring engineers has significantly influenced the academic community.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Sathiesh Kumar n has made notable contributions in the field of thermal and energy engineering through his impactful research. his primary research focus revolves around renewable energy, biofuels, and combustion studies. he has extensively worked on evaluating the performance and emission characteristics of diesel engines using biofuels such as jatropha and pongamia Energy (karanja) mixed bio-oil. his innovative approach towards sustainable fuel solutions has brought valuable insights into alternative energy resources. his areas of expertise also include heat and mass transfer, advanced manufacturing processes, and thermal power engineering. with his deep interest in energy conservation and renewable energy, he continues to explore new dimensions in reducing environmental pollution through cleaner fuel technologies.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Sathiesh Kumar n's outstanding research contributions have been recognized through his publication in a reputable scientific journal. he published a technical journal titled “emission evaluation on 3-hole and 4-hole nozzle diesel engine with jatropha and pongamia (karanja) mixed bio-oil” in the sustainable environment research journal (springer) in 2019. the Energy article, co-authored with renowned researchers, gained significant recognition in the field of biofuel and green energy. his ability to bridge theoretical research with practical applications has earned him appreciation among his peers and academic community.

🌍 Impact and influence

Through his dedicated teaching and impactful research, sathiesh kumar n has influenced numerous students and young researchers in the field of mechanical and energy engineering. his practical teaching approach and hands-on laboratory sessions have equipped students with real-world engineering knowledge. by incorporating advanced topics such as heat power Energy engineering, thermal energy systems, and fluid mechanics, he has contributed to building a strong foundation for future mechanical engineers. his research on biofuels has also promoted environmental sustainability, encouraging the adoption of alternative energy resources for a cleaner future.

🏗 Legacy and future contributions

Sathiesh Kumar n's continuous efforts in teaching, research, and technological advancement are paving the way for sustainable engineering solutions. he aspires to further expand his research horizon in renewable energy, combustion systems, and biofuels to address global energy challenges. his future endeavors aim at contributing towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy through innovative research. as an academician and researcher, he remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers and fostering sustainable technological developments. his legacy in the field of energy engineering will continue to make a significant impact on society.

Notable Publications 

  1. Title: Thermodynamic study of improved cooling in solar photovoltaic cells using nanofluids with graphite-doped titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide
    Author(s): N. Sathiesh Kumar, Debabrata Barik, Kapura Tudu, Seepana Praveenkumar, Milon Selvam Dennison, Talib K. Ibrahim
    Journal: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 2025

  2. Title: Enhancing the Production Yield of Jatropha and Pongamia Oil‐Based Biodiesel by Introducing Nanocatalyst
    Author(s): Sathiesh Kumar Nagaraj, Paranthaman Ponnusamy, P. M. Gopal, Huu Tap Van, Lan Huong Nguyen, Sadib Bin Kabir, Balasubramani Ravindran
    Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials, 2022

  3. Title: Characterization of aluminium hybrid composite reinforced with bagasse ash and graphite processed through squeeze casting
    Author(s): Sathiesh Kumar Nagaraj
    Journal: Journal of Critical Reviews, 2020

  4. Title: Evaluation of emission in a diesel engine with neem and pongamia (Karanja) mixed bio oil using 3-hole and 4-hole nozzle
    Author(s): Sathiesh Kumar Nagaraj
    Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings, 2020

  5. Title: Fabrication and characterization of Al7075/RHA/Mica composite by squeeze casting
    Author(s): Sathiesh Kumar Nagaraj
    Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings, 2020

Mr. Nikhil Dilip Pawar – Decarbonization of industry – Best Researcher Award

DLR - Germany

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🌱 Early academic pursuits

Nikhil Dilip Pawar’s journey into the field of sustainable engineering began with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering. he later pursued a master's degree in renewable energies at the technical university of berlin, which marked a significant shift towards addressing global environmental challenges. during his academic training, nikhil honed his expertise in renewable energy systems and explored innovative methods to integrate sustainability into industrial processes.

🏭 Professional endeavors

Currently serving as a scientific researcher at the german aerospace center (dlr), nikhil has played a pivotal role in projects aimed at decarbonizing the fertilizer industry. his work has included exploring renewable energy-driven solutions for nitrogenous fertilizer production and sustainable water management strategies. as part of his professional journey, he contributed to projects like the eu horizon 2020 “zero brine” project and collaborated with iFOREST in india to provide actionable insights for policy reforms.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Nikhil’s research primarily revolves around the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries, particularly the fertilizer sector. he has delved into green ammonia production and renewable-based desalination processes, emphasizing minimum liquid discharge strategies. his recent studies have focused on identifying flexibility options for desalination plants to complement Decarbonization of industry variable renewable energy sources, thereby reducing reliance on costly battery storage systems. these efforts align with a broader vision of integrating circular economy principles into industrial practices.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Nikhil’s research contributions have garnered attention in the academic and policy-making spheres. his paper on green ammonia production has achieved a high citation index of 1.737 on scopus, reflecting its impact within the scientific community. his expertise has also been sought for consultancy and collaboration projects, underlining his growing influence in the field of Decarbonization of industry sustainable industry practices.

🌍 Impact and influence

Through his collaborative work, nikhil has directly influenced policy recommendations for india’s transition to sustainable urea production. his actionable reports and scenario modeling have provided valuable insights into economic and environmental trade-offs, paving the way for a greener industrial landscape. his efforts underscore the critical role of renewable energy and Decarbonization of industry water resource management in achieving global sustainability goals.

🔄 Legacy and future contributions

Nikhil’s work represents a significant step toward realizing a carbon-neutral future for energy-intensive industries. by bridging the gap between research and policy, he is creating a legacy of actionable solutions that prioritize environmental and economic sustainability. moving forward, nikhil aims to expand his focus on integrating advanced technologies and fostering international collaborations to accelerate the transition to sustainable industrial practices.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Decarbonization of Urea Production in India and its Impact on Water Withdrawal and Costs: A Cost Optimization Approach
    Author(s): Nikhil Dilip Pawar; Kunal Singhal; Chandra Bhushan; Thomas Pregger; Patrick Jochem
    Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
  • Title: Valorization of coal mine effluents — Challenges and economic opportunities
    Author(s): Nikhil Dilip Pawar; Steve Harris; Krzysztof Mitko; Gijsbert Korevaar
    Journal: Water Resources and Industry
  • Title: Potential of green ammonia production in India
    Author(s): Nikhil Dilip Pawar; Heidi Ursula Heinrichs; Christoph Winkler; Philipp-Matthias Heuser; Severin D. Ryberg; Martin Robinius; Detlef Stolten
    Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Dr. Peng Chen – Energy transition and storage – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Peng Chen - Energy transition and storage - Best Researcher Award

Tongren University -China

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🎓 Early academic pursuits

Peng Chen, born in november 1988, embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry. he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from qinghai normal university in 2010. his passion for inorganic chemistry led him to pursue a master’s degree at yunnan university, where he deepened his knowledge and research skills. motivated by a desire to contribute to materials engineering, peng chen pursued his ph.d. at northeastern university. his doctoral studies were enriched by international experiences as a visiting ph.d. student at nanjing tech university and georgia institute of technology, where he gained exposure to cutting-edge research in metallurgy and materials engineering.

💼 Professional endeavors

peng chen’s career in academia began in 2014 when he joined tongren university as a lecturer. his dedication to teaching and research quickly propelled him to the position of associate professor by 2022. throughout his career, he has been actively involved in several research projects, focusing on the development of advanced materials for energy storage and environmental applications. his work at tongren university has been supported by significant funding from the natural science foundation of guizhou province and the thousands talent program of guizhou province, where he served as the principal investigator.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

peng chen’s research is primarily centered on the development of innovative materials for energy storage, particularly in the field of zinc-ion Energy transition and storage batteries. at nanjing tech university, under the supervision of professor yuping wu, he worked on modifying zinc anodes for high-energy aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries. his time as a visiting ph.d. student at georgia institute of technology under professor nian liu further enhanced his expertise in this area. he contributed to pioneering research on nanoscale carbon shells inspired by pomegranates and the performance of zinc metal anodes with electron-conductive polymer coatings. his work also extended to the design of flexible energy storage devices and the development of self-healing liquid metals for silicon anodes.

🏅 Accolades and recognition

peng chen’s research achievements have been recognized with various awards and grants, reflecting his contributions to the field of materials engineering. his successful acquisition of funding from prestigious programs such as the natural science foundation of guizhou province and the thousands talent program of guizhou province highlights his standing as a leading researcher in his field. his work has been instrumental in Energy transition and storage advancing the understanding and development of materials for energy storage and environmental protection.

🌍 Impact and influence

peng chen’s research has had a significant impact on the scientific community, particularly in the field of energy storage. his work on zinc-ion batteries and advanced materials has not only contributed to academic knowledge but also holds potential for real-world applications in Energy transition and storage sustainable energy solutions. his research on the quantitative analysis of heavy metals in gastrodia elata and the adsorbing performance of metal-organic frameworks (mofs) for nitrogen and sulfur oxides has further expanded the applications of his work into environmental protection.

🔧 Legacy and future contributions

looking forward, peng chen’s legacy is likely to be marked by his innovative contributions to materials engineering and his commitment to advancing sustainable technologies. his ongoing research at tongren university continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of energy storage and environmental protection. as he continues to mentor the next generation of scientists, his influence will extend beyond his own research, shaping the future of materials engineering for years to come.

Notable Publications