Research projects include solar power initiatives focusing on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) for crop deployment and AI for PV panel soiling reduction. Collaborations with PARC for plant effects and Techno-economic analysis for PV systems. Solar Desalination projects involve multi-stage solar stills and collaboration with Kongju National University. HVAC projects feature ground-source radiant cooling system design and ML predictive models. Geothermal projects analyze feasibility and economics, while industrial projects cover feed water treatment, maintenance management, and circular economy initiatives. Academic responsibilities entail heading the Mechanical Engineering postgraduate program, teaching courses, and coordinating design projects. Additionally, conducted training sessions for K-Electric and Mari Petroleum Company Limited.

1) Updating existing heat exchanger models for the DOE projects to include transient analysis, mechanical and thermal stress considerations, and cost analysis with the help of CMU team.2) Conduct simulations of HVAC duct system performance in conditioned and semi-conditioned space to determine minimum insulation required to prevent water condensation on the duct exterior surface. Determine the impact of insulation levels on the duct system efficiency and uniformity of duct system delivery temperatures. Analyze the impact of emissivity of the outer duct surface on the results.

1) Ph.D. thesis: Research is focused on large diameter low cost shallow bore helical ground heat exchangers (GHE). These GHEs are used for efficient heat pumps to meet heating and cooling loads of residential buildings. Developed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical model which was used to improve simplified Capacitance Resistance Model (CaRM). Model results were validated using experimental data (existing and newly designed test site) in liaison with Frontier Energy group and Integrated Comfort Inc. (Project funded by California Energy Commission). 2) Journal paper: A. Najib, A. Zarrella, V. Narayanan, P. Grant and C. Harrington, "A revised capacitance resistance model for large diameter shallow bore ground heat exchanger," Applied Thermal Energy, vol. 162, 2019. 3) Conference paper based on research presented at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Winter Conference (Jan 2019), Atlanta. Conference Paper Session 9: Ground Source Heat Pumps, from Experimental Applications to Novel Case Studies.4) Detailed multiple GHE field testing along with soil thermal property experiments and analysis was also undertaken. Manuscript based on research has been accepted for ASHRAE Summer Conference, Austin (June 2020). 5) The improved CaRM model was also used to generate dimensionless parameters (g-functions) for modeling helical GHEs. These were successfully incorporated in Energy Plus (building simulation software). Detailed parametric study and optimization (which includes heat pump performance and different climate zones) is also underway. Currently working on two journal papers. Expected to be submitted by March 2019.6) Technical presentation in seminar. “Exergy vs energy efficiency” in track: Seminar 64: Thermodynamics limits of building-part 2. (ASHRAE). Winter Conference (Jan 2019).

1) Develop Performance Test Regimes for all KE stations as per International standards (e.g. ASME PTC). Thus: a) Identify all input parameters and instrumentation required.b) Develop detailed calculation models.c) Conduct these tests at the station level.e) Based on the results of these tests, work with Station teams to identify root causes that affect performance. Recommend actions for improvement (e.g. quantifying the impact of Air Leakage in the Regenerative Air Heater on boiler efficiency for a HFO fired boiler). 2) Supervise the Assistant Managers in collecting, analyzing and monitoring performance data for all KE Stations and IPPs. Guide them for preparing detailed reports for higher management that include both technical (e.g. Heat rate, efficiency, Auxiliary consumption, Load factors, IEEE parameters, Demand & Supply Stats) and financial parameters (e.g. Sent out cost).3) Assist in planning maintenance outages of all stations while considering the Demand & Supply requirements.4) Develop models for projecting HFO consumption on for various scenarios (Gas availability, Unit availability, Electricity Demand). Communicate estimates to Treasury and coordinate ordering.5) Facilitate all routine and on demand Heat rate tests: a) Communicate with 3rd Parties and technically evaluate proposals for on demand tests.b) Coordinate with project team for performance tests prior to PTOC for new generation projects. Ensure that the test procedures adhere to the applicable standards. (E.g. Steam Turbine at KGTPS)6) Supervise data acquisition, processing, analysis and monitoring concerning Turbo-Machinery Vibrations, Boiler Chemistry, Flue Gas, and Plant Operating Parameters. Play lead role for Level 1 to 3 KPI implementation and reporting for generating stations.7) Prepare reports and draft replies against queries from external agencies like NEPRA and GOP8) Assist in coordinating CAPEX & REVEX Budgeting of all Stations.9) Training Anchor for all Stations.

Major responsibilities and deliverables are as follows:1) Develop pre-feasibility studies and reports presenting the value propositions to end users (e.g. Analysis of Methane up-gradation technologies). Assist in conducting biomass feed stock characterization studies and analysis. 2) Independently, scope out, communicate and obtain quotations from various suppliers for project specific technologies. Prepare a technical and economic evaluation for the various options and incorporate them into the Himark patented IMUS package (e.g. drying technologies for a zero effluent project and an an effective odor control system for NEO Energy).3) Develop Preliminary Engineering/ Process design package deliverables:a. Project Management related: Prepare timelines (Gantt charts), work break-down structures, estimation and planning, resource allocation, workflow, quality management and documentation. b. Process related: Carry out detailed analysis and simulation based on ChemCad and Himark excel based models to arrive at a comprehensive model that describes the mass balance, energy balance as well the cash flow and site requirements for a given project. Present the information in the form of Process flow diagrams (PFD) and Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID’s). Develop, in liaison with Process Engineering team, detailed instrument control logics and process control philosophies. Conduct HAZOP studies for the proposed plant design. c. Equipment designing and specification related: Develop detailed specification for pumps, heat exchangers, tanks, pressure vessels, scrubbers, packed columns, strippers, dryers (evaporators, spray dryers etc.), compressors, mixers and blowersd. Computer Aided Designing (CAD) related: Generate 3D models, Plot Plans and Isometrics for the piping and equipment.4) Improving engineering models and project design calculations by incorporating Visual Basic programs, macros and sub-routines within the Himark patented excel based models.

1. Responsible for supervising technicians’ team and Troubleshooting for both corrective and preventive maintenance on equipment on the plant as well as the wellheads such as Ariel compressors, Caterpillar Engines and Jenbacher Engines. Major maintenance activities during training period include two plant shutdowns, CAT engine Top-end overhaul and Rolls Royce Gas Generator half-life overhaul.2. Studied and proposed solutions to Lube Oil degradation and Lacquer formation in the Rolls Royce Gas Turbine Coupling-end bearing. A detailed presentation for the high-level management was prepared and delivered.3. Undertook extensive research on causes of corrosion in amine system and ways to mitigate it.4. Studied and proposed solutions for Jacket water ingress in lube line of Jenbacher Engines and suggested a new method (paper chromatography) for detecting ingresses.5. Undertook extensive study of the vibration encountered at wellheads and identified a list of components most severely affected while highlighting the corrective actions needed. Further study was also suggested.6. Appreciated for outstanding HSE record and initiatives at various HSE sub-committee meetings. Assisted Mechanical Team Leader in implementing CLARA (Checklist Approach for Risk Assessment). 7. Played supporting role for Inspection. Supervised team from M/s SGS in various vessel inspections such as Ultra-sonic thickness measurement, Dye penetrant testing, Magnetic Particle inspection for API fitness for service certifications. Assisted Planning engineer in preparing Work-packs, Job cards, SD timelines & Gantt charts.