Kiran Bhaskar | Energy Storage | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Kiran Bhaskar | Energy Storage | Young Scientist Award

Control Engineer, Wabtec Corporation, United States 

Kiran Bhaskar is a dynamic researcher and engineer with a focus on energy storage and battery health monitoring systems. Currently a Controls Engineer at Wabtec Corporation in Erie, Pennsylvania, he is developing advanced State of Charge (SoC) and State of Health (SoH) estimation techniques for locomotive battery packs. He completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University with a remarkable GPA of 3.98/4, where he also earned his MS in the same field. Kiran holds a B.Tech (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and an M.Tech in Thermal Engineering. He has a strong background in battery modeling, fault diagnosis, and anomaly detection. Throughout his career, Kiran has applied his expertise in various industries, including energy systems, automotive, and logistics. He has won multiple awards for his research and is a leading expert in the field of battery health management. 🔋⚙️

Profile

Education

Kiran Bhaskar is currently pursuing his Ph.D. and MS in Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University (2019-2024), maintaining an impressive GPA of 3.98/4. Before this, he earned a B.Tech (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Operations Research from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras (2013-2018). At IIT Madras, Kiran also completed an M.Tech in Thermal Engineering with a GPA of 8.7/10. He further broadened his academic experience during a semester abroad at the Czech Technical University in Prague (2017), achieving a GPA of 9.56/10. Kiran’s academic journey has been distinguished by excellence in research and practical application, particularly in the areas of battery systems, thermal engineering, and energy management. He has demonstrated remarkable skills in both theoretical modeling and experimental validation across a range of advanced engineering topics. 🎓📚

Awards and Honors

Kiran Bhaskar has received numerous prestigious accolades throughout his academic and professional career. Most notably, he was awarded the Thomas and June Beaver Award (2024) for outstanding industrially-sponsored research at The Pennsylvania State University. He was recognized as an ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Division Rising Star at the 2023 Modeling, Estimation, and Control Conference. He has also been a finalist for multiple Energy Systems Best Paper Awards at the 2024 Modeling, Estimation, and Control Conference and the American Control Conference. Kiran’s poster presentations have earned him first runner-up honors at IndustryXchange 2022 and 2023 in the “Digital Connectivity” and “Technologies for the Built Environment” sessions. His academic performance was acknowledged with the Prime Minister’s Scholarship and securing a 99.86 percentile rank in the IIT-JEE Advanced Entrance Examination. His contributions to battery health and anomaly detection continue to be recognized in both industry and academia. 🏆📜

Research Focus

Kiran Bhaskar’s research focuses primarily on advanced energy systems, specifically lithium-ion battery health management, fault diagnosis, and optimization. His doctoral work has contributed significantly to the modeling of battery performance degradation, particularly the aging and heterogeneity-induced capacity loss in parallel-connected cells. Kiran has developed innovative techniques for detecting anomalies, including using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for fault detection and sensor signal reconstruction. His work also includes the development of state estimation methods for monitoring battery State of Charge (SoC), State of Health (SoH), and energy management in large battery packs. In addition, Kiran has made strides in post-damage short circuit detection and the development of model-based internal short circuit detection algorithms. His research bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications, enhancing energy efficiency and safety in battery-powered systems, including locomotives and electric vehicles. He continues to push the boundaries of control systems and battery diagnostics. 🔋🔧💡

Publications

  • Data-driven thermal anomaly detection in large battery packs – K. Bhaskar et al. (2023) 🛠️📊
  • State of Charge and State of Health estimation in large lithium-ion battery packs – K. Bhaskar et al. (2023) 🔋💡
  • Detecting synthetic anomalies using median-based residuals in lithium-ion cell groups – K. Bhaskar et al. (2022) 📉⚠️
  • Detection of engine knock using speed oscillations in a single-cylinder spark-ignition engine – K. Bhaskar et al. (2019) 🔧🚗
  • Heterogeneity-induced power and capacity loss in parallel-connected cells – K. Bhaskar et al. (2024) ⚡🔋
  • Short Circuit Estimation in Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Moving Horizon Estimation – J. Moon, K. Bhaskar et al. (2024) ⚡🔍
  • Post-Damage Short Circuit Detection in Lithium-ion Batteries – K. Bhaskar et al. (2024) ⚡🔎
  • Faulty sensor signal reconstruction in Li-ion battery packs – K. Bhaskar et al. (2024) 🛠️💻
  • Anomaly diagnosis and health monitoring of lithium-ion battery packs – K. Bhaskar (2024) 🧐

Muhammad Yasir Ali Khan | Power system | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Yasir Ali Khan | Power system | Best Researcher Award

Post Doctoral Fellow , Hohai University , China

Muhammad Yasir Ali Khan is a Post Doctorate Research Fellow at Hohai University, China, specializing in Electrical Engineering, particularly in Microgrids and Power Electronics. Born on March 13, 1992, in Pakistan, he has a strong academic and professional background in electrical engineering with expertise in power systems, renewable energy, and energy storage technologies. His work combines theoretical research with practical applications, aiming to develop efficient, sustainable, and resilient power systems. Muhammad has contributed to numerous high-impact research papers and has an international academic and industry experience. He is dedicated to advancing the field of energy engineering through his innovative research, contributing to the global transition to renewable energy solutions.

Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Strong Academic Background:
    • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Hohai University, with a focus on Microgrids and Power Electronics.
    • M.S. and B.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Power Electronics and Human Machine Interface, showcasing a solid foundational knowledge in electrical engineering.
  2. Research Contributions and Publications:
    • Muhammad Yasir Ali Khan has contributed to various high-impact research papers in reputable journals like IEEE Access, Journal of Energy Storage, and IET Renewable Power Generation.
    • His research topics are cutting-edge, with contributions in areas like Microgrids, Power Electronics, Hybrid AC/DC Microgrids, Maximum Power Extraction in Photovoltaic Systems, and Sustainable Alternatives to SF6 in High Voltage Applications.
    • He has co-authored review articles and original research papers, demonstrating his ability to synthesize existing knowledge and advance new findings.
  3. Citations and Impact:
    • His papers have received a respectable number of citations, reflecting the relevance and impact of his research in the field. For instance, his paper on “Distributed Secondary Control for Islanded Microgrids” has garnered 3 citations since publication, indicating interest from the research community.
    • Another paper on maximum power extraction methods in photovoltaic systems has received 9 citations, highlighting the significance of his work in renewable energy.
  4. Interdisciplinary Expertise:
    • His research spans multiple aspects of electrical engineering, from power systems to renewable energy technologies like photovoltaics. He also explores the integration of advanced control strategies in microgrids, indicating his ability to tackle complex, interdisciplinary problems.
    • The inclusion of innovative topics such as sustainable materials in high-voltage applications (e.g., the SF6 alternative paper) demonstrates his foresight in tackling global challenges in energy systems.
  5. Leadership and Collaboration:
    • His role as a Research Assistant at COMSATS University and as a Post Doctorate Research Fellow at Hohai University demonstrates leadership qualities, including teamwork, problem-solving, and technical writing.
    • His collaborative efforts with other researchers, particularly in joint papers, highlight his strong communication and teamwork skills.
  6. Global Exposure and Contribution:
    • Muhammad has international experience, having worked in China at Hohai University and his prior experience in Pakistan with Bahria Town Private Limited. This international exposure is beneficial for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaborating on global research efforts.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Further Increase in Citation Impact:
    • While his research has garnered citations, the overall citation count could be improved. Increased visibility of his work could come from publishing in even higher-impact journals or contributing to more widely-cited reviews and seminal papers.
  2. Broader Research Network:
    • Building a broader network of collaborators across different regions or institutions could further elevate his visibility in the research community and open new avenues for cross-disciplinary collaborations.
  3. Outreach and Dissemination:
    • There may be opportunities to engage more with industry, presenting his research at major conferences or writing white papers that are more accessible to a broader audience. This could further enhance the practical application of his work, particularly in areas like microgrid systems and power electronics.
  4. Diversity in Research Topics:
    • While his focus on microgrids and power electronics is well-defined, exploring additional emerging topics (e.g., artificial intelligence in power systems, grid resilience, or energy storage technologies) could enhance his research portfolio and help stay ahead of the curve in these rapidly developing fields.

Education 

Muhammad Yasir Ali Khan completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Hohai University, China, specializing in Microgrids and Power Electronics (2019–2023). He also holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan, where he focused on Power Electronics (2016–2018). Muhammad completed his Bachelor’s in Electrical (Electronics) Engineering from COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pakistan, with research in Human-Machine Interfaces (2010–2014). His academic journey has been marked by rigorous research in energy systems, with a strong foundation in electronics and electrical engineering principles. During his doctoral studies, he developed expertise in the integration of renewable energy systems, advanced control methods, and microgrid technologies. His educational background, along with his research experience, has equipped him with the skills to address complex energy challenges and contribute to the development of sustainable power systems.

Experience 

Muhammad Yasir Ali Khan has accumulated valuable experience in both academic research and industry. As a Post Doctorate Research Fellow at Hohai University, he is engaged in advanced research in Microgrids and Power Electronics. Prior to this, he worked as a Research Assistant at COMSATS University Islamabad, where he contributed to projects in Power Electronics and Energy Systems (2018-2019). His industry experience includes roles as a Test Engineer (Protection) and Technical Officer at Bahria Town Private Limited, where he worked on high-voltage electrical grid stations (220/132 kV) and security systems (2014–2015). These roles allowed him to apply his technical knowledge in practical settings, further enriching his research and development capabilities. Muhammad’s academic and industry experiences enable him to bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications, particularly in renewable energy integration and microgrid systems.

Research Focus 

Muhammad Yasir Ali Khan’s research primarily focuses on Microgrids, Power Electronics, and Renewable Energy Systems. His work aims to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of energy systems through advanced control strategies and power electronics technologies. Key areas of his research include the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power into microgrids, the development of hybrid AC/DC systems, and advanced power conversion techniques for optimal energy management. His research also explores energy storage solutions, such as carbon and metal-organic framework materials, for enhancing grid stability and performance. Additionally, he investigates communication delays and secondary control schemes for islanded and grid-connected microgrids. His work on sustainable dielectric mixtures as alternatives to SF6 gas in high-voltage applications further underscores his commitment to advancing eco-friendly solutions in power systems. Muhammad’s research aims to contribute to the global shift towards sustainable, smart, and resilient energy systems.

Publications 

  1. “A comprehensive review on recent advancements in new carbon and metal-organic framework-based energy storage materials and devices” 🌱⚡
  2. “Distributed secondary frequency control scheme with A-symmetric time-varying communication delays and switching topology” 🔄🕒
  3. “Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid: Systematic Evaluation of Interlinking Converters, Control Strategies, and Protection Schemes: A Review” 🔌⚙️
  4. “Distributed Secondary Control for Islanded Microgrids Considering Communication Delays” 🌐⚡
  5. “Hybrid Maximum Power Extraction Methods for Photovoltaic Systems: A Comprehensive Review” ☀️🔋
  6. “A unified distributed hierarchical control of a microgrid operating in islanded and grid-connected modes” 🌍🔌
  7. “Dichlorodifluoromethane-carbon dioxide: A dielectric mixture as a sustainable alternative to SF6 in high-voltage applications” 💨⚡
  8. “Distributed hierarchical control strategy for multi-bus AC microgrid to achieve seamless synchronization” 🔗🔋
  9. “Design and Performance Evaluation of a Step-Up DC–DC Converter with Dual Loop Controllers for Two Stages Grid Connected PV Inverter” 🔌🌞
  10. “Design of a multiport bidirectional DC-DC converter for low-power PV applications” ⚡🔄

Conclusion

Muhammad Yasir Ali Khan is a highly promising researcher with a robust academic background and significant contributions to the fields of microgrids, power electronics, and renewable energy systems. His strong publication record, the relevance of his research topics, and his leadership abilities position him as an excellent candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.By enhancing his citation impact and continuing to expand his research network and outreach efforts, Muhammad can further strengthen his position as a leading expert in his field. His work already has a solid foundation, and with continued effort, he is likely to make even more substantial contributions to the advancement of electrical engineering and energy systems.

Muthukumaran Balakrishnan | Renewable | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muthukumaran Balakrishnan | Renewable | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Presidency College (Autonomous), India

Dr. B. Muthukumaran is an accomplished Associate Professor at Presidency College, Chennai, with over 30 years of experience in chemistry research and teaching. He has supervised numerous PhD and MPhil candidates and holds several prestigious academic positions, including being a member of the University of Madras Senate and Dean of Science. Dr. Muthukumaran has received multiple awards for his teaching excellence and contributions to research.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education:

Dr. Muthukumaran earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Annamalai University in 1995. Prior to that, he completed his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Chemistry from Bharathidasan University in 1990 and 1988, respectively.

👨‍🏫 Experience:

With a teaching experience spanning 27 years across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Dr. Muthukumaran has dedicated three decades to research, focusing extensively on catalysis and fuel cell technologies. He has successfully completed several research projects funded by DST, UGC, and TANSCHE, showcasing his expertise in electrochemical processes and catalytic materials.

🔬 Research Interests:

Dr. Muthukumaran’s research interests include membraneless fuel cells, electrochemical catalysis, and advanced materials for energy applications. His current projects explore major funding areas like DST-SERB-SURE, aiming to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of energy conversion devices.

🏆 Awards:

Dr. Muthukumaran has been recognized with the Dr. Radhakrishnan Teaching Excellence Award in 2018 and a Teaching Excellence Award in 2022 for his outstanding contributions to academia and research leadership.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

Dr. Muthukumaran has authored over 54 research articles published in Scopus-indexed international journals, with notable contributions in electrochemistry, catalysis, and energy materials. His works have garnered 268 citations, reflecting their impact and relevance in the scientific community.

 

Synergistic nanocomposite polymer electrolytes for advanced all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2024. (I.F – 8.1)

Enhanced ethylene glycol oxidation in membraneless fuel cells: Comparative analysis of nickel alloy nanocatalysts, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2024. (I.F – 8.1)

Lithium perborate‑based composite polymer electrolytes for all‑solid‑state lithium‑ion batteries: performance enhancement and stability, Ionics, 2024. (I.F – 2.8)

Crafting high-performance polymer-integrated solid electrolyte for solid state sodium ion batteries, Energy Storage, 2024. (I.F – 3.4)

Membraneless ethanol fuel cell Pt–Sn–Re nano active catalyst on a mesoporous carbon support, RSC Advances, 2024. (I.F – 4.0)

Enhanced membraneless fuel cells by electrooxidation of ethylene glycol with a nanostructured cobalt metal catalyst, Environmental Research, 2023. (I.F – 8.4)

Evaluation of iron-based alloy nanocatalysts for the electrooxidation of ethylene glycol in membraneless fuel cells, Fuel, 2022. (I.F – 6.6)

Enhanced electrochemical performance of Pt-Sn-In/C nanoparticles for membraneless fuel cells, Chemical Papers, 2021. (I.F – 2.1)

Optimizing parameters for remediating Cr(VI) contaminated groundwater using electrocoagulation process, Asian Journal of Chemistry, 2021. (I.F – 4.8)