Tag: Renewable Energy

Kotla Rahul Wilson, Renewable Energy, Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Kotla Rahul Wilson: Assistant Professor, Department of EEE at Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (Deemed to be University), Deshmukhi, Hyderabad, India

Article Details

This research addresses the operational challenges emerging from the rapid integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy into modern power grids, such as peak-load surges, voltage instability, and quality degradation. The hybrid framework combines Adversarial Reinforcement Learning (ARL) and Dynamic Grey Wolf Optimization (DGWO) within a multi-agent environment. Each agent—including EVs, charging stations, renewable generators, and the grid operator—acts autonomously while interacting with others to optimize overall system performance. The paper provides a comprehensive methodology, simulation setup, and quantitative validation of the framework’s effectiveness.

Novelty

The approach is innovative in its dual-layer intelligence: ARL enables agents to learn resilient strategies under uncertain and dynamic demand conditions, while DGWO adaptively fine-tunes control parameters for convergence speed and stability. This combination of adversarial learning and evolutionary optimization in a cooperative multi-agent system has not been explored previously in EV-grid integration research. Additionally, the method addresses both operational efficiency and grid reliability simultaneously, rather than focusing on only one aspect.

Impact

Simulation results indicate measurable benefits across multiple dimensions: peak demand dropped by 21%, renewable energy utilization increased by 18%, EV waiting times fell by 22%, and economic profitability rose by 15% compared to GA, PSO, GWO, and standard RL approaches. Voltage deviation remained within ±3%, power factor exceeded 0.97, and total harmonic distortion stayed below 4%, showing that the framework maintains high power quality. These improvements suggest the system could meaningfully reduce energy costs, enhance grid stability, and promote EV adoption.

Originality

The originality comes from treating each entity in the smart grid as an adaptive, self-learning agent capable of cooperation and competition. EVs optimize charging schedules, renewable units manage generation, and the grid operator balances supply and demand in real time. The adversarial component simulates competitive scenarios to make agents robust against fluctuations, while DGWO ensures rapid convergence of control parameters. This layered intelligence approach is a fresh perspective compared to conventional centralized or single-algorithm control methods.

Experimental Rigor

The authors performed simulations on a renewable-integrated microgrid, systematically comparing their ARL–DGWO approach with traditional Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), and standalone Reinforcement Learning (RL) methods. They assessed peak load, EV waiting time, renewable energy utilization, voltage deviation, power factor, THD, and profitability. The framework consistently satisfied IEEE 519/1547 standards, demonstrating robust evaluation and high experimental rigor.

Sustainability Impact

By promoting higher renewable energy utilization and minimizing peak demand, the framework supports cleaner energy use and reduces dependence on fossil-fuel-based peaking plants. Lower EV waiting times enhance user experience, encouraging EV adoption, which indirectly contributes to reduced transportation emissions. The system’s design aligns with sustainable energy goals by integrating renewables efficiently and maintaining grid reliability.

Applicability

The ARL–DGWO framework is highly adaptable and scalable, making it suitable for microgrids, smart cities, and utility-level grids with high EV penetration. Its multi-agent architecture allows decentralized, real-time decision-making, which is essential for dynamic urban energy networks. Moreover, the approach can be extended to include other distributed energy resources, demand response programs, or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operations, offering broad applicability in future smart grid scenarios.

Strengths for the Young Researcher Award:

1. Academic Excellence and Strong Educational Foundation

Dr. Wilson has demonstrated consistent academic excellence from his early education through Ph.D. His achievements include a B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, M.Tech in Power Electronics, and a Ph.D. with a Pre-Ph.D. SGPA of 9.5. This solid foundation in power systems, renewable energy, and electrical engineering equips him with deep theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, enabling innovative research in smart grids and EV infrastructure.

2. Innovative Research Contributions

He has made significant contributions in AI-enabled smart grids, photovoltaic grid-tied systems, EV charging infrastructure, and resilient energy management strategies. His work combines adversarial reinforcement learning, evolutionary optimization, and real-time energy control to address contemporary challenges in renewable-integrated microgrids. This originality and relevance underscore his potential as a leading young researcher.

3. Publication Record and Scholarly Impact

Dr. Wilson has a growing and visible research impact, with over a dozen high-impact publications, multiple patents, and active participation in conferences. He has 96 citations (81 since 2021), an h-index of 7, and an i10-index of 4, reflecting both the quality and relevance of his work in the global electrical engineering community. His editorial roles and reviewer contributions further enhance his academic credibility.

4. Teaching, Mentorship, and Leadership Skills

Alongside research, Dr. Wilson has demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has guided student projects, designed curricula, and contributed to departmental administration, including accreditation activities (NBA/NAAC). His ability to combine research innovation with educational leadership shows versatility and strong mentorship capabilities.

5. Recognition, Professional Engagement, and Future Potential

He has been recognized as an Assistant Professor by JNTUH, appointed as a Ph.D. supervisor, and serves on editorial boards of international journals. Memberships in professional societies like IAENG and Soft Computing Research Society, along with certified courses from NPTEL and Springer Nature, highlight his proactive professional development.

Dr. Kotla Rahul Wilson is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering with over eight years of teaching and research experience in power electronics, renewable energy systems, and smart grids. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Tech in Power Electronics and has consistently demonstrated excellence in both academic and research domains. His work spans photovoltaic grid-tied systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, intelligent energy management, and sustainable power systems. Dr. Wilson has contributed significantly to the academic community through high-impact publications, multiple patents, and active participation in national and international conferences. Beyond research, he is deeply committed to mentoring students, fostering innovation, and advancing interdisciplinary collaborations in emerging energy technologies.

Online Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Rahul Wilson maintains a strong digital academic presence through Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ORCID, and VIDWAN. He has accumulated 96 citations overall (81 since 2021), an h-index of 7, and an i10-index of 4, demonstrating the visibility and impact of his work in renewable energy and smart grid systems. He serves as an editorial board member of Scientific Reports (Springer Nature) and reviews for numerous SCI-E and Scopus-indexed journals and IEEE conferences. His profiles reflect sustained research productivity, international collaborations, and active engagement in mentoring and peer review, establishing him as a recognized contributor to the global electrical engineering community.

Education

Dr. Rahul Wilson’s academic journey demonstrates a strong and focused specialization in electrical and power systems. He completed his Ph.D. coursework at Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research with a Pre-Ph.D. SGPA of 9.5, emphasizing advanced power electronics and renewable energy integration. Prior to this, he earned his M.Tech in Power Electronics and B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, achieving top grades throughout. He also holds a Diploma in EEE and an SSC certificate, reflecting a consistent record of academic excellence. His educational foundation has equipped him with a deep understanding of both theoretical principles and practical applications in energy systems and electrical engineering.

Research Focus

Dr. Wilson’s research focuses on the design, modeling, and control of photovoltaic grid-tied systems, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, smart microgrids, and power quality improvement. He is particularly interested in integrating artificial intelligence, evolutionary algorithms, and resilient control strategies for distributed energy resources. His work emphasizes techno-economic optimization, grid stability, real-time energy management, and adaptive systems for renewable energy integration. Through his research, he aims to develop sustainable, efficient, and intelligent solutions for next-generation energy systems that can meet the growing global demand for clean energy.

Experience

Dr. Rahul Wilson has served in diverse academic and leadership roles across reputed institutions, including Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research, Malla Reddy Engineering College for Women, Ellenki College of Engineering and Technology, and Dr. Samuel George Institute of Engineering & Technology. His roles span Assistant Professor, Head of Department, Teaching Assistant, and Full-Time Research Scholar. He has experience in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, curriculum design, student mentoring, research supervision, departmental administration, and accreditation activities (NBA/NAAC). His professional journey reflects a blend of academic excellence, research innovation, and institutional leadership, demonstrating his commitment to advancing education and research in electrical engineering.

Research Timeline & Activities

Since 2018, Dr. Rahul Wilson has engaged in intensive research while actively teaching, resulting in over a dozen high-impact journal publications, multiple patents, and conference papers. His research timeline reflects progression from simulation modeling of PV systems to AI-enabled smart grid applications and resilient EV charging strategies. He has been involved in real-time hardware simulations, development of novel MPPT algorithms, and techno-economic studies for energy systems. Additionally, he has contributed as a reviewer and editorial board member for top journals, organized workshops, and guided student research, underscoring his active involvement in shaping the next generation of electrical engineering research.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Wilson has been recognized as an Assistant Professor by JNTUH and appointed as a Ph.D. supervisor at Annamacharya University, highlighting his academic credibility and research mentorship. He serves as an editorial board member of Scientific Reports and as a reviewer for multiple international journals and IEEE conferences. He has completed prestigious certified courses from NPTEL, Springer Nature, and Web of Science Academy, and is a member of professional societies such as IAENG and the Soft Computing Research Society. These honors reflect his excellence in teaching, research, peer-review contributions, and professional engagement in the global engineering community.

Top Noted Publication

Dr. Rahul Wilson’s top publications include his recent work in Scientific Reports (Springer Nature) on AI-enabled multi-objective planning for solar-integrated electric vehicle charging infrastructure and Lyapunov-validated active-reactive power coordination for photovoltaic systems. These studies have advanced knowledge in smart grids, renewable energy integration, and resilient power system operation. His other highly cited works include novel MPPT algorithms, ultracapacitor-based UPQC designs, and AI-driven real-time energy trading strategies in smart grids. Collectively, his publications demonstrate innovation, technical depth, and global relevance, establishing him as a thought leader in renewable energy and power electronics.

  • Mathematical Modelling of SPV Array by Considering the Parasitic Effects
    RW Kotla, SR Yarlagadda, SN Applied Sciences, 2(1), 50, 2020 — 17 citations

  • Grid Tied Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants with Constant Power Injection Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm
    Rahul Wilson Kotla, Srinivasa Rao Yarlagadda, Journal Européen des Systèmes Automatisés, 53(4), 567–573, 2020 — 14 citations

  • Comparative Analysis of MPPTT Algorithms for PV Grid Tied Systems: A Review
    K Rahul Wilson, Y Srinivasa Rao, 2nd IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Computing, 2019 — 13 citations

  • Power Management of PV-Battery-Based Low Voltage Microgrid Under Dynamic Loading Conditions
    RW Kotla, SR Yarlagadda, Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series B, 102(4), 797–806, 2021 — 11 citations

  • A Novel Enhanced Active Power Control Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Photovoltaic Grid Tied Systems
    Rahul Wilson Kotla, Srinivasa Rao Yarlagadda, Advances in Electrical and Computer Engineering, 21(3), 81–90, 2021 — 9 citations

Alok Kumar Ray, Renewable Energy, Young Researcher Award

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Doctorate Alok Kumar Ray: Assistant Professor at National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, India

Dr. Alok Kumar Ray is a Mechanical and Energy Engineer with over 11 years of academic, research, and industrial experience in fluid and thermal sciences. He specializes in the design, simulation, and experimental validation of sustainable energy systems, particularly high-temperature thermal energy storage integrated with supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycles. A technically accomplished researcher and educator, Dr. Ray’s work combines computational fluid dynamics, system-level modeling, material characterization, and techno-economic analysis. His research contributions have been published in high-impact journals, and he is passionate about bridging the gap between renewable energy research and scalable industrial applications.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

  • Citations (115 total): Indicates that the author’s work has received moderate attention, with all citations occurring since 2020 — suggesting recent and growing influence.

  • h-index (5): This means the author has at least 5 papers each cited 5 or more times. It reflects a modest but solid publication impact, especially for a researcher active within the last 5 years.

  • i10-index (3): The author has 3 publications cited at least 10 times, showing that a few papers are gaining traction and visibility in the field.

Dr. Ray actively engages with the global research and engineering community through professional platforms. His detailed academic and project portfolio is available on LinkedIn, and he can be contacted via email at ray705906@gmail.com. He maintains regular academic correspondence and collaborative networking through professional groups, conferences, and workshops.

Education

Dr. Ray holds a joint doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Energy and Mechanical Sciences from the University of Queensland (Australia) and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) under the prestigious UQIDAR program, completed with distinction in 2023. He completed his M.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Fluid and Thermal Sciences from IIT Kanpur in 2013. His academic journey began with a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from VSSUT Burla, where he graduated with distinction. His solid academic foundation is reinforced by competitive fellowships and top-tier institutional training in experimental and computational thermal sciences.

Research Focus

Dr. Ray’s research integrates thermal engineering fundamentals with real-world energy challenges. His core areas include high-temperature phase change materials (PCMs), latent heat thermal storage systems, supercritical CO₂ power cycles, concentrated solar power (CSP), and hybrid water-energy systems like membrane distillation. His work combines numerical modeling (CFD using ANSYS Fluent and COMSOL), system simulations (Python, Aspen Plus), and experimental investigations (DSC, IR camera, TGA) to evaluate and optimize the thermophysical and economic performance of sustainable thermal technologies. His multidisciplinary expertise enables comprehensive system-level design, analysis, and validation of advanced thermal solutions for energy storage, industrial heat recovery, and solar-thermal applications.

Experience

Dr. Ray’s professional experience spans academia, research institutions, and industry. He is currently serving as a contractual Assistant Professor at NIT Jamshedpur, where he teaches and supervises research in thermal engineering. Prior to this, he worked at TATA Steel as a Researcher on waste heat recovery systems using thermophotovoltaic (TPV) and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technologies. At Tsinghua University, he contributed to modeling the integration of membrane distillation systems with sCO₂ cycles. He has also held faculty roles at VSSUT Burla and PMEC Berhampur. In the industrial sector, his tenure at Whirlpool India involved simulation of coupled heat and mass transfer processes for household cooking appliances. His diverse roles reflect a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and educational leadership.

Research Timeline

From December 2018 to June 2023, Dr. Ray conducted his doctoral research at IIT Delhi and the University of Queensland, developing a novel high-temperature latent heat storage system for integration with sCO₂ Brayton cycles. His research included CFD modeling, experimental setup design, material testing, and techno-economic assessments. In early 2023, he contributed to membrane distillation modeling during his short-term research at Tsinghua University. From mid-2023 to late 2024, he worked on waste heat recovery solutions at TATA Steel. He transitioned into academia in late 2024, beginning his tenure as an Assistant Professor while continuing to publish and collaborate internationally, including a Visiting Academic position at Cardiff University in 2025.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Ray’s academic excellence and research contributions have been recognized through several honors. He was awarded a Doctorate with Distinction from IIT Delhi in 2023. He received the UQIDAR Fellowship, one of the most competitive joint doctoral programs between India and Australia. In 2022, he was granted a CSIR Foreign Travel Grant to present his work internationally. He was also invited as a Visiting Academic to Cardiff University, UK, in 2025 to collaborate on energy systems modeling. These recognitions reflect both his scientific contributions and international research engagement.

Top-Noted Publication

Among Dr. Ray’s most impactful contributions is the article titled “Transient discharge performance of high-temperature latent storage system integrated with supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycle: A combined analytical and numerical study”, published in Journal of Energy Storage (Vol. 72, July 2023). This study uniquely integrates numerical simulation and analytical modeling to evaluate the thermal discharge dynamics of a latent heat storage unit under realistic operating conditions of an sCO₂ power cycle. The work provides critical insights for CSP plant designers and thermal system integrators, and it has garnered attention for its novelty and practical relevance in the transition to cleaner energy technologies.

1. Sustainable Thermal Distillation Using Supercritical CO₂

Citation:
AK Ray
Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 150(8), 14488 (2025)

Focus:

  • Integration of supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) power cycles with direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD).
  • Targets enhanced thermal efficiency and sustainability in water purification.
  • Investigates recovery and utilization of waste heat from sCO₂ systems to drive the distillation process.

Key Insight:
An innovative coupling of advanced thermodynamic cycles with membrane separation technology for efficient low-grade heat utilization.

2. Comparative Thermodynamic Analysis of Solar ORC with Latent Heat Storage

Citation:
M Kumar, AK Ray, D Rakshit
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, 47 (2025)

Focus:

  • Direct vapor generation solar organic Rankine cycle (ORC) integrated with latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES).
  • Comparative study of multiple organic working fluids to assess thermodynamic performance.
  • Aims at maximizing thermal-to-electric conversion efficiency in solar power systems.

Key Insight:
Fluid selection and proper integration with latent heat storage significantly influence the overall system performance.

3. Thermo-Economic Assessment of Metallic High-Temperature LHTES

Citation:
AK Ray, S Vashisht, D Rakshit, RK Kandasamy, H Gurgenci
Frontiers in Thermal Engineering, 5, 1549926 (2025)

Focus:

  • Design and evaluation of metallic-based latent heat storage systems for high-temperature applications.
  • Combines thermodynamic modeling with economic analysis.
  • Assesses trade-offs between thermal performance and cost across different metallic materials and configurations.

Key Insight:
Metallic LHTES units show strong potential for industrial energy storage but require careful material and design optimization for cost-effectiveness.

4. Experimental and Computational Study of Shell-and-Tube LHTES

Citation:
AK Ray, D Rakshit, KR Kumar, H Gurgenci
Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 102969 (2024)

Focus:

  • Experimental validation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of a medium- to high-temperature shell-and-tube LHTES.
  • Analysis of heat transfer, phase change dynamics, and performance parameters.

Key Insight:
Presents a robust framework for analyzing and optimizing latent heat storage performance under varying thermal and flow conditions.

5. Instability Modes in Electro-Hydro-Dynamic Atomization

Citation:
AK Ray
Flow, Turbulence and Combustion, 24, 50–77 (2024)

Focus:

  • Investigation of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) atomization mechanisms, focusing on droplet formation instabilities.
  • Combines theoretical modeling with experimental studies.
  • Explores different modes of instability and scaling relationships.

Key Insight:
Advances fundamental understanding of EHD spray behavior, with implications for high-precision atomization technologies.

Chenlong liu, Renewable Energy, Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Chenlong liu: Associal Proferssor at Chengdu University of Information Technology, China

Chenlong Liu is an Associate Professor at the College of Resources and Environment, Chengdu University of Information Technology. He specializes in developing advanced materials and catalytic processes for clean and renewable energy applications, particularly in hydrogen production and biomass conversion. With extensive experience in chemical looping technology and heterogeneous catalysis, he has made significant contributions to sustainable energy research through innovative material design and process optimization.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile

  • 4 documents (publications indexed in Scopus)
  • 8 citations (from 8 different documents)
  • h-index: 1

Education

Chenlong Liu earned his Doctor of Science in Thermophysical Engineering from Nanjing University of Science and Technology in 2021. He holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from China University of Mining and Technology (2017) and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Technology from China University of Mining and Technology Yinchuan College (2015).

Research Focus

His research focuses on designing novel perovskite, spinel, and nanostructured materials for clean energy applications. He integrates catalytic and separation processes, including chemical looping, for the conversion of biomass into value-added chemicals and hydrogen. His work aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability in renewable energy production.

Experience

Dr. Liu is currently an Associate Professor at Chengdu University of Information Technology, where he was previously an Assistant Professor (2021-2022). He was a visiting student at the National University of Singapore (2019-2020), where he conducted research in biological and chemical engineering.

Research Timeline

  • 2023-Present: Principal Investigator on multiple projects focused on hydrogen production and catalyst development.
  • 2022-Present: Leading research on chemical looping technology for biomass conversion.
  • 2019-2020: Visiting student at the National University of Singapore.
  • 2018-2020: Co-PI on projects related to syngas production via chemical looping.
  • 2013-2016: Early research on coal upgrading and biomass utilization.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Liu has received numerous accolades, including Asia’s Outstanding Researcher Award (2023), the Excellent Graduate Award from Nanjing University of Science and Technology (2021), and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Scholarship (2020). He has also been awarded national scholarships and prizes in academic competitions.

Top-Noted Publication

 “Co₃O₄ and CoFe₂O₄ as oxygen carriers in straw char on solid-solid and gas-solid reactions behavior during chemical-looping gasification for hydrogen-rich syngas production,” published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2025),

One of his most recognized works is the study on “Hydrogen-rich syngas production from acetic acid as a bio-oil model compound: Effect of intermediate phases (La₂NiO₄, La₂O₃, and Ni) of LaNiO₃ catalyst” published in the Journal of the Energy Institute (2024). This work highlights the critical role of catalyst structure in optimizing hydrogen yield and efficiency in bio-oil reforming.