Vijayan Gopalsamy | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Vijayan Gopalsamy | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Meenakshi Sundararajan Engineering College | India

Dr. G. Vijayan, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Meenakshi Sundararajan Engineering College, Chennai, is an accomplished researcher and educator with over 26 years of academic and industrial experience, including international teaching exposure in the Sultanate of Oman. Holding a Ph.D. in Renewable Energy Engineering from Anna University with a focus on solar thermal and nanofluid technologies, he has made notable contributions to the advancement of sustainable and solar energy systems. His research portfolio encompasses 14 high-impact publications indexed in SCI(E), Scopus, and Google Scholar, along with book chapters, numerous conference papers, and more than 85 journal article reviews. A recognized editor, reviewer, and editorial board member for multiple prestigious journals such as Renewable Energy, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, and Thermal Science, Dr. Vijayan’s expertise in solar energy optimization and nanofluid applications has earned him multiple honors, including the Research Excellence Award (InSc) and the Young Researcher Award (GARNet). His commitment to professional development is reflected through his coordination and participation in AICTE and Anna University-sponsored Faculty Development Programs and contributions to several book publications on renewable energy and engineering education. As a research supervisor at Anna University, he actively guides and motivates students in pursuing innovative projects that align with national energy goals. His multidisciplinary skills, encompassing renewable energy systems, heat transfer, and nanotechnology, along with his extensive academic leadership and mentoring experience, strongly position him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, exemplifying excellence in research, teaching, and societal impact through sustainable technological innovations.

Featured Publications
  1. Vijayan, G., & Subramani, J. (2021). Experimental investigation on heat transfer and friction factor characteristics of solar air heater using CuO/water nanofluid. Renewable Energy, 170, 1048–1061.

  2. Vijayan, G., Arunkumar, T., & Kabeel, A. E. (2020). Performance analysis of solar still integrated with hybrid nanofluid-based solar collector. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 142(5), 2027–2039.

  3. Vijayan, G., & Senthilkumar, P. (2019). Energy and exergy analysis of solar thermal systems using nanofluids: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 233, 1332–1348.

  4. Vijayan, G., & Suresh, S. (2018). Experimental studies on thermal conductivity enhancement of Al2O3-water nanofluids for solar thermal applications. Applied Thermal Engineering, 137, 659–669.

  5. Vijayan, G., & Rajasekar, K. (2017). Heat transfer enhancement in flat plate solar collector using nanofluids—A comprehensive review. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 115, 880–895.

 

Dr. G. Vijayan’s pioneering research in renewable energy, solar thermal systems, and nanofluid technology advances sustainable energy solutions that enhance efficiency and environmental resilience. His work bridges scientific innovation and industrial application, driving global progress toward cleaner energy systems and sustainable engineering development.

Sajjad Khanjani | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sajjad Khanjani | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist | Kermanshah University of Technology | Iran

Dr. Sajjad Khanjani is an accomplished Advanced Energy Systems Engineer with over three years of experience in energy conversion, renewable energy integration, and system optimization. His expertise spans advanced modeling, simulation, and sustainable energy technologies, including solar, wind, smart energy, storage, and biomass systems. As a researcher and project leader at institutions such as the Daneshmand Research and Development Institute, Iran’s National Elites Foundation, and Kermanshah University of Technology, he has contributed extensively to experimental and analytical studies in desalination, energy harvesting, and thermodynamic optimization. Dr. Khanjani’s publication record is remarkable, featuring multiple high-impact papers in prestigious journals such as Applied Thermal Engineering, Energy, Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, and Cleaner Engineering and Technology. His recent works focus on advanced solar distillation, hybrid nanofluid applications, and biohydrogen production, reflecting his commitment to advancing sustainable energy-water nexus solutions. His technical proficiency covers a wide array of tools, including MATLAB, Python, ANSYS Fluent, Transys, Autodesk Inventor, and Aspen Hysys, supporting his deep analytical and design capabilities. Beyond research, he has demonstrated leadership by managing interdisciplinary projects on clean energy and guiding undergraduate research initiatives. Recognized for his achievements, he has received multiple awards from Iran’s National Elites Foundation, ranking among the top M.Sc. students in Mechanical Engineering. His current projects on optimizing hybrid desalination systems and machine learning-based energy optimization highlight his innovative approach toward achieving environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. With his strong academic background, impactful research contributions, and leadership in advanced energy technologies, Dr. Sajjad Khanjani exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Khanjani, S., & Co-authors. (2025). Experimental optimization of modified solar distillation system using black horse algorithm and 6E/HT analysis for sustainable freshwater production. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, Elsevier.

Khanjani, S., & Co-authors. (2025). Photo-fermentation: Harnessing solar energy for biohydrogen production. In Book Chapter, Elsevier.

Khanjani, S., & Co-authors. (2025). Performance enhancement of a conventional solar still using a cylindrical solar water heater and Cu/Al2O3 hybrid nanofluid: A sustainable approach to water purification. Water Environment Research.

Khanjani, S., & Co-authors. (2025). Comprehensive analysis of a geothermal-based poly-generation plant to achieve optimal exergy, economic, and environmental performance. Energy.

Khanjani, S., & Co-authors. (2024). Experimental and analytical examinations of a single-glazed solar still desalination with a spray-feeding water system with an artificial neural network. Applied Thermal Engineering.

Saurabh Kumar | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Saurabh Kumar | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | IIMT University | India

Dr. Saurabh Kumar is an accomplished researcher in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus on water quality, corrosion monitoring, wastewater treatment, and sustainable engineering practices. He is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Thammasat University, Thailand (July 2024 – June 2025). Prior to this, he worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIMT University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India (June 2023 – June 2024). His academic journey began with a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from Darbhanga College of Engineering, Bihar, under Aryabhatta Knowledge University (2013 – 2017), followed by an M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Patna (2018 – 2020). He pursued a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at NIT Patna, Ministry of Education, Government of India (2020 – 2023), where his research focused on “Monitoring and Modelling of Corrosion Rate in Drinking Water Distribution Network.” Dr. Kumar has a strong research profile, with publications in SCI, Scopus, and IEEE-indexed journals such as Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, and Nature’s Scientific Reports. He has authored a book, contributed to book chapters with reputed publishers, and presented papers at multiple international conferences, including IEEE and Springer platforms. His work reflects the integration of conventional engineering with advanced tools such as machine learning for solving environmental challenges.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

 Publications

  1. Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Maurya N.S., Water quality analysis and corrosion potential of the distribution network of Patna, Bihar, India. J. Environ. Eng. Sci., 2022, 17(4), 164–174. (ESCI)
  2. Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Maurya N.S., Assessment of corrosion potential based on water quality index in the distribution network of urban Patna, Bihar, India. J. Nat. Environ. Pollut. Technol., 2022, 21(5), 2117–2127. (Scopus)

  3. Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Maurya N.S., Raj V., Monitoring of the corrosion in the pipeline of the distribution network using weight loss method & image processing technique. J. Mater. Eng. Perform., 2022. (SCI)

  4. Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Maurya N.S., Modelling of corrosion rate in the drinking water distribution network using Design Expert 13 software. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., 2023. (SCI)

  5. Rajeev R., Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Monitoring of traffic noise pollution in urban Patna, Bihar, India. Noise Vib. Worldwide, 2023. (Scopus)

  6. Kumar P., Kumar Saurabh, Kumar M., Chaubey A., Nayak J., Groundwater flow and solute transport modelling: A mathematical analysis. Indian J. Environ. Prot., 2024, 44(3), 257–264. (Scopus)

  7. Shivam H., Sharma D., Bansal T., Pande R., Kumar Saurabh, Weesakul U., In-vessel bioconversion of garden waste into compost with an emphasis on process efficiency and compost quality. Eng. Appl. Sci. Res., 2025, 52(1), 105–111. (Scopus)

Ridha Benadli | electrical energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ridha Benadli | electrical energy | Best Researcher Award

Teaching-Researcher at L2EP, France
Summary:

Dr. Ridha Benadli is a distinguished researcher and educator in the field of electrical engineering with a specialization in advanced control systems, renewable energy systems, and power electronics. He has extensive academic and research experience across institutions in France and Tunisia, contributing actively to the development of energy conversion and management techniques, specifically for hybrid renewable energy systems. His research encompasses modeling, control, and optimization of micro-grids, particularly in photovoltaic and hybrid energy systems, and he has several publications in esteemed journals and conferences in the field.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Dr. Benadli holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Tunis (ENSIT), where he specialized in predictive and sliding mode control for optimizing hybrid energy systems. He completed his master’s degree at ENSIT with a focus on hybrid photovoltaic-wind energy control, and his undergraduate studies in electronics, electrotechnics, and automation. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Benadli focused on areas essential to renewable energy optimization, particularly in modeling, simulation, and the development of advanced control algorithms. His solid educational background has equipped him with the technical skills and analytical foundation essential for his innovative work in renewable energy and power electronics, and he continues to leverage this foundation in his teaching and research roles.

🏢 Professional Experience:

Dr. Benadli has served in multiple academic and research roles across France and Tunisia, including his current position as Attaché Temporaire d’Enseignement et de Recherche (ATER) at Ecole Centrale de Lille, where he teaches and conducts research on energy conversion. He has also been an ATER at the IUT of Saint-Nazaire, where he focused on renewable energy projects, and a researcher at Grenoble’s G2Elab, working on energy management systems for mobility and renewable energy. Additionally, Dr. Benadli was an instructor at several Tunisian institutions, such as the Institut Supérieur des Études Technologiques and Université Libre de Tunis, where he taught courses on power electronics, energy management, and control systems. His experience spans research, teaching, and hands-on projects, making him a well-rounded academic.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Benadli has been recognized for his research contributions in electrical engineering and renewable energy. Notably, he has received acclaim for his work in control systems and energy management through awards from academic conferences, including the International Conference on Electrical and Renewable Energy Sciences. Additionally, he was invited to speak at international conferences such as the Conference Internationale des Sciences et Technologies Électriques au Maghreb, where he shared his insights on hybrid renewable energy systems. His expertise has also earned him roles in research committees and as a jury member for student thesis evaluations, demonstrating his respected status in the academic community. His ongoing commitment to the field and various contributions have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in sustainable energy research.

Research Interests:

Dr. Benadli’s research centers on renewable energy systems, focusing on the integration of solar, wind, and fuel cells within hybrid systems for improved efficiency and stability. His work in advanced control methodologies, such as sliding mode and predictive control, aims to optimize energy management in micro-grids, enhancing stability and efficiency for sustainable energy applications. His projects often involve real-time control systems for renewable energy, examining ways to stabilize and manage these resources in hybrid systems. A notable part of his research is his work on the control of energy converters, with publications that address challenges in implementing efficient storage and transfer in hybrid systems. His research contributes to advancing reliable renewable energy solutions, which are vital for the transition to sustainable energy grids.

Skills:

Dr. Benadli possesses a robust skill set, including advanced technical expertise in MATLAB and LabVIEW for modeling, simulation, and control design. His proficiency extends to real-time systems using Control Desk Dspace and embedded programming in C. He is skilled in power electronics, renewable energy management, and developing micro-grid systems, with an emphasis on applying advanced control techniques for stability and efficiency. His educational and instructional skills are complemented by his organizational capabilities, project management experience, and a strong analytical background. Dr. Benadli is proficient in French, English, and Arabic, enabling him to collaborate internationally and contribute to academic projects in diverse settings. His teamwork, analytical acumen, and research skills make him a valuable contributor to the fields of electrical engineering and renewable energy.

Top Noted Publication:

📘 Title: “Three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic system with maximum power point tracking technique based on voltage-oriented control and using sliding mode controller”
Authors: R. Benadli, B. Khiari, A. Sellami
Published in: IREC2015 – The Sixth International Renewable Energy Congress
Citations: 46
Year: 2015

📗 Title: “Practical implementation of the backstepping sliding mode controller MPPT for a PV-storage application”
Authors: M. Bjaoui, B. Khiari, R. Benadli, M. Memni, A. Sellami
Published in: Energies, 12(18), 3539
Citations: 31
Year: 2019

📙 Title: “Sliding mode control of a photovoltaic-wind hybrid system”
Authors: R. Benadli, A. Sellami
Published in: 2014 International Conference on Electrical Sciences and Technologies
Citations: 25
Year: 2014

📘 Title: “Sliding mode control of hybrid renewable energy system operating in grid connected and stand-alone mode”
Authors: R. Benadli, M. Bjaoui, B. Khiari, A. Sellami
Published in: Power Electronics and Drives, 6(1), 144-166
Citations: 16
Year: 2021

📗 Title: “Predictive current control strategy for a three-phase grid connected photovoltaic-wind hybrid system”
Authors: R. Benadli, B. Khiari, A. Sellami
Published in: 2016 7th International Renewable Energy Congress (IREC)
Citations: 9
Year: 2016

📙 Title: “A direct backstepping super-twisting algorithm controller MPPT for a standalone photovoltaic storage system: design and real-time implementation”
Authors: R. Benadli, D. Frey, Y. Lembeye, M. Bjaoui, B. Khiari, A. Sellami
Published in: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 145(6), 061002
Citations: 7
Year: 2023

📘 Title: “An Improved Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control for Standalone Hybrid Wind/Photovoltaic/Fuel Cell System Based on Energy Management of Battery/Hydrogen”
Authors: R. Benadli, B. Khiari, M. Bjaoui, M. Mamni, A. Sellami
Published in: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 144(3:031003)
Citations: 7
Year: 2022

📗 Title: “Improving grid connected hybrid generation system using an adaptive super-twisting sliding mode and predictive current control strategy”
Authors: R. Benadli
Published in: Journal of Control Engineering and Applied Informatics, 21(2), 64-75
Citations: 7
Year: 2019

📙 Title: “Control and simulation of a standalone photovoltaic-wind with a fuel cell and battery storage”
Authors: R. Benadli
Published in: Journal of Electrical Engineering, 20(5), 6-6
Citations: 2
Year: 2020

📘 Title: “Robust integral super-twisting controller for enhanced photovoltaic integration with hybrid battery and supercapacitor storage in DC microgrid”
Authors: R. Benadli, A. Houari, N. Ait-Ahmed, S. Motahhir, A.A. Pop, S. El Hani
Published in: Results in Engineering, 24, 103009
Citations: 1
Year: 2024

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Ridha Benadli is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his contributions to electrical engineering, particularly in renewable energy and control systems. His research not only advances the field but also addresses critical issues in energy management, making a tangible impact on sustainability. With his solid academic track record, technical expertise, and commitment to teaching, Dr. Benadli demonstrates the qualities of a dedicated and impactful researcher. Addressing areas for growth, such as expanding research horizons and securing prominent research funding, will further strengthen his candidacy for future accolades in his field.