Daniel Mutia Mwendwa | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Daniel Mutia Mwendwa | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa at University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Summary:

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa is a Rhodes Scholar currently pursuing a DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where his research focuses on geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. He holds an MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction) from Oxford and a BEng (First Class Honours) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh. Co-founder of BuniTek, he is dedicated to introducing technology to African youth. Daniel also works as a Research Assistant in the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, contributing to energy planning in Kenya and global green hydrogen initiatives.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

University of Oxford, UK (2023 – Present)
DPhil in Engineering Science (Rhodes Scholar)

  • Thesis Topic: Geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the water, energy, and food nexus.

University of Oxford, UK (2021 – 2022)
MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction, Rhodes Scholar)

  • Thesis: Developed a geospatial methodology for sizing and costing solar-powered irrigation systems for different crops.

University of Edinburgh, UK (2017 – 2021)
BEng (Hons) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering (First Class Honours, MasterCard Foundation Scholar)

  • Thesis: Developed an optimized hybrid energy storage system (HESS) combining battery storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and supercapacitors using MATLAB Simulink.

🏢 Professional Experience:

Rhodes Trust, Oxford, UK (Mar 2024 – Present)
Rhodes Scholarship Ambassador for East Africa

  • Engages with universities across East Africa to introduce students to the Rhodes Scholarship and supports their application process.

University of Oxford, Oxford, UK (Mar 2022 – Present)
Research Assistant, Climate Compatible Growth Programme

  • Developed least-cost electrification pathways for Kenyan counties using the Open-Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET). Conducted capacity-building workshops on energy planning models like OSeMOSYS and IRENA’s Flextool. Also involved in geospatial modeling of green hydrogen production potential globally.

Loughborough University, Nairobi, Kenya (Nov 2022 – Present)
Research Consultant

  • Designed off-grid electrification solutions for poultry farming and health facilities. Authored academic papers on energy planning and developed funding proposals.

BuniTek, Nairobi, Kenya (Jun 2020 – Present)
Co-Founder

  • Co-founded BuniTek, an initiative that introduces technology concepts to African high school students in an engaging and hands-on manner. Led a team of 15 volunteers to develop 14 new courses.

Research Interests:

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa’s research interests lie in renewable energy systems, particularly in optimizing solar-powered irrigation and hybrid energy storage solutions. He is passionate about integrating geospatial modeling and energy planning to address sustainability challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. His work also focuses on green hydrogen production, off-grid electrification, and the energy-water-food nexus.

Author Metrics:

Mwendwa has co-authored several research papers and reports, including:

  1. “Spatial Data Starter Kit for OnSSET Energy Planning in Kitui County, Kenya” – Published in Data in Brief (2022).
  2. “Mapping the Energy Planning Ecosystem in Kenya” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).
  3. “County Energy Planning Data Flows in Kenya: Practitioner Perspectives” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).

Top Noted Publication:

GIS-Based Method for Assessing the Viability of Solar-Powered Irrigation

  • Journal: Applied Energy
  • Publication Date: January 2025
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124461
  • Contributors: Daniel Mutia Mwendwa, Alycia Leonard, Stephanie Hirmer
  • Summary: This paper presents a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based methodology for evaluating the feasibility of solar-powered irrigation systems. The method integrates spatial data with factors such as water availability, crop water demand, and solar energy potential to determine where solar-powered irrigation systems can be most effectively deployed in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Spatial Data Starter Kit for OnSSET Energy Planning in Kitui County, Kenya

  • Journal: Data in Brief
  • Publication Date: December 2022
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108691
  • Contributors: Daniel Mutia Mwendwa, Jeffrey Tchouambe, Emily Hu, Micaela Flores Lanza, Andrea Babic Brener, Gyubin Hwang, Layla Khanfar, Alycia Leonard, Stephanie Hirmer, Malcolm McCulloch
  • Summary: This article provides a comprehensive spatial data kit designed for energy planning in Kitui County, Kenya. It is part of the Open-Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET) framework, which assists planners in developing least-cost electrification pathways. The dataset includes geographic and energy-related data to facilitate more efficient and accurate energy planning.

Daniel Marcelo-Aldana | Renewable Resources | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Prof Dr. Daniel Marcelo-Aldana, Renewable Resources, Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Piura, Peru

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Daniel Marcelo-Aldana is an accomplished engineer and academician with a diverse background in mechanical and electrical engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Energy and Environmental Technologies for Sustainable Development from the University of La Sapienza in Rome, Italy. Additionally, he earned a Master’s degree in Project Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Electrical Engineering from the University of Piura in Peru. Currently serving as a Principal Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Piura, Peru, Dr. Marcelo-Aldana is deeply involved in both undergraduate and graduate education, teaching courses ranging from Heat Transfer and Hydraulic Machines to Hydroelectric Power Plants and Renewable Energies. With a wealth of experience in academic leadership roles, he has previously served as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Director of Research and Graduate Studies. Dr. Marcelo-Aldana has over 15 years of experience in conducting and overseeing research projects in basic and applied sciences, innovation, and technology transfer, with a particular focus on sustainable energy solutions. He is also actively engaged in evaluating research articles for indexed journals and projects for funding agencies.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

Google Scholar Profile 

👩‍🎓Education & Qualification:

Professional experience:  

Prof. Dr. Daniel Marcelo-Aldana’s professional experience includes:

  • Currently holds the position of Principal Professor at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Piura, Peru.
  • Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, including Heat Transfer, Hydraulic Machines, Hydroelectric Power Plants, Renewable Energies, Introduction to Heat Transfer Mechanisms, and Industrial Plants.
  • Served as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Piura from 2017 to 2020.
  • Previously served as Director of Research and Graduate Studies at the Faculty of Engineering from 2011 to 2013.
  • Represented the University of Piura before the Regional Government of Piura on committees related to energy, innovation, and research.
  • Member of the team for the design, formulation, and implementation of the Master’s Program in Electrical Mechanical Engineering at the University of Piura in 2007.
  • Member of the team for the design, formulation, and implementation of the Doctoral Program in Engineering at the University of Piura in 2010.
  • Has over 15 years of experience in formulating, directing, and participating as a researcher in basic and applied research projects, innovation, and technology transfer at the national and international levels.
  • Participates as an evaluator and reviewer of articles for indexed journals such as ScienceDirect and evaluates projects for competitive funds such as Fincyt and Concytec.
Research Interest:

Renewable Energies: Investigation of sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass energy, with a focus on their integration into existing energy systems and their impact on the environment.

Heat Transfer Mechanisms: Study of heat transfer processes in various engineering applications, including conduction, convection, and radiation, and the development of efficient heat transfer technologies.

Hydroelectric Power Plants: Research on the design, operation, and optimization of hydroelectric power plants to maximize energy production while minimizing environmental impact.

Industrial Plants: Investigation of the design and operation of industrial plants, including manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, and refineries, with a focus on improving efficiency and reducing environmental pollution.

Sustainable Development: Exploration of technologies and strategies for promoting sustainable development, including the use of renewable energy sources, waste management, and environmental conservation measures.

Energy Policy and Planning: Analysis of energy policies and planning initiatives at the regional, national, and international levels, with a focus on promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Innovation and Technology Transfer: Examination of mechanisms for fostering innovation and technology transfer in the engineering sector, including collaborations between academia, industry, and government agencies to promote the adoption of new technologies.

Publication Top Noted:

Title: Estimation of hydrogen production potential from renewable resources in northern Peru

  • Authors: D. Caravantes, J. Carbajal, C. Celis, D. Marcelo-Aldana
  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Volume: 50
  • Pages: 186-198
  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 3

Title: Effect of Swell-Drying on Mango (Mangifera indica) Drying Kinetics

  • Authors: L.A. Casaverde-Pacherrez, C. Téllez-Pérez, C. Besombes, …
  • Journal: Foods
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 15
  • Pages: 2220
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 3

Title: Evaluación tecnológica y económica de sistemas de producción de panela con tecnología a vapor

  • Author: J.J. Manrique Silupú 
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 3

Title: Análisis técnico y económico sobre producción, almacenamiento y transporte de biodiesel en Perú

  • Author: L.E. Vértiz Díaz
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 3

Title: Comparativa entre sistemas de captación solar para el diseño y análisis de un sistema de acondicionamiento para un piso de oficinas

  • Authors: A.N. Chira Rodríguez, C.A. Cárdenas Correa, F.J. Ma San Gómez, …
  • Year: 2021
  • Citations: 2