• Faculty

    • Faculty Profile

    Dr Hakeem Niyas U.S.

    Assistant Professor
    Mechanical Engineering

    Dr Hakeem Niyas U S has made notable contributions in the field of thermal energy storage, solar thermal systems, and thermal management of batteries, buildings, and processors. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from P S G College of Technology, Coimbatore. He worked in Tata Consultancy Services, Chennai, as a Systems Engineer in the Product Lifecycle Management domain, serving Cummins Turbo Technologies and Johnson Controls Inc.  He obtained his PhD degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. His PhD Thesis is on the Development and Optimization of Latent Heat Storage System. Before joining Energy Institute Bengaluru, Centre of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, he also served as a Faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. His research contributions have resulted in several high-quality publications.

                                                                               
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    Education
    Ph D Mechanical Engineering 2017 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati
    B E Mechanical Engineering 2007 PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore 
    Experience
    Oct 2018 – Till Date Assistant Professor, Energy Institute Bengaluru, Centre of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology
    Jul 2017 – Oct 2018 Faculty, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
    Feb 2008 – Apr 2011 Systems Engineer, Tata Consultancy Services, Chennai
    • Introduction to Energy Systems
    • Mathematical Techniques
    • Automotive HVAC and Thermal Management Systems
    • Modelling and Simulation of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
    • Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering
    • Solar Thermal Systems
    • Energy and Buildings
    • Solar Power Plants
    • Renewable Energy Laboratory
    Research Interests
    • Thermal Energy Storage
    • Phase Change Materials
    • Solar Thermal Systems
    • Fuel Cell and Electrolyser
    • Zero Energy Buildings
    • Thermal Management of Batteries and Electronics
    Research Projects
    • Development of Thermal Energy Storage Test Rig for Performance Evaluation of Sensible, Latent, and Thermochemical Heat Storage Materials
      Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (Research Grant)
      2021 – 2023
    • Ageing Assessment and ROI investigation of Automotive Lithium-Ion Battery for Second Life Microgrid Battery Energy Storage System application
      Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (Research Grant)
      2022 – 2024
    Invited Talks
    1. Passive Thermal Management using Phase Change Materials in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, on 4 September 2020.
    2. Thermal Management of Buildings in Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, on 15 January 2021.
    3. Solar Energy Integration in Buildings in Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kings Engineering College, Sriperumbudur, on 6 October 2021.
    4. Energy Management in Buildings in Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, on 13 December 2021.
    5. Reference Management Using Open-Source Tool – Zotero in Workshop on Research Related Solutions for Faculty and Research Scholars conducted by Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Uttar Pradesh, on 4 February 2022.
    6. Mathematical Modelling of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems in the International Workshop on Phase Change Materials and Applications conducted by the University of Laghouat, Algeria, on 10 February 2022.
    7. Thermal Modelling of Energy Systems in Department of Chemical Engineering, St. Michael College of Engineering and Technology, Kalaiyarkovil, on 29 May 2022.
    8. Thermal Management of Buildings and Processors in the One Week Virtual Faculty Development Program on Numerical Simulation and Analysis with COMSOL Multiphysics conducted by SVERI’s College of Engineering, Pandharpur, on 16 June 2022.
    9. Hands-on training on Solar Thermal and Energy Storage Simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics in the High-end workshop (Karyashala) on Solar-Hydrogen Systems conducted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, on 26 July 2022.
    10. Thermal Energy Storage Modelling in the Two Weeks Faculty Development Program on Recent Trends in Solar and Wind Energy Technology, Storage and Applications conducted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, on 7 December 2022.
    11. Hands-On Session on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Modelling in the Two Days Online National Workshop on Hydrogen Based Integrated Energy Systems conducted by GH Raisoni College of Engineering and Management, Pune, on 11 April 2023.
    12. Fuel Cell Simulation Training in the High-end workshop (Karyashala) on Making India a Green Hydrogen Hub conducted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, on 25 May 2023.
    13. Emerging Frontiers in Solar Thermal Technology: A Comprehensive Overview in Jnana Chilume – 2023 conducted by JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, on 27th November 2023.
    Memberships in Professional Bodies
    1. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
    2. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
    3. Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE)
    4. International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
    5. Indian Society for Heat and Mass Transfer (ISHMT)
    6. Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE)
    7. Solar Energy Society of India (SESI)
    Journal Publications
    1. H. Niyas, L. Prasad, P. Muthukumar, Performance investigation of high-temperature sensible heat thermal energy storage system during charging and discharging cycles. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 2015; 17: 501-13 [Link]
    2. H. Niyas, S. Prasad, P. Muthukumar, Performance investigation of a lab–scale latent heat storage prototype - Numerical results. Energy Conversion and Management 2017; 135: 188-99 [Link]
    3. H. Niyas, C.R.C. Rao, P. Muthukumar, Performance investigation of a lab–scale latent heat storage prototype – Experimental results. Solar Energy 2017; 155: 971-84 [Link]
    4. H. Niyas, P. Muthukumar, A novel heat transfer technique for performance improvements in encapsulated latent heat storage system. Solar Energy 2018; 164: 276-86 [Link]
    5. C.R.C. Rao, H. Niyas, P. Muthukumar, Performance tests on lab-scale sensible heat storage prototypes. Applied Thermal Engineering 2018; 129: 953-67 [Link]
    6. S. Prasad, P. Muthukumar, R. Anandalakshmi, H. Niyas, Comparative study of phase change phenomenon in high temperature cascade latent heat energy storage system using conduction and conduction-convection models. Solar Energy 2018; 176:627-637 [Link]
    7. S.S. Bhogilla, H. Niyas, Design of a hydrogen compressor for hydrogen fueling stations. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2019; 44 (55):29329-29337 [Link]
    8. C.R.C. Rao, K. Vigneshwaran, H. Niyas, P. Muthukumar. Performance investigation of lab-scale sensible heat storage prototypes. International Journal of Green Energy 2019; 16 (14):1363-1378 [Link]
    9. A.M. Abdulateef, M. Jaszczur, Q. Hassan, R. Anish, H. Niyas, K. Sopian, J. Abdulateef. Enhancing the melting of phase change material using a fins–nanoparticle combination in a triplex tube heat exchanger. Journal of Energy Storage 2021; 35:102227 [Link]
    10. M. Teggar, S.S.M. Ajarostaghi, C. Yildiz, M. Arici, K.A.R. Ismail, H. Niyas, F.A.M. Lino, M.S. Mert. Performance enhancement of latent heat storage systems by using extended surfaces and porous materials: A state-of-the-art review. Journal of Energy Storage 2021; 44:103340 [Link]
    11. M. Teggar, M. Arici, M.S. Mert, S.S.M. Ajarostaghi, H. Niyas, E. Tunçbilek, K.A.R. Ismail, Z. Younsi, A.T. Benhouia, E.H. Mezaache. A comprehensive review of micro/nano enhanced phase change materials. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 2021; 1-28 [Link]
    12. T. Rehman, T. Ambreen, H. Niyas, P. Kanti, H.M. Ali, C. Park. Experimental investigation on the performance of RT-44HC-nickel foam-based heat sinks for thermal management of electronic gadgets. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 2022; 188:122591 [Link]
    13. B.J. Bora, T.D. Tran, K.P. Shadangi, P. Sharma, Z. Said, P. Kalita, A. Buradi, V.N. Nguyen, H. Niyas, M.T. Pham, C.T.N. Le, V.D. Tran, X.P. Nguyen. Improving combustion and emission characteristics of a biogas/biodiesel-powered dual-fuel diesel engine through trade-off analysis of operation parameters using response surface methodology. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 2022; 53(A):102455 [Link]
    14. H. Bhavsar, S. Roy, H. Niyas. Aerodynamic performance enhancement of the DU99W405 airfoil for horizontal axis wind turbines using slotted airfoil configuration. Energy 2023; 263:125666 [Link]
    15. J. Li, Z.R. Abdulghani, M.N. Alghamdi, K. Sharma, H. Niyas, H. Moria, A. Arsalanloo. Effect of twisted fins on the melting performance of PCM in a latent heat thermal energy storage system in vertical and horizontal orientations: Energy and exergy analysis. Applied Thermal Engineering 2023; 219:119489 [Link]
    16. M.F. Rahi, M. Arici, A.M. Abdulateef, H. Niyas. Numerical investigation and optimization of macro-encapsulated phase change material capsules in building roof slab. Journal of Energy Storage 2023; 68:107806 [Link]
    17. P. Anand, P.K.S. Tejes, B.K. Naik, H. Niyas. Design analysis and performance prediction of packed bed latent heat storage system employing machine learning models. Journal of Energy Storage 2023; 72:108690 [Link]
    18. M.A. Khan, H.M. Ali, T. Rehman, A. Arsalanloo, H. Niyas. Composite pin-fin heat sink for effective hotspot reduction. Heat Transfer 2024;1-24 [Link]
    Conference Publications
    1. L. Prasad, H. Niyas, P. Muthukumar. Performance analysis of high temperature sensible heat thermal energy storage system during charging and discharging cycles, 4th International Conference on Advances in Energy Research, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India, 10-12 December 2013.
    2. H. Niyas, P. Muthukumar. Performance analysis of latent heat storage systems, International Conference on Emerging Trends in Renewable Energy, C.V. Raman College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar, India, 27-28 December 2013.
    3. H. Niyas, A.K. Shukla, P. Muthukumar. Thermal characterization of phase change materials used for thermal energy storage in solar thermal power plants, 23rd International Conference on Processing and Fabrication of Advanced Materials, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India, 05-07 December 2014.
    4. H. Niyas, T.E. Alam, P. Muthukumar, J. Dhau, D.Y. Goswami. Performance investigation of packed bed thermal energy storage system, 3rd International Conference on Polygeneration, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, India, 18-20 February 2015.
    5. H. Niyas, P. Muthukumar. Novel fin for effective heat transfer in shell-and-tube latent heat storage system, ISES Solar World Congress 2015, EXCO, Daegu, South Korea, 8-12 November 2015 [Link]
    6. H. Niyas, P. Muthukumar. Novel encapsulation technique to upscale latent heat storage capacity in steam accumulators, ISES Solar World Congress 2015, EXCO, Daegu, South Korea, 8-12 November 2015 [Link]
    7. H. Niyas, P. Muthukumar. Comparison of thermal storage characteristics of phase change materials encapsulated in different capsule configurations, 23rd National HMT and 1st International ISHMT-ASTFE Heat and Mass Transfer Conference, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Indian Space Research Organization, Thiruvananthapuram, India, 17-20 December 2015.
    8. H. Niyas, P. Muthukumar. Appropriate sizing prediction and performance evaluation of the shell-and-tube latent heat storage unit, 24th National HMT and 2nd International ISHMT-ASTFE Heat and Mass Transfer Conference, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India, 27-30 December 2017.
    9. S.S. Bhogilla, H. Niyas. Design of CSP-PV hybrid solar plant for low LCOE and round the clock power generation, 13th International Exergy, Energy and Environment Symposium, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 15-18 November 2021.
    10. H. Bhavsar, S. Roy, H. Niyas. Multi-element airfoil configuration for HAWT: A novel slot design for improved aerodynamic performance, International Conference on Novel Materials and Technologies for Energy and Environment Applications, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India, 18-19 February 2022.
    11. P. Anand, H. Niyas, S.S. Bhogilla, Techno-economic comparison of solar cooling system, 2nd World Energy Storage Conference, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey, 18-21 December 2022.
    12. M.N.S. Jagirdar, H. Niyas, S.S. Bhogilla, A comparative study of molten salts and liquid metals as thermal energy storage media in concentrated solar power plants, 2nd World Energy Storage Conference, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey, 18-21 December 2022.
    Books / Book Chapters
    1. P. Muthukumar, H. Niyas. Comparison of thermal characteristics of sensible and latent heat storage materials encapsulated in different capsule configurations. Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies. Springer International. 2018:11-20 [Link]
    2. C.R.C. Rao, H. Niyas, L. Prasad, P. Muthukumar. Performance investigation of lab-scale sensible heat storage system. Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies. Springer International. 2018:169-186 [Link]
    3. P. Muthukumar, H. Niyas. Materials, design and development of latent heat storage systems for medium and large-scale applications: Issues and challenges. Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials. Volume I. Elsevier. 2020:417-437 [Link]
    4. A. Nayak, S. Roy, S. Sundaram, A. Deo, H. Niyas. Aerodynamic Performance Enhancement and Optimization of a H-rotor Vertical Axis Wind Turbine. Innovations in Sustainable Energy and Technology. 2020:51-70 [Link]
    5. A. Raj, S. Roy, B.J. Bora, H. Niyas. CFD Analysis of a Straight Bladed Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Using NACA 0021 Aerofoil. Innovations in Sustainable Energy and Technology. 2020:71-82 [Link]
    6. D. De, H. Niyas. Nanostructured semiconductor metal oxides for dye-sensitized solar cells. Advances in Electronic Materials for Clean Energy Conversion and Storage Applications. Elsevier. 2023:223-246 [Link]
    Key Positions
    • Member Secretary, Purchase Committee, Energy Institute Bengaluru (2021 – 2023)
    • Department R&D Coordinator, Energy Institute Bengaluru (2022 – till now)
    • Co-coordinator, Institute Workshop Committee (2023 – till now)
    Supporting Positions
    • Member, Purchase Committee, Energy Institute Bengaluru (2019 – 2021)
    • Member, Institute Annual Report Committee (2022 – 2023)
    • Member, Faculty Committee, Energy Institute Bengaluru (2020 – till now)
    • Member, Department Post Graduate Committee, Energy Institute Bengaluru (2020 – till now)
    • Member, Testing Laboratories Committee (2022 – till now)
    • Member, Institute Workshop Purchase Committee (2023 – till now)
    • School First in State Level Engineering Entrance Examination, TNPCEE 2003.
    • Best Paper Award in PINNACLE’ 06, National Technical Symposium conducted by College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai on 27-28 February 2006.
    • MHRD Scholarship (Ministry of Human Resources and Development) for pursuing Doctoral Research at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati in 2012.
    • DST International Travel Grant for Young Scientist for presenting two novel concepts at the international conference, Solar World Congress 2015 held at Daegu, South Korea.
    • Outstanding Reviewer, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, 2019.
    • Session Chair, International Conference on Thermofluids and Manufacturing Science – 2022, School of Mechanical Engineering, KIIT Deemed University.
    • Best Oral Presentation in the International Conference on Novel Materials and Technologies for Energy and Environment Applications (Session 4: Modelling and Simulation) conducted by BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus on 18-19 February 2022.

    Kaustav Goswami

    • Research Topic : Performance investigation of evacuated tube collector based solar thermal systems
    • Awarding Institution : RGIPT (M.Tech)
    • Year : 2024 (ongoing)

    Mobi Mathew

    • Research Topic : Optimal sizing, design, and energy management of solar photovoltaic based community microgrid
    • Awarding Institution : RGIPT (Ph.D)
    • Year : 2022 - ongoing
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