W. Travis Horton is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University, with a courtesy appointment in Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and has over 20 years of academic and industry experience in thermal systems research. His affiliations include the Lyles School of Civil Engineering and the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories at Purdue, focusing on advanced thermal energy conversion systems and sustainable building technologies. Dr. Horton’s research emphasizes integration of HVAC systems with renewable energy, optimization of ground-source heat pumps, and innovative compressor/expander technologies. He leads projects on building energy modeling, combined heat and power systems, and waste heat recovery. His work bridges experimental facilities with computational models for system analysis and optimization. His teaching includes courses on building mechanical systems design and energy audits. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (Michigan) and holds universal refrigerant certification. Active in professional organizations like ASHRAE, his research has produced over 50 peer-reviewed articles since 2001, addressing thermal efficiency, energy systems integration, and sustainable building design.
Herbert Steinrück is an Associate Professor at Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) since 1997, with multiple affiliations across the university's engineering departments. His primary appointments include the Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer (E307), Institute for Analysis and Scientific Computing (E322), and Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development (E101). He leads research in the Computational Fluid Mechanics research area (E322-02). Steinrück completed his Dipl.-Ing. in Mathematics at TU Wien in 1983, followed by his Dr. techn. degree between 1983-1985. He served as a Research Assistant from 1983-1989 at the Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer, then worked as a University Assistant from 1992-1997 before achieving Habilitation in 1991. His international experience includes a Visiting Scientist position at IBM Thomas Watson Research Center in 1989-1990. His research focuses on Computational Fluid Dynamics, Wave Dynamics, and Combustion Engineering . Steinrück's work spans rotary and gravity waves in cylindrical containers, flame propagation in confined spaces, dust explosions, and flow-induced vibrations. His approach combines experimental validation with asymptotic analysis and numerical simulation, particularly examining stability characteristics and excitation mechanisms in complex fluid systems. Recent work shows increasing focus on multiphysics problems involving fluid-structure interaction. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent work in wave dynamics (particularly rotary waves in cylindrical containers), with expanding applications to combustion phenomena and structural interactions. His research demonstrates strong continuity in fundamental fluid mechanics while adapting to address practical engineering challenges in compressor design, explosion safety, and aeroelasticity. Steinrück has mentored numerous graduate students through thesis supervision, with documented advisees working on topics including hydroelastic gear lubrication, circulating condensate films, dental air turbines, and flow-induced vibrations in U-beams. His collaborative work extends to conference organization, including editing proceedings for the EFRC Conference series.
Professor Keith Robert Pullen is a distinguished academic and inventor in energy systems engineering at City St George’s, University of London , where he has served since 2008. His career spans both academia and industry, with a focus on flywheel energy storage , high-speed electrical machines , and low-carbon power generation . He co-founded multiple spin-out companies, including Hydroventuri Ltd and Gyrotricity , and holds numerous patents in axial flux generators and turbo-compressors. His research integrates engineering innovation with practical applications for rural transport and developing countries . Education: PhD & DIC in Mechanical Engineering (1991), BEng in Mechanical Engineering (1987) from Imperial College London , sponsored by Rolls-Royce . Research Interests center on electrically driven flywheel systems, turbo compressors for fuel cells, and energy technologies for rural Africa. His work bridges mechanical engineering , renewable energy , and automotive innovation , with applications in hybrid vehicles and rail transport. Recent projects explore acoustic microdevices for biomedical engineering. Publications emphasize kinetic energy storage , microturbines , and phase-change materials . His grants include EPSRC-funded SCORE (Thermoacoustic engine), BIPED (EV batteries), and VESI (EV integration), alongside InnovateUK projects like LCEF (automotive flywheels with Nissan) and FCAMS (fuel cell compressors). Awards: Enterprise Fellowship (Royal Academy of Engineering), Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and Esso Teaching Fellow. Leadership: Director of Ascending Power Ltd and Dynamic Boosting Systems Ltd , and co-founder of Hydroventuri Ltd and Gyrotricity .
Irene Koronaki is a Professor at the National Technical University of Athens , affiliated with the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Thermal Engineering Section . She serves as Director of the Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics, Cooling Technology & Refrigerated Vehicles since 2022 and has held academic roles at NTUA since 1999. Her research focuses include thermodynamics, heat pumps, energy efficiency, and renewable energy systems. Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, NTUA (1996) PhD in Thermal Engineering, NTUA (2000) Postdoctoral Researcher, NTUA (2002) Her research spans thermodynamics of cooling cycles, heat pumps, power cycles, energy saving in buildings, and thermal energy storage. She has pioneered work in nanofluids, solar cooling, and CO2 absorption systems. Her publications and projects reflect expertise in Stirling engines, hybrid solar collectors, and building energy optimization. Her recent articles highlight advancements in superfluid thermodynamics, solar PV/T systems, and medical robotics. Awards include the Edward F. Obert Award (2022) and leadership of the 2021 ASHRAE Student Design Competition winning team. She serves on ASME and ASHRAE committees and co-authored educational materials for refrigeration and energy inspection standards.
Edward Barbour is an Associate Professor of Energy Systems and Storage at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, and a member of the Birmingham Energy Institute. His research focuses on thermomechanical energy storage and the future role of energy storage in the UK. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2013, University of Edinburgh); MPhys in Physics (2009, Hertford College, University of Oxford). Postdoc positions at the University of Birmingham and MIT. Previously a Lecturer at Loughborough University (2019–2024). Research interests include compressed air energy storage (CAES), thermal energy storage, and energy system optimization. He leads the EPSRC-funded SAVE-CAES project and collaborates on GasNetNew. His work emphasizes practical applications and cost-effective solutions for energy infrastructure. Publications span over 25 research papers and a book chapter on CAES. Recent work explores system performance of adiabatic CAES, pressure effects on power machinery, and heat exchanger efficiency. Awards: Advance HE fellowship. Projects include EPSRC grants and collaborative initiatives with industry.
Dr Matthew Read serves as a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at City St George's, University of London, and is a member of the Center for Compressor Technology. He joined the institution as a Research Fellow in June 2012 and advanced to Lecturer in March 2016, maintaining continuous employment through the 2024 merger of City, University of London and St George's. His academic qualifications include: PhD from Imperial College London (November 2006 – November 2010) MEng in Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering from the University of Cambridge (September 2001 – July 2005) Research Interests: Dr Read specializes in low-temperature power generation and waste heat recovery systems, with expertise in compressor and expander technologies for organic Rankine cycles (ORC) and supercritical carbon dioxide applications. His work integrates thermodynamic modeling with experimental validation to optimize energy conversion efficiency, particularly in industrial waste heat scenarios and hybrid power-train systems. Current projects focus on predictive tools for off-design performance of supersonic turbines and two-phase screw expanders. Awards: Donald Julius Groen Prize 2021 (awarded by IMechE Fluid Machinery Group, 2022) Research Funding: Dr Read secured EPSRC funding for the NextORC project (2017) investigating fundamental ORC expander design and the SCOTWOHR project (2021) developing supercritical CO₂ cycles for industrial waste heat recovery. NextORC established validated computational tools for predicting design-scaling and off-design performance of ORC systems, incorporating experimental testing of supersonic turbines and screw expanders into dynamic and techno-economic cycle simulations. Laboratory Affiliation: As a core member of the Center for Compressor Technology, he contributes to experimental and theoretical research in rotating machinery design, with facilities supporting compressor/expander performance testing and thermodynamic cycle validation.
Dr Mark Puttock-Brown serves as Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering within the School of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Sussex, where he also holds the position of Associate Dean for the Sussex-Surrey Institute of Technology. As a member of the Thermo-Fluid Mechanics Research Centre, his work bridges fundamental turbomachinery research with practical applications in renewable energy and biomedical devices. His educational background includes: BSc in Theoretical Physics (University of Sussex, 2010) MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering (University of Sussex, 2011) PhD in Mechanical Engineering focusing on gas turbine secondary air systems (University of Sussex, 2018) PgCert in Higher Education (University of Sussex, 2020) Puttock-Brown's research centers on experimental and numerical analysis of rotating cavity flows, with particular expertise in buoyancy-driven phenomena within gas turbine engines. His work increasingly integrates AI methodologies like physics-informed neural networks for inverse heat transfer problems while expanding applications to sustainable systems and net-zero technologies. Recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory from fundamental fluid dynamics studies toward applied research with industrial partners like GE Aviation. His publication portfolio reveals consistent focus on rotating cavity aerodynamics with evolving methodological sophistication - from traditional experimental measurements (2016-2018) to hybrid AI-experimental approaches (2023-2025). Key thematic clusters include buoyancy effects in compressor rotors, thermal wake characterization, and metamaterial applications for acoustic management. Award recognition includes: Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2021) He actively supervises graduate projects while securing significant research funding, including a £4M BP grant for cryogenic fluid research (2023-2027) and Innovate UK funding for renewable refrigeration systems. His teaching portfolio spans numerical modeling, computational fluid dynamics, and vehicle technology courses at multiple levels. Current research activities center on the Thermo-Fluid Mechanics Research Centre where he leads projects connecting turbomachinery fundamentals with biomedical device innovation and sustainable energy systems through collaborations with industrial partners including Beko PLC and GE Aviation.
Nishith Babubhai Desai is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), located at Koppels Allé, 403, 024, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. His work directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovations in thermal energy systems and storage technologies. His research specializes in Packed Bed Engineering (100% fingerprint prominence), Cryogenic Energy Storage (68%), Energy Storage Systems (65%), Organic Rankine Cycle (59%), and Thermal Energy Storage Systems (44%). He employs computational fluid dynamics and thermodynamic modeling to optimize solidification processes, two-phase flows, and energy storage configurations for industrial applications. Recent publications (2025-2026) demonstrate a concentrated focus on molten salt heat exchanger solidification, hybrid pumped thermal-liquid air storage integration, and compressor performance prediction. These works collectively advance thermal energy storage efficiency, system roundtrip optimization, and cryogenic storage scalability within mechanical engineering. No scientific awards, fellowships, or medals were documented in the source material. Dr. Desai actively supervises four PhD students on critical energy projects including two-phase turbo-expanders for liquid air storage and supersonic turbine design for organic Rankine cycles. He participates in the EMPOWER initiative (2025-2028) developing two-phase expansion technology for geothermal and industrial waste heat recovery, securing significant research funding for DTU's sustainability efforts.
Jens Fridh is an Associate Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, affiliated with the Unit of Heat and Power Technology within the Digital Futures Faculty. His research focuses on experimental studies of aerodynamics, aeromechanics, and heat transfer in turbomachinery and rocket engines. Key areas include cavity purge flows in turbines, rocket nozzle cooling using methane, and waste heat recovery systems. He is part of the Turbomachinery & Propulsion research group and actively collaborates with industry through governmental research programs like the Swedish Energy Agency and Swedish Space Agency. His work emphasizes combining experimental and numerical methods to advance propulsion and energy technologies. Recent projects explore acoustic modes in open box cavities, centrifugal compressor performance, and organic Rankine cycle systems for heavy-duty truck waste heat recovery. He has presented at top conferences such as ASME Turbo Expo and the European Turbomachinery Conference. Jens teaches courses like Aircraft Propulsion, Applied Heat and Power Technology, and Renewable Energy Technology, integrating research insights into education. His lab facilities include modular wind tunnels and rocket nozzle testing setups, supporting both academic and industrial innovation.
University of the Highlands and IslandsUnited Kingdom
Qusai Al-Hamdan is a Lecturer in Aeronautical Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of the Highlands and Islands. He holds a PhD in Gas Turbine Engines from the University of Hertfordshire and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Mu’tah University, Jordan. His research focuses on advanced gas turbine technologies, including component design, thermal efficiency optimization, and data acquisition systems for propulsion systems. Notable projects include developing a computerized static firing test cell for missile rocket engines, upgrading Mirage F1 turbojet engine test cells with real-time data systems, and designing microturbine components for high-output power generation. Al-Hamdan's work integrates mechanical engineering principles with aerospace applications, emphasizing practical solutions for energy systems and propulsion. His technical contributions span turbine component matching, compressor design, and acoustic noise mitigation in aerospace components. He teaches courses on aircraft propulsion systems, hydraulic systems, and project engineering, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical and applied aspects of aeronautical engineering.
Dr. Robert Prosser is a Professor at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), combustion, numerical methods, and energy systems. Prosser holds a BEng(Hons) from UMIST and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where he studied numerical methods for combustion. His research interests include combustion processes, multiresolution (wavelet) methods, DNS/LES simulations, boundary conditions for Navier-Stokes problems, compressible flow, aerodynamics for motorsports, and synthetic eddy methods. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy (SDG7) and industry innovation (SDG9). Prosser's recent work emphasizes energy storage systems, liquid crystal microfluidics, and yield stress fluid dynamics. His studies on porous media applications for compressed air energy storage and liquid piston compressor optimization reflect his commitment to sustainable technologies. Collaborations span global institutions, with notable research into microfluidic capillaries and fuel cell gas diffusion layers. As part of the Fluids Research Group, Prosser engages in projects addressing turbulent flow, CFD applications, and thermal systems. His contributions include over 90 peer-reviewed publications across journals and conferences, with a focus on advancing numerical methods and fluid dynamics applications.
Fredrik Haglind is a Professor at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, specializing in sustainable heat-to-power conversion technologies. He also holds an Adjunct Professor position at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology since 2022. Ph.D. (2005), Cranfield University M.Sc. (1999), Lund University His research focuses on advanced turbomachinery , two-phase flow systems , and thermal energy storage , with applications in geothermal energy, concentrating solar power, and industrial waste heat recovery. Recent work includes: Non-dimensional turbomachinery models for pumped thermal storage One-dimensional modeling of two-phase flows in nozzles Hybrid energy storage integration with district cooling His publications (227 total) emphasize thermodynamic modeling , heat transfer enhancement , and low-temperature heat conversion . He supervises multiple Ph.D. projects including: Two-phase turbo-expanders for liquid air storage Supercritical CO2 compressor analysis Partial-evaporation ORC turbine optimization
Professor Ahmed Kovacevic is a leading academic at City, University of London, where he holds the Howden / Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair in Compressor Technology. He is based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the School of Science and Technology, and serves as Director of the Centre for Compressor Technology, a key component of the Thermo-Fluids Research Centre. He has been affiliated with City University since 1998, progressing from Research Fellow to Professor and Chair, and maintains strong industrial partnerships with Howden Compressors Ltd and the Royal Academy of Engineering. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, City University London (1998–2002) MSc in Mechanical Engineering, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995–1997) Dipl Ing in Mechanical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (1981–1986) Professor Kovacevic’s research centers on compressor and screw machine technology, with a focus on high-fidelity computational modeling, design optimization, and performance analysis of positive displacement machines. His work integrates advanced CFD simulations, thermodynamic modeling, and experimental validation to improve the efficiency, reliability, and environmental impact of screw compressors and expanders. He is particularly known for his contributions to oil-free compression, multiphase flow modeling, and rotor profile optimization. His research often bridges academic theory with industrial applications, especially in energy recovery systems such as Organic Rankine Cycles. The recent trend in his publications shows a strong emphasis on numerical modeling, experimental validation, and optimization of rotary machines, particularly using CFD and machine learning techniques. His work spans leakage flow analysis, conjugate heat transfer, real gas effects, and oil injection dynamics in screw machines. He frequently collaborates with industry and co-authors with researchers from institutions worldwide, maintaining a high impact in mechanical and thermo-fluids engineering. Scientific Awards and Honors: James Clayton Prize (IMechE, 2020) Howden / Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair (2020) Donald Julius Groen Prize (2016) IMechE Ludwig Mond Prize (2012) IMechE Moss Prize (2011) Geothermal Resources Council Best Paper (2007, 2004) City University President’s Award for Teaching (2017) Professor Kovacevic has supervised numerous PhD students, including Brijeshkumar Patel, Yang Lu, and Nausheen Basha, on topics ranging from leakage flows to rotor design. He has led significant research grants such as the EPSRC-funded NextORC project on ORC expanders. He is actively involved in professional service, including as Co-Editor of the Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering, Chair of the Design Education Special Interest Group, and board member of the IMechE Fluid Machinery Group. He is the initial author of the SCORG software, widely used in the compressor industry, and serves as Director of PDM Analysis Ltd, a spin-out company from City, University of London. His work in engineering design education and international collaboration further demonstrates his leadership in both research and academic development.
Dr Nigel Garland is a Senior Lecturer and Principal Academic in Sustainable Technology at Bournemouth University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Design & Engineering. He serves as Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Design Engineering and Lead for Innovation & Professional Accreditation, ensuring alignment with Engineering Council AHEP4 standards and UN Sustainable Development Goals. His research focuses on tribology , sustainable design , and the integration of sustainability into engineering education . He has led EPSRC-funded research on hydrocarbon refrigerants in hermetic compressors, examining tribological and environmental impacts. More recently, his work explores the integration of AI vision systems and edge computing into student design projects, fostering innovation and industry readiness. Dr Garland's publications span tribology, sustainable materials, engineering education, and technical standards. His recent work emphasizes practical AI applications, model-based definition (BS8888), and problem-based learning. He actively contributes to pedagogical innovation and student confidence in emerging technologies. Chartered Engineer, Engineering Council UK (2015) Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2018) He supervises curriculum development and unit leadership across all undergraduate levels in design engineering. As an external examiner at the University of Plymouth, Greenwich University, and formerly Coventry University, he contributes to national academic quality. He is also deeply involved in professional standards through the BSI (TPR/1 committees) and the Institute of Engineering Designers, where he chairs accreditation panels and contributes to programme validation. Dr Garland leads initiatives in engineering drawing practice, technical product realization, and curriculum sustainability, bridging academic and industrial perspectives to advance engineering education.
Diego Perrone serves as an Assistant Professor in Fluid Machines (IIND-06/A) within the Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering at the University of Calabria, Italy. He teaches Energy Systems for Management Engineering, Power Plant for Mechanical Engineering, Internal Combustion Engines and Hybrid Powertrains for Energy Engineering, and marine propulsion systems for Technologies of the Sea and Navigation in the 2025 academic year. His research centers on theoretical and experimental analysis of fluid machinery including turbines, expanders, internal combustion engines (including hybrid configurations), compressors, and thermal/chemical apparatus. Current investigations focus on adapting engines to EU 2035 directives, wave energy utilization, and renewable-conventional energy integration in combined cycles. His work examines environmental impact, optimization, and system integration for terrestrial, marine, and aerial propulsion applications. Recent publications (2022-2024) reveal strong emphasis on sustainable energy conversion, particularly biomass gasification for CCHP systems, biodiesel-ORC integration, hybrid powertrain development, and emissions control. His methodology consistently combines numerical modeling with experimental validation across thermal, automotive, and renewable energy domains. As a core member of the Macchine a Fluido research group, Perrone collaborates closely with Sergio Bova, Teresa Castiglione, and Pietropaolo Morrone on projects spanning energy generation, storage, and distribution systems. The group actively addresses industrial and residential sector applications through process integration and system optimization approaches.
