Donal Finn

Donal Finn is a Professor at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin. His research focuses on energy systems optimization, building energy efficiency, and thermal management. He holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and has held academic positions since 1995, progressing from Lecturer to Professor in 2021. His work includes pioneering studies on heat pumps, refrigeration systems, and energy flexibility in buildings.

Education:

• B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, NUI Galway (1985)
• MEngSc, NUI Galway (1987)
• PhD, Trinity College Dublin (1996)

Research Interests: Analysis and optimization of energy conversion systems, heat pumps, refrigeration systems, evaporative cooling, and natural ventilation in building applications. Current projects emphasize energy flexibility, district heating networks, and sustainable building technologies.

Awards:

• Royal Academy of Engineering Teaching Fellowship (1995)
• UCD Research Fellowship (2004)
• ASHRAE Best Paper Award (2017)
• Institute of Refrigeration Ted Perry Award (2012)

Grants: Lead researcher in projects like the Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems SRC (2010–2017). Collaborates with EU initiatives such as IEA Annex 82 on energy flexible buildings.

Teaching: Coordinates modules in Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and Measurement & Instrumentation. Supervises engineering projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Labs/Teams: Active in the UCD Energy Institute, leading research on building energy systems and smart grids. Member of IBPSA-Ireland and contributor to international energy standards.