Philip Donnelan

Dr. Philip Donnelan is a researcher at the School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), where he focuses on sustainable energy storage and localized pharmaceutical manufacturing. His work addresses critical gaps in renewable energy reliability and cost-efficient medicine delivery.

His research in sustainable energy involves developing a liquid air energy storage system powered by renewables (e.g., wind, solar), which also captures carbon emissions. This system uses standard hardware like tanks and compressors to store energy compactly, with a prototype currently under development at UCD. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, he explores 3D-printed reactors and components to enable portable, disposable medicine production. This approach aims to decentralize supply chains, reduce costs, and improve access to personalized medications in underserved regions.

In chemical engineering, Dr. Donnelan’s team applies mathematical modeling to optimize reactor designs, shrinking volumes (e.g., pen-sized reactors) and automating processes. The technology could transform energy systems by bridging intermittent renewable generation and pharmaceutical practices by enabling on-site production in hospitals or remote areas.