Zanil Narsing

I am a PhD student researching hybrid systems for industrial decarbonization. As a part of the COMHPTES project, I will validate novel heat pumps and thermal energy storage to supply heat and cold energy on demand for industrial applications. This project will also interface with renewable energy systems, waste heat recovery, and district heat networks. The project involves combining major components from industrial partners into a lab testing rig for an extensive experimental campaign, taking the technology to a TRL 5 level. The goal will be to enable gradual technology adoption through reducing large upfront investment and operational risks.

I am also contributing to the DETECTIVE project with the goal of increasing Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) optical efficiency through a novel tubular bundle receiver. The goal of the project is to increase the competitiveness of CSP technology and expand the market beyond the traditional Sun Belt regions. I will be providing insights to the experimental campaigns and working on the techno-economic modelling to validate the claims of increasing market attractiveness through improved collector efficiency.

Both projects will involve coordinating research with industrial partners and working closely with Rafael and Silvia.

Background

I have a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Energy Engineering from the EIT InnoEnergy Renewable Energy program. I have three years of mechanical design engineering experience in the US aerospace sector where I designed thermal dissipation mechanisms and led R&D qualification testing. I also spent two years in the UK working as a technical sales engineer in the solar thermal industry. I helped develop numerous solar thermal projects for the built environment, while also establishing markets around Europe through strategic marketing campaigns. Now, I am excited to become an expert in thermal energy engineering, helping make the dream of a green economy a reality.