Kirubakaran Annamalai | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Kirubakaran Annamalai | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

National Institute of Technology Warangal | India

Dr. Kirubakaran Annamalai, Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, is a distinguished researcher in Power Electronics, Renewable Energy Systems, and Distributed Generation, with a primary focus on the design, analysis, and implementation of multilevel inverters, DC-DC and DC-AC converters, grid-tied photovoltaic systems, and power quality improvement techniques. He has made significant contributions to quasi-Z-source and switched-capacitor-based inverter topologies, emphasizing high efficiency, reduced device counts, leakage current minimization, and real-time control using DSP, FPGA, and dSPACE platforms. Dr. Kirubakaran Annamalai has published 70 peer-reviewed articles, accumulating 1,563 citations with an h-index of 14 (Scopus), in top international journals such as IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, and Springer’s Journal of Electrical Engineering, and has presented extensively at IEEE and global conferences. He has authored multiple book chapters on advanced power electronics for solar PV and hybrid renewable systems, demonstrating his expertise in sustainable energy technologies. He has successfully led and collaborated on research projects funded by SERB, DST-FIST, SPARC, and SIRE, with budgets ranging from Rs. 2.8 Lakhs to over Rs. 94 Lakhs, focusing on innovative converter designs, smart grid laboratories, and electric vehicle applications, and holds patents on transformer less multilevel inverters. Dr. Kirubakaran Annamalai has supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Tech scholars, advancing frontier research in power electronics. Recognized for his research excellence through the SIRE Fellowship 2023, multiple IEEE Best Paper Awards, editorial contributions, conference chairing, and active membership in IEEE, ISTE, and other professional bodies, he continues to drive innovation in inverter topologies, grid integration strategies, and renewable energy systems, making a lasting impact on modern power conversion technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

  • Palakurthi, R., & Kirubakaran, A. (2025). DSP controlled single-phase two-stage five-level inverter for high-efficiency grid-connected photovoltaic systems. Electrical Engineering, 108(1).

  • Palakurthi, R., & Kirubakaran, A. (2025). Rapid prototyping of FPGA controlled common ground single-phase transformerless five-level inverter using Xilinx System Generator. IEEE Latin America Transactions, 23(7), 609–618.

  • Kalyan Singh, K., & Kirubakaran, A. (2025). Single-phase five-level common ground transformerless switched capacitor inverters for PV applications with double gain. In 2025 Fourth International Conference on Power, Control and Computing Technologies (ICPC2T).

  • Barzegarkhoo, R., Kirubakaran, A., Pereira, T., Liserre, M., & Siwakoti, Y. P. (2024). Improved T-type and ANPC multilevel converters by means of GaN-based T-cell branch and bidirectional device. In IECON 2024 – 50th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society.

  • Kirubakaran, A., Barzegarkhoo, R., & Liserre, M. (2024). A new single-phase dual-mode active neutral point-clamped five-level inverter for renewable applications. In 2024 Third International Conference on Power, Control and Computing Technologies (ICPC2T).

Karim Heydari | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Karim Heydari | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Isfahan University of Technology | Iran

Dr. Karim Heydari is a distinguished scientist and academic in the field of textile engineering and polymer science, renowned for his expertise in developing sustainable and high-performance polymer composites. His research has been instrumental in transforming recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into advanced textile fibers with improved mechanical integrity, flame resistance, and processability. Through innovative use of nanotechnology, eco-friendly flame-retardant systems, and molecular chain extenders, Dr. Heydari has contributed significantly to bridging environmental sustainability with industrial-scale manufacturing. His dedication to advancing polymer recycling technologies positions him as a leading figure in sustainable materials research.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Heydari holds a strong academic background in textile engineering, polymer processing, and materials science, with specialized training in fiber manufacturing technologies, rheological property analysis, and nanocomposite engineering. His educational journey has provided him with a unique interdisciplinary skill set, enabling him to address challenges in polymer degradation, fiber spinning, and additive compatibility with scientifically sound and technologically viable solutions.

Experience

Throughout his career, Dr. Heydari has led and collaborated on multiple high-impact research projects focused on the optimization of recycled polymers for advanced textile applications. His work encompasses the full material development chain from feedstock selection and additive formulation to reactive extrusion, melt spinning, and product testing. He has applied advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and rheological characterization to evaluate and enhance composite performance. In addition to academic publications, Dr. Heydari has actively collaborated with industrial partners to translate laboratory innovations into production-ready materials, particularly for applications demanding both performance and environmental compliance.

Research Interest

Dr. Heydari’s research interests cover a broad range of topics in sustainable material science, including polymer recycling and upcycling, flame-retardant fiber composites, nano clay dispersion technologies, rheology-driven process optimization, and environmentally friendly additive systems. He is particularly passionate about valorizing multiple-recycled PET often considered unsuitable for high-quality applications  by restoring its molecular architecture and enhancing its functional properties. His research is driven by the goal of creating textile fibers that meet rigorous mechanical, thermal, and safety standards without compromising ecological responsibility.

Awards

Dr. Heydari has gained recognition for his pioneering contributions to sustainable polymer technology and textile engineering. His innovative approach to combining zinc phosphinate flame retardants, Cloisite 30B nanoclay, and multifunctional epoxy-based chain extenders has resulted in composites with exceptional flame resistance, thermal stability, and spinnability. These advancements not only contribute to safer and more durable textile products but also support global sustainability initiatives. His ability to merge scientific innovation with industrial applicability makes him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications

Dr. Karim Heydari has contributed impactful research on the rheological, thermal, and mechanical enhancement of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composites, with a focus on flame retardancy and spinnability.

Title: Enhanced Spinning Properties of Chain‐Extended Flame‐Retarded Multiple‐Recycled PET/Cloisite 30B Nanocomposite
Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Published on: August 2025

Title: Rheological Probing Molecular Weight Increase in Flame Retarded Doubly Recycled PET in the Presence of Nanoclay and Investigating its Spinnability
Journal: Preprint
Published on: January 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Karim Heydari’s contributions to polymer recycling and textile engineering represent a significant step forward in the creation of sustainable, high-performance materials. His work addresses urgent environmental challenges associated with polymer waste while providing viable solutions for industrial fiber production. By integrating advanced material science with practical manufacturing processes, he continues to influence the fields of textile engineering, polymer technology, and sustainable manufacturing. His research not only pushes the boundaries of scientific understanding but also demonstrates a commitment to creating eco-conscious innovations that can be adopted across global industries.