Pimpan Pruengam | FRP in Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Pimpan Pruengam | FRP in Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Thailand

Profile:

🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimpan Pruengam, born on January 24, 1980, has been a significant contributor to the field of agricultural engineering. She began her academic journey at Suranaree University of Technology, where she earned her Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering in 2002. Her passion for the subject led her to pursue a Master of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering from Kasetsart University, completed in 2006. She later obtained her Ph.D. in Energy Technology from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in 2017. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her future work in drying technology, renewable energy, and post-harvest engineering.

🏢Professional Endeavors

Dr. Pruengam has been an influential faculty member at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, since 2007. Her role as a lecturer has allowed her to impart knowledge and mentor countless students. Before her academic tenure, she gained valuable industry experience as an engineer at Bitwise (Thailand) Co., Ltd. from 2002 to 2004. Her practical experience in the engineering sector, combined with her academic pursuits, has enabled her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Pruengam’s research has significantly contributed to the fields of drying technology, renewable energy, and post-harvest engineering. She has authored numerous papers in both national and international journals. Her notable works include studies on the rapid drying of parboiled paddy using hot-air impinging stream dryers and the mechanical properties of parboiled brown rice kernels during drying processes. She has also explored innovative techniques such as the design of a sugar cane washing machine for fresh juice production and the development of a lotus seed separating machine.

In the realm of renewable energy, Dr. Pruengam has researched the use of greenhouse technology for solar drying of bananas and the performance testing of small diesel engines using coconut and soybean oils. Her work on the potential of cashew nut shell waste in charcoal briquettes exemplifies her dedication to sustainable engineering solutions.

🏆Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Pruengam’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received recognition for her work through various awards and accolades. One of her significant achievements is the patent for the “Ultra Fast Drying of Parboiled Paddy Using Hot Air Impinging Stream Technique,” issued in 2019. This innovation showcases her ability to create practical solutions with broad industrial applications.

Her academic excellence is further demonstrated by her numerous presentations at national and international conferences. She has presented her research at prestigious events, including the International Drying Symposium in Lyon, France, and the ISSCT Agricultural Engineering Workshop in Nakhonpathom, Thailand. These platforms have allowed her to share her knowledge with a global audience, enhancing her reputation as a leading expert in her field.

🌍Impact and Influence

Dr. Pruengam’s work has had a significant impact on the agricultural engineering community. Her research has provided valuable insights into improving drying processes, enhancing energy efficiency, and developing sustainable practices in post-harvest engineering. Her teaching and mentorship have shaped the careers of many students, fostering the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Her interdisciplinary approach, combining agricultural engineering with energy technology, has led to innovative solutions that address critical challenges in food processing and renewable energy. Her work on drying technology, in particular, has implications for improving food quality, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing post-harvest losses.

🌟Legacy and Future Contributions

As an accomplished academic and researcher, Dr. Pruengam continues to push the boundaries of her field. Her future contributions are expected to focus on further advancing drying technologies and exploring new renewable energy sources. Her dedication to sustainable engineering practices will likely lead to more innovative solutions that benefit both the industry and the environment.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: The potential of cashew nut shell waste in charcoal briquettes after producing cashew nut shell liquid through cold extraction

  • Authors: Pathaveerat, S., Pruengam, P., Lekrungroenggid, N.
  • Journal: Results in Engineering
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Fabrication and testing of double-sided solar collector dryer for drying banana

  • Authors: Pruengam, P., Pathaveerat, S., Pukdeewong, P.
  • Journal: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
  • Year: 2021

Paper Title: Low cost measurement of moisture content in long grain paddy

  • Authors: Pathaveerat, S., Pruengam, P.
  • Journal: Journal of Stored Products Research
  • Year: 2020

Paper Title: Evolution of mechanical properties of parboiled brown rice kernels during impinging stream drying

  • Authors: Pruengam, P., Soponronnarit, S., Prachayawarakorn, S., Devahastin, S.
  • Journal: Drying Technology
  • Year: 2016

Paper Title: Rapid Drying of Parboiled Paddy Using Hot Air Impinging Stream Dryer

  • Authors: Pruengam, P., Soponronnarit, S., Prachayawarakorn, S., Devahastin, S.
  • Journal: Drying Technology
  • Year: 2014

Prabahar Jeevanandam | Natural Fibers | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Prabahar Jeevanandam | Natural Fibers | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Park College of Engineering and Technology, India

Profiles:

🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. J. Prabahar’s journey in mechanical engineering began with his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) in Mechanical Engineering from Kalasalingam College of Engineering, Srivilliputhur, in 1990. With a solid foundation in engineering principles and practices, he pursued further studies at Mahendra Engineering College in Namakkal, where he obtained his Master of Engineering (M.E) in CAD in 2009, achieving a commendable CGPA of 8.08. His academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. from Anna University, Chennai, in October 2020. His doctoral thesis, “INVESTIGATION OF SOLAR STILL TO AUGMENT PRODUCTIVITY USING VARIOUS TECHNIQUES,” focused on converting brackish water into drinking water using solar energy, demonstrating his commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions.

🏢Professional Endeavors

Dr. Prabahar’s professional journey is marked by significant contributions to both academia and industry. He began his career as a Quality Control and Production Engineer at Axles India Ltd in Chennai, where he worked from February 1993 to April 2002. During this period, he honed his skills in production studies, machine analysis, and lean manufacturing processes, contributing to quality enhancement and cost-effectiveness.

Transitioning to academia, Dr. Prabahar joined C.S.I. Polytechnic College in Salem as a Senior Lecturer and NCC Caretaker, serving from January 2003 to August 2012. His roles included department development activities, class advising, and industry visit coordination. He also served as the NCC Air Wing in charge, highlighting his leadership and organizational abilities.

He then took on the role of Principal at The Kavery Institute of Technology in Salem from August 2012 to May 2015. Here, he encouraged staff members to achieve high performance, organized workshops, and motivated students for placement activities. His tenure was marked by a focus on quality education and the retention of dedicated staff.

From June 2015 to March 2023, Dr. Prabahar served as an Associate Professor and Entrepreneurship Development Cell Head at JCT College of Engineering and Technology in Coimbatore. His responsibilities included department development activities, alumni coordination, and overall coordination for transport committees. He also played a crucial role in higher studies and startup-related activities.

Currently, Dr. Prabahar is an Associate Professor in Robotics and Automation at Park College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, since April 2023. He continues to contribute to the department through workshops, seminars, innovative projects, and alumni coordination.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Prabahar’s research focus has been on sustainable and innovative solutions in mechanical engineering. His doctoral research on solar stills aimed at converting brackish water into drinking water using solar energy reflects his commitment to addressing real-world problems with non-conventional energy sources. He has also explored various techniques to augment productivity in this area, showcasing his innovative approach.

In addition to his research on solar energy, Dr. Prabahar has authored a book titled “Additive Manufacturing,” published by Haiyagrev Publications, Erode, Tamilnadu. This work reflects his deep understanding of advanced manufacturing techniques and their applications.

🏆Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Prabahar has been recognized for his contributions to engineering and research. He was granted a patent for his invention titled “USB Device to Shutdown PC When Not in Use” (Design No: 399891-001, Dt. 14-11-2023), demonstrating his innovative thinking and technical prowess. His research has been published in various reputed journals, including the Journal of Nanomaterials and Thermal Science.

🌍Impact and Influence

Dr. Prabahar’s impact extends beyond his academic and research contributions. He has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty. His involvement in organizing workshops, conferences, and seminars has provided platforms for knowledge sharing and skill development. As an associate professor and entrepreneurship development cell head, he has nurtured a culture of innovation and practical application of engineering principles.

🌟Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Prabahar’s legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to education, research, and innovation. His work in developing sustainable solutions for water purification and his contributions to additive manufacturing will continue to influence future research and applications. He has set a high standard for academic and professional excellence, inspiring both students and colleagues.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Synergizing Deep Belief Networks and Multi-Layer Perceptrons for Advanced Facial Expression Identification: A Leap in Deep Learning Applications

  • Authors: Sharada, K., Anandhan, K., Jeevanandam, P., Naik, B.R., Kannan, S.
  • Journal: 2024 IEEE 9th International Conference for Convergence in Technology, I2CT 2024
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Application of Deep Learning to the Prediction of Solar Irradiance through Missing Data

  • Authors: Girimurugan, R., Selvaraju, P., Jeevanandam, P., Mayakannan, S., Vaithilingam, S.K.
  • Journal: International Journal of Photoenergy
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Study of Friction and Wear Behavior of Graphene-Reinforced AA7075 Nanocomposites by Machine Learning

  • Authors: Prasanth, I.S.N.V.R., Jeevanandam, P., Selvaraju, P., Mayakannan, S., Sasikumar, B.
  • Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Sasikumar, B., Jeevanandam, P., Samikkannu, V.B., Veeramalini, J.B.

  • Authors: Sasikumar, B., Jeevanandam, P., Samikkannu, V.B., Veeramalini, J.B.
  • Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials
  • Year: 2022

Paper Title: Experimental investigation of the solar still with the diverse absorber plate configurations using energy storing materials

  • Authors: Jeevanandam, P., Thangavel, B.
  • Journal: Thermal Science
  • Year: 2020