With rising global emissions, there has been a considerable shift in energy policies across nations, including China, to achieve a carbon-neutrality. In this context, renewable/low-grade energy sources and secondary energy carriers like hydrogen have received a renewed impetus for a sustainable energy transition. The objective of this research project is broadly aligned with the above theme. To this end, the multiphase thermo-hydraulic behaviour of environmentally benign, alternative zeotropic mixtures will be investigated for a wide range of applications. It is established that zeotropic mixtures have the potential to reduce the irreversible losses in a thermodynamic cycle. But knowledge gaps still exist regarding the critical attributes of zeotropic mixtures and their impact on performance. This research project will evaluate (through thermodynamic analysis and experiments) those attributes to enhance the energy exchange process while limiting their environmental impact.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, thermodynamic analysis, participation in the design/development of the experimental facility, experimental measurements using advanced research tools, data curation, and publication of research findings in reputed peer-reviewed journals. Students will be encouraged to participate and present their work at international conferences/meetings.