(4iu) Electrification and Decarbonization Strategies through Process Intensification, Integration, and Optimization

My statement aims to introduce my research experience, skills, interests, and goals for my future career as a process system engineer and educator. There is a proportional relationship between the population and the electricity demand. The power demand expands when the percentage of the population increases. The rise in the use of traditional energy sources can lead to the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in the air. Renewable energy is the key to a clean energy future and can lead to decarbonizing the industry sector. In addition, renewable energy generates power with zero waste and does not contaminate heavy waste, unlike fossil fuels. My primary research interests are process system design, system integration with multiscale optimization, data analysis, life cycle, and techno-economic assessment. The research activities focus on developing methodologies and tools to find optimal solutions for problems of sustainable design, operation, and control.

My recent project focuses on the electrification and decarbonization of methanol plants using solar and wind power, thermal storage, heat integration, carbon capture technology, water treatment technology, electrolyzer, and multiscale optimization. Throughout this project, two different methods of producing methanol were introduced: low-carbon methanol and green methanol (zero emission) production. The result shows a significant capital cost reduction while maintaining energy and improving sustainability. The second project establishes a new methodology for predicting solar and wind data using a Fourier neural network technique. The remaining projects focus on designing, integrating, and modeling renewable energy systems.

Teaching Interests:

In my teaching philosophy, teaching is a continuous journey that requires regular reevaluation of teaching materials to sustain the technological revolution. This philosophy focuses on how the duties are divided between the student and the teacher.

Professors are required to have guidance to develop a unique technique that can fit the learning style of all students. The class curriculum should be aligned with the new industry requirements and accreditation standards. Lab exercises and projects must support the lecture notes to reinforce theoretical concepts and practical applications.

At the beginning of the courses, delivering a clear review of the fundamental principles using some visual aids along with real-world problems can encourage the students to be more active. Interactive learning is another method to engage the students in practice through an open discussion which can help develop the skills of building case studies for the final project. This promotes critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. Some technical courses require a field trip to visit the engineering facilities and fill in the gap between real-world applications and classroom materials.

Evaluation is designed to assess the student's understanding of the course materials and show whether the professor's teaching method needs to be improved. Mentorship is another way to encourage students to take the course. It involves having an office hour to provide additional support or clarification regarding the course materials. I have taught several undergraduate courses that focused on different engineering disciplines. I have always aspired to teach classes that build a bridge between theoretical and practical applications to prepare students to tackle any real-world problem in process engineering and renewable energy.