Pedro Pitrez | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Pitrez | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Pitrez  at Assistente Convidado – FEUP , Portugal

Pedro Pitrez is a Mechanical Engineer specializing in thermal energy and internal combustion engine systems. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently completing his Ph.D. at FEUP, focusing on energy systems and mechanical engineering. Pitrez has extensive experience in both academia and industry, with a passion for research, development, and teaching. He has worked as a lecturer at UTAD and FEUP, teaching subjects such as Applied Thermodynamics and Mechanics. His professional journey includes working at INEGI, where he developed a machine for cork painting, and at EDP Geração, managing operations for hydroelectric power plants. Known for his technical expertise, Pitrez combines his engineering knowledge with a drive for innovation, contributing to various research projects, academic articles, and conferences.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Pedro Pitrez’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UTAD, followed by a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from FEUP. His Ph.D. work at FEUP focuses on the areas of energy systems and combustion. Pitrez has excelled in his academic career, achieving strong results with a Master’s thesis on preparing a Porsche 911 internal combustion engine for competition. His academic training also includes specialized research in thermal energy, reflected in his current work and studies. Furthermore, he has contributed significantly to educational platforms, having taught courses such as Applied Thermodynamics II and Mechanics III. His current research at FEUP and INEGI is an embodiment of his continuous pursuit of knowledge and advancement in the field of mechanical and energy engineering.

💼 Experience

Pedro Pitrez has an extensive professional background in both academia and industry. From March 2020 to August 2022, he worked as a researcher at INEGI, where he was involved in the development of industrial machines, including a machine for cork painting. He was responsible for designing the machine’s structure and transport systems, as well as creating the control software. Additionally, Pitrez gained valuable experience in teaching at FEUP, offering courses in thermodynamics and mechanics. He has also worked at Amorim Cork Composites, where he provided academic support, including practical classes and student supervision. His professional career also includes working at EDP Geração, where he currently holds a position as an engineer in charge of planning and operations for hydroelectric power plants. Pitrez’s broad experience and academic contributions make him a well-rounded professional in mechanical engineering and energy systems.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Pedro Pitrez has received numerous accolades for his contributions to research and academia. Notably, he won the Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Technologies and Materials for Renewable Energy, Environment, and Sustainability (TMREES23) in 2023. His research work on plasma gasification and energy systems optimization has earned him recognition in both academic and professional circles. Additionally, Pitrez has presented at several high-profile conferences, such as the VII Jornadas de Engenharia Mecânica UTAD and the International Conference on Renewable Energy and Sustainability (TMREES23). His academic journey has been marked by consistent excellence, having also contributed to published articles in reputable journals such as Energy Reports and ENCIT 2020. These awards and honors reflect his impact and dedication to advancing research in mechanical engineering and sustainable energy solutions.

🔍 Research Focus

Pedro Pitrez’s research primarily focuses on energy systems, combustion processes, and sustainable energy technologies. His current work includes investigating plasma gasification for hazardous waste treatment and optimizing energy conversion processes. He has developed expertise in the numerical analysis of energy systems and the efficient production of syngas. His research is highly interdisciplinary, bridging mechanical engineering with environmental sustainability. Pitrez is particularly focused on applying energy optimization to industrial processes, as evidenced by his work on internal combustion engines and hydroelectric power plants. Additionally, his ongoing Ph.D. research explores the potential of alternative fuels in the transportation and energy sectors. His work contributes to the development of cleaner, more efficient energy systems, with practical applications in industries such as automotive, power generation, and environmental technologies. Pitrez’s dedication to advancing energy solutions aligns with his long-term vision of sustainable and efficient mechanical systems.

Publication Top Notes

  • Energy Recovery from Infectious Hospital Waste and Its Safe Neutralization

    • Authors: P. Pitrez, Pedro; E.L.M. Monteiro, Eliseu L.M.; A.I. Rouboa, Abel Ilah
    • Citations: 0 (as it is a forthcoming publication)
    • Year: 2025
    • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Numerical Analysis of Plasma Gasification of Hazardous Waste Using Aspen Plus

    • Authors: Not provided in the reference.
    • Citations: 0
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Energy Reports
    • Volume: 9, Pages 418-426
  • Optimization of Plasma Gasification System for Treatment of COVID-19 Hazardous Waste for Valorization of LHV and H2 Composition

    • Authors: Not provided in the reference.
    • Citations: 0
    • Year: In Review (no specific year yet)
    • Journal: Status: In Review

 

Ali Akbar Akhtari | Engineering | Excellence in Research

Assoc. Prof. Dr Ali Akbar Akhtari | Engineering | Excellence in Research

Faculty member, Razi university, Kermanshah, Iran🏗️📚

Dr. Ali Akbar Akhtari is an Associate Professor at Razi University, Faculty of Engineering, with 26 years of experience in civil engineering. His expertise lies in hydraulic structures, numerical modeling, and computational fluid dynamics, focusing on dam engineering, water resource management, and hydroelectric power systems. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in designing and optimizing hydraulic structures, collaborating with industry experts to improve hydraulic efficiency. As a dedicated mentor, he has supervised over 40 master’s students and 6 Ph.D. graduates, many of whom have secured academic and research positions. His contributions in computational fluid dynamics and numerical simulations continue to impact the field of hydraulic engineering. ✨🔬

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓📖

Dr. Akhtari obtained his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Water & Hydraulics) from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, where he conducted research on free flow in sharp bends and the impact of middle separating walls (Vane) on flow patterns. He also completed his Master’s degree in Hydraulic Structures at the same university, focusing on optimizing the performance of linear Gaussian quadratic control for reservoir systems, with a case study on Ardak Dam. His Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering was also awarded by Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, providing him with a strong foundation in water resources engineering.

Professional Experience 🏢🔍

Dr. Akhtari has over two decades of experience in both academic and professional sectors. As an Associate Professor at Razi University, he has been instrumental in advancing hydraulic engineering research. He has worked as a designer and consultant for numerous hydraulic projects, including 15 dam structures in collaboration with Mashhad Water Engineering Consulting Company. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of 9 small hydroelectric power plants, working alongside the Kermanshah Agricultural Organization. His expertise in numerical modeling and computational simulations has helped optimize hydraulic structures and water management systems.

Research Interests 🌊📊

Dr. Akhtari’s research is centered on hydraulic and structural design for water engineering applications. His key areas of focus include numerical modeling techniques such as Finite Volume, Finite Difference, and Finite Element Methods to enhance the efficiency of hydraulic structures. He specializes in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), particularly in studying flow patterns in sharp bends and transitions between trapezoidal and rectangular open channels. Additionally, he explores the use of precision instruments for dam monitoring, ensuring structural integrity and water flow optimization.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆🔬

Dr. Akhtari has been widely recognized for his pioneering contributions in hydraulic structure design. His work on hydraulic systems for dams and hydroelectric power plants has received acclaim from industry and academic circles. He has been a key consultant for major water infrastructure projects, earning him recognition for his expertise in hydraulic engineering. His mentorship and academic guidance have helped numerous students advance their careers, with many securing faculty positions and research roles in civil engineering.

Publications 📄🔗

Ali Akbar Akhtari, Numerical simulation of free flow patterns in sharp bends, Journal of Hydraulics Engineering, 2023. 🔗 DOI.

Ali Akbar Akhtari, Application of separating walls in dam spillways, Water Resources Research, 2022. 🔗 DOI.

Ali Akbar Akhtari, Computational modeling of turbulence in hydraulic structures, International Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2021. 🔗 DOI.

Ali Akbar Akhtari, Design and optimization of surface water disposal systems, Environmental Engineering Journal, 2020. 🔗 DOI.

Conclusion

Ali Akbar Akhtari is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research Award, given his decades of academic service, pioneering research in hydraulic structures, and significant industry applications. Enhancing global research collaborations and funding opportunities will further elevate his research excellence. 🌟