Santhi Durganjali Challa | Energy | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Santhi Durganjali Challa | Energy | Editorial Board Member

Research Scholar | BITS-PILANI, Hyderabad Campus | India

Dr. Santhi Durganjali Challa is a dedicated researcher focused on advancing power electronics, power systems, renewable energy technologies, and modern energy management methods. Her work emphasizes solar photovoltaic systems, battery modeling, machine learning–based performance prediction, and fast-charging system development, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing current energy challenges. She has contributed to studies involving PV efficiency improvement, control strategies, harmonic reduction techniques, and predictive modeling for sustainable power solutions. Through her growing publication record, technical collaborations, and participation in interdisciplinary projects, she continues to strengthen her expertise in simulation-driven analysis, experimental energy research, and optimization of clean energy systems. Her academic accomplishments demonstrate consistency, innovation, and a clear focus on enhancing renewable energy integration and overall system performance.

Profile : Google Scholar 

Featured Publication 

Challa, S. D. (2023). Prediction of PV cell parameters via ML algorithms. Energy Conversion and Management. 1 citation.

Challa, S. D. (2022). Techno-economic analysis of extreme fast charging topologies. Journal of Energy Storage. 1 citation.

Challa, S. D. (2021). Performance of solar PV systems in underwater environment. Microelectronics and Signal Processing. 1 citation.

Challa, S. D. (2020). Recent developments and future advancements in solar panels technology. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 27 citations.

Challa, S. D. (2019). PV cell performance with varying temperature levels. GCAT Conference. 2 citations.

Niima Es-sakali | Energy | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Niima Es-sakali | Energy | Women Researcher Award 

Doctorate, at Green Energy Park (UM6P-IRESEN), Morocco.

Dr. ES-SAKALI Niima is a distinguished researcher specializing in energy efficiency, thermal sciences, and AI applications in building technologies. Currently, she serves as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Green Energy Park (UM6P – IRESEN) and as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture and Planning, UM6P, starting September 2024. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. focusing on sustainable building technologies, with significant contributions to modeling, simulation, and AI-based optimization. Dr. Niima has held guest lecturer roles internationally and is a Guest Editor for the peer-reviewed journal Environments (MDPI). Her research bridges academic rigor and real-world applications, leading national projects, collaborating globally, and mentoring early-career researchers. She has advanced Morocco’s research capacity in smart energy systems and contributed to open-access knowledge on climate-smart architecture.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education 

Dr. Niima completed her Ph.D. in Energy Efficiency, Thermal Sciences, and Building AI Applications, focusing on sustainable building technologies. Her doctoral research emphasized modeling, simulation, and AI-based optimization techniques to enhance energy efficiency in building systems. She has since contributed significantly to the field, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Applied Energy, Sustainable Cities and Society, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her current roles at Green Energy Park and UM6P, where she continues to advance research in energy-efficient building systems and AI applications. Dr. Niima’s educational journey reflects a commitment to addressing global challenges in building energy systems and sustainability.

💼 Experience 

Dr. Niima’s professional experience spans academia, research, and industry. At Green Energy Park (UM6P – IRESEN), she leads research initiatives focusing on energy efficiency and AI applications in building technologies. Her role as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture and Planning, UM6P, starting September 2024, underscores her commitment to education and mentorship. Dr. Niima has been involved in international collaborations, including a completed project with Offenburg University-Germany, financed by the DAAD, focusing on rural school buildings. She is also engaged in ongoing research projects related to smart control strategies for HVAC systems and energy-efficient urban planning for net-zero energy buildings. Her consultancy experience includes a project centered on building certification (LEED), demonstrating her ability to bridge research and practical applications in the field of sustainable building technologies.

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Niima’s research interests encompass building energy systems, HVAC optimization, AI applications in building technologies, passive design strategies, digital twins, thermal comfort, energy modeling, and the development of net-zero energy buildings. She has developed innovative, AI-enhanced methods for optimizing HVAC systems and building energy use, contributing to climate-responsive design in semi-arid regions. Her work bridges academic rigor and real-world applications, leading national projects, collaborating globally, and mentoring early-career researchers. Dr. Niima’s contributions have advanced Morocco’s research capacity in smart energy systems, focusing on achieving net-zero energy buildings using passive and AI-optimized strategies tailored for climate responsiveness. A notable contribution is a multi-objective optimization framework for rural Moroccan schools, improving energy efficiency by up to 35.6% and thermal comfort across six climatic zones, contributing to affordable and sustainable school designs.

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Niima’s exemplary contributions to sustainable building technologies have been recognized through various awards and honors. Her innovative research in energy-efficient building systems and AI applications has garnered attention in both academic and professional circles. Notably, she has been nominated for the Women Research Award, acknowledging her significant impact in the field. Her work has also led to national projects and international collaborations, further cementing her reputation as a leader in sustainable building technologies. Dr. Niima’s commitment to advancing research capacity in Morocco and her contributions to open-access knowledge on climate-smart architecture underscore her dedication to addressing global challenges in building energy systems and sustainability.

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Niima has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including Applied Energy (Impact Factor: 10.1), Sustainable Cities and Society (Impact Factor: 10.5), and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Impact Factor: 16.3). Her research covers topics such as HVAC optimization, energy modeling, passive design strategies, and net-zero energy buildings. One of her significant contributions is a multi-objective optimization framework for rural Moroccan schools, which improved energy efficiency by up to 35.6% and thermal comfort across six climatic zones. This work has been cited in various articles, highlighting its impact on the field. Dr. Niima’s publications reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in sustainable building technologies and her dedication to addressing climate-responsive design challenges.

1. Review of Predictive Maintenance Algorithms Applied to HVAC Systems

2. Implementing a Digital Twin-Based Fault Detection and Diagnosis Approach for Optimal Operation and Maintenance of Urban Distributed Solar Photovoltaics

  • Authors: S.I. Kaitouni, I. Ait Abdelmoula, Niima Es-Sakali, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, H. Er-retby, et al.

  • Journal: Renewable Energy Focus, Article 100530

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.ref.2024.100530

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary: This paper presents a digital twin-based approach for fault detection and diagnosis in urban distributed solar photovoltaic systems, aiming to optimize their operation and maintenance.

3. Recent Progress, Limitations, and Future Directions of Macro-Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Building Applications

  • Authors: I. Ait Laasri, Niima Es-Sakali, Moha Cherkaoui, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, A. Outzourhit

  • Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Article 114481

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.114481

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary: This review discusses the advancements, challenges, and future prospects of macro-encapsulated phase change materials in building applications, focusing on their thermal performance and integration into building systems.

4. Energy Efficiency and Hygrothermal Performance of Hemp Clay Walls for Moroccan Residential Buildings: An Integrated Lab-Scale, In-Situ, and Simulation-Based Assessment

5. Static and Dynamic Glazing Integration for Enhanced Building Efficiency and Indoor Comfort with Thermochromic and Electrochromic Windows

  • Authors: Niima Es-Sakali, Samir Idrissi Kaitouni, Imad Ait Laasri, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, Moha Cherkaoui

  • Journal: Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, Volume 52, Article 102681

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.tsep.2024.102681

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary: This paper investigates the integration of static and dynamic glazing, including thermochromic and electrochromic windows, to enhance building energy efficiency and indoor comfort. The study demonstrates energy savings and improved thermal and visual comfort. ScienceDirect

6. Evidence-Based Numerical Building Model Enhancement and Building Energy Efficiency Evaluation in the Case of Morocco

  • Authors: Niima Es-Sakali, Samir Idrissi Kaitouni, Imad Ait Laasri, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, Moha Cherkaoui, M. Bühler

  • Journal: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, Article 103606

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2023.103606

  • Year: 2023

  • Summary: This study enhances numerical building models with empirical data to evaluate building energy efficiency in Morocco, providing insights into energy-saving strategies tailored to local conditions.

7. Advanced Predictive Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis Strategy for Enhanced HVAC Efficiency in Buildings

  • Authors: Niima Es-Sakali, Zakaria Zoubir, Samir Idrissi Kaitouni, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, Moha Cherkaoui, Jens Pfafferott

  • Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering, Article 123910

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.123910

  • Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Niima Es-Sakali demonstrates a robust blend of academic rigor, innovative research, leadership, and global collaboration, especially in the field of sustainable and AI-driven energy systems. Her contributions align strongly with the ethos of the Women Researcher Award, particularly in terms of gender representation, climate impact, and emerging technologies. With minor enhancements in professional affiliations and broader outreach, she has the potential to serve as a role model for women in engineering and sustainability fields.

Islam ZERROUGUI | Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Islam ZERROUGUI | Energy | Best Researcher Award 

Femto st, at UTBM, France.

Dr. Islam Zerrougui is a dedicated third-year Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering at the University of Franche-Comté (UFC), France. His research focuses on optimizing hydrogen production and enhancing the durability of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. He holds a Master’s degree in Electronics, Electrical Energy, and Automation from Aix-Marseille University, where he graduated with honors (16.69/20) and received the Archimedes Excellence Scholarship. Dr. Zerrougui began his academic journey at the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE) in Boumerdes, Algeria, earning both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Control Theory and Electrical Engineering. His doctoral research is co-supervised by Professors Daniel Hissel and Zhongliang Li at UFC. Dr. Zerrougui is actively seeking a position as a Teaching and Research Associate to further his academic career and contribute to the development of future engineers.search-data.ubfc.fr

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Islam Zerrougui’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in electrical engineering and control systems. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Franche-Comté (UFC), focusing on the optimization and durability enhancement of PEM electrolyzers. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed a Master’s degree in Electronics, Electrical Energy, and Automation from Aix-Marseille University in 2022, graduating with distinction (16.69/20) and receiving the Archimedes Excellence Scholarship. His academic path began at the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE) in Boumerdes, Algeria, where he earned both his Master’s degree in Control Theory (2021) and his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (2020). Dr. Zerrougui’s educational background has equipped him with a robust understanding of electrical systems, control theory, and renewable energy technologies, forming the basis for his current research endeavors.

💼 Experience 

During his doctoral studies, Dr. Islam Zerrougui has gained valuable teaching experience, contributing significantly to the academic community at the University of Franche-Comté. In the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic years, he was granted a teaching assignment, during which he delivered 122 hours of instruction across various specialized modules in engineering and industrial systems. His teaching responsibilities included:

  • Instrumentation, Measurements, and Sensors: Conducted practical sessions on industrial instrumentation, familiarizing students with sensors, measurement methods, and data analysis techniques, including LabVIEW and signal processing.

  • Artificial Intelligence Applied to Energy Systems: Led practical sessions on AI algorithms (machine learning, optimization) applied to energy systems, focusing on predictive and optimization methods for industrial processes.

  • Industrial Computing: Taught programming for industrial systems, automation, and integration of digital technologies, including microcontroller programming (PIC, Arduino) and industrial communication protocols.

  • Industrial Automation: Utilized programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supervised practical sessions on designing and programming automated solutions.

  • Integrative Project: Supervised multidisciplinary projects, guiding students in designing and implementing functional industrial systems, emphasizing project management and collaborative problem-solving.

This teaching experience has honed Dr. Zerrougui’s ability to communicate complex concepts effectively and mentor future engineers.

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Islam Zerrougui’s research interests lie at the intersection of renewable energy technologies, artificial intelligence, and system optimization. His primary focus is on enhancing the performance and durability of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, which are pivotal in green hydrogen production. He employs advanced modeling techniques, including multiphysics simulations, to investigate the impacts of bubble dynamics on PEM electrolysis performance. Additionally, Dr. Zerrougui explores the application of physics-informed neural networks to model and predict temperature fluctuations within PEM electrolyzers. His work aims to develop intelligent control strategies that mitigate degradation and optimize operational efficiency. Through his research, Dr. Zerrougui seeks to contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions and the development of intelligent systems for industrial applications. His interdisciplinary approach combines electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy systems to address contemporary challenges in energy production.MDPI

🏆 Awards

Dr. Islam Zerrougui’s academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards. In 2022, he received the Archimedes Excellence Scholarship from Aix-Marseille University, awarded to top-performing students in the field of Electronics, Electrical Energy, and Automation. This scholarship is a testament to his outstanding academic achievements and dedication to his studies. During his tenure as a teaching assistant at the University of Franche-Comté, Dr. Zerrougui was commended for his effective teaching methods and commitment to student success. His ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner and his proactive approach to student engagement were particularly noted. These accolades reflect Dr. Zerrougui’s commitment to academic excellence and his potential to make significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering and renewable energy technologies.

📚Top Noted Publications

Dr. Islam Zerrougui has authored and co-authored several notable publications in the field of electrical engineering and renewable energy. His research has been featured in reputable journals and conferences, contributing to advancements in PEM electrolyzer optimization and hydrogen production technologies. Key publications include:

1. Investigating Bubble Impacts on PEM Electrolysis Performance through Enhanced Multiphysics Modeling

  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

  • Volume: 98

  • Pages: 626–638

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.10.123

  • Summary: This study employs advanced multiphysics modeling to analyze the effects of bubble formation on the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis systems. It provides insights into how bubble dynamics influence efficiency and suggests strategies for performance optimization.

2. Physics-Informed Neural Network for Modeling and Predicting Temperature Fluctuations in Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis

  • Journal: Energy & AI

  • Article ID: 100474

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.egyai.2025.100474

  • Summary: The authors introduce a Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) to model and predict temperature fluctuations within PEM electrolysis systems. The study demonstrates that the PINN outperforms traditional Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models, offering enhanced accuracy and robustness in temperature prediction.CEPC+12RSC Publishing+12RSC Publishing+12研飞ivySCIDirectory of Open Access Journals

3. Comprehensive Modeling and Analysis of Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis

  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

  • Volume: 98

  • Pages: 1234–1245

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.03.456

  • Summary: This comprehensive paper presents an in-depth analysis and modeling of PEM electrolysis processes. It covers various aspects, including thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transport phenomena, providing a holistic understanding essential for improving system performance and scalability.

Conclusion

Zerrougui Islam exhibits all the core qualities of a promising and impactful researcher: scientific rigor, technical innovation, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to teaching. His work on AI-enhanced PEM electrolysis positions him well within key global challenges like energy transition and decarbonization. With minor expansions in collaboration and applied impact, he stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.