Pyro Energy Research Lab
Engineering heat for a sustainable energy future
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About
At Pyro Energy Research Lab (PERL), we engineer heat to solve global energy challenges. We probe fundamental thermal transport processes, leverage novel materials engineering and reinvent energy systems. Our specific focus lies in thermal-to-electrical energy conversion, solid-state cooling, thermal management, and energy storage.
Ongoing projects include radiative heat engines, barocaloric cooling and additively manufactured heat exchangers.
Key Research Areas
Heat engines convert thermal energy into useful work at high efficiencies and constitute the backbone of our energy infrastructure. However, they are complex, bulky, and primarily driven by fossil fuels. Our work aims to develop novel radiation-driven thermodynamic cycles that combine the simplicity, compactness, and reliability of solid-state devices with the high efficiency of heat engines. Specifically, we aim to enable next-generation energy systems for solar energy conversion, waste heat harvesting, wireless power transmission, and space applications.
HVAC and refrigeration systems account for about a third of global electricity consumption. These cooling needs are primarily met by vapor compression systems that have relatively low efficiency, use refrigerants with a high global warming potential, and are difficult to scale. At PERL, we study alternative cooling technologies based on the caloric response of a material when subjected to an external stimulus. In particular, we are currently investigating barocaloric cooling – a promising solid-state refrigeration and heat pumping approach based on applied hydrostatic pressure.
Heat exchangers play a pivotal role in energy conversion and utilization – facilitating various industrial processes, enhancing energy efficiency, and extending component lifespans. Additive manufacturing is sparking a revolution in the design and production of heat exchangers by enabling the creation of innovative configurations. Our work revolves around designing, modeling, fabricating, and characterizing heat exchangers for different applications, including concentrating solar power (CSP) and electronics cooling.
Current Projects
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Team
Faculty
Dr. Bikram Bhatia, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
PhD Students
- Dip Dutta dip.dutta@louisville.edu
- Julio Jair Izquierdo julio.izquierdo@louisville.edu
- Manish Sudan manish.sudan@louisville.edu
- Nour Alwohoush nour.alwohoush@louisville.edu
Alumni
- Gowthaman Punithakumar gowtham.punithakumar.01@louisville.edu
- Naveen Weerasekera naveen12.weerasekera@louisville.edu