Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muthu Manokar A | Solar Still | Young Scientist Award

Associate Professor at SRM TRP Engineering College | India

Dr. A. Muthu Manokar is an accomplished researcher and academic in Mechanical Engineering, currently serving as Associate Professor and Research Coordinator at SRM TRP Engineering College, Tiruchirappalli, India. With over 12 years of experience, his expertise spans solar desalination, energy storage materials, and photovoltaic systems. He has earned significant recognition for his research contributions, including ranking among the top of global scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier. Dr. Manokar holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University and has published over 150 SCI-indexed journal articles, garnering over 7,700 citations with an h-index of 53. His work is globally recognized for its impact on sustainable energy solutions. He is a committed educator and mentor, guiding doctoral research and participating in multiple international collaborations. His passion lies in bridging academic research with real-world applications to promote clean energy innovations.

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Education

Dr. Manokar’s educational journey reflects a deep commitment to energy and engineering disciplines. He completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology (Anna University) in 2019. Prior to this, he earned his M.E. in Energy Engineering from National Engineering College, Kovilpatti (Anna University), graduating with distinction in 2013. He also holds a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Sree Sowdambika College of Engineering (Anna University, Tirunelveli), completed in 2011. Additionally, he pursued AMIE in Mechanical Engineering through the Institution of Engineers (India), showcasing his dedication to continual learning. His strong foundation across both mechanical and electrical disciplines equips him with a multidisciplinary perspective, vital for his research in thermal energy systems and solar technologies. Dr. Manokar’s academic record is distinguished by first-class results throughout and a consistent focus on energy-efficient systems and renewable technologies.

Professional Experience

Dr. A. Muthu Manokar has amassed over 12 years of professional experience in academia and research. He began his career as an Assistant Professor at Vel Tech University (2013–2016) and later joined Dhaanish Ahmed College of Engineering. He undertook research at Kamaraj College of Engineering before serving at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology as Senior Assistant Professor and Research Coordinator (2018–2022). Currently, he is Associate Professor and Research Coordinator at SRM TRP Engineering College. His post-Ph.D. experience spans nearly six years, contributing significantly to experimental and applied energy research. He has also guided Ph.D. candidates and managed funded research projects, including international collaborations and government-sponsored travel grants. His teaching portfolio covers a wide array of thermal, mechanical, and energy-related subjects. With a strong inclination toward innovation and mentorship, he continues to advance research in solar distillation, PV/T systems, and energy storage.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Manokar has received numerous prestigious accolades for his academic and research excellence. Notably, he was honored with the Best Young Scientist Award (Below 40 years) at the GECL-2021 International Annual Awards Summit. He earned the Young Faculty Award and Best Young Faculty (Male) for outstanding research contributions during his tenure at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute. His work has earned several cash prizes under the Research Incentive Scheme. International recognition includes being named among the Top Researchers in the World by Stanford University (2020–2023). Additionally, his paper was awarded the Energies 2020 Best Paper Award and recognized by Wiley & Sons for top-read articles. His impactful research in sustainable energy has elevated his global profile, making him a prominent contributor to the renewable energy and thermal sciences community.

Research Focus 

Dr. Manokar’s research focuses primarily on solar desalination, thermal energy storage materials, solar PV systems, and waste-to-energy solutions. His core interest lies in enhancing the performance and efficiency of solar stills using bio-waste, phase change materials, and hybrid systems. He has extensively worked on experimental studies and exergy analysis of solar distillers integrated with PV/T panels, nano-materials, and composite structures. His interdisciplinary approach merges energy conservation, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility, offering innovative insights into renewable energy technologies. He has also explored the development of low-cost solar dryers and battery thermal management systems, leading to patented innovations and industrial relevance. His goal is to provide viable solutions to water scarcity and clean energy access by leveraging local materials and advanced thermal technologies. Dr. Manokar’s research significantly contributes to sustainable energy transitions and is recognized through high-impact publications and international collaborations.

Skills

Dr. A. Muthu Manokar possesses an extensive skill set in both academic and applied engineering domains. His strengths include experimental design, thermal analysis, energy systems modeling, and solar technology development. He is highly proficient in conducting energy and exergy analysis, thermal simulation, and system optimization using tools like MATLAB and ANSYS. His technical skills also extend to the fabrication of solar stills, photovoltaic testing, and performance diagnostics. As a seasoned educator, he has taught a broad range of mechanical and energy engineering subjects including heat transfer, thermodynamics, power plant engineering, and solar energy systems. Additionally, his skills in academic publishing, research supervision, and grant writing are well-established. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, he demonstrates strong scholarly communication and collaboration abilities. He is adept at multidisciplinary research and brings a systems-thinking approach to sustainable energy problems. His leadership roles also reflect proficiency in mentoring and research coordination.

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