Ahmed G
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at University of Arizona
Expertise
Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, Tribology, Material Science, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Design Optimization, Modelling and Simulation, Techno-economic Analysis, Computer-Aided Design, MATLAB, PYTHON, CFD, SolidWorks, ANSYS, Technical Sales, Marketing, and Project Management.
Bio
Ahmed is dynamic and results-driven Mechanical Engineer (Ph.D., MSc., B.Eng.) with deep expertise in thermal energy systems, computational modeling, and simulation. He currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) since March 2024, where he contributes to the U.S. Department of Energy's HelioCon initiative, a strategic project aimed at reducing solar collection costs and improving the efficiency of high-temperature solar tower systems. His role focuses on modeling and techno-economic assessment to support innovative, cost-effective solutions for industrial decarbonization. Ahmed earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal Sciences) from the University of Arizona, where his doctoral research focused on the techno-economic feasibility, performance modeling, and optimization of novel small-scale solar power tower systems for low- to medium-temperature industrial process heat (IPH) applications. His research specializes in thermal systems, modeling, and the techno-economic analysis of renewable energy systems, with particular emphasis on concentrated solar-thermal power (CSP) technologies. Ahmed is a Fulbright Alumnus since 2018 where he received the prestigious Fulbright Award to join the University of Arizona as visiting scholar. In addition, Ahmed is active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Ahmed's expertise and areas of interest are within these fields: Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, Tribology, Material Science, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Design Optimization, Modelling and Simulation, Techno-economic Analysis, Computer-Aided Design, MATLAB, PYTHON, CFD, SolidWorks, ANSYS, Technical Sales, Marketing, and Project Management.Project ideas
Solar-powered Refrigeration System for Ice Production
The project aims to analyze and design a solar-powered refrigeration system where ice production is used as a case study. The methodology includes studying two parts: refrigeration and solar systems. The refrigeration part is the vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS) while the solar part is a Photo-voltaic (PV) system. Initially, the refrigeration system is static where no fan is needed, therefore a power input is required to only operate the compressor in the VCRS in order to withstand the refrigeration load to produce 35 kg of ice per day assuming 7 hours of sunshine. For the VCRS, refrigerant R-134a is opted for its availability, low cost, and no-depleting ozone gas.
Modeling and Analysis of Li-ion Cell Venting in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Using CFD software, the Li-ion cell thermal runaway can be modeled and cell venting is targeted in order to prevent cell pack failures.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Design
This is a basic project to understand the main Solar PV concepts, components, and operations.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) for Energy Supply
This is a basic project to understand the main Solar CSP concepts, components, and operations.
High-temperature industrial process heat supply using concentrating heliostat-based solar systems
Solar tower systems are proven technologies with key advantages as an alternative energy source to compete with fossil fuel based sources. This project should focus on modeling the high-temperature industrial heat production (above 1000C) applying principles of engineering and economics.