ADAI’s CENTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT hosts Marie Curie Fellow
The Center for Sustainability in the Built Environment (CSBE) at ADAI is pleased to welcome Dr. Ajitanshu Vedrtnam as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program.
Dr. Vedrtnam holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.E.), with master’s degrees in Manufacturing (M.E.) and Marketing (M.B.A.), and a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics. His research experience includes the publication of over 100 articles, 45 of which appeared in high-impact scientific journals, as well as the authorship of three books. His work has focused on addressing challenges in structural materials, energy supply, and environmental sustainability.
At CSBE, Dr. Vedrtnam will develop the project "3D-EE-Struct: Energy-Efficient Building Materials through PCM Integration", which aims to develop a comprehensive framework for optimizing Phase-Change Material (PCM) integration within 3D-printed encapsulations for lightweight residential structures. This approach seeks to enhance energy efficiency by reducing building cooling and heating demands while maintaining structural integrity. “The MSCA fellowship is a pivotal milestone in my career, enabling me to expand my expertise in sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient technologies. It provides an excellent platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, skill development, and knowledge dissemination. Through this project, I aim to establish myself as a leader in the field, bridging academic research and industry applications to address pressing global challenges in energy efficiency and climate change” Dr. Vedrtnam appoints.
Novelty and Main Contributions:
- Innovative PCM Integration: The use of 3D-printed macro-encapsulation designs with optimized geometries to enhance heat transfer efficiency is a novel approach in sustainable construction materials.
- Energy Savings in Real-World Conditions: The project focuses on quantifying actual energy savings in Portuguese climatic conditions, bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical applications.
- Comprehensive Optimization: Employing advanced optimization algorithms to identify optimal PCM attributes, container designs, and integration parameters, resulting in a robust strategy applicable across diverse climates.
- Practical Applications: The findings will not only reduce energy consumption in buildings but also provide implementation guidelines for architects, engineers, and policymakers.
The project will be guided by Professor Nelson Soares, Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra (UC). Professor Soares holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Energy Systems under the MIT-Portugal program and He is an integrated researcher at ADAI-LAETA . His work focuses on energy simulation in buildings, assessment of innovative construction materials, and systems driving the transition toward a circular economy in the construction sector. Professor Nelson Soares’ expertise in PCMs and building energy performance, coupled with ADAI’s collaborative atmosphere and technical support, makes CSBE the ideal host for advancing this project.
The project underscores CSBE's commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and addressing the construction sector's critical energy and environmental challenges.
