Dr. Rajarathinam Murugesan | Energy harvesting | Innovation Award

IITM-India

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Early Academic Pursuits

Rajrathinam M embarked on his academic journey with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME) from DDCSM Government Polytechnic College, Palacode, where he graduated with first class honors, achieving a commendable aggregate of 90.75%. He then pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Mechanical Engineering from Mahendra Engineering College, Thiruchengodu, affiliated with Periyar University, Salem, and graduated in 2004 with first-class distinction, securing an impressive aggregate of 81.7%. Continuing his academic excellence, he completed his Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Engineering Design in 2009 from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kongu Engineering College, Erode, affiliated with Anna University, Coimbatore, with a first-class distinction and a CGPA of 9.34. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 2019 from the Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, with an aggregate CGPA of 9. His doctoral thesis focused on “Studies on Vibration-Based Hybrid Energy Harvester” under the guidance of Prof. Shaikh Faruque Ali.

Professional Endeavors

Rajrathinam’s professional journey is marked by significant academic and industrial roles. He began as a Lecturer and Assistant Professor at Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology, Pollachi, and Veltech University, Chennai. His industrial experience includes roles as a Quality cum Development Engineer at Esbee Precision Industries, Bangalore, and as a Supervisor at S.M.W. Hydraulics, Bhavani, Erode. Rajrathinam’s research trajectory continued at IIT Madras, where he worked on projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor of Research (Post Doc) at the Department of Automation, Biomechanics, and Mechatronics, Lodz University of Technology, Poland.

Contributions and Research Focus

Rajrathinam’s research primarily focuses on vibration-based energy harvesters. His Ph.D. work proposed a novel hybrid energy harvester that integrates piezoelectric and electromagnetic transduction mechanisms. This hybrid harvester demonstrated enhanced power output across a broad range of frequencies, validated through both numerical simulations and experimental results. His research further explored the implications of multiple electromagnetic units on the harvester’s performance, showing significant improvements in power magnitude and bandwidth. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of an energy-harvesting dynamic vibration absorber designed to suppress vibrations and harvest electrical energy simultaneously.

Accolades and Recognition

Rajrathinam’s academic excellence has been recognized through various honors and awards. He received the university first rank from Anna University Coimbatore for his master’s degree and was a topper at Periyar University during his undergraduate studies. He was also a department topper at DDCSM Polytechnic. His research contributions have been supported by travel grants from IIT Madras and Lodz University of Technology, facilitating his participation in international conferences and enhancing his global academic engagement.

Impact and Influence

Rajrathinam’s work on hybrid energy harvesters has significant implications for both sensing and actuating applications, particularly in environments with random and deterministic excitations. His research has demonstrated the feasibility of powering wireless sensors and LEDs using the energy harvested from vibrations, showcasing practical applications of his theoretical and experimental findings. His contributions to the field of vibration-based energy harvesting are poised to influence future research and technological advancements in sustainable energy solutions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Rajrathinam M’s ongoing research and academic endeavors continue to push the boundaries of vibration-based energy harvesting. His innovative approach and comprehensive studies on hybrid energy harvesters set a solid foundation for future research in this area. As he continues his work at the Lodz University of Technology, his contributions are expected to further enhance the efficiency and applicability of energy harvesters, potentially leading to new breakthroughs in the field. His legacy is one of academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful contributions to sustainable energy solutions, promising a lasting influence on future generations of researchers and engineers.