Dr. Prabakaran S | Engineering | Best Researcher Award
IIT Bombay, India
Author Profile
🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Dr. S. Prabakaran laid a strong foundation in mechanical engineering with a Bachelor’s degree from the University College of Engineering, Thirukkuvalai. He went on to specialize in Thermal Engineering during his postgraduate studies at Anna University Regional Campus, Tirunelveli. His passion for sustainable energy culminated in a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from SASTRA University, where his doctoral thesis focused on optimizing the combustion characteristics of biodiesel blends derived from Azolla pinnata using novel heterogeneous catalysts in variable compression ratio (VCR) diesel engines.
🏢 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Dr. Prabakaran has established himself as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, actively contributing to cutting-edge research in alternative fuels and low-carbon internal combustion engines. His earlier tenure as a research assistant at SASTRA University witnessed hands-on experimentation in biofuel synthesis, dual-fuel combustion techniques, and advanced engine diagnostics. As an assistant professor, he mentored undergraduate research in sustainable fuel technologies, instilling real-world relevance into academic learning.
📚 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS IN ENGINEERING
Dr. Prabakaran’s research contributions span a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines including:
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Combustion and Engine Testing: Expertise in RCCI, dual-fuel, VCR engines, in-cylinder pressure analysis, heat release rates, and emission diagnostics.
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Fuel Synthesis and Catalysis: Innovations in bio-oil and biodiesel production using sustainable feedstocks and novel catalysts.
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CFD and Simulation: Skilled in Ansys Fluent, Converge CFD, and Star CCM for fluid flow and combustion modelling.
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Process Optimization: Integration of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), RSM, and statistical tools for performance prediction and optimization.
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Advanced Fuels: Implementation of hydrogen and CNG dual-fuel systems, open ECU-based mapping, and nano-additive combustion studies.
🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION
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13 Peer-reviewed journal publications, with 10 in Q1 journals, and a cumulative impact factor of 81.
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173 citations, h-index of 7, and i10-index of 7.
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Published with top-tier publishers such as Elsevier, Springer, and Taylor & Francis.
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Presented in premier international conferences like ASPACC 2025 (Singapore) and E2M-2024 (IIT Indore).
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Authored two book chapters on advanced fuel strategies and lignocellulosic biomass conversion.
🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Dr. Prabakaran’s work is driven by the global imperative to transition to cleaner, renewable energy. His innovations in biodiesel synthesis and engine integration contribute directly to reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence. His published studies serve as guiding references for researchers working on green energy, waste-to-energy pathways, and sustainable combustion systems. He has also influenced policy-shaping research in techno-economic analyses for scalable biofuel applications.
🧭 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
As a researcher and educator, Dr. Prabakaran envisions a sustainable energy future where biofuels become viable alternatives to petrochemical fuels. His legacy lies in pioneering waste biomass-to-fuel technologies, optimizing dual-fuel engines, and integrating experimental and AI-based modeling for superior performance analysis. He aims to further his contributions through international collaborations and translational research for industrial-scale green energy solutions.
✅CONCLUSION
Dr. S. Prabakaran stands as a dynamic fuel synthesis and combustion engineering expert, whose blend of academic rigor and practical innovation is shaping the future of renewable energy. With a multidisciplinary portfolio rooted in chemical engineering, thermal sciences, and AI-integrated optimization, his research resonates across academia, industry, and climate policy. His forward-thinking approach ensures that his work will remain impactful for years to come.
🔬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:
Title: A state-of-the-art review on the environmental benefits and prospects of Azolla in biofuel, bioremediation and biofertilizer applications
Author(s): S. Prabakaran, T. Mohanraj, A. Arumugam
Journal: Industrial Crops & Products
Year: 2022
Title: A review on oilcake biomass waste into biofuels: Current conversion techniques, sustainable applications, and challenges: Waste to energy approach (WtE)
Author(s): S. Sudalai, S. Prabakaran, V. Varalakksmi, I.S. Kireeti, B. Upasana, A. Yuvasri, …
Journal: Energy Conversion and Management
Year: 2024
Title: Biodegradable waste-derived biodiesel as a potential green fuel: Optimization of production process and its application in diesel engine
Author(s): R. Manimaran, T. Mohanraj, S. Prabakaran
Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
Year: 2023
Title: Azolla pinnata methyl ester production and process optimization using a novel heterogeneous catalyst
Author(s): S. Prabakaran, T. Mohanraj, A. Arumugam
Journal: Renewable Energy
Year: 2021
Title: Performance analysis and emission characteristics of VCR diesel engine fuelled with algae biodiesel blends
Author(s): S. Prabakaran, R. Manimaran, T. Mohanraj, M. Ravikumar
Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings
Year: 2021