Nanotechnology in Thermal Engineering by Dr. Sanjeeva Witharana.

Resource Person:

Educational Qualifications

 Senior Lecturer, University of Moratuwa  Research Fellow, University of Leeds UK  Research Scientist, Max Planck Institute Germany  Consultant, Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology  Senior Lecturer, University of Ruhuna

Academic and professional qualifications

 PhD, CEng, SMIEEE

Career:

 Senior Lecturer, University of Moratuwa  Research Fellow, University of Leeds UK  Research Scientist, Max Planck Institute Germany  Consultant, Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology  Senior Lecturer, University of Ruhuna

Bio-data:

Sanjeeva Witharana is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, University Lecturer, and a Researcher. He teaches Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, HVAC, and Energy. He also discusses nanotechnology and its applications in present and future contexts. Currently he leads two research groups; one in Modelling of Nanosystems (USA collaboration) and one in Simulation of Ancient Technologies (UK collaboration). He was a consultant to Toyota (Europe), Proctor & Gamble (UK), and Abangoa Solar (Spain).

Synopsis:

Every industry and every individual generates heat willingly or unwillingly. Purposeful production or removal of heat is the role of thermal engineering. This is a vast territory that covers everything from a cellphone to a nuclear power station. From a cool box to an ice cream plant. Heat production and removal consumes energy and thus has a considerable price tag attached to it. Efficiency, having crossed the line from fossil fuel era to renewables era, still had much to improve if the thermal systems to be sustainable. Conventional technologies were nearing maturity and there was a dire need for a technological breakthrough; a technology that would bring about a step increase in thermal efficiency and coefficient of performance of these machines. A technology that is harmless and affordable. Can this technology be the nanotechnology?

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