Kumar Natarajan, is working as an Assistant Professor & Head in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT Puducherry. He did B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and M.Tech., in Energy Technology in Pondicherry Engineering College in the year of 2001 and 2003. Later, he joined as a Research scholar, at IIT Madras, under Half Time Teaching and Research Assistantship (HTRA Scheme – Full time), MHRD scholarship and obtained his Ph.D in area of solar energy in the year of 2008. After his Ph.D., he joined as Senior R&D Engineer, at CSEM-UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Later, he joined as a Post Doctoral Research Fellowship at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom under European Union Project. He got young faculty award and outstanding researcher award in the field of Solar Thermal. Recently, he received Best Researcher Award for the year of 2019 - 2020 from NIT Puducherry. He published 49 International Journals and 47 National and International conferences in the
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, 2003 – 2008 (8.5 CGPA, Course Work)
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, INDIA
Thesis Title: Investigation of Cavity Receivers for Fuzzy Focal Solar Parabolic Dish Concentrator
M.Tech. Energy Technology, 2001 – 2003 (8.04 CGPA, First Class)
Pondicherry Engineering College, Pondicherry, INDIA
Thesis Title: Design of 1 kW Solar Chimney Power Plant
B.Tech. Mechanical Engineering, 1997 – 2001 (68.50 %, First Class)
Pondicherry Engineering College, Pondicherry, INDIA
Thesis Title: Energy Conservation measures at FINE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIAL RADIATORS (FAIR) Ltd. Sedarapet, Pondicherry, INDIA
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Solar Desalination, Solar Still, Heat Transfer, Integration of CPV with High Temperature Systems
Modeling and Simulation of Solar Compound Parabolic Concentrator-Integrated Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination System Guna Muthuvairavan, Arjun Singh Kopalakrishnaswami, G Venkatesan, Sendhil Kumar Natarajan Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 2025 This study introduces an innovative approach to saline water desalination using a stationary compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) to power a low-temperature thermal desalination (LTTD) system. The integration of CPC into LTTD was thermodynamically modeled and simulated under tropical climatic conditions. Key parameters, including hot feed saline water temperature, temperature gradient, cold-water inlet temperature, feed saline water flowrate, flash chamber pressure, and varying salinity levels, were examined for their impact on freshwater production. Additionally, the design requirements for CPC arrays and economic considerations were thoroughly analyzed to achieve a large-scale freshwater production capacity of 1000 L/day. The results showed that increasing the thermal gradient, feed saline water temperature, and flowrate, while decreasing the flash chamber pressure, significantly enhanced freshwater production. For example, as the temperature gradient increased from 7 °C to 20 °C, the average freshwater yield rose from 75.23 L /h to 120.19 L /h. Achieving the target freshwater production required 126 to 152 CPC units with an area of approximately 3 m2 for hot feed saline water temperatures between 37 °C and 50 °C. Furthermore, increasing the feed saline water flowrate from 7500 L /h to 22,500 L /h resulted in a 66.48% increase in freshwater yield. Reducing flash chamber pressure from 12.35 kPa to 4.5 kPa led to a substantial increase in potable water production, ranging from 21.65% to 90.9% across different temperature gradients. The study also evaluated the effects of salinity levels, finding a slight decrease in freshwater production with higher salinity.
Numerical and experimental investigations on a thermoelectric generator for electric power generation from waste heat recovery in a combined cycle power plant – an energy and economic (2E) analysis Subbarama Kousik Suraparaju, Elavarasan Elangovan, Gopi Vasudevan, Mahendran Samykano, Sendhil Kumar Natarajan Transactions on Energy Systems and Engineering Applications, 2025 With the ever-growing population in the world, the electricity demand has elevated drastically over the decades. Several kinds of research are being carried out to meet the electricity needs of the world with conventional and non-conventional energy sources. The conventional form of generating electricity from power plants has lesser efficiency and there is always scope for increasing the efficiency of power plants by using several heat recovery methods. The efficacy of the combined cycle power plant is around 62% where more amount of energy is dissipated as waste heat. The main objective of this study is to utilize the waste heat for power generation by effective utilization of Thermo-Electric Generators (TEGs). Therefore, the 32.5 MW combined cycle power plant located in Karaikal is chosen for this study. The powerplant uses HRSG to recover and utilize the waste heat to generate steam using it for the steam turbine. The study mainly focuses on the deployment of TEGs in the powerplant to generate electricity using waste heat. In this regard, the numerical analysis of TEGs under different conditions has been analysed and the best approach is chosen for experimental investigation. Further, an experimental prototype with similar operating conditions to a powerplant is developed and analyzed for the effect of TEGs in electric power generation. Finally, the cost-effectiveness of deploying TEGs in a power plant has been analysed using economic analysis
Techno-economic viability of sustainable solar co-generation using CPV cells in parabolic dish concentrators: A 20-year perspective Susant Kumar Sahu, Subbarama Kousik Suraparaju, Sendhil Kumar Natarajan, Durga Prasad Ghosh Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part C Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 2025 Solar co-generation is a cutting-edge technology that enables the instantaneous production of electricity and heat energy by employing concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. This study presents the development and experimental analysis of a novel small-scale solar co-generation system, utilizing concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cells integrated into a solar paraboloidal dish concentrator (SPDC) for simultaneous electricity and heat production. The system, designed with a high concentration ratio, employs a CPV module composed of four 1 cm × 1 cm cells mounted on a flat receiver of a parabolic dish concentrator with an aperture area of 12.6 m2. Experimental results, obtained over three consecutive days, demonstrate that the CPV module achieves an electric power output ranging from 480 to 645 W daily, while the SPDC system generates thermal energy between 395 and 725 W. The economic analysis indicates a cost of ₹10.75 per unit of electricity, with a payback period of approximately 13.5 years, assuming a 20-year system lifespan. Additionally, the reliability of the CPV module and the impact of varying encapsulation materials were critically assessed, providing insights into potential improvements and long-term performance. The findings underscore the viability and economic potential of solar co-generation systems employing CPV technology, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.
Thermal analysis of modified conical cavity receiver for a paraboloidal dish collector system Arjun Singh K, Sendhil Kumar Natarajan Energy Sources Part A Recovery Utilization and Environmental Effects, 2025 In a solar paraboloidal dish collector system, the receiver is critical for transforming converged solar flux to heat energy. A cavity receiver is the most common type of receiver, as it lowers heat loss. An experimental investigation is carried out in this article to evaluate the thermal performance of a novel cavity receiver for dish system under real direct solar environments. The performance of the modified conical cavity receiver under stagnation condition and with heat transfer fluid was studied experimentally. A solar parabolic dish concentrator of 1.83 m rim diameter and rim angle of 66° was used for the experimentation. For both cases, the experiments were carried out for two days. The highest stagnation temperature of 167.2°C was recorded with a direct irradiance of 803 W/m2, according to the data. For day average direct irradiance of 555 W/m2 and 663 W/m2, the receiver’s average thermal efficiency was found to be 53% and 69%, respectively. For 694 W/m2 direct irradiance, a maximum thermal efficiency of 75% was achieved. The thermal efficiency was shown to be significantly dependent on direct irradiation. According to the results of the experiments, the proposed modified conical cavity receiver is a viable solution for solar parabolic dish collector systems.
Impact of double trumpet-shaped secondary reflector on flat receiver of a solar parabolic dish collector system Susant Kumar Sahu, Arjun Singh K, Sendhil Kumar Natarajan Energy Sources Part A Recovery Utilization and Environmental Effects, 2025 Utilization of solar energy through concentrated solar power technologies has become a leading technology in today’s world. Among all Concentrated Solar Power system solar parabolic dish collector ...
Statement of Peer Review † Karpagaraj Anbalagan, Murali Mohan Cheepu, M. V. A. Raju Bahubelendruni, Sendhil Kumar Natarajan Engineering Proceedings, 2025
Large-Scale Solar Desalination System Guna Muthuvairavan, Sendhil Kumar Natarajan Solar Thermal Conversion Technologies for Industrial Process Heating, 2023
A succinct review on fuel cells Subbarama Kousik Suraparaju, Sendhil Kumar Natarajan, P Karthikeyan Iop Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 2019
Experimental investigation of solar desalination systems using low-cost thermal energy storage from waste glass micromaterials in paraffin wax SK Suraparaju, RK Rajamony, MS El-Sebaey, TK Kotteda, A Sushma, ... Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers 183, 106634 , 2026 2026 Citations: 8
Performance and Emission Optimization of a Diesel Engine using Karanja Biodiesel–Hydrogen Dual-Fuel with Azadirachta indica Antioxidant P Kumaran, S Natarajan, S Sathiyaraj, T Subramanian ITEGAM-JETIA 12 (57), 964-975 , 2026 2026
Taguchi Optimization S Ashokkumar, S Natarajan, S Sathiyaraj, S Kumar, N Raj Recent Advances in Materials Processing and Characterization: Select … , 2026 2026
Impact of double trumpet-shaped secondary reflector on flat receiver of a solar parabolic dish collector system SK Sahu, AS K, SK Natarajan Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects 47 … , 2025 2025 Citations: 16
Thermal analysis of modified conical cavity receiver for a paraboloidal dish collector system. SK Natarajan Energy Sources Part A: Recovery, Utilization & Environmental Effects 47 (2) , 2025 2025 Citations: 12
Performance evaluation of a surface-modified direct solar dryer integrated with reflectors, CPC, and thermal energy storage for efficient drying of Kohlrabi G Muthuvairavan, SK Natarajan Journal of Energy Storage 133, 117979 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Innovative double-finned absorber and nanoparticle-enhanced energy storage for enhanced thermo-economic performance of solar stills SK Suraparaju, M Samykano, RR Nandavarapu, SK Natarajan, ... Separation and Purification Technology 361, 131360 , 2025 2025 Citations: 47
Numerical and experimental investigations on a thermoelectric generator for electric power generation from waste heat recovery in a combined cycle power plant–an energy and … SK Suraparaju, E Elangovan, G Vasudevan, M Samykano, SK Natarajan Transactions on Energy Systems and Engineering Applications 6 (1), 1-35 , 2025 2025
Advanced nano-graphite-infused salt-hydrated phase change materials derived from recycled waste for enhancing thermal energy storage with exceptional thermal stability A Yadav, M Samykano, AK Pandey, SK Suraparaju, SK Natarajan, ... Thermal Science and Engineering Progress 62, 103621 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Modeling and simulation of solar compound parabolic concentrator-integrated low-temperature thermal desalination system G Muthuvairavan, AS Kopalakrishnaswami, G Venkatesan, SK Natarajan Journal of Solar Energy Engineering 147 (3), 031010 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Enhancing Machining Characteristics of Titanium in EDM Process Using Taguchi Optimization S Ashokkumar, S Natarajan, S Sathiyaraj, S Kumar, N Raj International Conference on Recent Advances in Materials Processing and … , 2025 2025
Exploring the role of phase change materials in low-temperature solar thermal applications: an extensive overview with challenges and opportunities G Vasudevan, G Muthuvairavan, SK Suraparaju, A Yadav, M Samykano, ... Environmental Science and Pollution Research 32 (14), 8801-8833 , 2025 2025 Citations: 9
Techno-economic viability of sustainable solar co-generation using CPV cells in parabolic dish concentrators: A 20-year perspective SK Sahu, SK Suraparaju, SK Natarajan, DP Ghosh Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of … , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
An intelligent fault node diagnosis and classification approach using XGBoost with whale optimization in wireless sensor networks B Nagarajan, SK SVN Peer-to-Peer Networking and Applications 18 (1), 44 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
TRUST-Based Optimization of High-Performance Machining Process Parameters of Aluminum for Enhanced Product Quality in Automotive Manufacturing. S Kalyanakumar, S Natarajan, M Prabhahar, M Saravanakumar, ... International Journal of Vehicle Structures & Systems (IJVSS) 17 (1) , 2025 2025
OPTIMIZING DATA INTEGRITY: STATE-OF-THE-ART PRIVACY AND SECURITY TECHNIQUES IN DATABASE MANAGEMENT N KUMAR, K KUMAR INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL 7 (2) , 2025 2025
A comprehensive review on biodiesel performance: advantages, challenges, policies and prospects VRR Guduru, SK Suraparaju, SK Natarajan, RKS Gadepalli, VR Raju International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology 38 (2), 240-282 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Author Correction: Assessing thermal and economic performance of solar dryers in sustainable strategies for bottle gourd and tomato preservation SK Suraparaju, E Elangovan, G Muthuvairavan, M Samykano, ... Scientific Reports 14, 30464 , 2024 2024
Experimental analysis and development of novel drying kinetics model for drying grapes in a double slope solar dryer SK Natarajan, SK Suraparaju, G Muthuvairavan, E Elangovan, ... Renewable Energy 236, 121508 , 2024 2024 Citations: 21
Assessing thermal and economic performance of solar dryers in sustainable strategies for bottle gourd and tomato preservation SK Suraparaju, E Elangovan, G Muthuvairavan, M Samykano, ... Scientific Reports 14 (1), 27755 , 2024 2024 Citations: 26
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Solar thermal energy technologies and its applications for process heating and power generation–A review KR Kumar, NVVK Chaitanya, NS Kumar Journal of Cleaner Production 282, 125296 , 2021 2021 Citations: 468
Comparison of receivers for solar dish collector system NS Kumar, KS Reddy Energy Conversion and Management 49 (4), 812-819 , 2008 2008 Citations: 244
Combined laminar natural convection and surface radiation heat transfer in a modified cavity receiver of solar parabolic dish NSK KS Reddy International Journal of Thermal Sciences, , 2008 2008 Citations: 211
Numerical investigation of natural convection heat loss in modified cavity receiver for fuzzy focal solar dish concentrator NS Kumar, KS Reddy Solar Energy 81 (7), 846-855 , 2007 2007 Citations: 192
Numerical Investigations of Solar Cell Temperature for Photovoltaic Concentrator System With and Without Passive Cooling Arrangements Sendhil Kumar Natarajan, Matty Katz, Simon Weingaertner and Tapas Kumar Mallick International Journal of Thermal Science 50 (12), 2514-2521 , 2011 2011 Citations: 179
An improved model for natural convection heat loss from modified cavity receiver of solar dish concentrator KS Reddy, NS Kumar Solar Energy 83 (10), 1884-1892 , 2009 2009 Citations: 150
Advances in green hydrogen production through alkaline water electrolysis: A comprehensive review S Dash, A Singh, SK Surapraraju, SK Natarajan International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 83, 614-629 , 2024 2024 Citations: 138
Advancements in solar technologies for sustainable development of agricultural sector in India: a comprehensive review on challenges and opportunities AK Thakur, R Singh, A Gehlot, AK Kaviti, R Aseer, SK Suraparaju, ... Environmental Science and Pollution Research 29 (29), 43607-43634 , 2022 2022 Citations: 131
Productivity enhancement of single-slope solar still with novel bottom finned absorber basin inserted in phase change material (PCM): techno-economic and enviro-economic analysis SK Suraparaju, SK Natarajan Environmental Science and Pollution Research 28 (33), 45985-46006 , 2021 2021 Citations: 125
Experimental investigation of single-basin solar still using solid staggered fins inserted in paraffin wax PCM bed for enhancing productivity. SK Suraparaju, SK Natarajan Environmental Science & Pollution Research 28 (16), 20330 , 2021 2021 Citations: 118
Performance evaluation of single slope solar still with novel pond fibres SK Suraparaju, R Dhanusuraman, SK Natarajan Process Safety and Environmental Protection 154, 142-154 , 2021 2021 Citations: 100
Heat loss characteristics of trapezoidal cavity receiver for solar linear concentrating system SK Natarajan, KS Reddy, TK Mallick Applied Energy 93, 523-531 , 2012 2012 Citations: 100
Experimental performance investigation of modified cavity receiver with fuzzy focal solar dish concentrator KS Reddy, SK Natarajan, G Veershetty Renewable Energy 74, 148-157 , 2015 2015 Citations: 94
Convection and surface radiation heat losses from modified cavity receiver of solar parabolic dish collector with two-stage concentration KS Reddy, N Sendhil Kumar Heat and Mass Transfer 45, 363-373 , 2009 2009 Citations: 86
Review on solar dryers for drying fish, fruits, and vegetables SK Natarajan, E Elangovan, RM Elavarasan, A Balaraman, S Sundaram Environmental Science and Pollution Research 29 (27), 40478-40506 , 2022 2022 Citations: 80
An experimental study on eco-friendly and cost-effective natural materials for productivity enhancement of single slope solar still SK Natarajan, SK Suraparaju, RM Elavarasan, R Pugazhendhi, ... Environmental Science and Pollution Research 29 (2), 1917-1936 , 2022 2022 Citations: 78
Polyaniline-based nanocomposites for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs)-A Recent Review SL Madaswamy, AA Alothman, M mana AL-Anazy, AA Ifseisi, ... Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 97, 79-94 , 2021 2021 Citations: 75
A holistic review on the integration of heat pipes in solar thermal and photovoltaic systems R Senthil, RM Elavarasan, R Pugazhendhi, M Premkumar, E Vengadesan, ... Solar Energy 227, 577-605 , 2021 2021 Citations: 69
Enhancement of yield in single slope solar still by composite heat storage material—experimental and thermo-economic assessment A Sampathkumar, SK Suraparaju, SK Natarajan Journal of Solar Energy Engineering 145 (2), 021005 , 2023 2023 Citations: 64
Waste-derived thermal storage solutions for sustainable solar desalination using discarded engine oil and paraffin wax: A techno-environmental feasibility evaluation SK Suraparaju, M Samykano, SK Natarajan, RK Rajamony, AK Pandey Desalination 576, 117318 , 2024 2024 Citations: 57
GRANT DETAILS
Experimental Investigation of Combined Thermoelectric Generators and Concentrating Photovoltaic Module Receiver with Secondary Reflectors in a Solar Parabolic Dish Concentrator System for Electricity Production - Completed - Project File no. YSS/2014/000748
RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)
Solar Powered Electric Liquid Sprayer Device and Method Thereof - Granted – Patent Number: 365031
Flat receiver for Solar Parabolic Dish Concentrator System and Method Thereof - Granted – Patent Number: 356665
Single Slope Solar Desalination Still Using Staggered Fins Inserted in Paraffin Wax PCM Bed - Granted – Patent Number: 356589
Single Slope Solar Desalination System with Algal Fibres - Published Under Examination - 202141019442
CONSULTANCY
Jipmer - Medical College – Heat Load Calculations -Agency CPWD – Karaikal - Lakhs
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Senior R& D Engineer - CSEM-UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, July 2008 – January 2009