Dr. Yashar Hajimolana is an assistant professor in Energy Systems Integration at the University of Twente, where he initiated and leads the Energy Systems Integration research theme within the Thermal and Fluid Engineering Department. His work focuses on sustainable energy solutions including energy hubs and hydrogen integration to drive decarbonization in industrial and transportation sectors. His approach integrates multi-energy carriers and sector coupling, exploring how these elements dynamically interact to enhance the adaptability, flexibility and efficiency of energy systems. A specialist in reversible fuel cell systems, he applies this expertise to applications like grid balancing and Power-to-X production, advancing energy storage and conversion technologies that support the transition to low-carbon infrastructures.

For current research activities, you can visit the group page: Energy Systems Integration

Expertise

  • Chemical Engineering

    • Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
    • Oxide
    • Vanadium
  • Chemistry

    • Hydrogen
    • Metal
    • Procedure
    • Optimization
    • Electrolyte

Organisations

Research Focus:

Energy Systems Integration

  • Fuel cell and hydrogen systems: Development of sustainable energy production through a range fundamental research, through modeling and experimental characterization of fuel cell and electrolysis cell components and research on system integration and demonstration. The aim is also to develop new and innovative smart energy system platforms based on fuel cells for different applications, such as stationary and transportation, including drones, ships, boats, heavy duty trucks and heating and cooling.
  • Hybrid Energy System and Sector Coupling for Industry and Transport: Exploring the intricate dynamics of electricity, gas, and heat interactions, we develop strategies to balance supply and demand, optimize energy storage and conversion, and reduce inefficiencies. Through a multi-physics approach, we gain a comprehensive understanding of complex interactions, enabling accurate modeling, design, and optimization. Our research extends to advanced technologies for enhancing the efficiency of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Combined Cooling, Heat, and Power (CCHP) systems. This involves optimizing integrated power systems to maximize energy output while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, we investigate innovative heat recovery techniques, such as waste heat recovery from industrial processes or exhaust gases, to further improve overall system efficiency. Looking towards future energy scenarios, our focus shifts to systems capable of rapidly adjusting power, heat, or cold without generating pollutants, integrating seamlessly into existing networks to provide energy on demand. Through comprehensive experimental and modeling research, we aim to understand the physics of these processes and provide proof of concepts for sustainable energy solutions.
  • Integration of power-to-X technologies within hybrid renewable energy systems: Sector coupling can play a key role in the energy transition towards an energy system fueled by renewable energy sources. Surplus electricity can be stored in the form of chemicals through the co-electrolysis of H2O and CO2. This opens the possibility to decarbonize industrial heating, chemicals, and sectors such as transportation. However, there is a lack of understanding of the design and techno-economics of Power-to-X conversion pathways. We work on providing a Power-to-X roadmap for the decarbonization of chemicals and energy systems through the results from detailed modeling and techno-economic analysis of the electrosynthesis of chemicals. 
  • Enhancing Circular Solutions through Energy Analysis and Optimization: Our focus lies in conducting energy analysis and optimizing circularity processes to enhance efficiency within the circular solutions framework. This involves a comprehensive analysis of energy flows throughout various stages of the circular processes, from material extraction to end-of-life disposal or reuse. We aim to identify opportunities for improvement and streamline processes to minimize energy consumption and maximize energy recovery. Additionally, optimization efforts involves the integration of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies wherever feasible, further enhancing the overall sustainability of circular practices. Through rigorous energy analysis and optimization, we strive to ensure that the circular solutions achieve the highest levels of efficiency, contributing to both environmental conservation and economic viability.

Publications

Energy Systems Integration Lab

Publications

2023

Sunlight harvesting (2023)Computers & chemical engineering, 170. Article 108103. Soroush, M. & Hajimolana, Y.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compchemeng.2022.108103

2022

Model Supported Business Case Scenario Analysis for Decentral Hydrogen Conversion, Storage and Consumption within Energy Hubs (2022)Energies, 15(6). Article 2065. van Leeuwen, R. P., Boerman, A. E., Schaefer, E. W., Hoogsteen, G. & Hajimolana, Y. S.https://doi.org/10.3390/en15062065Efficient regenerative hydrogen/vanadium fuel cell using trichome-like electrodes for enhanced vanadium electrolyte utilization and its system integration (2022)In Proceedings of WHEC 2022 - 23rd World Hydrogen Energy Conference: Bridging Continents by H2 (pp. 833-835) (Proceedings of WHEC 2022 - 23rd World Hydrogen Energy Conference: Bridging Continents by H2). International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Chakrabarti, B. K., Hajimolana, Y. S., Ouygang, M., Rubio-Garcia, J., Singh, A. K., Xia, Y., Brandon, N. P. & Yufit, V.Green hydrogen for ammonia production – A case for the Netherlands (2022)In Proceedings of WHEC 2022 - 23rd World Hydrogen Energy Conference: Bridging Continents by H2 (pp. 240-242). International Association for Hydrogen Energy, IAHE. Pagani, G., Acar, C. & Hajimolana, Y.

2021

Trichome-like Carbon-Metal Fabrics Made of Carbon Microfibers, Carbon Nanotubes, and Fe-Based Nanoparticles as Electrodes for Regenerative Hydrogen/Vanadium Flow Cells (2021)ACS Applied Nano Materials, 4(10), 10754-10763. Chakrabarti, B. K., Kalamaras, E., Ouyang, M., Liu, X., Remy, G., Wilson, P. F., Williams, M. A., Rubio-Garcia, J., Yufit, V., Bree, G., Hajimolana, Y. S., Singh, A., Tariq, F., Low, C. T. J., Wu, B., George, C. & Brandon, N. P.https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.1c02195

2020

Modelling of redox flow battery electrode processes at a range of length scales: a review (2020)Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 4(11), 5433-5468. Chakrabarti, B. K., Kalamaras, E., Singh, A. K., Bertei, A., Rubio-Garcia, J., Yufit, V., Tenny, K. M., Wu, B., Tariq, F., Hajimolana, Y. S., Brandon, N. P., John Low, C. T., Roberts, E. P. L., Chiang, Y. M. & Brushett, F. R.https://doi.org/10.1039/d0se00667j

Other contributions

Publications

Research profiles

I am involved in University Twente/Vrij Universiteit Amsterdam Bachelor Program Mechanical Engineering Semester 2 (Energy Transition and Sustainability):

  • Engineering Thermodynamics 
  • Project: focuses on analysis, development and optimization of a renewable energy system taking into account thermodynamics and life cycle analysis

University of Twente:

  • Energy System Integration, Master Program Sestainable Energy Technology
  • Energy Conversion Technology for Master Program Sestainable Energy Technology
  • Energy and Heat Transfer for Second Year Bachelor Program Industrial Design Engineering

Affiliated study programs

Courses academic year 2024/2025

Courses in the current academic year are added at the moment they are finalised in the Osiris system. Therefore it is possible that the list is not yet complete for the whole academic year.

Courses academic year 2023/2024

Address

University of Twente

Horst Complex (building no. 20)
De Horst 2
7522 LW Enschede
Netherlands

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Organisations

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