Unnikrishnan K S

PhD Mechanical Engineer (Thermal Sciences) with 6+ years of experience in CFD simulation, heat transfer, and thermal management across electronics cooling, solar PV systems, and Agri-Tech polyhouse environments. Skilled in Ansys Fluent, Ansys Icepak, and COMSOL Multiphysics with 6+ SCI-indexed publications on PCM-based passive cooling. Adept at translating numerical simulations into practical, energy-efficient engineering solutions.

Technical Specialist – Computational Analysis at Eeki (2025-05 – Present)

• Lead CFD-driven design and optimisation of controlled-environment agriculture systems, including hydroponic farming infrastructure, climate-controlled enclosures, and thermal management solutions.
• Develop and validate 3D numerical models for airflow, heat transfer, humidity transport, radiation exchange, and microclimate prediction using ANSYS Fluent and other CAE tools.
• Perform multiphysics simulations to evaluate temperature distribution, ventilation effectiveness, crop-zone environmental conditions, and energy performance of protected cultivation systems.
• Analyse coupled thermal-fluid phenomena involving HVAC systems, evaporative cooling, natural ventilation, solar radiation, and moisture transport to improve crop productivity and resource efficiency.

CFD Engineer – Center of Excellence for Electronic Cooling & CFD Simulation at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (2024-08 – 2025-05)

• Conducted CFD simulations for electronic cooling, thermal management, HVAC, ventilation, and fluid flow applications using ANSYS Icepak and related CAE tools.
• Developed and validated numerical models to analyse heat transfer, airflow distribution, pressure drop, and thermal performance of engineering systems.
• Performed design optimisation studies to improve cooling efficiency, thermal reliability, and overall system performance.
• Collaborated with academic and industrial partners on research, consultancy, and product development projects, delivering simulation-driven engineering solutions.

Research Scholar & Teaching Assistant at National Institute of Technology Calicut (2018-12 – 2024-07)

• Conducted numerical and experimental investigations on passive thermal management of photovoltaic (PV) modules; developed and validated CFD models using Comsol Multiphysics.
• Designed innovative passive cooling techniques (PCM, fins, NEPCM) that enhanced PV module efficiency and lifespan; findings published in 6+ SCI-indexed journals.
• Assisted in courses: Fluid Flow & Heat Transfer, Principles of Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer Lab, Engineering Graphics.
• Mentored 5 M.Tech students and 4 B.Tech project groups in passive cooling of PV systems.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering – National Institute of Technology Calicut (2018-12 – 2024-07)

M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal Power Engineering) – APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (2016-07 – 2018-06)

B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering – Mahatma Gandhi University (2011-09 – 2015-05)