Faculty at The Gandhigram Rural Institute – Deemed to be University ,India.
Dr. G.N. Lalith Pankaj Raj, a dedicated scholar in Energy Engineering, is a DST INSPIRE Fellow with exceptional contributions to renewable energy research. With over 260 citations, an h-index of 10, and 11 indexed publications, his impactful work in solar photovoltaics, electric mobility, and smart grid technology demonstrates academic excellence and real-world relevance. His interdisciplinary approach, field innovations, and gold-medal academic record make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His research aligns with national sustainability goals, especially in rural energy solutions. He consistently merges theory with application, helping to shape energy policy and empower rural communities through technology. His dedication to innovation and sustainability exemplifies the highest standards of academic research.
🌍 Professional Profile:
Orcid
Google scholar
🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award
Dr. G.N. Lalith Pankaj Raj, B.E., M.Tech., Ph.D., is a distinguished DST INSPIRE Fellow with an exceptional academic and research profile in energy engineering. His work focuses on impactful, community-driven innovations such as solar photovoltaic-based cold storage and nano-grids for rural livelihood improvement. With 262 citations, an h-index of 10, and 11 i10-indexed publications, his research demonstrates both quality and real-world applicability. A Gold Medalist and First Rank holder in M.Tech, he blends technical excellence with societal relevance. His dedication to renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change mitigation through green technologies aligns with national sustainability missions. His contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting innovation, impact, and academic leadership.
🎓 Education
Dr. Lalith Pankaj Raj earned his Ph.D. in Energy Engineering from The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Ministry of Education, GoI), where he was awarded the prestigious DST INSPIRE Fellowship. He completed his M.Tech in Renewable Energy with a stellar CGPA of 9.19, securing the First Rank and Gold Medal. He also holds a Certificate in Energy Auditing with distinction (CGPA 10) from the same institution. His B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering was obtained from PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, affiliated with Anna University, with a CGPA of 7.95. His strong academic foundation is complemented by excellence in pre-university studies, including 89.2% in SSLC. His project work spans energy auditing, photovoltaic thermal systems, and smart vehicle technologies.
🏢 Work Experience
Dr. Lalith Pankaj Raj has rich academic and research experience in the field of renewable energy, combining field implementation with high-impact research. He currently serves as a DST INSPIRE Fellow at The Gandhigram Rural Institute, where he is executing a pioneering project on a Combined Solar Photovoltaic-Based Micro Cold Storage–E-Mobility–Nano Grid system to benefit rural farmers. He previously conducted advanced studies on hybrid photovoltaic thermal systems and energy benchmarking for grid-tied solar rooftops in collaboration with REC-IPMT, Ministry of Power. His undergraduate innovations include vehicle emission control systems. His active involvement in field audits, training, and technical assessments reflects hands-on expertise. His career reflects a trajectory of applying research to real-world sustainability and rural development goals.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Dr. Lalith Pankaj Raj is a recipient of the DST INSPIRE Fellowship from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India—one of the nation’s most competitive awards for research excellence. He earned a Gold Medal and First Rank in his M.Tech program in Renewable Energy. His academic excellence has been consistently recognized with top scores and distinctions throughout his career, including a perfect CGPA in his Certificate in Energy Auditing. He has been honored for presenting high-impact research and contributing to national renewable energy forums. His Google Scholar metrics (262 citations, h-index 10, i10-index 11) demonstrate academic impact and scholarly recognition. His strong track record of innovation and excellence has earned him national and institutional acclaim.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Lalith Pankaj Raj’s research centers on sustainable energy technologies with applications in rural development. His key areas include solar photovoltaics, thermoelectric refrigeration, electric mobility, vehicle-to-grid integration, smart grids, and energy conservation. His Ph.D. work focuses on a novel solar photovoltaic-based cold storage and nanogrid system aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of rural farmers. He is passionate about building integrated renewable systems, Net Zero energy buildings, and climate change mitigation through energy efficiency. His interdisciplinary work bridges technical innovation and social impact, promoting low-carbon solutions and decentralized energy systems. With a sharp focus on practical implementation and policy relevance, his research contributes to India’s renewable energy transition and aligns with global sustainability goals.
📊 Publication Top Notes:
1. Energy conservation approach for continuous power quality improvement: A case study
Authors: LPR Nadimuthu, K Victor, CH Basha, T Mariprasath, C Dhanamjayulu, et al.
Journal: IEEE Access, Vol. 9, pp. 146959–146969
Citations: 48
Year: 2021
2. Environmental friendly micro cold storage for last-mile Covid-19 vaccine logistics
Authors: LPR Nadimuthu, K Victor
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(16), 23767–23778
Citations: 39
Year: 2022
3. Performance analysis and optimization of solar-powered E-rickshaw for environmental sustainability in rural transportation
Authors: LPR, GN Kirubakaran V
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Vol. 28, pp. 34278–34289
Citations: 32
Year: 2021
4. Energy Efficiency Enhancement and Climate Change Mitigations of SMEs through Grid-Interactive Solar Photovoltaic System
Authors: LPR, GN Kirubakaran V
Journal: International Journal of Photoenergy
Citations: 32
Year: 2021
5. Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal systems: innovative CHP approach
Authors: PRGN Lalith, G Prabakaran, A Murugaiyan, V Kirubakaran
Conference: 4th International Conference on Electrical Energy Systems (ICEES), pp. 726–730
Citations: 19
Year: 2018
6. Simulation and experimental study on performance analysis of solar photovoltaic integrated thermoelectric cooler using MATLAB Simulink
Authors: LPR Nadimuthu, DA Selvaraj, K Victor
Journal: Thermal Science, 26(2 Part A), pp. 999–1007
Citations: 16
Year: 2022
7. Fast thermal degradation of biomass using scrapped solar cell with special focus on photovoltaic (PV) waste disposal
Authors: GN Lalith Pankaj Raj Nadimuthu, VM Karthik, M Mohanraj, V Kirubakaran
Book Chapter: Waste Valorisation and Recycling: 7th IconSWM—ISWMAW 2017, Volume 2, pp. 349–361
Citations: 16
Year: 2019
8. Bench marking of grid tied solar roof top photovoltaic system: a case comparison
Authors: GNP, S. S. Chopade, L. P. Raj
Journal: International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7(2.33), pp. 553–556
Citations: 15
Year: 2018
9. Optimization of energy-intensive process in ayurvedic medicine manufacturing unit—a case study
Authors: LPR Nadimuthu, K Victor
Journal: Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability, 5(4), pp. 975–992
Citations: 13
Year: 2021
10. Monitoring and simulation of parabolic trough collector powered vapor absorption refrigeration system for rural cold storage
Authors: DA Selvaraj, LPR Nadimuthu, K Victor
Journal: Thermal Science, 26(2 Part A), pp. 975–982
Citations: 12
Year: 2022
11. Feasibility of renewable energy microgrids with vehicle-to-grid technology for smart villages: A case study from India
Authors: LPR Nadimuthu, K Victor, M Bajaj, MB Tuka
Journal: Results in Engineering, Vol. 24, Article 103474
Citations: 11
Year: 2024
12. An experimental and spectroscopic investigation on pongamia pinata as liquid dielectrics for rural micro grid under various load conditions
Authors: LPR Nadimuthu, NS Moorthy, K Victor, M Thenkaraimuthu, B Khan, A Ali
Journal: Scientific Reports, 14(1), Article 19653
Citations: 3
Year: 2024
13. Waste Valorisation and Recycling
Authors: JP Sarkar, B Das (Book includes contribution by GN Lalith Pankaj Raj Nadimuthu)
Publisher: Springer
Citations: 3
Year: 2019