Karim Dahech | Electrical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Karim Dahech | Electrical Engineering
| Research Excellence Award

Higher Institute of Industrial Management of Sfax | Tunisia

Prof. Karim Dahech’s research focuses on advanced nonlinear control and observer design with strong applications in renewable energy systems and industrial process optimization. A major contribution lies in the development of sliding mode, terminal sliding mode, and backstepping-based control strategies to enhance robustness, stability, and performance of photovoltaic and wind energy conversion systems, particularly for maximum power point tracking under uncertainties and disturbances. His work integrates fuzzy logic, T–S fuzzy models, and nonlinear observers to address complex dynamics, improve energy efficiency, and ensure reliable operation of renewable energy systems. In parallel, he has contributed significantly to observer-based control and multi-model approaches for nonlinear and uncertain systems, enabling accurate state estimation and fault-tolerant control. These methods have been successfully applied to microgrids, grid-connected inverters, and wastewater treatment processes, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact across energy and environmental engineering. The research emphasizes practical implementation, including processor-in-the-loop validation and real-time applicability, bridging theory and industrial deployment. Overall, this body of work advances robust control methodologies for sustainable energy and complex nonlinear systems, with measurable scientific impact reflected by 274 total citations (191 since 2020), an h-index of 7 (6 since 2020), and an i10-index of 6 (5 since 2020).

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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274

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7

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Featured Publications

Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Systems Based on Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Controller
– International Journal of Renewable Energy Research, 2016 (24 citations)
Fuzzy Observer-Based Control for Maximum Power-Point Tracking of a Photovoltaic System
– International Journal of Systems Science, 2018 (23 citations)
A Sliding Mode Observer for Uncertain Nonlinear Systems Based on Multiple-Model Approach
– International Journal of Automation and Computing, 2017 (13 citations)

Nkanyiso Msweli | Electrical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Nkanyiso Msweli | Electrical Engineering
| Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nkanyiso Msweli | Tshwane University of Technology | South Africa

Mr. Nkanyiso Msweli is an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager  with over a decade of expertise in power generation, renewable energy, and maintenance management, currently leading operations at a solar power plant under Enel Green Power in Upington, South Africa. He has a proven track record in ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, statutory regulations, and international standards, while driving operational excellence through strategic maintenance leadership, budget optimization, and risk control. His career spans key roles at Vestas Group, Eskom Rotek Industries, and AMG Power Systems, where he gained extensive knowledge of solar PV systems, boilers, HV/MV networks, transformers, and wind plant operations. Mr. Msweli is highly skilled in root cause failure analysis (RCFA), World Class Manufacturing (WCM) practices, and reliability-centered maintenance, enabling him to enhance asset performance and minimize downtime. He has successfully managed complex engineering teams, coordinated plant overhauls, led safety audits, and delivered technical advisory services on high-pressure systems and emission controls. Academically, His scholarly impact is reflected in her Google Scholar he is pursuing a Doctor of Engineering at Tshwane University of Technology, holds an MPhil in Electrical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg, and is certified in GCC and multiple ISO standards, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and innovation in sustainable energy.

 Profile: Orcid 

Featured Publications

Msweli, N., Nnachi, G. U., & Richards, C. G. (2025). A review of green hydrogen technologies and their role in enabling sustainable energy access in remote and off-grid areas within Sub-Saharan Africa. Energies, 18(18), 5035.

Sara Hasanpour | Electrical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Sara Hasanpour | Electrical Engineering
| Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sara Hasanpour | Islamic Azad University of Ramsar | Iran

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sara Hasanpour  Assistant Professor at the Islamic Azad University, Ramsar Branch, is an active researcher in power electronics with over 10 years of academic and industrial experience. Her work focuses on the design, implementation, modeling, and control of high step-up DC-DC converters, particularly those with resonance/quasi-resonance performance and Trans-Inverse specifications, for renewable energy applications. She has authored over 63 international journal and conference papers, serves as Associate Editor of the IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Industrial Electronics, and frequently reviews for leading journals including IEEE Transactions, Wiley, IET, Springer, and Nature Scientific Reports. With a Publication 50, overall citation index of 1,131 and an h-index of 19, her research contributions span novel converter topologies, advanced control strategies (PI, PID, PCM, and sliding mode), reduced-order modeling, and high-efficiency designs such as semi-quadratic, quadratic, and coupled-inductor converters. She has also led projects on magnetic field generators, electronic ballasts, and interleaved converters, alongside consultancy for industrial Ethernet systems. Beyond publications, she authored a Persian-language book on electronic ballasts, collaborates with renowned scholars like Prof. Sze Sing Lee, Prof. Yam P. Siwakoti, and Prof. Frede Blaabjerg, and actively contributes as Head of the University Innovation Center. She is a member of IEEE, the IEEE Power Electronics Society, and serves as Review Editor of Frontiers in Sustainable Resource Management, with her impactful work cited in 738 scholarly documents.

 Profile:  Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications

Hasanpour, S., Baghramian, A., & Mojallali, H. (2018). A modified SEPIC-based high step-up DC–DC converter with quasi-resonant operation for renewable energy applications.

Forouzesh, M., Yari, K., Baghramian, A., & Hasanpour, S. (2017). Single-switch high step-up converter based on coupled inductor and switched capacitor techniques with quasi-resonant operation.

Hasanpour, S., Siwakoti, Y. P., Mostaan, A., & Blaabjerg, F. (2020). New semiquadratic high step-up DC/DC converter for renewable energy applications.

Hasanpour, S., Siwakoti, Y. P., & Blaabjerg, F. (2022). A new high efficiency high step-up DC/DC converter for renewable energy applications.

Hasanpour, S., Forouzesh, M., Siwakoti, Y. P., & Blaabjerg, F. (2021). A new high-gain, high-efficiency SEPIC-based DC–DC converter for renewable energy applications.

Hasanpour, S., Baghramian, A., & Mojallali, H. (2019). Analysis and modeling of a new coupled-inductor buck-boost DC/DC converter for renewable energy applications.