Education

• Ph.D. in Thermal Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India (December, 2016). Thesis Title: “Experimental Investigation of Solar Powered Air Conditioning System with Desiccant Based Heat Exchanger”, Supervisor: Dr. Avadhesh Yadav, Assistant Professor, NIT Kurukshetra.

• M. Tech. in Thermal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering from University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, Haryana, India (June 2013). Thesis Title: “Heat Dissipation from A Heated Equilateral Triangular Cylinder in an Oscillating Channel Flow: an Experimental Investigation”, Supervisor: Dr. Sunil Nain, Assistant Professor, UIET, KUK.

• B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, Haryana, India (June 2011).

Professional Experience

• Working as Assistant Professor in Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, Gujarat, India (23/09/2019 - Present).

• Worked as Assistant Professor in School of Renewable Energy and Efficiency, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India (2016 – 2019).

Research Interests

• Solar Energy Harvesting

• Desiccant Air Conditioning 

• Adsorption Refrigeration 

• Solar Thermal Desalination 

• Water Generation from Atmospheric Air 

• Composite Desiccant Materials

• MATLAB Coding & Mathematical Modeling of Solar Thermal Systems

Publications:

Articles in Journals

• Kushwaha, P. Kumar, A. & Choudhary R. (2025), Numerical and experimental investigation of a solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system based on two-stage desiccant wheel, Applied Thermal Engineering, 279, 127545, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.4), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.127545

• Agrawal, A, & Kumar, A. (2025), Sorption based solar atmospheric water harvesting integrated with a direct evaporative cooler: An experimental approach, Journal of Water Process Engineering, 76, 108237, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.7), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.108237 

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2025), Humidification-dehumidification desalination system based on solar air and water heaters, Solar Energy, 297, 113637, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.0), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2025.113637

• Chaudhari K, Choudhary J P, Mistry K, Tiwari A, Kumar A, (2025) "Performance evaluation of both-end open evacuated tube solar air heater: An Experimental Investigation", Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 41 (1), 1-15, SCI (Impact Factor - 2.3), https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2025.2463008

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2025), Thermo-economic and sustainability analysis of solar-based humidification dehumidification seawater desalination system using different packing materials , Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 282, 113384, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.9), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113384

• Agrawal, A, & Kumar, A. (2025), Experimental comparison and 6E analyses of double-ended evacuated tube collector based atmospheric water harvesting with and without PCM , Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 282, 113343, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.9), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113343

• Kushwaha, P. & Kumar, A. (2025), Effect of ambient conditions on the performance of solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting system based on desiccant wheel: An experimental investigation , Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 279, 113288, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.9), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113288

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2025), Performance evaluation of solar-assisted humidification dehumidification system for seawater desalination: An experimental approach, Separation and Purification Technology, 356, 129899,  SCI (Impact Factor - 8.1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129899

• Kushwaha, P. Kumar, A. & Choudhary R. (2024), Solar driven atmospheric water harvesting system with integration of desiccant wheel and desiccant bed: An experimental investigation , Solar Energy, 282, 112947, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.0), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2024.112947 

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A. (2024), Experimental comparison of solar-powered adsorption-based atmospheric water harvesting using air-to-air & water-to-air heat exchanger for condensation, Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, e14458,  SCI (Impact Factor - 2.8). https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14458

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A. (2024), Double-ended vacuum tube collector based solar powered atmospheric water harvesting by using composite desiccant material ‘Jute/CaCl₂’ , Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 46(1) , 9971–9992   SCI (Impact Factor - 2.9). https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2024.2381632

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A. (2024), A comprehensive review of fresh water production from atmospheric air – techniques, challenges and opportunities, Environment, Development and Sustainability, 1-36, SCI (Impact Factor - 4.9). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-024-05211-2.

• Kushwaha, P. Kumar, A. & Choudhary R. (2024), Solar-powered water generation from atmospheric air using desiccant wheel: Theoretical and experimental investigation , Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 274, 112969, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.9), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2024.112969

• Kushwaha, P. Kumar, A. & Choudhary R. (2024), Energy, exergy, economic, and environmental (4-E) analysis of atmospheric water harvesting system based on desiccant wheel using solar air heater, Journal of Water Process Engineering, 62, 105377 SCI (Impact Factor - 7), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.105377

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2024), Experimental investigation of humidification-dehumidification desalination system based on double-ends open evacuated tube solar air heater with inbuilt heat storage unit, Journal of Energy Storage, 89, 111807  SCI (Impact Factor - 9.4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.111807

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2024), Thermal analysis of humidification-dehumidification desalination system based on evacuated tube solar air heater, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, SCI (Impact Factor - 4.4), https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-024-13218-0

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2024), Energy, exergy, economic, exergo and enviro-economic analysis of solar powered humidification dehumidification desalination system: An experimental investigation, Applied Thermal Engineering, 122992 , SCI (Impact Factor - 6.4), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.122992

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A. (2024), Atmospheric water extraction based on solar air heater encapsulated with phase change material: An experimental investigation , Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells , 269, 112764  SCI (Impact Factor - 6.9). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2024.112764

• Kushwaha, P. Kumar, A. & Choudhary R. (2024), Effect of Operating Parameters of Desiccant Wheel on the Performance of Solar Desiccant Dehumidifier, Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, e14361, SCI (Impact Factor - 2.8), https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14361

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2024), Energy, exergy, environmental, and economic (4E’s) analysis of a solar driven humidification-dehumidification desalination system: An experimental investigation, Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 47, 102354, SCI (Impact Factor - 4.8), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2023.102354

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A. (2023), Harvesting freshwater from atmospheric air using thermal energy storage enabled solar air heater, Journal of Energy Storage, 73, 109008, SCI (Impact Factor - 9.4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2023.109008 

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2023), Experimental comparison of solar air heater based on single & double-ends open evacuated tube collector, Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, SCI (Impact Factor - 2.8), https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14289 

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A, Parekh, AD. (2023), Experimental investigation of atmospheric air to water generation based on both end open evacuated tube collector solar air heater, Solar Energy, 111953, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.7). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.111953

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2023), Solar air heater based on double-ends open evacuated tube with & without phase change material: An experimental investigation, Journal of Energy Storage, 108265, SCI (Impact Factor - 9.4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2023.108265.

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A, Parekh, AD. (2023), Atmospheric water harvesting by using evacuated tube collector: An experimental investigation, Applied Thermal Engineering, 121087, SCI (Impact Factor - 6.4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.121087.

• Tiwari, A. & Kumar, A. (2023), A comprehensive review on solar thermal desalination systems based on humidification-dehumidification approach, Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 1-23, SCI (Impact Factor - 4.9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-023-02517-z . 

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A, Parekh, AD. (2023), Experimental comparison of evacuated tube solar air heater (ETSAH) based on energy and exergy analyses with environmental and economic (4-E) study, Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, e14116. SCI (Impact Factor - 2.8).  https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14116

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A, Parekh, AD. (2023), Experimental investigation of solar driven atmospheric water generation system based on air-to-air heat exchanger, Energy, 127062, SCI (Impact Factor - 9). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.127062 . 

• Tiwari, A., Rathod, M. K., & Kumar, A. (2023). Experimental investigation of a desalination system based on evacuated tube collector. Environment, Development and Sustainability. 1-18, SCI (Impact Factor - 4.9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03070-x .

• Chaudhary, R, Mehla, N, Kumar, A, Yadav, A. (2023), Energy, exergy and exergo-economic (3E's) analysis of simmering type cooking using evacuated tube collector. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy. 2023;e14071. SCI (Impact Factor - 2.8). https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14071  

• Agrawal, A, Kumar, A, Parekh, AD. (2023), Experimental analysis of evacuated tube solar air heater (ETSAH) with inbuilt sensible thermal energy storage. Heat Transfer; 1- 24. ESCI,  https://doi.org/10.1002/htj.22760 

• Kumar, A, Tiwari, A, Mehla, N. (2023), Experimental comparison of solar thermal desalination systems based on energy, exergy and economic (3-E) analysis. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy. 2022;e13975. SCI (Impact Factor - 2.8). https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.13975 

• Tiwari, A, Agrawal, A, Kumar, A., (2022), An experimental investigation of a desalination system based on an evacuated tube collector coupled with a heat exchanger. Heat Transfer. 1- 15. ESCI,  https://doi.org/10.1002/htj.22678 

• Gupta, A. K., Jain, K., Deshpande, S., Gupta, A., & Kumar, A., (2022), A theoretical investigation of desiccant wheel for grain drying under different climatic conditions of India . Special Topics & Reviews in Porous Media: An International Journal, 13(3):1., ESCI DOI: 10.1615/SpecialTopicsRevPorousMedia.2022042377   

• Kumar, A., & Mehla, N. (2022) Energy, exergy and cost analysis of solar powered desiccant air conditioning system (SPDAC). Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, e13861. SCI (Impact Factor - 2.8). https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.13861  

• Tiwari, A., Rathod, M. K., & Kumar, A. (2022). A comprehensive review of solar-driven desalination systems and its advancements. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 1-32, SCI (Impact Factor - 4.9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-02040-5

• Gupta, A. K., Jain, K., Deshpande, S., Gupta, A., & Kumar, A. (2022). Solar Desiccant Drying Technology and its Food Drying Application: A Review. Special Topics & Reviews in Porous Media: An International Journal, 13(1). ESCI,  DOI: 10.1615/SpecialTopicsRevPorousMedia.2022040992 

• Mehla, N., & Kumar, A. (2021). Experimental evaluation of used engine oil based thermal energy storage coupled with novel evacuated tube solar air collector (NETAC). Journal of Energy Storage, 39, 102656. SCI (Impact Factor - 9.4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2021.102656 

• Kumar, A., & Mehla, N. (2021). Solar driven desiccant system for fresh water generation from ambient air: a review. Special Topics & Reviews in Porous Media - An International Journal, ESCI, DOI: 10.1615/SpecialTopicsRevPorousMedia.2021035059 

• Mehla, N., Singh, B., & Kumar, A. (2021). Performance prediction of innovative solar air collector with phase change material using the ANN approach. International Journal of Energy for a Clean Environment, 22(5). ESCI, DOI: 10.1615/InterJEnerCleanEnv.2021034739 

• Kumar, A., & Yadav, A. (2017). Experimental investigation of a desiccant air conditioning system based on solar-powered composite desiccant bed heat exchanger. International Journal of Energy for a Clean Environment, 18(1) 79-97., ESCI, DOI: 10.1615/InterJEnerCleanEnv.2017018954 

• Kumar, A., & Yadav, A. (2017). Experimental investigation of solar heating and humidification system based on desiccant bed heat exchanger. International Journal of Ambient Energy, 38(8), 826-833. ESCI, https://doi.org/10.1080/01430750.2016.1222954

• Kumar, A., & Yadav, A. (2017). Experimental investigation of solar-powered desiccant cooling system by using composite desiccant “CaCl2/jute”. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 19(4), 1279-1292. SCI (Impact Factor - 4.9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-016-9796-5 

• Kumar, A., & Yadav, A. (2017). Experimental investigation of an air heating system using different types of heat exchangers incorporated with an evacuated tube solar collector. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 36(1), 232-247. SCI (Impact Factor - 2.8). https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.12478

• Kumar, A., & Yadav, A. (2016). Experimental investigation of solar driven desiccant air conditioning system based on silica gel coated heat exchanger. International Journal of Refrigeration, 69, 51-63. SCI (Impact Factor - 3.9). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2016.05.008 

Book Chapters

• Nain, S. S., Rathi, R., Varma, B. S., Panthangi, R. K., & Kumar, A. (2020). Machine Learning Application for Pulsating Flow Through Aluminum Block. Advances in Intelligent Manufacturing (pp. 189-201). Springer, Singapore. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-4565-8_17

• Agrawal, A., & Kumar, A. (2023, December). Solar-Powered Adsorption-Based Atmospheric Water Generation for Arid Regions. In International Conference on Green Energy and Sustainable Technology (pp. 339-353). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. 

• Kushwaha, P. K., & Kumar, A. (2023, December). Experimental Investigation of Rotational Speed of Desiccant Wheel to Enhance the Performance of Solar Desiccant Dehumidifier. In International Conference on Green Energy and Sustainable Technology (pp. 325-338). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. 

R & D Projects:

• "Design and Development of Solar Driven Water Generation System Based on Desiccant Coated Heat Exchanger" funded by Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Duration:  2021-22, Budget: Rs. 9.75 Lakh, Role: Principal Investigator  

• "Design and Development of Solar Driven Water Generation System based on Desiccant Wheel" funded by SCIENCE & ENGINEERING RESEARCH BOARD (SERB) , Duration:  2022-23, Budget: Rs. 20.45 Lakh, Role: Principal Investigator

• "Design and Development of Solar Driven Desalination System Based on Air Humidification-Dehumidification Technique using Nano-Fluids" funded by Department of Science and Technology, Duration: 2023-25, Budget: Rs. 39.76 Lakh, Role: Principal Investigator 

PhD Students:

1) Dr. Anshu Agrawal

• Duration: January 2021 - January 2024

• PhD Thesis Title : Experimental Investigation of Solar Powered Water Harvesting from Atmospheric Air using Desiccant Bed

• Publication: SCI: 9 and ESCI: 2

• Product Patent: 02

• Placement status: AKVO Atmospheric Water Systems Pvt. Ltd. with annual package of INR 18.0 Lakh

• Contact details: 8909148211, anshuagrawalc54@gmail.com 

2) Dr. Abhishek Tiwari

• Duration: January 2022 - January 2025

• PhD Thesis Title : Experimental Investigation of Solar Powered Humidification-Dehumidification Desalination System

• Publication: SCI: 11 and ESCI: 1

• Product Patent: 01

• Placement status: Maithri Aquatech Pvt. Ltd. with annual package of INR 13.0 Lakh

• Contact details: 8467939650, 8368179258, abhishekt461@gmail.com

3) Pravesh Kumar Kushwaha

• Status: Ongoing

• Duration: July 2022 - July 2025 (tentative)

• PhD Thesis Title : Experimental and numerical Investigation of Solar Powered Water Harvesting from Atmospheric Air using Desiccant Wheel

• Publication: SCI: 05 and ESCI: 

• Product Patent: 01

• Placement status: NA

• Contact details: 9098458187, praveshkushwaha46@gmail.com

Patents:

• Kumar Amit, Choudhary Rajesh, Kushwaha K. Pravesh, Agrawal Anshu (2024), "System and Method for Harvesting Water from Atmospheric Air, Indian product patent, Application Number: 202321083343

• Kumar Amit, Agrawal Anshu, Tiwari Abhishek, (2024), "Atmospheric Water Harvesting System Based on Evacuated Tube Solar Air Heater, Indian product patent, Application Number: 202321039085

• Sharma Kapil Dev, Kumar Amit, Lambha Sanjeev Kumar, Srivastava Shobhit, (2022) "Coupling of Earth-tube Heat Exchanger with Solar Air Heating Duct" Australian product patent, Application Number: 2021103462