Research and Projects
Continious Flow Liquid Phase Plasma TECHNology
My research is focused on production of Nitrogen rich fertilizer using Continuous Flow Liquid Phase Plasma (CFLPP) Reactor. I started my research in Fall of 2017. I have been working under the supervision of Dr. Sarah Wu. My research goal is to develop a eco-friendly alternative to Haber-Bosch Process. The objective of my research is to create
Eco-friendly technology with minimum waste production.
Technology that utilizes Renewable Resources as inputs available at every part of the world.
Technology that produce nitrogen rich fertilizer at competitive cost.
OBJECTIVE
I am studying nitrogen oxide (NOx) production using non-thermal plasma. My work is focused on finding significant factors that affect the efficiency of Continuous Flow Liquid Phase Plasma Discharge and optimizing those factors to reduce costs.
2021 Summer Update
Focus of Summer of 2021 was to determine the optimum hole diameter for dielectric plate and plate thickness for the efficient NOx production. Due to disruption in supply chain because of COVID-19, the project will extend until Spring 2021.
During Fall semester, I participated in Annual Pitch Event organized by Center for Advanced Energy Study and finished as a semifinalist. I received an honorary mention for being the only undergraduate semifinalist. I was awarded $100 for my participation.
2019-2020 Update
In the fall of 2019, with the help of grant provided by Office of Undergraduate research at University of Idaho I was able to continue my research. The following are the major updates from the summer:
Constructed plasma reactor
Studied the effect of NOx production in different air flow rate
Studied the effect of water flow rate in NOx production
2017-2018 Update
From Fall of 2017 to Spring of 2018, I volunteered to learn the basic skills required to operate CFLPP reactor. During the time, I learned to use the CFLPP reactor and developed protocol to conduct experiments.
What are my plans for future?
My ultimate goal is to design a complete system using plasma reactor to produce nitrogen rich fertilizer. For that I will continue my research on plasma reactor and study effects of different level of input.
Conference Presentation:
Production of a green fertilizer from air and water using an electrical discharge process. ASABE Annual Meeting, Boston, July 2019
During the presentation I reported my preliminary findings of Continuous Phase Liquid Phase Plasma Discharge.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Co- investigator, Department of Biological Engineering, UI
“Nitrate and nitrite fertilizer production from air and water by continuous flow liquid-phase plasma discharge”
Designed experiment using Central Composite Design
Developed protocol for Nitrogen fixation using Continuous Flow Liquid Phase Plasma Discharge using atmospheric air
Assembled Continuous Flow Liquid Phase Plasma Discharge setup to investigate production of NOx
Modelled production of NOx using quadratic equation with air flowrate and power as factors
Determined optimum level for air flowrate and power for efficient production of NOx
Wrote and submitted grants and raised $10,290 grants over period of 4 years
Presented findings at American Society of Agriculture and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
PUBLICATIONS:
Wu, S., Thapa, B., Rivera, C., & Yuan, Y. (2021). Nitrate and nitrite fertilizer production from air and water by continuous flow liquid-phase plasma discharge. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(2), 104761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2020.104761.
Scheef, A. R., Thapa, B., Lerum, E., & Poppen, M. I. (2020). The Impact of an Inclusive Post-Secondary Course on Pre-Service Teachers. Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship, 9(1), n1.
Smith, K.L. & Thapa B. (2020) Examining Differences in Noncognitive Skills for State-Level Career Development and Leadership Development Event Participants. Journal of Agricultural Education
Research Grant Awards:
Platinum Grand Challenge Scholar, University of Idaho Grand Challenge Scholars Program. ($1,400) Jan 2020-Dec 2020
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, University of Idaho Office of Undergraduate Research. ($5,000) Jun 2019-Aug 2019
Grand Challenge Scholar, University of Idaho Grand Challenge Scholars Program. ($2,000) Jan 2019- Dec 2019
Undergraduate Research and STEM Engagement, NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium ($2,750) Jun 2018-Aug 2018
Grand Challenge Scholar, University of Idaho Grand Challenge Scholars Program. ($500) Jan 2018-Dec 2018
Research Travel Grant, University of Idaho, Office of Undergraduate Research. ($800). Sept 2018
Fall Undergraduate Research Fellowship, University of Idaho, Office of Undergraduate Research ($900) Aug 2017-Dec 2017
Research Travel Grant, University of Idaho, Office of Undergraduate Research. ($800). Sept 2017
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, University of Idaho Office of Undergraduate Research. ($5,000) Jun 2017-Aug 2017
REFLECTION:
Being involved in research project, I have learned following skills:
To design and analyze experimental research project
To pitch research ideas to secure funding
To co-author research journal article
To deliver professional presentation
To collaborate with research partners
To use multidisciplinary knowledge to solve grand challenges
To write research grants