Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf | Energy | Best Scholar Award
Assistant Professor at Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia
Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the National Engineering School of Gabès, specializing in solar energy conversion, storage, and solar pond systems. His research focuses on numerical modeling of thermal, hydrodynamic, and mass transfer phenomena, particularly in solar energy applications such as solar stills and salt-gradient solar ponds. Dr. Boudhiaf has published extensively in reputable scientific journals, including Energy Conversion and Management and Energies, and has presented his work at international conferences. His expertise includes numerical simulation tools like Ansys Fluent and programming languages such as Matlab and Fortran. With a strong academic background, Dr. Boudhiaf has contributed significantly to advancing renewable energy technologies and thermal energy storage systems through both his research and teaching. He is actively involved in mentoring students and collaborating on various research projects.
Education
Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf has a strong academic background in Chemical Engineering with a focus on processes and renewable energy. He earned his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering-Processes from the National Engineering School of Gabès, University of Gabès, Tunisia, in November 2013, graduating with high honors and the jury’s commendation. Prior to this, he obtained a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering-Processes from the same institution in November 2006, where he also achieved a distinction of “Very Good.” His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering-Processes in July 1996, following his completion of specialized studies in the field in 2002. Throughout his education, Dr. Boudhiaf demonstrated a consistent focus on energy conversion, thermal processes, and the application of chemical engineering to energy storage systems, specifically in the context of solar energy. His rigorous education laid the foundation for his subsequent research and professional contributions in renewable energy systems.
Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf’s research interests are primarily centered around the field of solar energy conversion, storage, and its applications in thermal systems. His work focuses on the thermal and hydrodynamic performance of solar thermal collectors and solar distillers with various geometries. Dr. Boudhiaf also explores the use of numerical modeling, particularly employing Navier-Stokes equations for Newtonian and incompressible fluids, to simulate the behavior of solar ponds. His expertise extends to the study of salt-gradient solar ponds, investigating the intricate heat and mass transfer mechanisms, with an emphasis on optimizing solar energy storage. Furthermore, his research delves into the influence of buoyancy and Rayleigh numbers on fluid flow stability within solar ponds. Dr. Boudhiaf also contributes to understanding entropy production in thermosolutal convection systems with Dufour effects, aiming to enhance the efficiency of solar energy systems through improved design and optimization techniques.
Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf possesses extensive research skills in the field of chemical engineering, particularly in solar energy conversion, storage, and thermal system optimization. His expertise includes the numerical modeling of thermal, hydrodynamic, and mass transfer phenomena, with a focus on solar ponds and energy storage systems. Dr. Boudhiaf is skilled in the simulation of complex fluid behavior using software tools like Ansys Fluent, Matlab, and Fortran, enabling him to develop precise models for studying convection and thermal diffusion. His research extends to investigating the thermosolutal convection with the Dufour effect, contributing valuable insights into entropy production in thermal systems. Dr. Boudhiaf has a strong foundation in both experimental and theoretical approaches, having published several peer-reviewed articles on fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and renewable energy systems. His ability to integrate numerical analysis with practical applications makes him a proficient researcher in sustainable energy technologies.
Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf is an accomplished researcher and academic, recognized for his significant contributions to the field of Chemical Engineering and Solar Energy Systems. His work on hydrodynamic, heat, and mass transfer in solar ponds has garnered international attention, leading to several publications in esteemed scientific journals, including Energy Conversion and Management and Energies. Dr. Boudhiaf’s innovative research on the optimization of energy storage systems and the numerical modeling of solar ponds has earned him invitations to present at numerous international conferences. His contributions to the scientific community extend beyond research, as he has actively mentored students and collaborated on projects with leading institutions. His dedication to advancing the understanding of solar energy technologies has positioned him as a respected figure in his field, with accolades reflecting his commitment to both academic excellence and practical applications of renewable energy systems.