Advanced HVAC&R and Thermal Management Laboratory (AHTM Lab)
Research Field
Dr. Abhishek Kumar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Smart Industry Technology Research and Design at National Formosa University, Taiwan, and the Principal Investigator of the Advanced HVAC&R and Thermal Management Laboratory (AHTM Lab). He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Thermo-Fluid Science from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. Dr. Kumar’s research focuses on HVAC&R systems, thermal management, electronics cooling, two-phase heat transfer, and energy-efficient thermal technologies. His expertise spans both experimental and computational approaches, including boiling and condensation heat transfer, low-GWP refrigerants, high-heat-flux cooling, cold plates, heat exchangers, and CFD-based thermo-fluid modeling. He has extensive experience in industry–academia collaborative projects, working closely with leading organizations such as ITRI and major electronics manufacturers on next-generation refrigeration systems and advanced cooling solutions for high-power electronic devices. His research outcomes have been published in high-impact international journals, including International Journal of Refrigeration, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, and Applied Thermal Engineering. As PI of the AHTM Lab, Dr. Kumar is committed to advancing sustainable thermal systems, promoting low-carbon refrigeration technologies, and training students in cutting-edge experimental methods, numerical modeling, and practical engineering design for real-world applications. Dr. Kumar encourages an open, friendly, and supportive lab environment and welcomes motivated students who are curious about thermal systems, refrigeration, and sustainable engineering technologies.
The Advanced HVAC&R and Thermal Management Laboratory (AHTM Lab) at National Formosa University is part of the Department of Smart Industry Technology Research and Design. The lab focuses on developing efficient, sustainable, and intelligent thermal systems for modern engineering applications. Our research covers HVAC&R systems, thermal management, electronics cooling, energy efficiency, and two-phase heat transfer, with particular emphasis on low-GWP refrigerants, boiling and condensation heat transfer, high-heat-flux cooling, and advanced heat exchangers. Both experimental investigations and computational methods (CFD and numerical modeling) are actively used to understand complex thermo-fluid phenomena and optimize system performance. The AHTM Lab works closely with industry and research institutions, providing students with opportunities to engage with real-world engineering problems, conduct hands-on experimentation, and work on advanced simulations. Students in the lab gain experience with professional tools such as ANSYS, MATLAB, and experimental thermal measurement systems, along with training in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing. The lab promotes a supportive, collaborative, and innovation-driven environment, welcoming undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students interested in thermal sciences, refrigeration, electronic cooling, and sustainable energy technologies.
The Advanced HVAC&R and Thermal Management Laboratory (AHTM Lab) focuses on fundamental and applied research in thermal and energy systems, with emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and smart industrial applications.
1. HVAC&R Systems and Low-GWP Refrigerants
- Performance analysis of eco-friendly refrigerants as alternatives to conventional HFCs
- System-level evaluation of COP, energy efficiency, and environmental impact
- Effects of lubricant oil on refrigeration system and heat transfer performance
2. Two-Phase Heat Transfer (Boiling & Condensation)
- Nucleate pool boiling and flow boiling heat transfer characteristics
- Condensation heat transfer on smooth and enhanced surfaces
- Influence of surface enhancement, lubricant oil, and operating conditions
3. Electronics Cooling and Thermal Management
- High-heat-flux cooling for electronic chips and power devices
- Design and optimization of cold plates and heat sinks
- Thermal management solutions for data centers and power electronics
4. Advanced Heat Exchangers and Thermal Devices
- Development of enhanced tubes and compact heat exchangers
- Performance improvement using surface modification and advanced materials
- Experimental validation of novel thermal designs
5. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Numerical Modeling
- CFD analysis of thermo-fluid flow and heat transfer processes
- Multiphase flow modeling for boiling and condensation phenomena
- Design optimization using numerical simulations and parametric studies
6. Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Thermal Technologies
- Energy-efficient thermal system design and optimization
- Low-carbon refrigeration and cooling technologies
- Thermal solutions supporting smart and sustainable industries
- Best Presentation Award, NCRAC 2022
- NSTC-Funded Project (PI) – Advanced HVAC&R & Thermal Management
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan
Specialization: Thermo-Fluid Science and Engineering - Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Thermal Engineering
Delhi Technological University (DTU), New Delhi, India
Job Description
During the internship period, the student is required to submit a monthly progress report through the IIPP portal. The report must clearly summarize the research activities performed, technical skills developed, outcomes achieved, challenges encountered, and the work plan for the following month. Reports should be submitted on time according to NSTC IIPP guidelines and must accurately reflect the assigned tasks and learning progress under the supervision of the host laboratory advisor. Failure to submit reports in a timely and complete manner may affect internship evaluation and certification.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
- Senior undergraduate students with strong numerical background
- Master’s students (highly preferred)
- PhD students with interest in CFD and thermal sciences
(Preferred majors: Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, Smart Manufacturing, Energy Systems)
Skill sets or Qualities
- Solid foundation in heat transfer and fluid mechanics
- Familiarity with CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL, OpenFOAM, or similar)
- Experience with MATLAB or Python for post-processing
- Interest in electronics cooling and advanced heat exchangers
- Curious, proactive, and comfortable working on open-ended research problems
Job Description
During the internship period, the student is required to submit a monthly progress report through the IIPP portal. The report must clearly summarize the research activities performed, technical skills developed, outcomes achieved, challenges encountered, and the work plan for the following month. Reports should be submitted on time according to NSTC IIPP guidelines and must accurately reflect the assigned tasks and learning progress under the supervision of the host laboratory advisor. Failure to submit reports in a timely and complete manner may affect internship evaluation and certification.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
The preferred educational level for this internship is senior undergraduate (final-year) or graduate-level students (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines. Applicants should have foundational knowledge in heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and basic experience with CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM) or numerical analysis (e.g., MATLAB). Graduate students with research experience in electronics cooling, two-phase heat transfer, or thermal system modeling are especially encouraged to apply.
Skill sets or Qualities
The intern should possess fundamental knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. Basic experience with CFD software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM) and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB) is preferred. Familiarity with numerical methods, mesh generation, and simulation post-processing is advantageous.
Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail are essential. The intern should demonstrate good technical communication skills (written and verbal), ability to work independently as well as in a research team, and a proactive attitude toward learning advanced thermal management and electronics cooling technologies.
Professionalism, responsibility, and timely submission of assigned tasks and monthly reports are expected.