Assoc. Prof. Dr Girip Alina | Refrigeration system | Best Researcher Award

Head od Thermal Sciences Department, Technical University of Civil Engineering, Romania

Alina Girip is a distinguished researcher and educator in the field of thermal engineering, specializing in refrigeration systems, cryogenic processes, and energy efficiency. She is currently a Senior Researcher at the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, where she has been involved in both academic and practical research activities since 1998. Her work spans teaching, research, and innovation in sustainable cooling technologies, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of refrigerants and improving energy efficiency in building services. Alina has also contributed significantly to national research projects, particularly in harmonizing Romanian legislation with international standards for ozone layer protection.

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Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Research Contributions: Alina Girip has made significant contributions to the field of thermal science, specifically in refrigeration systems, energy efficiency, and cryogenics. Her publications, spanning numerous international conferences and journals, showcase her expertise and active involvement in advancing sustainable technologies for cooling systems.
2. Innovative Focus: Her work on low-GWP refrigerants, energy-efficient cooling systems, and cryogenic technologies positions her as a leader in mitigating the environmental impact of refrigeration. She has also explored the integration of renewable energy sources and energy recovery systems in cooling plants, addressing pressing global environmental challenges.
3. Research Leadership: Alina has demonstrated strong leadership in research, particularly with her participation in national research programs like RELANSIN, MENER, and CEEX. As a coordinator for several theses at both undergraduate and master’s levels, she has mentored the next generation of engineers in her field.
4. Diverse Expertise: She has contributed to various innovative projects, including the design of experimental models for cryogenic cooling and the study of sustainable practices in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors. Her interdisciplinary approach enhances her research’s practical relevance.
5. Recognition and Citations: Alina’s works have been widely cited, indicating that her research has a strong impact on the global scientific community. She has received recognition at national and international conferences for her contributions to energy-efficient cooling systems.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader International Recognition: While Alina’s research has made a significant national impact, there may be opportunities for greater visibility on a global scale. Expanding collaboration with international research institutions and publishing in high-impact journals could increase her global recognition.
2. Focus on Commercialization: Although Alina has made notable advances in research, an emphasis on the commercialization of her technologies, such as cryogenic systems or energy-efficient refrigeration models, could enhance their real-world impact. Expanding efforts to partner with industry could lead to innovations being implemented at a larger scale.
3. Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: While Alina has contributed to the fields of thermodynamics and refrigeration, further integration with other disciplines like materials science or environmental engineering could open new avenues for research, especially with regard to materials used in refrigeration and sustainable energy systems.

Education

Alina Girip holds a Doctoral degree in Engineering and has completed extensive post-graduate studies in thermal science and refrigeration systems. She is involved in teaching undergraduate and master’s level courses in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and refrigeration at the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest. Over the years, she has mentored numerous students, guiding them through licensing and master’s theses on energy-efficient refrigeration technologies and sustainable building solutions.

Experience

Alina Girip’s career spans over two decades in academic research and practical applications within the thermal engineering sector. She has been actively involved in the design, research, and experimental development of refrigeration systems, cryogenic technologies, and energy-efficient air conditioning systems. Her experience includes collaborating in 13 national research projects, publishing extensively in international journals, and consulting for industry leaders. As a course coordinator, Alina has contributed to the education of future engineers and researchers in thermodynamics, refrigeration, and sustainable energy solutions.

Awards and Honors

Alina Girip has received recognition for her groundbreaking contributions to energy efficiency and sustainable refrigeration systems. Her work on low-GWP refrigerants and energy-efficient cooling technologies has earned her multiple awards at national and international conferences. Her significant contributions to the field of refrigeration and cryogenics have been honored by various scientific and engineering institutions, cementing her reputation as a leader in the industry.

Research Focus

Alina Girip’s research is centered on improving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Her work includes studying alternative refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP), optimizing refrigeration plant operations, and investigating the use of renewable energy sources in cooling systems. Alina is also focused on developing cryogenic refrigeration techniques for food preservation and industrial applications. She leads various projects aimed at enhancing the performance of cooling systems while minimizing their ecological impact.

Publication Top Notes

• Study on technical and economical solutions for improving air-conditioning efficiency in the building sector 🏢💡
• Instalaţii frigorifice: Scheme şi cicluri frigorifice ❄️🔧
• Study on Energy Efficiency of an Off-Grid Vending Machine with Compact Heat Exchangers and Low GWP Refrigerant Powered by Solar Energy ☀️🍹
• Experimental investigation of condensation heat transfer in ammonia evaporative condensers 🔥🧊
• Study on the heat transfer with regard to an off-grid vending machine having a low impact on the environment ♻️💨
• Aspects regarding the optimal insulation thickness, the cost and energy savings for cold storage in Romania 🇷🇴❄️
• Experimental Study on Heat and Mass Transfer in Ammonia Evaporative Condensers 🧊🔬
• Environmental impact of some possible substitutes for R22 in refrigeration and heat pump systems 🌍🌱
• Improvement of the energy efficiency in the refrigeration plants 💪❄️
• Reaction to fire, thermal, and mechanical properties of materials based on recycled paper granules bound with starch and clay mortar 🏠🔥
• Comparative study regarding retrofitting with a low GWP refrigerant in an ice rink with energy recovery implementation 🏒🌍
• Comparative analysis on the energy use of different refrigeration systems for supermarket application 🛒❄️

Conclusion

Alina Girip’s research aligns with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award due to her profound contributions to sustainable thermal engineering, her leadership in research projects, and her strong academic presence. Her focus on environmentally friendly refrigeration systems, energy efficiency, and cryogenic technologies demonstrates her commitment to addressing some of the most critical global challenges in cooling and energy use. While her achievements are commendable, increased international visibility and commercial application of her research would further elevate her impact. Overall, Alina Girip is a highly deserving candidate for this prestigious award.