Assist Prof. Dr. Rahim Zahedi, University of Tehran, Iran
Dr. Rahim Zahedi is a passionate and high-achieving Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy Governance at the University of Tehran, Iran. 🌍 He earned his PhD in Energy Systems Engineering from the University of Tehran and has consistently ranked at the top of national academic competitions. With over 120 ISI-indexed publications, his work focuses on advanced energy modeling, sustainability, and environmental optimization. 📊 His scientific achievements have garnered global recognition, including prestigious awards such as the JTACC-V4 Young Scientist Award and the 2024 Alborz Prize, known as the Iranian Nobel Prize 🏅. A prolific scholar, Dr. Zahedi was listed among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University in 2023 and continues to influence the field through his interdisciplinary contributions in thermodynamics, LCA, and BEM. His research bridges academia and industry with real-world impact on renewable energy systems and sustainability solutions. 🌱
🌿 Profile
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🎓 Education
Dr. Zahedi holds a stellar academic record spanning from undergraduate to postdoctoral studies. 📚 He earned his BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology, where he investigated recycling methods for FRP and GRP pipes. He completed his MSc in Energy Systems Engineering at the same institution, focusing on exergy-economic optimization of hybrid solar and biogas systems. ⚙️ For his PhD at the University of Tehran, he specialized in energy modeling and sustainability, achieving a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0. His doctoral thesis on the 4E (Energy, Exergy, Environment, and Economic) analysis of hybrid systems for water-energy-food nexus received an excellent rating. 🔥 Currently, he is pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship in mechanical engineering at Iran University of Science and Technology, where he explores thermoeconomic optimization of solar ORC systems with PCM storage. His academic journey reflects deep expertise, rigorous training, and a forward-thinking mindset. 🎓
🧪 Experience
With a foundation in mechanical engineering and specialization in energy systems, Dr. Zahedi has built a distinguished academic and professional career. 💼 He serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran, where he teaches and supervises advanced research in energy governance and modeling. His extensive use of simulation tools such as MATLAB, Aspen HYSYS, EES, and SimaPro exemplifies his technical acumen. 🧠 Beyond teaching, he has contributed to national energy strategies and has been recognized with numerous honors for bridging theory and practice. His project leadership in national oil and gas initiatives, along with academic excellence, showcases his dual commitment to applied and theoretical energy research. 🔬 He also regularly collaborates with industry partners to develop cutting-edge solutions in renewable energy and sustainability. His work not only advances science but addresses real-world energy and environmental challenges. 🌎
🌱 Research Interests
Dr. Zahedi’s research interests center around sustainable energy systems, particularly in energy modeling, life cycle assessment (LCA), and building energy management (BEM). 🌍 He is committed to enhancing efficiency across energy systems through the 4E approach — evaluating energy, exergy, environment, and economy. His investigations span thermodynamic analyses, hybrid renewable systems, and policy-driven energy governance. 🔍 Dr. Zahedi has delved into solar ORC systems, PCM thermal storage, hydrogen-based fuel cell integrations, and waste-to-energy systems. His environmental foresight is demonstrated in his work on the water-energy-food nexus and carbon footprint reduction models. 🧬 Utilizing sophisticated tools such as HOMER, GIS, and DesignBuilder, he brings a systems-thinking approach to sustainability. His interdisciplinary methods and future-oriented solutions contribute significantly to the transition toward low-carbon and circular energy systems. ⚡
🏆 Awards
Dr. Zahedi’s excellence in research has earned him prestigious accolades both nationally and internationally. 🏅 He received the 2024 Alborz Prize, regarded as the Iranian Nobel Prize, recognizing him as the country’s top young scientist. In 2023, he won the JTACC-V4 Young Scientist Award for outstanding work in thermal sciences. Additionally, he was honored with the National Renewable Energy Award and was named Iran’s Best Young Researcher in Energy. ⚡ His industrial innovations were recognized when he secured the First Rank for Best Industrial Plan at a national oil and gas event. Moreover, Dr. Zahedi was cited as the Most Cited Author in Energy Science & Engineering (Wiley) from 2021 to 2024. 🧾 His continuous appearance on Stanford University’s list of top 2% scientists globally confirms the far-reaching impact of his work. These awards reflect his dedication to high-impact research and leadership in sustainable energy innovation. 🌿
📚 Publication Top Notes
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in energy systems: A bibliographic perspective
Machine learning and deep learning in energy systems: A review
The applications of Internet of Things in the automotive industry: A review of the batteries, fuel cells, and engines
Strategic study for renewable energy policy, optimizations and sustainability in Iran
Energy, exergy, exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental analysis and optimization of quadruple combined solar, biogas, SRC and ORC cycles with methane system
Optimal site selection and sizing of solar EV charge stations
Cleaning of floating photovoltaic systems: A critical review on approaches from technical and economic perspectives
Review on the direct air CO2 capture by microalgae: Bibliographic mapping