Prof. Patchigolla joined Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) in 2023. Prior to this position, he worked at Cranfield as a Post-Doc (2009), Academic Fellow (2011), Lecturer (2012), Senior Lecturer (2017) and Reader in 2020. Before Cranfield he worked as a research associate (2007) at Loughborough University on multi-dimensional population balance modelling.

His current research leverages fundamental blue-sky research to top level industrial demonstrations from a range of multidisciplinary areas based on 3 key pillars- efficiency improvements, CCUS and hydrogen for decarbonising any industrial sectors, and energy storage and renewables provide flexibility in its operation. His efforts so far aimed at addressing whole system analysis under net zero agenda to different sectors from power generation to domestic heat provision.

In addition, his research portfolio covers designing, commissioning and running several pilot scale high temperature and high pressure capabilities – advanced power generation cycles, heat pumps, high temperature storage (molten salt), medium temperature storage (PCM), thermal driven absorption chiller (Li-Br), low temperature storage (rock bed), cryogenic PCM storage, combustion/gasification/pyrolysis systems, CO₂ transportation – pipeline and shipping, capture of CO₂, heat recovery, renewables (CSP and solar thermal) and green hydrogen generation. This is all for the vision of carbon neutral and sustainable fuel generation and its utilisation. More recently he is expanding his research portfolio with high‑impact collaborations, including co‑created programmes around “nuclear‑enabled hydrogen production” and “satellite‑enabled hydrogen leak detection”.

He has a doctorate degree in Chemical Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, post graduate degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, India and first degree in Chemical Engineering from Andhra University, India.  After his PhD he gained over 3 years work experience in both industry and higher education institutions. His PhD research has been published into a book and several journal articles.

Prof. Patchigolla is currently accepting PhD applications in the fields of:

• Alternative heat provision via microwave and plasma technologies
• High temperature heat pumps for decarbonising industrial clusters
• Geothermal heating and cooling in industry
• Next generation of renewable energy technologies, for example CSP to hydrogen
• Sustainable mining of valuable minerals from different wastewater streams
• Advanced power generation cycles (sCO2) and its applicability for different industrial applications
• Solar thermal driven absorption chiller for cooling applications
• Accelerating the green transition and clean energy access

In addition, Prof. Patchigolla is willing to discuss any other potential Net Zero/Decarbonising topics.