Akshat Jiwan Sharma

ABSTRACT Traditional thermodynamic systems are constrained by Carnot efficiency limits, restricting the conversion of low-grade thermal or cold energy into useful work. This study explores a novel approach to overcome these limitations through combined heat (or cold) and power generation, enhancing overall system efficiency. Central to this approach is the proposed AJ cycle engine, a low-temperature-differential, five-process thermodynamic cycle capable of efficiently converting thermal energy into mechanical work with high fuel efficiency. The AJ cycle leverages adiabatic expansion, isochoric and isobaric heat exchange, and controlled heat addition, with fluid circulation aided by pumps and heat exchangers, enabling compact, high-exergy thermomechanical operation. By allowing high fuel efficiency even at modest mechanical efficiency at low temperature differentials and the possibility of miniaturization, the AJ cycle paves the way for versatile applications, including small-scale powe...

April 15 2026  I thank the global landscapes forum for inviting me to a digital conference on sustainable palm oil production. The panel discussion featured several leading experts in the industry brainstorming on what it would take to induce a paradigm shift in the palm oil production and how it could be financed.  Palm oil fulfills nearly 30-40% of global vegetable oil demand. It finds application in cooking,cosmetics,health and in several other related industries. Despite its huge demand roughly 80-90% of palm oil production is centred in South East Asia. Not only does this concentration create a significant geopolitical risk it also prevents efficient utilisation of land resources that could lift millions out of poverty.  Africa and LATAM present immense potential to diversify the production especially as cultivable land becomes more expensive in the SEA region. Yet there are several factors that could potentially be holding investment back. One reason is quite simple...

I thank the Department of materials science and engineering @IIT Delhi for organising a highly informative talk on refractory alloys and CMC materials by professor Rahul Mitra.  Prof Mitra presented 2 metallic systems Mo-Si and Nb-Si. Both material systems possess high temperature oxidation resistance exceeding 1000°C. Glassy SiO2 layer formed on the surface being the primary oxidation inhibitor in both cases. As glass softens beyond 1200c it loses some of its oxidation resistant  properties limiting material used in Ultra high temperature environments.  These systems work but suffer from low fracture toughness that doesn't meet the standards required for aerospace components. Additionally neither Nb nor Mb are easily available and their processing also requires some complicated setup due to the high melting points of these alloys exceeding 2000c. Therefore it becomes important to keep searching for new materials. Diborides of Zr and Hf are contenders for ultr...

Mediterranean Futures: Spain, Africa, and New Alliances 27 March 2026 A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to listen to Mr Juan Antonio March Pujol ,Ambassador of Spain to India at a conference in New Delhi where he advocated for growth of ties between India and Spain. About 70 thousand people of Indian origin live in Spain currently and spain is already among the most popular tourist destinations in the EU with nearly 2.6 lakh Indians visiting the nation in 2024.  Yet what Mr Juan seemed to be advocating was strengthening ties that go beyond tourism. A socio economic partnership that can create new opportunities for growth between the two nations. He highlighted improved aerial mobility which could be crucial because at present there are no direct flights between India and Spain.  India is rapidly moving towards upgrading its cities making infrastructure smarter,more suited to handle the needs of the future. Spain is no stranger to this. Barcelona is a prime examp...

10 Apr 2026  At electronica India 2026 I had the chance to connect with original equipment manufacturers in the semiconductor industry. The government of India is pushing hard to build a semiconductor ecosystem in the country and conferences like these give opportunities to manufacturers, researchers and investors to connect with each other and explore avenues for collaboration.  The entire electronics value chain is vast but one area that has been steadily gaining momentum is domestic manufacturing  of PCBs. Not just the raw substrates but also technologies higher up the value chain, by developing or acquiring tools that can copper clad ,do photolithographic circuit patterning followed by placing components on the pcb to actually make a functional device.  This process is not as demanding as the actual manufacturing of the IC using the advanced EUV lithography techniques but it is a good start for building domestic capability. A goal that is certainly ...