Assistant Professor, University of Tehran, Iran
Rahim Zahedi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy Governance at the University of Tehran, Iran. He is a highly accomplished energy systems engineer and researcher, with notable contributions in the areas of renewable energy modeling, life cycle assessment (LCA), and thermal sciences. With over 120 peer-reviewed ISI publications and numerous national and international awards to his credit, Dr. Zahedi stands out as a global leader in sustainable energy research. He is frequently recognized for his academic excellence, including his inclusion in Stanford University’s global list of the top 2% of scientists.
Professional Profiles
ORCID | Google Scholar
Education
Dr. Zahedi’s academic journey reflects deep specialization in mechanical and energy systems engineering. He holds a PhD in Energy Systems Engineering from the University of Tehran, where his doctoral work focused on the “4E analysis of a sustainable hybrid system for providing optimized water, energy, food and environment nexus.” He previously earned his MSc in Energy Systems Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology, conducting exergy-economic analysis and optimization studies on integrated renewable cycles. His academic foundation was laid with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution. Currently, he is pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship focused on thermoeconomic analysis of solar-derived Organic Rankine Cycles integrated with thermal storage systems.
Experience
Since 2024, Dr. Zahedi has served as a full-time Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran. His teaching portfolio includes graduate-level courses such as Renewable Energy Potential Assessment, Carbon Capture Technologies, Energy Systems in Buildings, and Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Systems. From 2021 to 2023, he was a guest assistant professor at Islamic Azad University, where he taught various advanced subjects including Energy Management in Buildings and Wind Energy Technologies. His early academic career includes extensive teaching assistantship roles at Iran University of Science and Technology, contributing to both undergraduate and graduate-level engineering courses.
Research Focus
Dr. Zahedi’s research is rooted in interdisciplinary energy systems analysis, with a core emphasis on renewable energy integration, energy modeling, life cycle assessment (LCA), and sustainable infrastructure. His work has advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in hybrid energy systems, exergy analysis, energy policy, and optimization models for energy and environmental applications. He also specializes in building energy modeling (BEM), with substantial contributions to the thermodynamic and economic performance evaluation of solar-thermal and bioenergy systems. His projects frequently intersect environmental impact studies and economic feasibility assessments to develop scalable, sustainable energy solutions.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Zahedi’s work has been widely recognized by national and international organizations. He was awarded the 2023 JTACC-V4 Young Scientist Award for being the world’s top emerging scientist in thermal sciences and received the prestigious 2024 Alborz Prize, often referred to as the “Iranian Nobel Prize.” He has also won Iran’s National Renewable Energy Award and was named the country’s Best Young Researcher in Energy. His doctoral dissertation was selected as the Best Thesis in Energy Management, and he ranked first in multiple national competitions, including Iran’s PhD entrance exam in energy systems engineering and industrial innovation contests. Furthermore, Dr. Zahedi was recognized as the Most Cited Author in Energy Science and Engineering journal from 2021 to 2024 and was named among the top 2% scientists worldwide by Stanford University in 2023.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Technical, Economic, and Environmental Evaluation and Optimization of the Hybrid Solar-Wind Power Generation with Desalination
Journal: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Authors: Seyed Taher Kermani Alghorayshi, Milad Imandoust, Ali Montazeri, Rahim Zahedi
Summary:
The paper evaluates a hybrid renewable energy system combining solar and wind with desalination technology. It optimizes performance based on technical, economic, and environmental criteria, showing its viability for clean energy and water generation in remote or arid regions.
Title: A Comprehensive Review of the Performance and Principle of Fluidized Bed Heat Exchangers with Solar Energy as Thermal Source
Journal: Energy Reports
Authors: Rahim Zahedi, Abolfazl Ahmadi
Summary:
This review outlines the design principles, efficiency factors, and environmental benefits of fluidized bed heat exchangers using solar thermal energy, highlighting their potential in sustainable thermal systems.
Title: Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Urban Development Indicators
Journal: Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series A
Authors: Sahar Hamed Shamaee, Hossein Yousefi, Rahim Zahedi
Summary:
This paper proposes a set of urban sustainability indicators to assess environmental impacts of development. It aids urban planners in designing greener and more sustainable cities.
Title: Practical and Numerical Analysis of Solar-Assisted Anaerobic Digestion System for Cold Regions
Journal: Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Authors: Younes Noorollahi, Leila Niazi, Rahim Zahedi
Summary:
This study analyzes the integration of solar thermal energy with anaerobic digestion for cold climates. It demonstrates improved biogas production and system efficiency under low-temperature conditions.
Title: A New Model for Allocating Subsidies to Power Distribution Companies for Loss Reduction
Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
Authors: Aidin Shaghaghi, Mohammad Taghi Tahooneh, Vahid Rezaei, Reza Dashti, Rahim Zahedi
Summary:
The article introduces a data-driven model to allocate financial subsidies to power distribution companies. It prioritizes loss reduction and performance improvement using artificial intelligence and decision-support systems.
Conclusion
Dr. Rahim Zahedi is a distinguished academic, researcher, and innovator whose work significantly contributes to the global pursuit of sustainable energy systems. With a prolific record of scholarly output, a multitude of prestigious awards, and a dynamic role in both academia and industry, he exemplifies excellence in engineering and energy governance. His multidisciplinary approach bridges theory and practice, offering impactful solutions for complex energy and environmental challenges. As a thought leader in energy systems modeling and sustainable infrastructure, Dr. Zahedi continues to influence the field and mentor the next generation of energy scientists.