Rate My Professor Srinivas Palanki

Palanki’s research specializes in applying systems engineering tools to engineering and biological problems, with theoretical contributions to real-time optimization of finite-time processes, nonlinear robust control, and nonlinear process modeling. Practical applications include systems for pilot-scale fluidized bed hydrochlorination reactors (Mitsubishi Polysilicon), polymerization reactors (Honeywell), lab-in-a-chip (Applied Liquid Logic), UV-induced skin carcinogenesis protection (Mitchell Cancer Institute), baffle-making process improvement (Metalforms), and methanol production optimization (Natgasoline). His work has received funding from the National Science Foundation, Army Research Laboratories, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Education, Abe Mitchell Cancer Research Fund, and Alabama Space Grant Consortium, as well as chemical industry partners. Current projects encompass process design for 1,3-butadiene production using ASPEN Plus simulations, hierarchical advanced control systems for natural gas dehydration and Allam power cycles, mathematical modeling of ethanol reformers coupled with fuel cell stacks, analysis of Affordable Care Act impacts on diabetes incidence via econometric methods, and pilot-scale hydrochlorination reactor studies comparing experimental and model yields.