User:Uzairjamil

He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.
— Friedrich Nietzsche

User data
Name	Uzair Jamil
Affiliations	The University of Western Ontario
Location	London, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Pakistan
Languages	English, Urdu
Skills	Data Analysis, Reliability Analysis, Risk Management, Numerical Modelling, Machinery Diagnostics, Advanced Machinery Dynamics, System 1 EVO, ADRE 408, Project Management, IOSH, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Advanced NDT, System 1, PI System (OSIsoft), Thermoflow, Microsoft Office, System Advisor Model (SAM), Hourly Analysis Program (HAP)
Interests	Research, Reading, Sports, Travelling, Gym
Registered	2021
Contributions	Additional Services Provided by Solar PV Systems: A review Using Ocean Insight FLAME Spectrometer Literature Review Lettuce Agrivoltaics The Agrivoltaic Potential of Canada Net Zero Agrivoltaic Arrays for Agrotunnel Vertical Growing Systems: Energy Analysis and System Sizing Strawberry Agrivoltaics Literature Review Energy Policy for Agrivoltaics in Alberta Canada Impacts of Type of Partial Transparency on Strawberry Agrivoltaics: Uniform Illumination Thin Film Cadmium-Telluride and Non-uniform Crystalline Silicon Solar Photovoltaic Modules Maximizing Biomass with Agrivoltaics: Potential and Policy in Saskatchewan Canada Solar Energy Modelling and Proposed Crops for Different Types of Agrivoltaics Systems more

Brief Introduction

Uzair Jamil is a Post-Graduate Research Assistant at the Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology (FAST) Lab and a PhD graduate from the University of Western Ontario under the supervision of Dr. Joshua Pearce, specializing in agrivoltaics and sustainable energy systems. His research focuses on integrating renewable energy with agriculture to optimize system efficiency, crop yields, and energy generation, with contributions spanning system design, innovative racking solutions, crop-specific modeling, and policy frameworks.

Before academia, Uzair gained extensive experience as a Mechanical Engineer in the energy, automotive, and polymer sectors, leading major projects including a 323 MW Turbine Retrofit with GE, feasibility studies for RFO-to-coal boiler conversions, Vigo/Fortuner vehicle programs at Toyota (2016/17), and several large-scale maintenance and repair operations.

As the Founding Director of Agrivoltaics Canada and a Certified Energy Manager and Auditor (NEECA, Pakistan), he bridges industrial expertise with academic innovation to advance sustainable, net-zero energy solutions globally. An Engineering Professional with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Mechanical and Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Energy Systems from NED University of Engineering and Technology. Moreover, a Certified Energy Manager & Auditor from National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (NEECA).

Education & Academic Research

Comprehending the implications of mechanical design on sustainability during high school compelled me to explore more of what I loved. Due to my excellent academic record, I joined one of the best of engineering universities of Pakistan. I graduated from Mechanical Engineering Department with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.77 and was ranked among the top 15 students of my batch.

During my undergraduate studies, I worked on various research projects. One such project was “Performance Evaluation and Design Improvement of Tubular used in Petroleum Well”. The main focus of the Project was to conduct a research indicating practical application of Solid Expandable Tubular and Swellable Elastomer technology while designing the petroleum well, rather than only utilizing it as a remediation technique. For the study, I simulated the down-hole conditions via expansion of the tubular considering various constraints using ABAQUS software and obtained the required parameters including length reduction, thickness reduction, required force to pull the mandrel, pressure distribution etc. By incorporating the methodology, the depth of petroleum wells could be increased while it could also prove to be a step forward in the direction of mono diameter well technology.

My passion to study and research urged me to continue my graduate studies along with my professional engagements and I completed Master of Engineering in Energy Systems in 2021. My cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for graduate studies is 3.90. During my Masters, I worked on a research project entitled “Evaluation of Significant Contributors in Deformation of High Temperature and Pressure Pipes using Time Dependent Multi-Axial Stress Analysis” with the primary objective to determine actual reason for deformation in high energy piping and subsequently provide recommendations to prevent catastrophic failure and reinstate the piping in its original condition. For the study, I carried out stress analysis using AUTOPIPE software.

Professional Life & Research Endeavors

During my professional life, I have worked on various renewable, non-renewable energy related projects at HUBCO which has an installed capacity of 3000 MW with several projects in the pipeline. Although, I worked on the most efficient thermal power plant in the country, I soon discovered various opportunities for improvement. I worked on and implemented many such ideas including Gas Air Heater (Ljungstrom Bi-Sector Air Preheater) leakage reduction as well as Boiler de-superheating sprays optimization. In one of my researches, I carried out combustion process modelling and optimization to address incomplete combustion and improper heat transfer in oil-fired Boilers. I performed stoichiometric calculations in consultation with Boiler Design Team, determined properties and composition of fuel and carried out flame shape modelling using tertiary air adjustment. I also evaluated creep life of high energy piping implementing theoretical knowledge of Larson Miller Parameter and evaluating actual stress on pipeline. To complement the results of my research, we also performed non-destructive examination of high risk regions using Metallographic Replica and Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD).

Considering my skills in research, I was provided with the opportunity to lead several projects including a feasibility study related to waste to energy (WTE) project with the main objective to improve waste management system of Karachi, Pakistan, decrease the dependency on fossil fuels for electricity generation and eliminate the health and environmental hazards imposed by municipality solid waste. The project would tackle municipality solid waste disposal as well as address water deficiency issue in Karachi, the 5^th largest city of the world. Moreover, I have also carried out energy and efficiency audits as an Energy Auditor as well.

Affiliations

I have been an active member of Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Pakistan and served as a Treasurer of IMechE Pakistan – South Chapter. Moreover, I was one of the founding members of IMechE Pakistan Power Centre established to coordinate academic and literary activities in Pakistan with regards to Power and Energy Sector. The affiliation provided me with platforms that have been vital in the development of my leadership and critical thinking skills, in addition to the global exposure that I acquired by organizing and participating in various events on an international scale.

I am one of the founding members and directors of Agrivoltaics Canada - a not-for-profit corporation.

Current Research Work

My doctoral research, titled "Green, Sustainable & Renewable Energy Generation & Food Production – Agrivoltaics in Canada: Addressing Potential Opportunities and Barriers to Practical Adoption of Technology", focused on clean energy and food systems, with a particular emphasis on agrivoltaics in Canada—the co-development of solar energy generation and agricultural production on the same land.

The thesis brings together five peer-reviewed studies spanning national-scale potential assessment, controlled-environment experiments, and policy analysis. Collectively, this work:

• Quantified Canada’s agrivoltaic potential at the provincial level using GIS-based analysis and numerical simulations

• Experimentally evaluated crop performance (strawberries and romaine lettuce) under semi-transparent photovoltaic technologies, including thin-film CdTe and crystalline silicon modules

• Examined how light availability, spectral composition, and transparency design influence agrivoltaic crop productivity

• Assessed agrivoltaic policy frameworks, highlighting the limitations of fixed-area mandates and the advantages of yield-based regulatory approaches

Together, this research provides evidence supporting agrivoltaics as a pathway for sustainable land use, renewable energy expansion, and resilient food systems, particularly in high-latitude contexts like Canada.

Literature Review

Western Innovation for Renewable Energy Deployment (WIRED)

I am currently leading the development of a 110kW Agrivotlaics test site - WIRED (Western Innovation for Renewable Energy Deployment) - at the The Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources. It will be the first Agrivoltaics test site inside Canada which will be used to experiment different PV racking designs with different types of crops. For more information, please visit Western Innovation for Renewable Energy (WIRED) page.

Agrivoltaics Conference - 2022

I was a panelist for "Agrivoltaic Research Panel - Environmental, Enhanced Crop Performance, Latest Yields, Types, Locations, WIRED" at the first ever Agrivoltaics Conference in Canada where I discussed the impacts of Agrivotlaics on crop yield. Moreover, I also spoke on the current policies inside Canada and future legislative measures that need to be adopted for swift dissemination of the technology on the "Agrivoltaics and Energy Policy Changes" panel at the conference.

Agrivoltaics Conference - 2023

Extremely proud to have organized and participated as a speaker as well as a moderator for the 2nd Agrivoltaics Conference at Western University. Hosted by Ivey Business School at Western University, the conference united esteemed representatives from notable institutions, fostering meaningful dialogues aimed at promoting a more environmentally sustainable future.

Commencing the event, my introductory presentation delved into the fundamentals of agrivoltaics, examining its various types, implementation strategies, recent research breakthroughs, and notable progress made over the past year. The conference showcased innovative studies illustrating the potential for enhanced energy yield, increased crop productivity, and overall positive environmental impact. Steering a panel discussion on the technological landscape of agrivoltaics brought together brilliant minds in the field. We explored practical applications, challenges, and the evolving technology that is shaping the future of agrivoltaics. The conversation underscored the significance of collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, and farmers to drive meaningful advancements.

Agrivoltaics Conference - 2024

Led the organizing committee for Canada’s 3rd National Agrivoltaics Conference at the University of Guelph. Delivered the opening address on global trends, recent research, and Canada’s growing leadership in the field, driven primarily by the agrivoltaics research underway at Western University.

IEEE PHOTOVOLTAIC SPECIALIST CONFERENCE (PVSC) – 2025

Invited by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to deliver a high-profile tutorial at the Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC) - the world’s premier photovoltaics event. The tutorial, titled "Agrivoltaics: Unlocking the Potential of Dual Land Use," focuses on integrating solar energy with agriculture, highlighting design innovations, global deployment trends, and emerging research opportunities in dual-use land systems.