Suman Pathak
Building Energy · Heat Pumps · District Heating · Energy ModellingMechanical engineer pursuing an M.Sc. in Sustainable Systems Engineering at the University of Freiburg. My work sits at the intersection of building energy performance, thermal energy systems, and data-driven analysis — from monitoring district heating networks to studying how heat pumps behave under variable grid carbon intensities.
Freiburg, GermanyEnergy Systems & Research
Since February 2025, I work as a Student Assistant at INATECH (Institute for Renewable Energy Technology) at the University of Freiburg, where I monitor and evaluate energy performance in district heating systems using Python. Alongside this, I am pursuing my Master's research on heat-pump emissions under variable grid CO₂ intensities across Germany.
Monitoring and evaluating energy consumption and system efficiency in district heating networks. Working with Python for data processing, performance benchmarking, and building energy analysis.
Studying heat-pump emissions under variable grid CO₂ intensities in Germany, incorporating the effects of photovoltaics (PV) and combined heat and power (CHP) sources across different regions.
Projects & Research
District Heating Performance Analysis
Monitoring and evaluating energy consumption and system efficiency in district heating networks at INATECH. Data-driven assessment of thermal performance using Python-based analysis pipelines.
Read moreHeat-Pump Emissions & Variable Grid CO₂ Intensities
Academic research project (part of M.Sc. programme) examining how heat-pump emissions change under variable grid carbon intensities across German regions, with analysis of photovoltaic (PV) and combined heat and power (CHP) integration. Carried out alongside my work at INATECH.
M.Sc. Academic Project · University of FreiburgEarthquake-Resistant Building: Thermal Retrofit Strategies
Study examining passive and active thermal retrofitting strategies for earthquake-resistant buildings in Nepal. Analysed energy performance under both retrofit approaches.
View on ResearchGateDesign & Analysis of Low-Temperature Refrigeration System
Design, thermodynamic analysis, and performance evaluation of a low-temperature refrigeration system. Covers system sizing, cycle analysis, and component selection.
View on ResearchGateExperience & Education
Education
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M.Sc. Sustainable Systems Engineering
University of Freiburg · 2024 — PresentFocus on energy systems, building performance, thermal engineering, and sustainable infrastructure. Current research: heat-pump emissions under variable grid CO₂ intensities.
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B.E. Mechanical Engineering
Kathmandu University · 2018 — 2023Core engineering education covering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mechanical design, CAD/SolidWorks, and structural analysis (FEA).
Experience
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Student Assistant — Energy Systems
INATECH, University of Freiburg · Feb 2025 — PresentMonitoring and evaluating energy consumption and system efficiency in district heating systems. Python-based data processing, building energy performance analysis, and thermal system benchmarking.
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HVAC Engineer Intern
Himal Refrigeration and Electrical Industries · Jan 2023 — May 2023Assisted in designing, installing, and maintaining HVAC systems. Gained hands-on experience with central air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and field engineering.
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Co-Founder
ROE Network · May 2018 — Feb 2025Co-founded ROE Network to support educational growth and community engagement in Nepal. Led content development, community building, and organisational strategy for a multi-year educational initiative.
Technical Skills
Research & Writing
Writing is part of how I think. Here are a few pieces — from energy policy analysis to engineering topics.
The Hydropower Illusion: Nepal's Energy Sovereignty
Nepal sits atop 83,000 MW of hydropower potential, yet the average Nepali uses less electricity than someone in sub-Saharan Africa. An investigative look at who benefits from Nepal's rivers.
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Passive Cooling Strategies for Urban Areas
How green roofs, reflective surfaces, and urban vegetation can counter the urban heat island effect in fast-growing cities like Kathmandu.
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Impact of Climate Change on Building Design
How a changing climate is reshaping architecture — from sustainable materials to smart building systems, with a case study from Nepal.
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