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 im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, 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.
Selected Projects & Research
District Heating Performance Analysis
Monitoring and evaluating thermal performance and energy consumption in district heating systems. Developing Python-based data cleaning and benchmarking pipelines to assess heat delivery, supply-temperature dynamics, and network heat losses.
Detailed Case StudyHeat-Pump Emissions under Variable Grid CO₂
Regional German study evaluating temporal grid carbon intensities, seasonal PV surplus dynamics, and combined heat & power (CHP) integration on heat pump operational decarbonization.
Read OverviewEarthquake-Resistant Building: Thermal Retrofit
Case study examining passive and active thermal retrofitting strategies for earthquake-resilient structures in Nepal's sub-tropical climate.
ResearchGate ProjectLow-Temperature Refrigeration System Design
Thermodynamic cycle simulation, COP benchmarking, and component sizing for industrial vapour-compression refrigeration systems.
Publication ReportExperience & 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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