Dan Virah-Sawmy
Dan is an engineering PhD candidate specialising in renewable energy solutions, with a research focus on stand-alone energy systems, electrification of remote locations and hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier. Dan is passionate about interdisciplinary research and committed to contributing impactful solutions for a sustainable future.
Awards and scholarships
- HDR Fee Remission Scholarship (05/2022 - Current)
- ANU PhD Scholarship (05/2022 - Current)
- Winner, ANU College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics 3 Minute Thesis Competition, 2023 (06/2023)
- People’s Choice Award, ANU College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics 3 Minute Thesis Competition, 2023 (06/2023)
- Head of School Award – Mechatronics (Deakin University) (05/2022)
- VIVA Energy Australia Award (Deakin University) (05/2022)
- Deakin International 25% Merit Scholarship (03/2018)
Publications
Virah-Sawmy, D., Beck, F.J., Sturmberg, B., "Ignore variability, overestimate hydrogen production: Quantifying the effects of electrolyzer efficiency curves on hydrogen production from renewable sources," International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2024.
Virah-Sawmy, D., Sturmberg, B., "Socio-economic and environmental impacts of renewable energy deployments: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,2025
Virah-Sawmy, D., Sturmberg, B., Harrison, D.P., "Assessing the availability and feasibility of renewable energy on the Great Barrier Reef-Australia," Energy Reports,2025.
Virah-Sawmy, D., Beck, F.J., Sturmberg, B., "The synergy between battery and hydrogen storage in stand-alone hybrid systems: A parameterised load approach," International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (Accepted).
Virah-Sawmy, D., Sturmberg, B., Harrison, D.P., "Quantifying the Impact of Variable Fuel Cell Efficiency in a Hybrid Energy System: A Case Study on the Great Barrier Reef," IEEE ISGT Europe 2025 (Under Review).
