SDU researcher wins Best Pitch Prize for new cooling designs
PhD Research Fellow Amirhossein Bayat received the Best Pitch Prize at the DANfusion Annual Meeting 2026 for presenting his research into computer-optimised cooling technology.
Amirhossein Bayat, PhD, Research Fellow at SDU Mechanical Engineering, has won the Best Pitch Prize at the DANfusion Annual Meeting 2026.
Participants at the meeting were given approximately five minutes to present their research. In his pitch, Amirhossein explained how topology optimisation could be used to develop improved cooling channels with twisted-tape inserts.
A twisted-tape insert is a thin strip of material that is twisted along its length and placed inside a cooling channel. The insert causes the fluid to swirl and mix, which can improve heat transfer.
Rather than manually designing the twisted-tape geometry, Amirhossein uses topology optimisation. This involves defining a target – such as improving cooling or reducing resistance to fluid flow – and then allowing a computer to search for an optimised design.
– The computer may be able to identify new cooling geometries that would be difficult to discover using conventional design methods, explains Amirhossein Bayat.
By removing heat more effectively, the technology may also reduce the energy required for cooling.
For Amirhossein, the award recognises not only the research itself, but also his ability to communicate a complex subject within a very limited timeframe.
– I am very happy and honoured to receive the Best Pitch Prize. Presenting complex research clearly in only a few minutes is quite challenging, so it is especially encouraging to see that both the work and the way I communicated it resonated with the audience, says Amirhossein Bayat.
– It motivates me to continue developing both my research and my ability to communicate it.
Participants at the meeting were given approximately five minutes to present their research. In his pitch, Amirhossein explained how topology optimisation could be used to develop improved cooling channels with twisted-tape inserts.
A twisted-tape insert is a thin strip of material that is twisted along its length and placed inside a cooling channel. The insert causes the fluid to swirl and mix, which can improve heat transfer.
Rather than manually designing the twisted-tape geometry, Amirhossein uses topology optimisation. This involves defining a target – such as improving cooling or reducing resistance to fluid flow – and then allowing a computer to search for an optimised design.
– The computer may be able to identify new cooling geometries that would be difficult to discover using conventional design methods, explains Amirhossein Bayat.
Cooling technology with broad potential
Efficient cooling is essential in technologies where overheating can reduce performance, energy efficiency and lifespan. The approach could be used in fusion reactors, electronics, batteries, heat exchangers and other high-performance thermal systems.By removing heat more effectively, the technology may also reduce the energy required for cooling.
For Amirhossein, the award recognises not only the research itself, but also his ability to communicate a complex subject within a very limited timeframe.
– I am very happy and honoured to receive the Best Pitch Prize. Presenting complex research clearly in only a few minutes is quite challenging, so it is especially encouraging to see that both the work and the way I communicated it resonated with the audience, says Amirhossein Bayat.
– It motivates me to continue developing both my research and my ability to communicate it.