Robert Palumbo

Robert Palumbo, Ph.D.

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Gellersen Hall, Room 133A
219.464.5107
robert.palumbo@valpo.edu

Education

Ph.D. – University of Minnesota 1987
M.S.M.E. – University of Minnesota 1984
B.S.M.E. – Valparaiso University 1980

Courses Taught

  • Thermodynamics
  • Measurements
  • Advanced Topics in Thermodynamics
  • Dynamics
  • Computational Techniques for Mechanical Engineers
  • Heat Transfer

Research Interests

  • Thermodynamics
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Heat transfer
  • Solar energy

Professional Affiliations

  • Invited member of the Society of Inventors and Innovators for Northwest Indiana, 2007 to present.
  • Full member, Sigma XI – The Scientific Research Honour Society
  • Active Member, Tau Beta Pi

Selected Publications

Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland 1997-2004
Dual appointment with Valparaiso University
Senior Scientist and Head: Solar Technology Laboratory

  • Peer Reviewed Publications in current research area
    1. Sheline, W., Matthews, L., Lindeke, N., Duncan, S., and Palumbo, R., 2013, “An exploratory study of the solar thermal electrolytic production of Mg from MgO” Energy—The International Journal, 51, pp. 163-170
    2. Palumbo, R., Diver, R.B., Larson, C., Coker, E.N., Miller, J.E., Guertin, J., Schoer, J., Meyer, M., Siegel, N.P., 2012, “Solar Thermal Decoupled Water Electrolysis Process I: Proof of concept,” Chem. Eng. Sci, 84, pp. 372-380.
    3. Schroeder, R., Matthews, L., Leatzow, D., Kondratko, J., Will, J., Duncan, G., Sheline, W., Lindeke, N., Neves, P., and Palumbo, R.D., 2011, “Solar Thermal Electrolysis Process for the Production of Zn from ZnO: The electrolysis of ZnO from 1200-1500 K,” J. of Sol. Energy Eng., 133(4), pp. 041013.1-041013.11.
    4. Krenzke, P., Krueger, K., Leonard, N., Duncan, G., and Palumbo, R.D., 2010, “A Solar Thermal Electrolytic Reactor for Studying the Production of Metals from Their Oxides,” Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 132(3), pp. 34501-34505.
    5. Venstrom, L., Krueger, K., Leonard, N., Tomlinson, B., Duncan, G., and Palumbo, R.D., 2009, “Solar Thermal Electrolytic Process for the Production of Zn from ZnO: An ionic conductivity study,” Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 131(3), pp. 31005-31014.
    6. Palumbo, R. and Fletcher, E.A., 1988, “High Temperature Solar Electrothermal Processing III– Zinc from Zinc Oxide at 1200-1675K using a Non-Consumable Anode,” Energy – The International Journal, 13, pp. 319-332.
  • 10 Peer Reviewed Publications in the Broad Field of Solar Thermal Chemistry
    1. Mueller R., Haeberling, P., and Palumbo, R.D., 2006, “Further advances toward the development of a direct heating solar thermal chemical reactor for the thermal dissociation of ZnO(s),” Solar Energy, 80(5), pp. 500-511.
    2. Fried A., Johnson, P., Musella, M., Mueller, R., Steinbrenner, J., and Palumbo, R.D., 2005, “Solar Blind Pyrometer Temperature Measurements in High Temperature Solar Thermal Reactors: A method for correcting the system-sensor cavity reflection error,” Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 127(1), pp. 86-93.
    3. Keunecke M., Meier A., and Palumbo, R.D., 2004, “Solar Thermal Decomposition of Zinc Oxide: An Initial Investigation of the Recombination reaction,” Chemical Engineering Science, 59, pp. 2695-2704.
    4. Palumbo, R., Keunecke, M., Möller, S., and Steinfeld, A., 2004, “Reflections on the Design of Solar Thermal Chemical Reactors: Thoughts in Transformation,” Energy—The International Journal, 29, pp. 727-744.
    5. Wieckert, C., Palumbo, R.D., and Frommherz, U., 2004, “A Two Cavity Reactor for Solar Chemical Processes: Heat Transfer Model and Application to Carbothermic Reduction of ZnO,” Energy—The International Journal, 29, pp. 771-787.
    6. Palumbo, R., Keunecke, M., Möller, S., and Steinfeld, A., 2004, “Reflections on the Design of Solar Thermal Chemical Reactors: Thoughts in Transformation,” Energy—The International Journal, 29, pp. 727-744.
    7. Meier, A., Bonaldi, E., Cella, G.M., Lipinski, W., Wuillemin, D., and Palumbo, R., 2004, “Design and Experimental Investigation of a Horizontal Rotary Reactor for the Solar Production Lime,” Energy—The International Journal, 29, pp. 811-821.
    8. Steinfeld, A. and Palumbo, R., 2002, “Solar Thermochemical Process Technology” R.A. Meyers, ed., Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology, 3rd Edition, Academic Press, ISBN 0-12-227410-5, Vol. 15, pp. 237-256.
    9. Moeller S. and Palumbo, R., 2001, “Solar Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of ZnO in the Temperature Range 1950-2400 K,” Chemical Engineering Science, 56, pp. 4505-4515.
    10. Moeller, S. and Palumbo, R., 2001, “The Development of a Solar Chemical Reactor for the Direct Thermal Dissociation of Zinc Oxide,” Solar Energy Engineering, 123, pp. 83-90.
  • 10 Non- Peer Reviewed Publications and Patents
    1. Palumbo, R., Diver, R.B., Siegel, N.P., Miller, J.E., Filed July 29, 2011, “Hybrid Metal Oxide Water Splitting,” United States Provisional No. 61\368,756.
    2. Müller R., Palumbo, R., and Häberling, P., 2006, “Reactor for Direct Utilisation of External Radiation Heat for Thermal or Thermal Chemical Material Processes,” International Publication, WO200648224 A2.
    3. Palumbo, R., Meier, A., Wieckert, C., and Steinfeld, A., 2004, “Packaging Sunlight” Power and Energy, 1, pp.19-22.
    4. Steinfeld, A. and Palumbo, R., 1998, “Fuels from Sunlight and Water,” Sun at Work in Europe, 12(2), pp. 8-10.