Contact Us
UW Oshkosh
Department of Engineering & Engineering Technology
(920) 424-1547
engtech@uwosh.edu
Fax: (920) 424-1581
Pawel Olszewski, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Introduction
In our current world, depletion of natural resources has intensified significantly. To maintain our civilization in a sustainable way, there are two paths forward for the future of engineering science: the development of new energy conversion technologies and the optimization of currently processed engineering solutions.
Having a solid background in both, manufacturing and academia, I would like to establish new standards for cooperation between industrial sector and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, both as an educational and a research facility. I am strongly convinced that such cooperation can be successfully built based on two pillars:
- By the education of new generations of engineers, whose profile will meet employers’ expectations in a competitive job market
- By research and development support for manufacturing plants improving energy conversion in their industrial processes
Additionally both areas interact closely with each other. Lectures inspired by industrial case histories can enrich curriculum of Engineering Technology program. Simultaneously, students participating in solving real problems, in addition to learning theoretical knowledge, will build up their practical skills. This will help them to become valuable candidates for any engineering positions. Finally professional, external insight into existing factories can bring new, fresh ideas improving efficiency of manufacturing processes.
To combine all together, the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program, which is currently under development, will be implementing courses with enhanced laboratory participation, reflecting the students theoretical background. Therefore, during spring 2015 semester I have started to design and construct the Teaching and Energy Research Industrial Lab (TERIL), which supports regular classes.
The UW Oshkosh Engineering Club (UWO EC) is an additional initiative that have been also introduced during the spring 2015 semester. Through the UWO IC, our students have a chance to visit local industrial plants. In many cases, it will be the first contact for students with the real engineering world. It is also a great opportunity to meet with future prospective employers.
I hope, that the vision presented above is attractive not only to future students, but also to wide range of current professionals, who would like to cooperate towards making our World better.
Curriculum Vitae
Professional Profile
My professional goal is to grow as a world’s top expert with a forward-moving institution that provides an opportunity to enhance philosophy of sustainability by development in manufacturing- and energy-related areas with following already acquired expertise:
– Outstanding understanding of various industrial energy and manufacturing processes.
– Strong analytical and numerical modelling skills applied in solving of non-standard problems.
– Practical and theoretical background in energy-related measurements techniques.
– Outstanding interpersonal, team managing and teaching skills.
Education
– Postdoctoral study, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (USA), 2011-2014.
– Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology (Poland), 2006.
– M.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology (Poland), 2001.
Work History
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh, USA Aug 14 – present
Assistant Professor
– Research related to optimization of energy conversion processes in industrial sector
– Establishing, design and construction of the Teaching and Energy Research Industrial Lab (TERIL)
– Development in the start-up phase of a new Mechanical Engineering Technology program.
– Teach lower- and upper-level courses in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
– Establishing and mentoring of the UW Oshkosh Engineering Club
University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA Jan 08 – Jul 09, Sep 11 – Aug 14
Research Investigator
– Technical Director in two projects (US DoE and State Michigan) offering energy audits in medium and large scale manufacturing sector – over 80 conducted energy audits, resulting proposed energy savings recommendations exceeded $17,000,000,
– Research in following areas: energy efficient industrial furnaces operation, optimization of co-generation power plant, biomass thermal decomposition, optimization of compressed air system, process heating modification in ethanol plants.
Dekaban Fellow, Lecturer
– Small and medium size factory energy auditing – U.S. DoE Industrial Assessment Center.
– Research in biomass to biofuel conversion (numerical modelling and experimental research).
– Teaching – ME 350 Thermodynamics II – lectures highly rated by participated students.
Warsaw University of Technology, Poland Oct 06 – Dec 07, Nov 09 – Aug 11
Adjunct
– Preliminary work and organization of energy audits in Poland – Save Energy project.
– Simulation of underground solar energy storage systems – published papers.
– Teaching: Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Environment Protection and Renewable Energy.
Energy Efficiency Expert, Poland-Japan Energy Conservation Technology Center
– Advising and auditing of industrial energy systems in cooperation with Japanese experts.
– Partnership coordination between P-J ECTC and Warsaw University of Technology, Poland.
– Successfully prepared and conducted theoretical and practical professional training in energy efficiency for managers from industrial sector.
Polish Oil and Gas Company, Poland Apr 99 – Sep 06, Jul 09 – Jul 11
Head of Technical Consulting Section, Central Measurement and Testing Laboratory
– Participation and managing in R&D projects in natural gas industry (biogas, LNG, CNG, shale gas) – successful reports for the POGC Corporation Headquarter.
– Member participation in work of the European Union Committee for Standardization, work effect: published standard: “EN 16314 Gas meters. Additional functionalities“
– Supervision of natural gas measurement devices used in international custody transfer processes.
– Successfully accomplished professional courses entitled “Measurements and uncertainty estimation in natural gas industry”.
Head of Geometrical Section, Central Measurement and Testing Laboratory:
– Responsibility for the accreditation of the national lab’s measurement standards.
– Participation in testing of new natural gas flow meters.
Specialist in Measurements Bureau, Headquarter
– Preparation and processing of Polish pipeline system data.
Academic Awards
– 2016 – UW Oshkosh Faculty Development Program for research entitled “Influence of geometrical parameters on flameless combustion in industrial processes”
– 2015 – UW Oshkosh Faculty Development Program for research entitled “Optimization of a Complex Parallel Pump System”
– 2006 – PhD thesis with the distinction Cum Laude: “Long-term Underground Heat Storage with Solar Seasonal Regeneration”.
US DoE Advanced Manufacturing Office Awards for Excellence in Applied Energy Engineering Research
– 2013 – project “Radiation enhancement in melting and heat treating furnaces to increase productivity and reduce pollutants – an inexpensive method with significant benefits” ($25,000)
– 2012 –project “Possibility of Combustion Furnace Operation with Oxygen-Enriched Gas from Nitrogen Generator” ($25,000)
Additional Education
– January 2007: Energy Conservation Center, Tokyo: Energy Conservation Policy in Industry.
– July, 2006 – July, 2007: P-J ECTC. Various courses related to energy conservation in industry.
– January 2006: Warsaw University of Technology, Poland. Measurement Uncertainty.
– July 2006: Polish Center for Accreditation, Warsaw. Laboratory Internal Auditing.
– November 2004: Polish Center for Testing and Certification. Total Quality Management and Accreditation.
Other Skills
– Computer Proficiency: Windows, MS Office (all components), DELPHI, C++, CorelDraw, AutoCAD, HTML, ArcView, Surfer, LabVIEW, FLUENT and others.
Interests
– Automotive, traveling, hiking, swimming, skiing, programming, DIY.
List of Publications:
Peer-reviewed articles
-
Olszewski P., Genetic Optimization and Experimental Verification of Complex Parallel Pumping Station with Centrifugal Pumps, Applied Energy (2016), DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.06.084
- Olszewski P., Borgnakke C., Volumetric capacity influence on energy consumption in oil lubricated screw compressors, Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering Applications (2016), DOI: 10.1115/1.4034091 (in press)
- Olszewski P., Heat Recovery Investigation from Dryer-Thermal Oxidizer System in CornEthanol Plants, Applied Thermal Engineering (2015) DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.02.033
- Olszewski P., Genetic optimization of steam multi-turbines system, Applied Thermal Engineering (2014) DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.06.007
- Kluczek A., Olszewski P., Multidirectional Aspects of Energy Auditing in the Industrial Sector in the United States, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 11/2014, pp. 420 – 428
- Olszewski P., Sustainable management of compressed air systems, Mega-Industry, 4/2007, pp. 50 – 53
- Olszewski P., Sustainable management of rotational pumps, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (Chłodnictwo&Klimatyzacja), 09/2007, pp. 99 – 104
- Olszewski P., Ideal energy… about genetic algorithms and how to use solar energy during wintertime, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 07-08/2007, pp. 25 – 32
- Olszewski P., Save energy, Modern Industry (Nowy Przemysł), Special Report 2007
- Olszewski P., Costs of energy utilizing in detached buildings, part II, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 10/2002, pp. 15 – 21
- Olszewski P., Costs of energy utilizing in detached buildings, part I, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 9/2002, pp. 17 – 24
- Olszewski P.: Technical solutions for heat demand in detached buildings, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 5/2002
Articles under review
Kluczek A., Olszewski P., Energy audits in industrial processes, Journal of Cleaner Production
Conferences
1. Chen Y., Daya R., Cao W., Olszewski P., Atreya A., Effect of torrefaction on fast pyrolysis of centimeter-scale birch wood particles, 9th U.S. National Combustion Meeting, Cincinnati 2015
2. Cao W., Chen Y., Olszewski P., Aanjaneya K., Ponnapalli C.S., Atreya A., Radiation enhancement to increase efficiency and reduce pollutants, 9th U.S. National Combustion Meeting, Cincinnati 2015
3. Ming X., Borgnakke D., Campos M., Olszewski P., Borgnakke C., Atreya A., Possibility of Combustion Furnace Operation with Oxygen-Enriched Gas from Nitrogen Generator, Proceedings of 2013 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry
4. Olszewski P., Optimisation of working ground heat storage with seasonal regeneration, Proceedings of ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition 2006, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
5. Olszewski P., The possibility of using the ground as seasonal heat storage – the numerical study, Proceedings of 2004 ASME Heat Transfer/Fluids Engineering Summer Conference 2004, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
6. Olszewski P., Numerical modeling of temperature field in the ground storage system with vertical borehole, 9th International Conference on Thermal Energy Storage FUTURESTOCK 2003, Warsaw, POLAND September 1-4, 2003, Proceedings of FUTURESTOCK 2003, Volume I: 405 – 410
Posters
1. Atreya A., Wu O., Violi A., Davis A., Chen Y., Olszewski P., An Autonomous Biomass Reactor to Create Carbon Natural Transportation Fuels and Prevent Forest Fores, MCubed Sympossium 2013, University of Michgan, Ann Arbor, Nov 15, 2013
2. Leszczyńska – Domańska M., Domański R., Olszewski P, Analisys of long-term high temperature underground waste heat storage, VIII Conference “Research Problems of Heat Engineering”, Warsaw, Poland, Dec 11-14, 2007
3. Leszczyńska – Domańska, M., Domański R., Olszewski P., Using of Solar radiation for Bridge deck Deicing in Polish climate – underground energy storage, XIII Symposium of heat and mass transfer, Darłówko – Koszalin, Poland, Sep 3 – 6, .2007
Research Interests
According to the Energy Information Administration, about 80% of electricity in the next 30 years will be generated using traditional techniques. Also, the manufacturing profile and energy consumption structure in industrial plants will not change dramatically over the next three decades. Simultaneously, emerging measurements and control techniques will allow for more sophisticated optimization methods. Combining these reasons, I decided to focus my research interests on mathematical modeling and optimization of industrial processes. Such research are possible due to a combination of my mathematical/analitycal skills and solid background in fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
Current projects
- Self-learning opportunities in pumping station with parallel-configured centrifugal pumps
- Influence of geometrical parameters on flameless combustion in industrial processes (patent)
- Energy optimization of chilled water system
- An integrated energy life-cycle assessment approach for the sustainability on a farm bio-digester system
Peer-reviewed articles
- Olszewski P., Experimental analysis of ON/OFF and variable speed drive controlled industrial chiller towards energy efficient operation, Applied Energy 309 (2022) 1146–1158, DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.118440
- Olszewski P., Arafeh A., Parametric analysis of pumping station with parallel-configured centrifugal pumps towards self-learning applications, Applied Energy 231 (2018) 1146–1158, DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.09.173
- Atreya A.,Olszewski P., Chen Y., Baum H. R., The effect of size, shape and pyrolysis conditions on the thermal decomposition of wood particles and firebrands, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer (2017), DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2016.11.051
- Kluczek A., Olszewski P., Energy audits in industrial processes, Journal of Cleaner Production (2017), DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.123
- Olszewski P., Genetic Optimization and Experimental Verification of Complex Parallel Pumping Station with Centrifugal Pumps, Applied Energy (2016), DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.06.084
- Olszewski P., Borgnakke C., Volumetric capacity influence on energy consumption in oil lubricated screw compressors, Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering Applications (2016), Vol. 8, DOI: 10.1115/1.4034091
- Olszewski P., Heat Recovery Investigation from Dryer-Thermal Oxidizer System in Corn-Ethanol Plants, Applied Thermal Engineering (2015) DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.02.033
- Olszewski P., Genetic optimization of steam multi-turbines system, Applied Thermal Engineering (2014) DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.06.007
- Kluczek A., Olszewski P., Multidirectional Aspects of Energy Auditing in the Industrial Sector in the United States, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 11/2014, pp. 420 – 428
- Olszewski P., Sustainable management of compressed air systems, Mega-Industry, 4/2007, pp. 50 – 53
- Olszewski P., Sustainable management of rotational pumps, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (Chłodnictwo&Klimatyzacja), 09/2007, pp. 99 – 104
- Olszewski P., Ideal energy… about genetic algorithms and how to use solar energy during wintertime, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 07-08/2007, pp. 25 – 32
- Olszewski P., Save energy, Modern Industry (Nowy Przemysł), Special Report 2007
- Olszewski P., Costs of energy utilizing in detached buildings, part II, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 10/2002, pp. 15 – 21
- Olszewski P., Costs of energy utilizing in detached buildings, part I, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 9/2002, pp. 17 – 24
- Olszewski P., Technical solutions for heat demand in detached buildings, District Heating, Heating, Ventilation (Ciepłownictwo, Ogrzewnictwo, Wentylacja), 5/2002
Conferences
-
- Chen Y., Daya R., Cao W., Olszewski P., Atreya A., Effect of torrefaction on fast pyrolysis of centimeter-scale birch wood particles, 9th U.S. National Combustion Meeting, Cincinnati 2015
- Cao W., Chen Y., Olszewski P., Aanjaneya K., Ponnapalli C.S., Atreya A., Radiation enhancement to increase efficiency and reduce pollutants, 9th U.S. National Combustion Meeting, Cincinnati 2015
- Ming X., Borgnakke D., Campos M., Olszewski P., Borgnakke C., Atreya A., Possibility of Combustion Furnace Operation with Oxygen-Enriched Gas from Nitrogen Generator, Proceedings of 2013 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry
- Olszewski P., Optimisation of working ground heat storage with seasonal regeneration, Proceedings of ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition 2006, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
- Olszewski P., The possibility of using the ground as seasonal heat storage – the numerical study, Proceedings of 2004 ASME Heat Transfer/Fluids Engineering Summer Conference 2004, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
- Olszewski P., Numerical modeling of temperature field in the ground storage system with vertical borehole, 9th International Conference on Thermal Energy Storage FUTURESTOCK 2003, Warsaw, POLAND September 1-4, 2003, Proceedings of FUTURESTOCK 2003, Volume I: 405 – 410
Posters
- Atreya A., Wu O., Violi A., Davis A., Chen Y., Olszewski P., An Autonomous Biomass Reactor to Create Carbon Natural Transportation Fuels and Prevent Forest Fores, MCubed Sympossium 2013, University of Michgan, Ann Arbor, Nov 15, 2013
- Leszczyńska – Domańska M., Domański R., Olszewski P, Analisys of long-term high temperature underground waste heat storage, VIII Conference “Research Problems of Heat Engineering”, Warsaw, Poland, Dec 11-14, 2007
- Leszczyńska – Domańska, M., Domański R., Olszewski P., Using of Solar radiation for Bridge deck Deicing in Polish climate – underground energy storage, XIII Symposium of heat and mass transfer, Darłówko – Koszalin, Poland, Sep 3 – 6, .2007
Teaching Interests
“Teaching” is to show students, how to use theoretical knowledge in solving real problems. My industrial experience has a significant influence on my vision of theoretical and practical lectures. Besides teaching fundamental classes, I would like to develop courses related to energy flow and management in industry.
My main goal is to teach students understanding physical phenomena of energy-related processes. It is crucial to show, that surrounding world is the large system of various mechanisms that can be separated with appropriate boundary conditions and described by proper mathematical formulations. I try to develop my lectures upon experience and observations. Providing real life examples makes lectures as well as laboratories easier and more intuitive.
Beside lectures and laboratories, the other ways of practical implementation of theoretical knowledge are design projects involving student groups, which provide vital opportunities of effective work as a team. Integral parts of these projects are reports and presentations with using appropriate modern computer techniques.
I have high expectations and requirements for students in the area of presentation skills, and hope that students will appreciate their improved communication skills once they join the work force.
I consider visits in factories and discussions with specialists about production processes as a crucial point in education of young engineers. Besides great possibilities for meeting with potential employers, such visits are excellent opportunities for students to verify their theoretical knowledge with real applications.
An outstanding lecturer should be aware of a group dynamics. In my opinion, identifying the students by their full names and knowing some background information (like country of origin or interests) is very beneficial. It helps to personalize the teaching process. I observed situations in the past where a few of the weaker or shy students who needed additional help would hesitate to ask. Personalizing the process may break this barrier.
Students tend to learn more effectively from an approachable teacher who builds his position based on professionalism. I prepare myself very carefully for my lectures. I limit the use own notes during lectures to prove to students my deep understanding of the discussed material.
Finally, I believe that the role of a teacher is to show the path, motivate, encourage, and lead by example. This gives me an immense sense of accomplishment and motivates me to continue my teaching.
Industry Work
During recent years, I conducted around 100 energy audits in a mid- and large-size manufacturing plants. The most important analyses include:
- Optimization of the Naphtha Hydrotreater (NHT) and Continuous Catalytic Reformer (CCR) in crude oil refinery
- Optimization of carburizing furnaces in steel industry
- Natural gas consumption optimization in aluminum melting industry
- Process heating optimization in bio-ethanol plants
- Steam system optimization in paper plants – co-generation
- Process heating assessment in large scale painting line – furniture industry.
Some of listed above cases have been developed as research projects and published in top-quality research journals:
- Energy audits in industrial processes
- Genetic Optimization and Experimental Verification of Complex Parallel Pumping Station with Centrifugal Pumps
- Heat Recovery Investigation from Dryer-Thermal Oxidizer System in Corn-Ethanol Plant
- Genetic optimization of steam multi-turbines system
In my research area I plan a wide cooperation with the industrial sector in the operational improvement of energy systems (for example co-generation, homogenous and enhanced radiation combustion, etc.). Some of the ideas, which have been already positively verified by independent reviewers of scientific journals, are ready for cost analysis in the plant, where they can be potentially implemented.
Additional initiative targeted industrial sector is close cooperation with the UW Oshkosh Engineering Club (UWO EC). Through the UWO IC, our students have a chance to visit local industrial plants. In many cases, it will be the first contact for students with the real engineering world. It is also a great opportunity to meet with future prospective employers.
Department of Engineering and Engineering Technology