In order to mitigate the serious threat of global warming, it is imperative that future energy sources are carbon-neutral. Thus, the development of new low-carbon combustion technologies is crucial for the gradual transition from fossil fuels to energy storage substances, while also reducing emissions. One of the key challenges in this transition is the occurrence of Thermo-Acoustic (TA) combustion instability, which results in high levels of noise. In general, noise pollution has a significant impact on ecosystems, and it is currently the second biggest environmental disease in Europe after air pollution, as reported by EHPA and WHO. Urgent action is needed to address noise pollution, particularly the development of compact, passive, robust, and high-performing acoustic dampeners that work across a wide frequency range, including very low frequencies. Recently, we have developed an Anechoic Broadband Compact (ABC) muffler and filed it as an Int. PCT patent through TU/e, which serves as a potential solution to this problem. The core of our innovative high-tech solution is the easy customization and build of acoustic dampeners with a thickness of just a few millimeters, providing excellent performance at low frequencies ranging from 20 to 1000 Hz, and capable of absorbing up to 99% of acoustic energy at these frequencies. These mufflers can facilitate the development of a variety of applications related to the practical implementation of the energy transition strategy. A stable and clean combustion of mixed fuels during the transition period, and finally of circular energy carriers like hydrogen, can be achieved by developing thermo-acoustically stable burners, which is our current research topic. The mufflers can also be applied for noise reduction in other low-carbon appliances such as heat pumps or to reduce environmental noise pollution. The integration of such mufflers during the design phase can reduce development costs, facilitate the energy transition, and contribute to a sustainable and healthy life.

Dr. PDEng. Mohammad Kojourimanesh holds a BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Iran, which he completed between 2003 and 2011. During his master's studies, he specialized in Inverse Acoustics and received recognition for authoring the best master's dissertation in Iran. During and after completing his master study, Dr. PDEng. Kojourimanesh lectured and worked in the HVAC and gas industries for nine years. In 2014, his contributions were recognized by the International Gas Union (IGU), which selected him as one of 35 young professionals worldwide. In 2016, he was offered a Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng) position by the University of Twente, which led him to relocate to the Netherlands to research noise reduction for ventilation units of Brink climate systems company. His work in this endeavor culminated in him being awarded the PDEng title in Energy & Process Technology in 2018 from University of Twente. Later in 2018, he began his PhD studies in the Power & Flow group at mechanical engineering department of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). During his doctoral studies, he developed several innovative mufflers and patented one of them for noise reduction and thermo-acoustic combustion stabilization, and successfully defended his PhD thesis in November 2022. Additionally, Dr. PDEng. Kojourimanesh has received a Faculty of Impact grant from NWO to continue his research as a postdoctoral researcher at TU/e. He is also an entrepreneur who aims to bring the high-tech technology of noise mutation to the market.