Huafu Zhang | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award | 13476

Dr. Huafu Zhang | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Huafu Zhang, Institute of Chemistry and Physics Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr. Huafu Zhang, Associate Researcher at the Institute of Chemistry and Physics Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is a leading innovator in heat pump technologies with a strong focus on carbon capture and energy efficiency. With over 52 granted patents, including 22 invention patents, and more than 10 high-level publications, his work has significantly advanced sustainable technologies in building heating, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection. His contributions have led to the industrial application of over 30 systems nationwide. Notably, his leadership in the 2024 national carbon capture policy research supported China’s participation in COP29, marking a milestone in green innovation.

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Huafu Zhang embarked on his academic journey with a focus on engineering science, which laid the groundwork for his future innovations in thermal systems and energy technologies. As a dedicated scholar, he pursued advanced degrees in the realm of energy systems engineering, eventually earning his Ph.D. with a specialization in heat pump technology—an emerging and environmentally crucial field. His academic foundation was built not only on theoretical principles but also on real-world applicability, which would later define his unique research and development approach.

During his formative academic years, Dr. Zhang developed a keen interest in the intersection of thermodynamics, mechanical systems, and environmental sustainability, which naturally led him toward the research of heat pumps as a cleaner and more efficient energy solution for industrial and residential applications.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Researcher and Senior Engineer at the Institute of Chemistry and Physics Technology, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Zhang has dedicated his professional life to advancing the frontiers of heat pump systems and their industrialization. His work has had a wide range of applications—from construction and pharmaceuticals to chemical engineering and carbon capture.

His long-term commitment to energy-saving and eco-friendly technologies has not only yielded academic results but also tangible engineering solutions that are now operational across numerous industries. Dr. Zhang has led or participated in over 10 scientific and technological research projects, and his research has been transformed into practical technologies applied by well-known enterprises such as China Jinmao, State Power Investment Corporation, and Haier.

He is also the lead implementer of the 2024 National Development and Reform Commission special project on “Research on Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Policies,” which laid the foundation for China’s strategic stance at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhang’s research primarily focuses on heat pump technologies and their specialized industrial applications. His specific areas of expertise include:

  • 💧 Heat pump building heating systems

  • 🌬️ Mechanical vapor compression for distillation and rectification

  • 🌡️ High-temperature heat pumps for pharmaceutical applications

  • ♻️ Energy tower heat pumps and water vapor recovery systems

  • 🧪 Heat pump carbon capture solutions for CO₂ management

One of his most notable contributions is the development of mechanical vapor compression technology, which significantly improves energy efficiency, offering 30–80% savings compared to conventional systems. His work bridges theory and industrial application, demonstrating how thermal science can serve economic and environmental goals simultaneously.

Dr. Zhang has also proposed a carbon capture technology evaluation system based on net capture rates, which has helped guide the development of carbon capture technologies across various CO₂ concentrations, contributing directly to China’s climate policies and international commitments.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhang’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, though his greatest recognition comes from the widespread industrial adoption of his technologies. With 52 granted patents—including 22 invention patents—he stands out as a prolific innovator. His authorship includes more than 10 high-impact publications as first or corresponding author and a monograph titled “Heat Pump Drying Technology and Equipment” (ISBN 978-7-122), which has become a key reference in the field.

He has also drafted two industry standards, ensuring that his innovations are translated into regulatory frameworks that benefit the broader energy sector. His work has been certified in two major technological achievement validations, reinforcing his credibility and impact.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhang’s technologies have been industrially applied in over 30 systems, offering scalable solutions for major Chinese enterprises. His innovations are helping shape the future of low-carbon building systems, green industrial processing, and efficient energy conversion.

His leadership in policy-related research has had national implications, particularly through his work in carbon capture and storage (CCS). The frameworks and tools he developed were instrumental in supporting China’s global climate representation at COP29, placing his contributions at the intersection of science, policy, and diplomacy.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Huafu Zhang is poised to play an even more influential role in shaping China’s green energy future. His next phase of work aims to:

  • 📈 Scale up carbon capture technologies for national and global deployment

  • 🏭 Integrate heat pump systems into smart energy grids

  • 👨‍🏫 Mentor the next generation of thermal energy and environmental engineers

  • 📘 Publish further research to expand academic understanding and industrial applications

His long-term vision is aligned with China’s carbon neutrality goals and the global demand for sustainable thermal energy solutions. As a committed researcher, engineer, and innovator, Dr. Zhang’s legacy will be marked by technological transformation, policy influence, and educational leadership.

🧾Publication Top Notes


📘Experimental study and model optimization of thermodynamic performance of a single screw water vapor compressor

Author: Huafu Zhang; Zhentao Zhang; Lige Tong; Junling Yang; Yanan Li; Li Wang; Xia Guo; Rui Tian; Mingxin He; Chongguang Gao

Journal: International Journal of Refrigeration

Year: 2024

📘A integrated mechanical vapor compression enrichment system of radioactive wastewater: Experimental study, model optimization and performance prediction

Author: Huafu Zhang; Lige Tong; Zhentao Zhang; Yanchang Song; Junling Yang; Yunkai Yue; Zhenqun Wu; Youdong Wang; Ze Yu; Junhao Zhang

Journal: Energy

Year: 2023


Manqing li | Biomass | Best Researcher Award | 13399

Ms. Manqing li | Biomass | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Manqing li, Shanghai University, China

Ms. Manqing Li is a Master’s degree candidate at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University. She has demonstrated strong academic performance, earning two first-class scholarships and leading several research competition projects, including the prestigious Challenge Cup and the China Postgraduate ‘Double Carbon’ Innovation Competitions. Her research focuses on biomass energy, particularly microwave pyrolysis of rapeseed straw. She has published in high-impact journals such as Energy (IF: 9) and holds six Chinese patents. With her innovative work and academic excellence, she is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Manqing Li embarked on her academic journey with a deep-rooted passion for materials science and sustainable energy. Currently a Master’s degree candidate at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, she has shown exceptional academic promise since the start of her postgraduate studies. As a dedicated student of the Class of 2022, Manqing quickly distinguished herself through academic diligence, curiosity-driven inquiry, and a commitment to addressing environmental challenges through engineering innovation. Her formative years at Shanghai University laid the foundation for her research-oriented mindset and set the stage for her impressive scientific output.

💼 Professional Endeavors

While still a graduate student, Ms. Li has taken on roles and responsibilities that reflect a seasoned researcher. Her work revolves around biomass energy, particularly exploring the microwave pyrolysis of rapeseed straw to produce solid fuels with low sulfur content and high heating value (HHV). Beyond the lab, she has actively participated in national-level competitions, serving as project leader in events such as:

  • 🏆 Challenge Cup Entrepreneurship Programme for University Students (2023 and 2024 editions)

  • 🌱 The Third China Postgraduate ‘Double Carbon’ Innovation and Creativity Competition

Her leadership roles in these platforms underline her capability to blend scientific knowledge with entrepreneurial spirit and project management, vital skills for bridging research and real-world application.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Li’s research addresses pressing environmental and energy concerns, with a sharp focus on biomass resource utilization for sustainable fuel generation. Her work on microwave pyrolysis technology is not only innovative but also vital in advancing low-emission energy alternatives. Through this project, she aims to develop methods that optimize fuel yield while minimizing environmental impacts.

She has already contributed significantly to the scientific community by publishing in top-tier journals:

Additionally, Ms. Li is an inventor/co-inventor on six patents (e.g., CN202311385626.4, CN202420919247.2), reflecting her ability to generate original, application-driven solutions in her field.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

In recognition of her excellence, Ms. Manqing Li has been awarded two first-class scholarships during her postgraduate studies. These prestigious academic honors are a testament to her outstanding performance and relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her innovative projects and scholarly outputs have not only earned her academic praise but have also positioned her as a rising talent in the materials and energy science community in China.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Despite being in the early stages of her career, Ms. Li’s work has begun to influence the renewable energy sector, particularly in areas related to biomass processing and carbon reduction. Her research supports China’s national “Double Carbon” goals—aiming for carbon peaking and neutrality—and addresses broader international climate concerns.

Moreover, by participating in interdisciplinary innovation competitions, she serves as a role model for young women in STEM, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like materials engineering. Her ability to blend technical expertise with social responsibility highlights the holistic impact of her work.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Ms. Manqing Li’s journey is only beginning, yet her trajectory already promises a lasting legacy in sustainable materials development. She is determined to further her contributions to clean energy research, with future goals including:

  • 🌱 Developing more efficient biomass-to-fuel technologies

  • 🤝 Collaborating with global research institutions and industry leaders

  • 📚 Publishing more high-impact studies and mentoring upcoming researchers

  • 🧪 Expanding patentable innovations in green technology

As she looks ahead, Ms. Li aims to pursue doctoral studies and eventually contribute as a researcher or educator at a leading research institute. Her vision is not just limited to technological advancement, but also encompasses education, policy influence, and sustainable development.

Publication Top Notes 

Author: M., Li, Manqing, , C., Lu, Chunyang, J., Ren, Jie, Y., Yu, Yaowei

Journal: Energy

Year: 2025

Effects of mineral composition on properties of cold-bonded briquette prepared from returned sinter fines

Author: Ying Li, Man-qing Li, De-jin Qiu, Yuan-dong Xiong, Jie Ren, Mamdouh Omran & Yao-wei Yu

Journal: Iron and Steel research

Year: 2025