15th IGEC (2023, Glasgow)AnnouncementConference Program Invited Speakers Special Sessions Journal PublicationsCommitteesAwardsCall for Papers Submission Registration SponsorshipConference VenueCiviC Reception Technical Tours Important Dates
Special Session #1: Advances in Thermoacoustic Technology
Session Organizers:
Session Description:
Thermoacoustics is an interdisciplinary science that encompasses the fields of thermodynamics and acoustics. It is a fascinating subject that studies the thermoacoustic effect arising from the interaction between a compressible fluid and a solid material. On one hand, an appreciable temperature gradient along the solid material can induce spontaneous oscillations of the compressible. On the other hand, an acoustic wave in the compressible fluid propagating along the solid material can contribute to hydrodynamic heat pumping effects. The above two aspects of the thermoacoustic effect lay the foundation for thermoacoustic engines (or prime movers) and thermoacoustic refrigerators (or heat pumps).
This Special Session provides a unique platform to present state-of-the-art research findings in thermoacoustics and aims to promote innovative solutions associated with the enhancement of thermoacoustic energy conversion in thermoacoustic engines, power generators and refrigerators. Contributions investigating thermoacoustics-related issues in sound and vibration, thermal science, materials/energy science, ranging from components to systems, and from theoretical modeling, numerical simulations to experimental investigations are welcomed.
Invited Speakers:
Special Session #2: Advances in green refrigeration and cold storage technologies
Global climate change and emissions are tightly intertwined. Our last decade was the warmest on record, and we are all aware by now of our need to reduce human activity-related emissions to slow global warming. Unfortunately, warming has increased Europe's reliance on cooling. This has resulted in its emergence to the forefront of areas targeted for decarbonisation. This special session is organized by the CO-COOL consortium is a large international collaboration aiming to develop improved cooling technologies that leverage either renewable electricity/heat or waste heat to keep people and spaces cool without warming our planet. This special session is devoted to the latest development and R&D achievements in the topic of green refrigeration and cold storage, with particular interests in composite sorbents and composite phase materials for cooling energy conversion and cold storage.
Special Session #3: Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers
In order to mitigate the rising levels of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, which is a leading contributor to climate change, the world’s current energy paradigm is undergoing a radical transformation. Development of an at-scale, clean hydrogen economy is a strategic priority and required to diversify our future energy systems, generate economic gains, and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This special session will cover the latest developments and advancements in fuel cells and electrolyzers from fundamentals, to advanced materials, design, engineering, products, and applications. It will be of particular value and interest to those in the relevant fields.
Special session #4: Energy for Buildings
Session Organizer:
To achieve the carbon reduction goal, great efforts have been made worldwide. In the world rapidly growing its wind and solar power generation. Especially in the UK, 80% carbon emission reduction from power generation has been achieved compared with 10 years ago. However, carbon emission from buildings is almost unchanged. Domestic space heating and hot water demand contributes to 40% of the total carbon emissions. The actions must be taken to decarbonize building. This special session is aimed at presenting the latest decarbonizing energy technologies and energies used in buildings, ranging from components to systems, and from modeling, simulations and analyses to experimental investigations.
Special sesssion #5: Advances on Chemical Energy Storage: Hydrogen and Carbon Reduction
Chemical energy storage is the process of converting and storing energy in the form of chemical bonds, which can later be released and utilized as needed. Hydrogen energy and carbon reduction are emerging as promising solutions within chemical energy storage for global energy challenges. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in these areas, bringing together esteemed researchers, engineers, and experts. It will cover the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to storage and utilization, including novel hydrogen production methods, storage technologies, and diverse applications in fuel cells for transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. The session will also highlight carbon reduction technologies, covering novel approaches for capturing, storing, and repurposing carbon dioxide, such as industrial processes, direct air capture, carbon utilization in value-added products, and geological and oceanic carbon storage techniques.
Invited speakers:
Topic 1: Microenvironment design strategies for enhanced CO2 electroreduction with a 60% full-cell energy efficiency
Prof. Qian Fu, Chongqing University, China
Topic 2: Data-driven assisted functionally graded design of proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Dr. Lei Xing, University of Surrey, UK
Topic 3: Structure design to boost the power density of proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Dr. Guobin Zhang, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
Topic 4: Experimental and numerical investigation of spatially resolved catalyst support degradation during start-up and shut-down of PEM fuel cells
Dr. Yuze Hou, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Germany
Topic 5: Time series health diagnosis system for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell based on convolutional neural networks
Dr. Bowen Wang, Tianjin University, China
