Conference Speakers

ICNERA 2023 Speakers

 

Prof. Eric Cheng (IEEE Fellow)
(Keynote Speaker)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HKSAR, China

Title: Autonomous vehicle energy saving program and the new fuel development for electric vehicles

Abstract: Energy conservation stands as a paramount concern across all types of electric vehicles. While advancements in autonomous vehicles have predominantly focused on optimizing travel routes between points A and B, energy efficiency has not always been given the highest priority during their development. However, for different levels of autonomous vehicles, effective energy-saving strategies encompassing routing methods, speed control, and steering are essential.
      In addition, traditional energy storage solutions for electric vehicles, such as batteries or supercapacitors, present challenges concerning their lifespan, recyclability, and potential leakage issues. Although alternative fuel options like hydrogen have been promoted, they face obstacles related to high-pressure handling, safety and operational costs. Nevertheless, emerging as a promising zero-carbon fuel for future electric vehicles, ammonia offers potential advantages in terms of sustainability and environmental impact.
      This talk will delve into the two major issues confronting electric vehicles: optimizing energy efficiency in autonomous vehicles and exploring sustainable fuel alternatives. By addressing these challenges, we can pave the way for a more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious future in the realm of electric vehicle technology.

Biography: Prof Eric Cheng obtained his BSc and PhD degrees both from the University of Bath in 1987 and 1990 respectively. Before he joined the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1997, he was with Lucas Aerospace, United Kingdom as a Principal Engineer and led a number of power electronics projects.
      He is the electrical designer for the Hong Kong 1st commercial electric vehicle in Hong Kong. He is also the designer of the 1st charging network in Hong Kong. He received numerous awards related to electrical engineering, energy, and automotive.  He has published over 500 papers and 7 books. He has over 100 interviews with the media on his research and development. He is now the professor and director of the Power Electronics Research Centre of the university. His research interests are all aspects of power electronics, Power Quality, Renewable energy, Motor drives, Energy Saving, EMI, high-speed rail, Electric Vessel, Electric Vehicles, and Automotive advanced components. He is the recipient of the international award in Seoul International Invention Fair 2015 Gold prize for his contribution in super-capacitor to electric vehicles, 2016 iCAN Gold Medal for his contribution to active suspension, and Gold Award of Hong Kong Innovation and Technology in 2017 and Geneva’s Invention Expo Silver Award for his contribution in the antilock braking system, in 2021. Prof. Cheng is a chartered engineer, and a fellow of IEEE, HKIE, and IET.

Assoc. Prof. Alessandro Romagnoli
(Keynote Speaker)
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Biography:  Alessandro is an Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore. He received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London in 2010.
      Alessandro is currently serving as Assistant Dean for Innovation and Enterprise at Nanyang Technological University, focussing on technology translation and collaboration with Industry. Since 2020, Alessandro has been appointed as Co-Director of the NTU-Surbana Jurong Corporate Lab, a S$60M effort looking at Intelligent Urban Solutions, Active Solutions for Sustainability, and Future of Construction and Underground. Since 2015 Alessandro is also serving as Cluster Director on Multi-Energy Systems and Grids at the Energy Research Institute @ Nanyang Technological University.
      During his time at NTU, Alessandro established the Thermal Energy Systems Lab @NTU which focusses on energy conversion and management, power generation - from large scale to distributed energy generation applied to micro-grids, and energy systems integration for different energy mix - including renewables and energy storage. Focus is on Liquefied Natural Gas, Cryogenic Energy Storage (Liquid Air Energy System and Hydrogen), Heat Recovery (including Geothermal) and Thermal Energy Storage. Alessandro’s work also covers studies on the Cold-Economy in developed/developing countries.
      Alessandro’s research activity is mainly focussed towards serving the industry by providing advice and viable solutions for some of their most pressing challenges, such as reducing carbon footprint, energy efficiency, and energy prosumption. Alessandro’s research is not solely focussed on in-depth energy systems analysis, but it looks at the implications that the integration of different energy systems has on the environment, operational and investment costs. This work led to set-up of one spin-off company, Energy Smart Solutions Pte Ltd, offering predictive and intelligent algorithms for optimal design, planning and integration of diversified energy systems.
      Alessandro is advising the International Finance Corporation – World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank and others on energy related projects. Alessandro is also serving as reviewer and advisor for Breakthrough Energy (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), the European Research Council and he sits in Scientific and Advisory Boards in a number of companies and initiatives.
      Alessandro has published more than 100 articles in top-tier research journals, and he is recipient of several awards and recognition in the academic and research field.

 

 

ICNERA Past Speakers

Prof. Dennis Y.C. Leung

Hong Kong University, HKSAR, China

Prof. Chan Siew Hwa

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Prof. Xiaojun Wang 

 Beijing Jiaotong University, China

Prof. S M Muyeen
Curtin University, Australia

Prof. Mohan Lal Kolhe

Universitetet of Agder, Norway

Prof. Tek Tjing Lie

Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

Prof. Qinmin Yang

Zhejiang University, China

Prof. Zhen Yan

Shandong University, China

Prof. Chong Wen Tong

University of Malaya, Malaysia

Dr. Chen Qi

Renewable Eenergy Research Center, China Electric Power Research Institute (CEPRI), China