EI-Led Project First Awarded RGC Theme-based Research Scheme
The research project led by Prof Tianshou Zhao, Director of HKUST Energy Institute (EI), Cheong Ying Chan Professor of Engineering and Environment, Chair Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, is recently received funding of HK$ 50 million under the theme of Developing a Sustainable Environment in the seventh round of the Research Grants Council’s Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS).
This awarded interdisciplinary project on “Creation of rechargeable electron-fuels for stationary power supplies and electric vehicles” aims to address the challenges preventing the widespread use of renewable energy. The research team proposes to develop a novel energy storage system that incorporates electrically rechargeable liquid fuels known as e-fuels. This system mainly consists of an e-fuel charger that electrochemically converts electricity into e-fuels, which in turn can be converted back into electricity using an e-fuel cell for end use. Ultimately, this research will result in an electricity-fuel-electricity conversion system with unprecedented efficiencies exceeding 80%. The e-fuel storage technology offers an excellent solution not only for grid-scale and micro-grid energy storage, but also for off-grid and distributed energy system power supplies.
The research team consists of partners from HKUST, the Chinese University, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and University of Victoria, Canada.
Related links:
Theme-based Research Scheme 2017/18 (Seventh Round) Funding Results