News

BEEE Associate Professor Awarded Faculty Awards 2023

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to announce that Dr Xinyan Huang, an Associate Professor of BEEE, has been honored with the Faculty FCE Award 2023 in the category of Teaching (Outstanding Young Teacher).   The Faculty Awards are bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in their respective fields. Dr Xinyan Huang's outstanding achievements in teaching have earned him this prestigious recognition.  Since joining PolyU in late 2017, Dr Huang’s lectures have recevied outstanding Student Feedback. In 2020, he has led the teaching of MOOC: Playing with Fire, first online course on fire science and engineering in the world. He has published peer-reviewed journal paper that reviews fire safety engineering education in China. Every year, Dr Huang also hosts 10+ lab demonstrations and visits of pre-school children and high-school students to promote popular science and engineering education to youths.    Dr Huang has supervised many research projects of undergraduate students, some of whom got PhD fellowships from PolyU, Cambridge, UC Berkeley and UPenn. He has helped develop the new BEng programme of Structural and Fire Safety Engineering, which is the first Fire Engineering BEng program in Hong Kong. He has also established the Student Exchange Program between PolyU and Beijing Institute of Technology.   Dr Huang has received several University Large Teaching Equipment Funds, which improve students’ experience in lab courses. Under Dr Huang’s supervision, his students received 10+ Research student awards and 5+ Undergraduate student awards from HKIE, international conferences and associations. He has received the Outstanding PhD Thesis Supervisor Award twice from the China Fire Protection Association.    As the supervisor, Dr Huang has established the HK Student Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (1st student chapter in Asia), which won three times gold awards (2020 – 2022). He is active in the Junior Research Mentoring Programme (JRMP) for secondary school students. The project supervised by him in 2023 received the media interview (only 2 out of 100+ projects). Moreover, he has co-organized two study tours for undergraduate students to Japan and South Korea, and host many visiting research students from Poland, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and mainland China.   Dr Huang's passion for teaching, combined with his profound expertise in Building Environment and Energy Engineering, has not only enriched the academic journey of his students but has also contributed significantly to advancements in the field.   The Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Xinyan Huang for this well-deserved recognition and commends him for his exceptional accomplishments. His dedication to excellence serves as an inspiration to both his peers and students.  

BEEE PhD Student Awarded Bronze Award in the Hong Kong Techathon+ 2024

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that our PhD student, Mr Wong Ho Yin, supervised by BEEE Associate Professor Dr Huang Xinyan, has won the Bronze Award in the Smart Cities Open Group Division at the Hong Kong Techathon+ 2024. In January 2024, Mr Wong continuously promoted his fire safety engineering research outcome initiated in the PolyU Maker Fund Programme 2021 to the audience in the Hong Kong Techathon+ 2024. His project, titled 'Smart Building Emergency System,' is an Internet of Things (IoT) system comprising a wireless detectors mesh network and dynamic exit signs. The fire detector system, which utilizes artificial intelligence technology, can significantly reduce the number of false alarms and provide an early warning, while the dynamic exit sign system guides evacuees towards the safest evacuation paths, reducing evacuation time. This project will be a crucial component of the novel smart firefighting technology developed at PolyU (the SureFire Project), and this will be applied to the next generation of smart and resilient buildings that will help Hong Kong achieve the status of the world's leading smart city. Co-organized by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and local university partners, Hong Kong Techathon this year achieved a historic milestone in terms of scale and participation, with nearly 1,500 local and non-local participants. It showcased the quality of innovative ideas presented and the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by all participants. Competing with such a large number of participants, Mr. Wong and his team stood out and won the Bronze Award in the Smart Cities Open Group Division. The Department of BEEE congratulates Mr Wong Ho Yin and his team on their outstanding achievement and wishes them continued success.  

BEEE Chair Professor Elected as Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that Professor Yan Jinyue Jerry, Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings, has been elected as a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences (HKAES) for the year 2023. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Professor Yan's exceptional achievements and dedication to serving society. Professor Yan is widely regarded as a leading researcher in the field of renewable energy, energy systems, climate-change mitigation, and environmental policies. With over 400 published papers, 10 granted patents, and supervision of numerous postdocs and doctoral candidates, his contributions to the field are significant. Notably, Professor Yan's leadership of the Future Energy Profile platform has secured external grants exceeding 20 million euros over the past decade. In addition to his election as a Fellow of the HKAES, Professor Yan is also an Academician of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Global Human Settlements Award of Green Technology, Energy Islands' Award, and IAGE Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition highlights PolyU's commitment to fostering outstanding scholars and researchers who contribute to groundbreaking advancements in their respective fields. The continued efforts of individuals like Professor Yan further solidify PolyU's position as an innovative world-class university. The Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences is a professional engineering organization dedicated to advancing science, engineering, and technology for the benefit of society in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the region. Fellows of the HKAES are recognized leaders in their professions, distinguished for their achievements in engineering sciences and their applications. The Department would like to extend warmest congratulations to Professor Yan Jinyue Jerry on this well-deserved honor.  

BEEE Professor Leads Team in Developing Cutting-Edge Colour Management Technologies for Digital Devices

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce the remarkable achievements of Professor Wei Minchen Tommy, Professor of BEEE and Director of the Colour Imaging and Metaverse Research Centre at PolyU. Prof. Wei and his research team have successfully developed a series of groundbreaking colour management technologies that significantly enhance the accuracy and reproduction of colours in digital displays and imaging devices. Prof. Wei's pioneering research addresses the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as OLED and Quantum-dot LED (QLED), which have narrower spectral compositions, making it difficult for cameras and displays to capture and reproduce consistent colour appearance. The following are some of the remarkable technologies developed by Prof. Wei and his team: RGBACL Lighting Module: A six-channel RGBACL (Red, Green, Blue, Amber, Cyan, and Lime) lighting module and control algorithm that enhances the colour presentation of LED lighting systems. This technology has been widely adopted in the cinema industry, including the production of Hollywood movies and TV series. AI-Powered Colour Optimisation: Various solutions that employ artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect human faces in video and image shooting equipment, optimizing the colour appearance of skin tones. AI-Enabled White Balance Algorithm: Chips integrated with an AI-powered white balance algorithm, ensuring more faithful colours in photos and videos taken by digital cameras under different environmental conditions. These technologies have been adopted by leading smartphone and extended reality (XR) device manufacturers. Prof. Wei's contributions to the field of colour science have garnered recognition and funding from prestigious organizations such as the Research Grants Council, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department in Hong Kong. He has received several awards, including the Google Research Scholar Award, the PolyU Young Innovative Researcher Award, and the PolyU President's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Knowledge Transfer. To further advance the application of their research outcomes, Prof. Wei co-founded Guardian Glow Limited, a startup focusing on personalised AI smart devices and XR headset technologies. The company has attracted support from venture capital funds and private investors to continue developing user experience-enhancing colour management technologies. Prof. Wei and his research team at PolyU have achieved groundbreaking advancements in colour management technologies for digital devices. Their innovations have revolutionized the accuracy and reproduction of colours, benefiting industries such as cinema, social media, and smartphone manufacturing. The Department applauds Prof. Wei's exceptional contributions to scientific research and knowledge transfer, driving the field of colour science to new frontiers in the digital era.  

Successful Completion of BEEE Cultural Exchange Trip 2023: Strengthening Bonds and Expanding Horizons

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to share the successful completion of the BEEE Cultural Exchange Trip 2023 in Shanghai, held from December 27, 2023, to January 2, 2024. The trip encompassed a diverse range of activities, including the Research Salon on "Fire Safety Engineering," which was expertly chaired by your esteemed presence. Our students had the privilege of visiting the renowned campuses of Tongji University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where they actively engaged in academic exchanges and gained valuable insights into the latest research and developments in the field. Furthermore, the itinerary featured visits to key projects in Shanghai, providing our students with a firsthand experience of the city's innovative approaches to building environment and energy engineering. These activities not only facilitated knowledge sharing but also fostered the establishment of meaningful connections among participants. The BEEE Cultural Exchange Trip 2023 served as a platform for knowledge exchange, cultural immersion, and the forging of strong connections and friendships. We express our deepest gratitude to all participants, faculty members, and supporters for their unwavering commitment and valuable contributions to the success of this trip. The Department eagerly looks forward to continued collaboration and future endeavors that will further enhance the field of building environment and energy engineering. The photo gallery can be found here.  

20231222 BEEE Student Christmas Party: A Festive Celebration to Remember!

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) organized a spectacular Christmas Party on December 22, 2023, bringing together students and staff for an unforgettable celebration of the holiday season. The event was filled with joy, laughter, and a true spirit of camaraderie. The BEEE Student Christmas Party took place at the Alumni Atrium in Podium, Core A, providing a charming and festive atmosphere for all attendees.   The event featured a variety of activities that spread holiday cheer among the participants. Attendees enjoyed delectable food, which included a selection of tea and light refreshments. The Department also surprised everyone with a special Christmas gift, adding an extra touch of excitement to the occasion. Moreover, the Christmas Party provided an excellent opportunity for students and staff to connect and unwind. It fostered a sense of unity and togetherness as everyone reveled in the joyful ambiance. From lively conversations to laughter-filled moments, the party created lasting memories that will be cherished by all. The BEEE Students' Christmas Party exemplified the Department's commitment to nurturing a supportive and inclusive community. The Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Christmas Party, including the students, staff, and event organizers. It is through such collective efforts that the BEEE community continues to thrive. As the year comes to a close, BEEE wishes everyone a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.   The photo gallery can be found here.  

BEEE PhD Students Received Gold Award in the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2023

PhD student Wang Meng (Team leader) from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) received a Gold Award for the project “Smart Firefighting Robot” in the “China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2023”. After the final competition on 2-6 Dec in Tianjin, this project is the only one in PolyU that received the Gold award, which is one of the in total 10 Gold-Award projects from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Other team members include Zhang Xiaoning, Cheung Wai Kit, and Ding Yifei, and the project supervision is BEEE Associate Professor Dr Huang Xinyan. The proposed Smart Firefighting Robot utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision (CV) technologies that autonomously navigate fire scenes, detect various objects, and automatically extinguish fires. The advanced robot not only protects firefighters from dangerous fire scenes, fire explosions, and toxic environments, but also provides valuable information for situational awareness and decision-making. With advanced AI model, the robot enables real-time monitoring of fire dynamic and smoke visibility. In future firefighting operations, it will collaborate with firefighters to achieve safer and smarter fire operations.  The China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2023 encourages the entrepreneurial spirit of the next generation. This competition is ranked first by the Chinese Higher Education Association. It is set to unleash the innovation potential of young groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial powers and provides opportunities for talented students to transform their ideas into viable business ventures. The competition encompasses various categories, including education, medical care, transport, finance, and cultural exchange with the integration of digital technologies. Early this year, the team has received a HK$120,000 start-up grant and an acceptance into the Ideation Program of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP), which comes with a HK$100,000 start-up grant. Currently, Wang Meng’s team has entered the HKSTP Incubation Program and received up to HK$1.29 million in start-up support over a period of three years. The Department world like to congratulate Mr Wang Meng, Dr Xinyan Huang and the team on the excellent achievement and wish them continued success.  

BEEE LoCHs Research Team Received Best Paper Awards at Healthy Buildings 2023 and ISHVAC 2023

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to share the news that BEEE Postdoc fellow Li Jia-nong (first author) and PhD student Wang Jiawei (second author) in Prof Niu Jianlei’s research team have received Best Paper Awards for the excellence of research papers presented in both Healthy Buildings 2023 Asia and Pacific Rim (Healthy Buildings 2023, June) and the 13th International Symposium on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (ISHVAC 2023, November). The two conferences are all top conferences of the field. The Healthy Buildings, a triennial event organized by the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) since 1988, and The International Symposium on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (ISHVAC) initiated in 1991 in Beijing, are widely recognized as two of the most influential international conferences in the field of healthy building environment and energy engineering. The Best Paper Award was established in both conferences to recognize the excellence and significance of the research presented in the conference paper.  The award-winning research paper in Healthy Building 2023 is titled ‘Elderly residents’ uses of fragmented outdoor spaces in public housing estates in Hong Kong’ which decodes the causality of usage behaviour and heat-risk exposures of elderly residents. The other award-winning research paper in ISHVAC 2023 is titled ‘Linking passive observation and agent-based simulation to better understand the usage behaviour of elderly residents in public squares’ which introduces a novel simulation tool to examine the efficiency of different shade configurations in public squares in optimizing square usage and mitigating heat risks. The research was based on Prof. Niu’s recent Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) Funded Program titled ‘Healthy and Resilient City with Pervasive LoCHs’, and it has received praising feedback after Li Jia-nong’s presentations in Healthy Building 2023 and ISHVAC 2023, recognizing its importance in providing basis and inspiring future related research. We would like to offer the warmest congratulations to Prof. Niu Jianlei’s team for the excellent achievement in Healthy Building 2023 and ISHVAC 2023. Please follow the latest research under Prof. Niu’s TRS funded program for more information about the development of healthy and resilient cities with pervasive LoCHs.   

15 BEEE Scholars Ranked World’s Top 2% Scientists Released by Stanford University

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) takes immense pride in announcing that 15 BEEE academic staff members have been recognized among the world's top 2% of scientists in their respective disciplines, according to the index recently compiled by Stanford University.   The latest release of the Stanford University-led compilation of citation indicators is prepared by a team of experts led by Professor John loannidis of Stanford University. The selection process involved evaluating the top 100,000 scientists based on a composite score or a percentile rank of 2% or above in 174 sub-fields spanning 22 scientific domains. The publicly available database provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions and a composite indicator. The list can be found here.   BEEE Top 2% Scientists in the Global List  Name Subject Field (Top-Ranked Science-Metrix Category (Subfield) for the Author) Professor Asif Sohail Usmani Civil Engineering Ir Professor Christopher Chao Building & Construction Professor Chen Qingyan Building & Construction Ir Professor Niu Jianlei Building & Construction Ir Professor Wang Shengwei Energy Professor Yan Jinyue Jerry Energy Ir Professor Lai Hung Kit Joseph Building & Construction Ir Professor Lu Lin Vivien Energy Ir Professor Mak Cheuk Ming Acoustics Ir Professor Mui Kwok Wai Horace Building & Construction Professor Xiao Fu Building & Construction Ir Professor Yang Hongxing Energy Dr Cao Sunliang Energy Dr Huang Xinyan Energy Ir Dr Wong Ling Tim Building & Construction   Congratulations to our top scientists for this well-deserved recognition!  

Two BEEE Academic Members Recognized for Innovative Projects in MTR Research Funding Scheme 2023

Hong Kong's extensive railway network has long been an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of mass public transportation for the densely-populated city. To address the evolving challenges of developing smart and sustainable railways, the MTR Academy established the MTR Research Funding (MRF) Scheme in early 2023. The scheme aims to support innovative projects in the field of railway technology. We are delighted to announce that two esteemed academic staff members from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been selected for their exceptional insights in enhancing system performance and service provision quality.   Dr Huang Xinyan, an Associate Professor in BEEE, leads the project titled "Intelligent Emergency Digital Twin System in Metro Station for Fire Evacuation." This project proposes an intelligent safety monitoring system that leverages cutting-edge technologies such as AIoT, computer vision, and deep learning to enable smart fire emergency responses and evacuations. The system predicts the dynamic flow of occupants and assesses the risk of stampedes during a fire emergency. It also provides on-site evacuation guidance through dynamic exit sign systems. Furthermore, the system can identify the status and behaviors of occupants, enabling the identification of individuals in need of immediate assistance near the fire incident. Real-time information is then transmitted to firefighters and rescue teams.   Dr Yuen Chun Yin Anthony, an Assistant Professor and Presential Young Scholar in BEEE, leads a project titled "Coupling Fire and Toxicity Predictions Using CFD-MD Simulations for Enhanced Pedestrian Movement Modelling and Fire Resilience Designs of Metro Stations." The project aims to identify the parent combustion fuel gases crucial for toxicity assessments, specifically the pyrolysis and combustion releases resulting from burning certain building and furnishing materials. Dr Yuen's innovative approach involves incorporating coupled and non-linear pyrolysis-combustion kinetics through Molecular Dynamics (MD) characterization and validation using thermal gravimetry (TG) data. The project's outcomes will contribute to the design of firefighting and egress systems in metro stations.   The recognition of these two projects in the MTR Research Funding Scheme 2023 highlights the BEEE's commitment to advancing railway technology and addressing critical safety concerns. The innovative approaches taken by Dr Huang and Dr Yuen have the potential to significantly enhance fire resilience and emergency response in metro stations.   We congratulate Dr Huang and Dr Yuen on their outstanding achievements and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of their research on the future development of Hong Kong's railway systems.