News

New Assistant Professor – Prof. Li Hangxin

BEEE is delighted to announce the appointment of Prof. Li Hangxin as an Assistant Professor, effective from 1st May 2025. Prof. Li has been an integral part of our community, and we look forward to her continued contributions in her new role.    Prof. Li earned her PhD degree in 2020 from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She began her academic career as a research assistant professor at PolyU the same year. Throughout her research career, she has secured over HKD 6.5 million in external funding as PI/PC, including the RGC General Research Fund and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission Major Carbon-Neutrality Fund. She is also a recipient of the NSFC Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas).   Prof. Li’s research focuses on smart, energy-flexible, and energy-efficient buildings, building-power grid interaction and renewable integration, data-driven energy system and control optimization, and uncertainty analysis. She has developed various smart technologies for system and control optimization of buildings and districts to enhance their energy efficiency and flexibility. Prof. Li has published over 50 journal papers, with over 1,500 citations and an h-index of 18 on Google Scholar. She serves as a member of the Young Editorial Board for Advances in Applied Energy and guest editor for the journals Energy and Building Simulation.   Prof. Li is also very active in collaborating with the building and power system industries for applied energy research and applications. She is collaborating with China Southern Power Grid and the Shenzhen Institute of Building Research to develop and implement technologies for enhancing and unlocking energy flexibility in real commercial buildings.  

Four BEEE Projects Awarded at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) continues to showcase research excellence and innovation capabilities, as Associate Professor Huang Xinyan from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) secured a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva for his revolutionary invention “Smart Fire Extinguisher for Spacecraft”. Meanwhile, in the Department of BEEE, Professor Yang Hongxing won the Gold Medal for the project “A Multi-objective Yaw-control System for Wind Farm Optimization Based on Novel 3D Wake Model”, Professor Xiao Fu won the Gold Medal for the project "AI-empowered Digital Twin for Smart Building Management”, and Professor Yan Jinyue Jerry won the Silver Medal for the project “ IHAC Film: Intelligent Humidity Control and Atmospheric Water Collection Film".   The project, developed by Prof. Huang’s research team and his startup company, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, introduced a groundbreaking invention that significantly enhances fire safety in spacecraft. This spacecraft air vortex ring fire extinguishing system employs AI to autonomously detect and locate fires. It generates air vortex rings via pressure regulation for precise extinguishing, maintaining stable propagation in microgravity with stronger fire-extinguishing capabilities and better energy efficiency than traditional firefighting blowers. The compact device uses ambient air, eliminating storage needs and residue issues. Compatible with gas-based extinguishers and firefighting robots, it enhances space mission safety while its modular design extends adaptability to complex earth fire scenarios.   The digital yaw optimization system introduced by Prof. Yang is designed for large-scale wind farms. It combines an innovative 3D yaw wake model with a machine learning module to accurately calculate power and loads based on given yaw angles. The system then uses multi-objective optimization strategies to balance energy output and structural loads.  This invention improves the operational efficiency and reliability of wind farms, offering significant economic and social benefits for wind power development. The innovative AI-powered digital twin management platform invented by Prof. Xiao offers a transformative approach to smart building management. It optimizes energy efficiency, reduces carbon emissions and enables predictive maintenance while ensuring optimal indoor comfort and air quality. Prof. Yan's project describes an Intelligent Humidity Control and Atmospheric Water Collection Films (IHAC films) that manage humidity and supply fresh water without using energy. They combine hydrophilic PAN/CNT nanofiber layers with water-storage hydrogels, offering exceptional water adsorption and storage. These lightweight, portable and cost-effective ($16.94/m²) films are scalable and durable in various conditions.   We wholeheartedly applaud Prof. Huang Xinyan, Prof. Yang Hongxing, Prof. Xiao Fu, and Prof. Yan Jinyue Jerry – along with their brilliant research teams – for earning these prestigious accolades. Their stellar accomplishments stand as a testament to PolyU's innovative ethos, forging new frontiers through boundary-pushing research.  

BEEE Assistant Professor Secures Prestigious Environment and Conservation Fund Grant

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is thrilled to announce that Prof. Du Liangfen, Assistant Professor at BEEE, has been awarded funding from the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) for her groundbreaking project titled "A Novel Acoustic Metagrating Barrier for Traffic Noise Reduction." Prof. Du's project has received an impressive grant amounting to HK$760,592.   This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the competitive nature of the ECF funding process, with less than 13% of applications from PolyU being successful. Prof. Du's success underscores her dedication to advancing environmental research and technology.   Warm congratulations to Prof. Du Liangfen for her remarkable achievement and contribution to environmental conservation. Her innovative work not only enhances the reputation of BEEE but also plays a crucial role in addressing pressing environmental challenges.   We look forward to seeing the positive impact of Prof. Du's research on traffic noise reduction and its contribution to sustainable urban development.  

BEEE Academic Honored with ASHRAE Fellowship Award

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is thrilled to announce that Prof. Linda Fu Xiao, a distinguished academic staff member of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been awarded the prestigious ASHRAE Fellowship Award. This accolade recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field of HVAC&R and the built environment.   Prof. Xiao, who also serves as the Associate Dean (Partnership) of the Faculty, has dedicated over 20 years to pioneering research in dynamic modeling, optimal control, and fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) of HVAC&R systems. Her groundbreaking work in leveraging big data and AI technologies has significantly advanced building energy efficiency and resilience, bridging the gap between innovative research methodologies and their practical applications in real-world settings.   The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), established in 1894, is a global society comprising over 50,000 professionals from more than 132 countries. ASHRAE is committed to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world.   Prof. Xiao's recognition as an ASHRAE Fellow highlights her substantial contributions to education, research, engineering design, consultation, and mentoring within the HVAC&R community. Her work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that ASHRAE seeks to honor.   Congratulations to Prof. Linda Fu Xiao on this well-deserved recognition. Her achievements continue to inspire and pave the way for future advancements in building energy efficiency.  

BEEE Maintains Strong Global Standing in Architecture and Built Environment in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

In an exciting development for the academic community, the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has maintained its impressive ranking in the Architecture and Built Environment category of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, holding steady at 17th globally. This remarkable achievement underscores BEEE's unwavering commitment to excellence in education and research, solidifying its position as a leader in the field.   The QS World University Rankings by Subject are highly regarded for their comprehensive evaluation of universities worldwide, assessing factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact. BEEE's consistent ranking at 17th globally highlights the department's dedication to fostering innovative research and providing top-tier education to its students.   The 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject features 55 individual subjects across five broad subject areas. This year's rankings are the most extensive yet, with 171 new institutions included that were not present in the 2024 edition.   The success of BEEE in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its academics, researchers, and students. These achievements not only enhance The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's reputation on the international stage but also reinforce its role as a pivotal contributor to sustainable development and innovation in its respective fields.  

Celebrating Excellence: BEEE Students Honored at CIBSE Hong Kong Region Student Awards 2025

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is delighted to announce the achievements of two outstanding BEEE students who received the CIBSE Hong Kong Region Student Awards 2025. The ceremony, held on March 20, 2025, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong, celebrated exceptional accomplishments in the field of Building Services Engineering.   The evening brought together industry leaders, educators, and aspiring engineers for a memorable annual dinner. We were honored to have Professor Asif Sohail Usmani, Head of the Department, in attendance, along with the two distinguished awardees, Miss Wong Nok Hei and Mr. Chan Lok Kwan. Their outstanding performance and dedication to their studies were recognized.   The event provided an excellent platform for networking and celebrating the hard work and achievements of our students. It was a night filled with inspiration and recognition, highlighting the bright future of the industry.   Congratulations to Miss Wong Nok Hei and Mr. Chan Lok Kwan for their well-deserved awards. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication and passion for Building Services Engineering, and we look forward to their continued contributions to the field.  

BEEE Scholars Secure Major Research Funding to Propel Innovative Projects

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is thrilled to announce the substantial research funding secured by our scholars. This funding underscores the department's pivotal role in advancing innovative research projects, with support from the Collaborative Research Equipment Grant (CREG), Young Collaborative Research Grant (YCRG), and the Research Impact Fund 2024/25. Recognition from these prestigious funding schemes highlights BEEE's ability to attract and manage significant research projects, further empowering the department to lead transformative advancements in building environment and energy engineering.   Collaborative Research Fund 2024/25 The Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) supports multi-investigator, multi-disciplinary projects, encouraging research groups to engage in creative and high-quality cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional projects. The CRF offers several types of grants, including: • Collaborative Research Equipment Grant (CREG): Enables the acquisition of major research facilities or equipment. • Young Collaborative Research Grant (YCRG): Supports early-stage academic staff in gaining experience in leading and managing collaborative research. Funded Projects: • Collaborative Research Equipment Grant (CREG): o Project Title: Development of a Colorimetric and Photometric Characterisation Platform for Binocular VR/AR Headsets o Project Coordinator: Prof. Tommy WEI, Professor, BEEE o Amount Awarded: HK$3,015,000 • Young Collaborative Research Grant (YCRG): o Project Title: AI-empowered Wind Field Simulation for Sustainable Urban Microclimate Design o Project Coordinator: Prof. Ruoyu YOU, Assistant Professor, BEEE o Amount Awarded: HK$3,643,410 Research Impact Fund 2024/25 The RGC Research Impact Fund (RIF) aims to provide sustained support to local academics for conducting impactful and translational collaborative research projects, articulating the potential for benefiting the wider community. • Project Title: Creating Delightful Experience in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Headset through Optimal Optical Design o Project Coordinator: Prof. Tommy WEI, Professor, BEEE o Amount Awarded: HK$4,800,000 These projects highlight BEEE's commitment to pioneering research that delivers tangible societal benefits and reinforces the department's academic leadership. With this funding, BEEE is poised to drive forward-thinking solutions that address critical challenges in building environment and energy engineering, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and innovative future.  

Successful Student Gathering and Scholarship Awards Ceremony for MScCNCUS Programme

On January 22, 2025, the MSc in Carbon Neutral Cities and Urban Sustainability (MScCNCUS) programme hosted a successful student gathering event at the Alumni Atrium. The highlight of the event was the award presentation for the MScCNCUS Post-Entry Merit-based Scholarship for the 2024/25 academic year.   The event commenced with registration at 10:20 am, followed by a warm welcome speech from the Programme Leader, Prof. Vivien Lu. Prof. Lu congratulated the students on their achievements and emphasized the importance of sustainability in urban development. The award presentation recognized outstanding students with scholarships in three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The recipients were: • Gold (HK$30,000 each): LIU Chenxi, LI Qi, QIU Yi, WANG Shuo • Silver (HK$20,000 each): ZHANG Zhaolin, LIU Yanting, CAO Xin, LU Siqi, LI Wangjie, MAO Wanfang • Bronze (HK$10,000 each): LEUNG Yiu Nam, LI Shuyi, LIN Jiaxin, HUANG Ziyi, ZHANG Yilin, WANG Hanmeng, GE Wenjing, XU Lichi, TANG Duo   Following the award ceremony, participants enjoyed a light lunch, providing an opportunity for networking and discussion among students and the Department. The event concluded with a group photo session at 12:10 pm, capturing the spirit of camaraderie and achievement.    We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the scholarship recipients and thank everyone who participated in making this event a memorable success.    The photo gallery can be found here.  

Two BEEE PhD Students Won the Oral Presentation Awards in International and National Conferences

The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering (BEEE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to report that Mr Yifei DING and Mr Yichao ZHANG, our PhD student who are both under the supervision of Associate Professor Xinyan HUANG, have been selected for the Oral Presentation Awards for two academic conferences in 2024.   Yifei Ding selected for the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award on 2024 National Thermal Safety Conference. His presentation, “AI-based digitized fuel load survey: data collection and statistical analysis”, proposed a new building fire load database, contributing to fire safety design and smart building developments.  Yifei’s research is focused on smart firefighting and fire digital twins.   Yichao Zhang received the Best Student Oral Presentation Award at the 17th International Peatland Congress for his presentation, “Impact of Underground Smoldering on Plant Roots in Peat Soil.” This research investigates the damage caused by smoldering underground peat fires to plant roots, providing theoretical support for forest management and vegetation recovery after wildfires. Yichao’ work focus on wildland fire and smoldering fire.   The Department of BEEE congratulates Yifei, Yichao and their collaborators on their outstanding achievements and wishes them continued success.  

BEEE PhD Student Team Awarded in the Hong Kong ICT Startup Award 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 Certificate of Merit in the Hong Kong ICT Startup Award.   Mr. Wong’s team project, “Generation Alpha Building Emergency System”, initiated in the PolyU Maker Fund Programme 2021 and thus established a start-up, GABES Limited, received the Certificate of Merit Hardware and Devices Stream. The project 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 is crucial to the novel smart firefighting technology developed at PolyU (the SureFire Project). This technology will be applied to the next generation of smart and resilient buildings, helping Hong Kong become the world's leading smart city.   The Hong Kong ICT Awards was established in 2006. It is the most recognised and longest-standing information technology award in Hong Kong. It aims at recognising and promoting outstanding local information and communications technology (ICT) inventions and applications, thereby promoting constant innovation and pursuit of excellence in the entire ICT industry.   The Department of BEEE congratulates Mr. Wong Ho Yin and his team on their outstanding achievements and wishes them continued success.