Events

Seminar on "Online AI Control and Monitoring in Power Electronics" by Dr Tianhao (Steward) Qie

Date: 7 March 2025, Friday Time: 4:30 pm Venue: Y5-305, City University of Hong Kong Zoom Meeting ID: 899 0158 1173 Password: 123456 Speaker: Dr Tianhao (Steward) Qie, City University of Hong Kong Online AI Control and Monitoring in Power Electronics Dr Tianhao (Steward) Qie, City University of Hong Kong   Abstract:The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into power electronics (PE) is revolutionizing control and monitoring systems, particularly for renewable energy systems (RES) and microgrids. Traditional control methods, such as PID and model predictive control, struggle with parameter robustness and computational demands. AI-based approaches, including Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Integral Reinforcement Learning (IRL), offer enhanced disturbance rejection, model-free operation, and adaptive control, making them ideal for dynamic and unpredictable environments. Through case studies on DC-DC converters, inverters, and wind turbine systems, AI-based controllers demonstrate superior performance in dynamic response and robustness compared to conventional methods. The seminar also introduces AI 2.0, which eliminates the need for initial stabilizing gains and ensures faster convergence, and AI 3.0, focusing on ultra-low-cost monitoring systems with minimal computational resources. Looking ahead, AI 4.0 envisions AI-aided control and monitoring for next-generation power converters.   Speaker’s Bio: Tianhao Qie received the B.E. degree in automation from Southwest University, China, in 2020. He received the M.E. degree from The University of Western Australia (UWA), Australia, in 2021 and PhD degree from The University of Western Australia (UWA), Australia, in 2024. Currently, he is a Senior RA in City University of Hong Kong, specializing in Electrical and Electronics. His research interests are AI, advanced control algorithms, power electronics converters and microgrids.   WEBINAR WEBSITE: https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/webinar/

EEE Welcoming Tea Reception for First-Year Students 2025

The EEE Welcoming Tea Reception for First-Year Students 2025 was held in the Hotel ICON on 1 March 2025 for the first-year students to meet and interact with our Professors, fellow students, and accomplished alumni. The event was addressed by Prof. Chi-yung CHUNG, Head of Department. Ir Prof. Alfred SIT, Professor of Practice (Electrical Engineering) of the Department, and Ir Eric Siu Cheung MA, President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, were invited to present the development and career prospects of the electrical and electronic engineering industries in Hong Kong. Besides the introduction of EEE and the Mentorship Programme, our alumna, Ms Melody Yang also shared her experience with our students. Different exhibition booths about the EEE student activities and alumni associations were also set up in the venue for the participants to mingle with each other.

Seminar on "iLLM-TSC: Integrating Reinforcement Learning and Large Language Models for Traffic Signal Control Policy Improvement" by Mr Aoyu Pang

Date: 28 February 2025, Friday Time: 4:30pm Venue: Room EF502a, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Zoom Meeting ID: 848 7250 3733 Password: 123456 Speaker: Mr Aoyu Pang, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) iLLM-TSC: Integrating Reinforcement Learning and Large Language Models for Traffic Signal Control Policy Improvement Mr Aoyu Pang, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen)   Abstract: This work presents a novel framework that combines Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Large Language Models (LLMs) for enhancing traffic signal control (TSC) policies. The integration of these two powerful techniques addresses key challenges in real-world traffic management, such as communication degradation (including delays, packet loss, and noise) and long-tail scenarios that involve rare but critical events (e.g., emergency vehicles).   Speaker’s Bio: Aoyu Pang received the B.Eng. degree in Automatization from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) in 2023. He is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in Computer and Information Engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China. His research interests include iintelligent transportation, reinforcement learning and V2X communication.   WEBINAR WEBSITE: https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/webinar/

Seminar on "Advanced Wireless Power Transfer Technologies: Topology, Modulation, and Control" by Dr Kerui Li

Date: 21 February 2025, Friday Time: 4:30 pm Venue: Y5-305, City University of Hong Kong Zoom Meeting ID: 899 0158 1173 Password: 123456 Speaker: Dr Kerui Li, City University of Hong Kong Advanced Wireless Power Transfer Technologies: Topology, Modulation, and Control Dr Kerui Li, City University of Hong Kong   Abstract: The electronics industry is experiencing a paradigm shift due to its transition from wired to wireless charging. This transformation is set to reach new heights with the increasing adoption of wireless charging across various applications. To embrace these emerging applications, addressing technical challenges and advancing wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies becomes imperative. This seminar will start with a comprehensive examination of existing low-frequency WPT systems, exploring the stability challenges they face and introducing effective strategies to overcome them. Moreover, a highly efficient printed-circuit-board (PCB) resonator for megahertz WPT systems will be presented, showcasing its potential to advance WPT technologies into high-frequency regions. Finally, these key technologies will be summarized, and the prospects for future research will be outlined.   Speaker’s Bio: Kerui Li received the B.Eng. degree from the South China University of Technology in 2013, the M.Eng. degree from the Sun Yat-sen University in 2016, and the Ph.D. degree from The University of Hong Kong in 2021. He is currently a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at The City University of Hong Kong. His research interests include power electronics and wireless power transfer. His professional services and research have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics Outstanding Reviewer Award (2025), two IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics Prize Paper Awards (second place in 2024 and first place in 2023), the IEEE Power Electronics Society Ph.D. Thesis Talk Award (2022), and the University of Hong Kong Power Engineering Prize (2020). WEBINAR WEBSITE: https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/webinar/

PolyU and NetDragon Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (NetDragon) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 23 January 2025 on campus, marking the establishment of a strategic partnership. This close collaboration aims to promote the applications of educational technology (EdTech) in higher education globally and foster the development of tech talent through the development of artificial intelligence (AI) learning platforms, joint research, and exchange programmes. Witnessed by Prof. Kwok-yin WONG, PolyU Vice President (Education); Prof. H.C. MAN, PolyU Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Mr Ben YAM, Chief Financial Officer of NetDragon; and Mr Wood LAU, Head of Compliance and Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary of NetDragon, the MoU was signed by Prof. Chi-yung CHUNG, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering of PolyU, and Ms Doris ZHAO, General Manager of Regional Business Development of NetDragon. Under the MoU, PolyU and NetDragon will closely collaborate in three key areas. This includes the joint development of an AI learning platform aimed at enriching the learning experiences of students in Hong Kong and around the world. Both parties will also leverage their exceptional research and academic strengths, along with extensive industry experience, to engage in collaborative research focused on best practices and innovations in EdTech. In addition, they will facilitate academic and cultural exchange programmes among tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and other countries and regions, fostering a global exchange of knowledge and ideas.

EEE Barbecue Gathering

The Department hosted the EEE Barbecue Gathering for our staff and students at the Whitehead BBQ site in Ma On Shan on 18 January 2025. The event commenced with an opening remark from Prof. C.Y. Chung, Head of Department, who welcomed attendees and set the stage for a day of enjoyment. Participants were entertained by student performances, and engaged in two team challenges that promoted collaboration between staff and students. This gathering also brought together the academic advisers and advisees, as well as our alumni, fostering a spirit of connection.

Empowering Deep Modeling of 3D Geometry Data: From Representation, Learning Process, to Loss Function” conducted by Dr Hou Junhui from City University of Hong Kong

Date: 18 December 2024 (Wednesday) Time: 10:00am – 11:30am Venue: CD634,  The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Contact person: Dr Wang Yi (yi-eie.wang@polyu.edu.hk) or Prof. Chau Lap Pui (lap-pui.chau@polyu.edu.hk)  

Seminar on "From Networked Multi-Agent System to Physical Traffic Computing" by Dr. Kai Fung Chu

Date: 13 December 2024, Friday Time: 4:30pm Venue: CD 634, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Zoom Meeting ID: 383 735 6917 Password: 270831 Speaker: Dr. Kai Fung Chu, University of Cambridge, UK   From Networked Multi-Agent System to Physical Traffic Computing Dr. Kai Fung Chu, University of Cambridge, UK   Abstract: The capabilities of multi-agent systems are influenced by their underlying network dynamics. Computational intelligence plays a pivotal role in enhancing their performance by reconfiguring the networks, yet it often depends on computation resources in centralized or decentralized devices. Addressing the computational resource constraints could significantly scale up a multi-agent system. In this talk, I will first present how to control the network dynamics for collective goals by showing my research works that exemplify the network reconfiguration process. Then, I will present how an alternative computation resource could be induced by the intrinsic dynamics within a mobile multi-agent system, supported by concrete examples. Finally, I will discuss future research directions in harnessing dynamics-induced computation resources of multi-agent systems.   Speaker’s Bio:Kai-Fung Chu is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow in the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge. He received the Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from The University of Hong Kong, and the M.Sc. (Distinction) and B.Eng. (First Class Honors) degrees in Electronic and Information Engineering from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Prior to joining the University of Cambridge, he was a Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Computing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and a Research Fellow of the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University. He also worked in the industry as an engineer for several years. His research interests include multi-agent systems, mobile robots, autonomous vehicles, and intelligent transportation systems.   WEBINAR WEBSITE: https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/webinar/

PolyU signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CLP Power

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited signed a MoU on 11 December 2024. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and Mr Joseph Law, Managing Director of CLP Power, the MoU was signed by Prof. Chung Chi-yung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), Chair Professor of Power Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Grid Modernisation, along with Mr Paul Tomlinson, Chief Operations and Transformation Officer of CLP Power. This collaboration marks a significant step for PolyU and CLP Power in advancing education and fostering innovative research in electrical engineering. Both parties will leverage cutting-edge technologies, including the metaverse, immersive virtual environments, virtual reality, and augmented reality, to develop innovative digital training and learning materials for students and the industry. EEE students will have the opportunity to experience the real working environment of the power industry, enhancing their integrated skills in both theory and practice, while also exploring opportunities for academic and research collaboration.

Seminar on "Comprehensive Analysis Framework for DC Electrical Networks: Evaluating Existence, Algorithm Convergence, Stability of Equilibrium" by Miss Zhenxi Wu

Date: 6 December 2024, Friday Time: 4:30pm Venue: YEUNG-B5311, City University of Hong Kong Zoom Meeting ID: 859 2865 1236 Password: 123456 Speaker: Miss Zhenxi Wu, City University of Hong Kong   Comprehensive Analysis Framework for DC Electrical Networks: Evaluating Existence, Algorithm Convergence, Stability of Equilibrium Miss Zhenxi Wu, City University of Hong Kong   Abstract: Stability analysis programs are essential tools for power system planning and operations engineers, allowing them to forecast the system’s response to various disturbances. The outcomes of these stability studies inform critical conclusions and decisions. In this talk, we will present a comprehensive analysis framework to guarantee the correct operation of DC electrical network with large-scale renewable distributed generators (DGs) and constant power loads (CPLs). In addition to an overview, new results are offered. Firstly, analytical solvability conditions based on fixed point theorems for the power flow equation are given and compared, and the strongest analytical solvability condition is presented. Secondly, we obtain the convergence condition about the initial iterative value of Newton-Raphson method for power flow calculations. Thirdly, we extract the intrinsic characteristics of the Jacobian Matrix of the DC electrical network and derive the sufficient local stability conditions. Finally, we propose an algorithm of ROA estimation with less computations and complexity to analyze the transient stability of the system. Speaker’s Bio: Zhenxi Wu received the B.Eng. degree in electrical engineering and automation from Central South University, Changsha, China, in 2020. She is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree with the Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong and the Ph.D. degree in control science and engineering, Central South University. Her current research interests include stability analysis of power electronic-based power systems and control of power electronics converters. WEBINAR WEBSITE: https://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/~cccn/webinar/