A team of four postgraduate students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has won the Excellence Award at the 2025 Net Zero Tech International Contest. The team was recognized for their outstanding performance in the finals, held at National Taiwan University.
Selected as one of only 20 finalist teams from a pool of 230 registrations across 11 countries, the PolyU team presented their project, "Development of a smart mini-grid system for renewable energy storage and utilization." The project's core innovation is its use of vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) technology, which offers a high energy capacity, long cycle life, and the unique ability to decouple power and energy ratings.
Under the supervision of Prof. AN Liang, the team—comprising leader Miss Huo Xiaoyu and members Miss Bai Yuran, Mr Long Xin, and Mr Fu Enkang—developed a functional smart mini-grid that integrates their VRFB with a 5 kW solar panel. The system's feasibility was rigorously validated through a staged development process, beginning with a 50 W prototype and scaling up to a fully functional 5 kW/20 kWh stack.
The project aims to improve energy efficiency, create economic value, and reduce environmental impact. Beyond its technical merits, it supports the broader adoption of renewable energy and contributes to the global transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Jointly organized by National Taiwan University and the TECO Technology Foundation, the Net Zero Tech International Competition is dedicated to cultivating talent in net-zero emission technologies. The contest provides a global stage for young scholars to propose innovative and practical solutions in green energy and sustainable innovation.
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