Research Center for 

Green Energy and Future Agriculture

Center Overview

The center is committed to addressing the global strategic challenges for sustainable development. We carry out the fundamental research on the micro-nanoscale heat and mass transfer mechanisms and also integrates cutting-edge technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, aiming to achieve breakthroughs in key areas including the efficient conversion and utilization of renewable energy, smart energy management, and the recycling of agricultural resources, thereby providing innovative solutions for building a new energy-water-food supply system. The center strives to establish a leading interdisciplinary research platform that bridges engineering and agricultural disciplines, cultivating global vision, innovative talents to drive the transformation toward sustainable development and carbon neutrality.

Core Members

Hua Bao Zhongyong Wang Yi Zheng Professor  Director of the Center Associate Professor Associate Professor Dayi Lai Jingjin Zhang Sijie Sun Associate Professor Associate Researcher Research Assistant

Focus Areas

1. Efficient Integration and Thermal Management of Energy Systems

This research direction addresses critical scientific challenges in multi-scale thermal transport and energy coupling. It advances micro/nano-scale thermal management technologies and explores innovative strategies for integrating renewable energy systems. The primary objective is to significantly enhance energy conversion efficiency, spanning from material interfaces to system levels. Additionally, it provides essential solutions for thermal management in high-power-density electronic and optoelectronic devices while supporting the large-scale utilization of renewable energy.

2. Energy and Environment system in controlled environment agriculture

This research direction leverages advanced technologies, including high-efficiency energy systems, artificial intelligence, and automatic control, to facilitate the optimization of the controlled environment agricultural system that interlinks climate, facilities, environment, crops, and energy. The objective is to ensure high-quality and efficient crop growth while significantly reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, it promotes the intelligent and sustainable development of controlled environment agriculture.

3. Smart Agriculture and Vertical Farming Systems

This research direction integrates advanced technologies—including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), artificial lighting, and new energy systems—to develop precision management and intelligent decision-making solutions for vertical farming systems. The objective is to reduce energy and resource consumption while enhancing crop production rates and quality of the system. This approach has the potential to address global challenges such as food security, resource scarcity, and environmental pollution. 

4. Value-added Utilization of Agriculture-derived Biomass

This research direction integrates biotechnologies and bioprocess modeling based on the principles of biosystems engineering to achieve the high-value utilization of agricultural biomass. Key research areas include biofuels, biochemicals, and biomass-based materials for personal health monitoring sensors. Additionally, it explores nano-carriers for targeted anticancer drug delivery, driving the development of a circular bioeconomy. Furthermore, it promotes sustainability across environmental, economic, and social dimensions.