TFES Lab

About

Mission

The Thermal-Fluid and Energy Science Laboratory (TFES LAB), affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU), is dedicated to cutting-edge research in smart nanomaterials, advanced thermal-fluid management, and clean energy sustainable technologies.

Our research spans a wide range of topics including micro/nano-scale thermal fluids, ferrofluid applications, wind energy system design, electrochemical energy storage (Li-ion batteries, vanadium redox flow batteries), photocatalysis, and thermal management (microchannels, heat pipes, nanofluids).

Led by Distinguished Prof. Huei-Chu Weng, the TFES Lab aims to cultivate the next generation of researchers and engineers while contributing to the global advancement of thermal-fluid science and sustainable energy solutions.

Research Areas

Smart Nanomaterials

This research area focuses on nanoparticle synthesis, nanofluid preparation and characterization, nanocomposite materials, metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives, and photocatalytic materials for thermal, energy, and environmental applications. Using chemical co-precipitation, ultrasonic atomization, spray drying, and CVD carbon coating, we have successfully prepared magnetic nanofluids of varying particle sizes, MOF-derived energy storage materials, and BiVO₄-based heterojunction photocatalysts (such as BiVO₄/Bi₂WO₆, BiVO₄/InVO₄, and Bi₂O₃/BiVO₄). Research outcomes span nanofluid heat transfer enhancement mechanisms, wettability control of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanostructured surfaces, Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst design, and photocatalytic applications in organic pollutant degradation (Rhodamine B, antibiotics) and E. coli inactivation.

Advanced Thermal-Fluid Management

This area covers advanced cooling technologies—microchannel heat dissipation, heat pipe technology, pool boiling on nanostructured surfaces, server immersion liquid cooling, and lithium-ion battery thermal management—alongside fundamental studies of micro- and nano-scale thermal-fluid phenomena. At the macro scale, we investigate NACA airfoil pin fins, multi-mini-channel designs, pulsating heat pipes, AAO nanostructure growth on gravity heat pipe inner walls, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface modification for pool boiling enhancement. For battery cooling, we develop micro heat pipe arrays, PCM-metal scaffolds, and multi-mini-channel cold plates for lithium-ion packs. At the micro/nano scale, we study ferrofluid flow in microchannels (pressure-driven, gravity-driven, magnetically controlled), ferrofluid dampers and hydrostatic bearings, hypersonic thermal flow around spherically blunted tangent-ogive nose cones, magnetogasdynamic natural convection, and gas compressibility effects on forced convection in microtubes.

Clean & Sustainable Energy

This research area is dedicated to renewable and sustainable energy technologies, spanning wind energy, solar thermal, latent heat storage, vanadium redox flow batteries, and electrochemical energy storage devices. In wind energy, we optimize horizontal and vertical axis turbine blades (curvature, twist, winglets, U-shaped sweep) combined with biomimetic blade design and urban building wind-field analysis. In solar/latent heat storage, we investigate PCM shell geometry and fin configurations, as well as AAO nanostructures to enhance solar collector tubes. In electrochemical storage, we study lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion capacitors, and supercapacitors — covering cathode materials (LiNi₀.₅Mn₁.₅O₄) with doping and surface engineering, anode materials (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, TiNb₂O₇, Li₃VO₄, SiOₓ/C) with structural design and carbon coating — and extending to vanadium redox flow battery electrolytes and graphite felt electrodes.

Lab Director

Huei Chu Weng(翁輝竹)

Distinguished Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University

Distinguished Professor, Dept. of ME, CYCU / 中原大學特聘教授 (2024.8.1)

Prof. Huei Chu Weng is a Distinguished Professor directing the Thermal-Fluid and Energy Science Laboratory (TFES Lab). Research areas include Smart Nanomaterial, Advanced Thermal-Fluid Management, and Clean Energy & Sustainable Technology.

Phone: +886-3-2654311

Email: hcweng@cycu.edu.tw

Office: Room 513, Engineering Bldg., 5F

Smart NanomaterialsAdvanced Thermal-Fluid ManagementClean Energy & Sustainability