Xiaoqin Sun | Thermal management | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Xiaoqin Sun | Thermal management | Best Researcher Award

 Professor at Changsha University of Science and Technology, China 🎓

Dr. Xiaoqin Sun, a distinguished professor at Changsha University of Science and Technology, is a prominent figure in the field of thermal management. Her research, supported by the National Key R&D Program and NSFC, focuses on phase change energy storage technology. Dr. Sun has made significant contributions, evidenced by her 76 published papers, over 2200 citations, and 34 patents. Her innovative technologies, such as the world’s first air conditioner with phase change material and advanced cooling systems, have garnered numerous accolades, including the Golden Bridge Award. Her work in thermal management for devices and buildings highlights her leadership and expertise in the field.

Professional Profile 

🎓Education🧑‍🎓

Dr. Xiaoqin Sun’s educational background is a testament to her deep commitment to advancing the field of thermal management and energy systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Changsha University of Science and Technology, where her research laid the foundation for her groundbreaking work in phase change energy storage technology. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Sun completed her Master’s degree in Thermal Engineering at the same institution, where she developed a strong grounding in heat transfer and thermal management principles. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, which provided her with a comprehensive understanding of mechanical systems and their interactions with thermal processes. This rigorous educational background has equipped Dr. Sun with a robust knowledge base and the technical expertise necessary to drive innovation in her field, making significant contributions to both theoretical and applied aspects of thermal management technology.

💼Work Experience

Dr. Xiaoqin Sun has built an illustrious career at Changsha University of Science and Technology, where she has served as a professor and researcher in the field of thermal management. Her tenure at the university has been marked by her dedication to advancing phase change energy storage technology and improving thermal management systems for devices and buildings. Dr. Sun’s professional journey includes significant contributions to both academic and applied research. Her work, supported by major national research programs such as the National Key R&D Program and NSFC, has led to groundbreaking innovations in cooling technologies. She has played a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge thermal management solutions, including the world’s first air conditioner with phase change material and advanced liquid cooling systems for electronic devices. In addition to her research roles, Dr. Sun has been actively involved in editorial appointments, contributing to the academic community through her positions on the Young Editorial Board of Energy and Built Environment and as an editor for a special issue in Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer. Her collaborations with international experts from institutions such as Texas A&M University and the University of Colorado Boulder reflect her global influence and the recognition of her expertise in thermal management.

🔍Research Focus 

Dr. Xiaoqin Sun’s research focus lies primarily in the domain of thermal management, with a particular emphasis on phase change energy storage technology. Her work addresses critical challenges in managing heat in various applications, from electronic devices to buildings. Dr. Sun’s innovative research includes the development of advanced cooling systems, such as the world’s first air conditioner utilizing phase change materials, which boasts an impressive annual energy efficiency ratio (AEER) of 14.91—five times that of standard units. Her contributions extend to designing high-performance heat exchangers and cooling systems, including plate-type liquid cooling for electronics and hybrid heat pump systems that enhance cooling efficiency by 33%. Additionally, her work on integrating lake water cooling with traditional compressors for data centers has achieved a power usage effectiveness (PUE) as low as 1.12, setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency in cooling technologies. Through these advancements, Dr. Sun has not only pushed the boundaries of thermal management but has also demonstrated a commitment to practical, high-impact solutions that address both current and future challenges in energy efficiency.

🏆Awards and Honors

Dr. Xiaoqin Sun has received numerous accolades that underscore her exceptional contributions to the field of thermal management and energy efficiency. Her pioneering work, particularly in developing advanced cooling technologies and phase change material air conditioners, has been recognized with prestigious awards. Notably, she was honored with the Golden Bridge Award by the China Technology Market Association, a testament to her significant impact and innovation in technology. Additionally, her groundbreaking research and technological advancements have earned her recognition in the form of numerous patents, including one American patent and 13 Chinese patents. These honors reflect her leadership in advancing thermal management solutions and her substantial influence in the scientific and technological communities.

Conclusion

Dr. Xiaoqin Sun is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her groundbreaking contributions to thermal management technology and her extensive record of publications and patents. Her research has led to significant advancements in energy efficiency and cooling systems, demonstrating her exceptional expertise and leadership in her field. While there are areas where she could further enhance her impact, her achievements and the practical applications of her work make her a standout candidate for this prestigious award.

📖Publications : 

Assessing the integration of a thin phase change material (PCM) layer in a residential building wall for heat transfer reduction and management

Authors: KO Lee, MA Medina, E Raith, X Sun

Citations: 323

Year: 2015

Journal: Applied Energy, 137, 699-706

Thermal performance of phase change materials (PCM)-enhanced cellulose insulation in passive solar residential building walls

Authors: KO Lee, MA Medina, X Sun, X Jin

Citations: 165

Year: 2018

Journal: Solar Energy, 163, 113-121

Enhanced thermal energy storage of a paraffin-based phase change material (PCM) using nano carbons

Authors: X Sun, L Liu, Y Mo, J Li, C Li

Citations: 128

Year: 2020

Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering, 181, 115992

Experimental observations on the heat transfer enhancement caused by natural convection during melting of solid–liquid phase change materials (PCMs)

Authors: X Sun, Q Zhang, MA Medina, KO Lee

Citations: 127

Year: 2016

Journal: Applied Energy, 162, 1453-1461

Energy and economic analysis of a building enclosure outfitted with a phase change material board (PCMB)

Authors: X Sun, Q Zhang, MA Medina, KO Lee

Citations: 126

Year: 2014

Journal: Energy Conversion and Management, 83, 73-78

Thermodynamic and economic assessment of a novel CCHP integrated system taking biomass, natural gas and geothermal energy as co-feeds

Authors: X Zhang, X Liu, X Sun, C Jiang, H Li, Q Song, J Zeng, G Zhang

Citations: 93

Year: 2018

Journal: Energy Conversion and Management, 172, 105-118

A study on the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in combination with a natural cold source for space cooling in telecommunications base stations (TBSs) in China

Authors: X Sun, Q Zhang, MA Medina, Y Liu, S Liao

Citations: 88

Year: 2014

Journal: Applied Energy, 117, 95-103

Exergetic and exergoeconomic evaluation of co-firing biomass gas with natural gas in CCHP system integrated with ground source heat pump

Authors: X Zhang, R Zeng, K Mu, X Liu, X Sun, H Li

Citations: 69

Year: 2019

Journal: Energy Conversion and Management, 180, 622-640

Performance of a thermoelectric cooling system integrated with a gravity-assisted heat pipe for cooling electronics

Authors: X Sun, L Zhang, S Liao

Citations: 64

Year: 2017

Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering, 116, 433-444

Use of encapsulated phase change materials in lightweight building walls for annual thermal regulation

Authors: X Sun, J Jovanovic, Y Zhang, S Fan, Y Chu, Y Mo, S Liao

Citations: 62

Year: 2019

Journal: Energy, 180, 858-872