Associate research fellow at School of Renewable Energy, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, China.
Zengcai is an Associate Research Fellow at the School of Renewable Energy, Inner Mongolia University of Technology 🇨🇳. With a strong commitment to sustainable energy, his research explores thermal energy storage 🔥, low-carbon combustion of coal and biomass ♻️, and pollutant emission control 🌱. He actively contributes to China’s dual carbon goals by advancing clean and flexible energy technologies. Ji has authored and co-authored ten SCI-indexed publications in top-tier journals including Fuel Processing Technology and Chemical Engineering Science 📚. He currently leads a strategic university project on thermal energy storage systems, focusing on performance optimization and adaptability under fluctuating loads ⚙️. Ji is dedicated to interdisciplinary approaches combining combustion science, heat transfer, and environmental engineering 🌍. Though early in his career, his research has already contributed valuable insights into sustainable energy transformation, making him a rising talent in the clean energy sector 🚀.
Professional Profile
Scopus
Suitability For Best Researcher Award – Dr. Zengcai Ji
Zengcai Ji is a highly promising researcher whose work significantly advances the field of sustainable energy, particularly in thermal energy storage and clean combustion technologies. His leadership in a strategic university project focused on optimizing thermal storage systems under variable load conditions addresses critical challenges in integrating renewable energy sources. Ji’s research on low-carbon coal and biomass combustion, coupled with effective pollutant emission control, aligns directly with China’s dual carbon goals and global sustainability efforts. With ten first-author publications in prestigious SCI-indexed journals, he has demonstrated strong scientific rigor and innovation early in his career. His interdisciplinary approach, combining combustion science, heat transfer, and environmental engineering, equips him with the tools to deliver impactful solutions for clean energy transitions. Although still early in his professional journey, Ji’s technical expertise, research leadership, and contribution to national projects make him an outstanding candidate for recognition as a best researcher in the clean energy domain.
Education
Zengcai Ji holds a Ph.D. in Engineering 🎓, where his research focused on clean combustion and energy systems optimization 🔥⚙️. During his doctoral studies, he participated in several national-level programs on low-emission combustion and the flexible operation of circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers in China 🇨🇳. His academic background is firmly grounded in mechanical and thermal energy engineering 🔧🌡️, with an emphasis on sustainable development and environmental protection 🌿. His advanced studies have provided him with solid expertise in modeling, system integration, and pollutant control technologies, all vital for transitioning to cleaner energy systems 🌍. Through hands-on experiments and theoretical work, Ji developed a comprehensive understanding of combustion dynamics and energy conversion processes, building a strong foundation for his research career 📘💡.
Experience
Zengcai Ji currently serves as an Associate Research Fellow at the School of Renewable Energy, Inner Mongolia University of Technology 🏫. He has led and contributed to research in thermal energy storage and clean coal combustion 🔥⚡. His experience includes hands-on experimental work with circulating fluidized bed (CFB) systems and low-emission combustion technologies 🧪🌀. Ji has authored multiple first-author publications in SCI journals and played a key role in a university-level strategic project focusing on novel thermal storage technologies and system adaptability under variable load conditions 🧰📈. Earlier in his career, he contributed to national research programs involving emission reduction and power plant flexibility 🔄🌫️. Although he has not yet engaged in industry consulting or patenting, his academic experience demonstrates a strong trajectory of technical problem-solving and applied thermal system research 🔍🔬.
Professional Development
Zengcai Ji has actively developed his professional capabilities through academic leadership and research involvement in strategic energy projects 🔋📚. Currently leading a university-funded initiative on thermal energy storage system design and optimization, he is enhancing his expertise in experimental setups, multi-physics modeling, and thermo-mechanical analysis 🛠️🧠. His consistent publication in high-impact SCI journals demonstrates a growing presence in the global research community 🌐🖋️. Although he has not yet taken on editorial roles or obtained patents, his contributions to national research programs during his Ph.D. provided valuable experience in managing complex, collaborative research tasks 🤝💼. Ji’s development also reflects a clear alignment with national and global sustainability goals, emphasizing innovation in clean energy systems and low-carbon technologies ♻️🌍. As he progresses, expanding his industry engagement and involvement in international research networks will further strengthen his professional profile 🚀🌎.
Research Focus Category
Zengcai Ji’s research focus lies in the broad domain of renewable energy and environmental engineering 🌱⚡. More specifically, his work contributes to clean combustion technologies, thermal energy storage systems, and solid waste utilization, all vital components in achieving low-carbon energy solutions 🔥♻️. His research supports China’s dual carbon goals and addresses pressing challenges in flexible power plant operations, NOx emission control, and resource efficiency 🌍🏭. By focusing on the performance optimization of circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers and thermal storage-assisted systems, Ji is developing practical technologies for integrating renewable energy sources and improving fossil fuel system efficiency ⚙️💨. His interdisciplinary research aligns with the energy transition, particularly in promoting sustainable coal and biomass use, making him a contributor to the global shift toward cleaner, more adaptable energy infrastructure 🔋🌐.
Research Skill Category
Zengcai Ji possesses a solid set of research skills in thermal systems engineering, experimental combustion analysis, and multi-physics modeling 🔥🧠. His expertise spans the operation of circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers, performance testing of thermal energy storage components, and emission characterization under varying load conditions 🧪🔍. Skilled in designing experimental rigs and evaluating combustion behaviors, he integrates both experimental and theoretical methods to address efficiency and emission issues in power systems 📊⚗️. Ji also applies knowledge of heat transfer, air distribution, and particle transport phenomena—all crucial to optimizing combustion and energy storage systems ⚙️🌡️. While still building experience in computational simulation, his strong hands-on and analytical abilities are evident from his peer-reviewed research contributions. As his career advances, expanding skills in digital twin systems, AI-based optimization, and international collaboration will further enhance his technical edge and global relevance 🌎🚀.
Awards and Honors
As of now, Zengcai Ji has not reported any formal awards or honors 🏅📉. However, his selection to lead a university-level strategic research project on thermal energy storage represents institutional recognition of his expertise and potential 🏫🎖️. Additionally, his consistent publication as the first author in SCI-indexed journals indicates academic merit and peer recognition within the clean energy research field 📚🌍. His early contributions to national-level research programs during his Ph.D. also highlight the trust placed in his technical abilities at a formative stage of his career 🇨🇳💡. With continued progress, he is a strong candidate for future awards related to sustainable energy, innovation in thermal systems, and early-career research excellence 🥇🌱. As his academic network grows, more formal honors are likely to follow.
Publication Top Notes
Experimental study on the combustion and emission characteristics of thermal storage-assisted load reduction in a circulating fluidized bed
Journal: Fuel Processing Technology
Year of Publication: 2025
Summary:
This paper presents an experimental investigation into the combustion and emission behavior of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) system that integrates thermal energy storage to assist in load reduction.
Conclusion:
Zengcai Ji exemplifies the qualities of a rising star in clean energy research. His contributions to thermal energy systems, low-carbon combustion, and pollutant mitigation are directly aligned with both national energy strategies and global climate objectives. Although still early in his career, he demonstrates strong leadership, innovation potential, and a well-rounded research portfolio that merit serious consideration for a Best Researcher Award in the clean/renewable energy or environmental engineering domain.