Capillary-Driven Wicking Condensation on Porous Media

Device Research Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Advisor: Prof. Evelyn N. Wang (Oct 2018 to present)

My PhD work aims to design, fabricate and experimentally demonstrate a scalable and robust nano/micro-structured condenser surface that outperforms conventional condensers in heat transfer and improves energy efficiency. The designed surface utilizes the capillary pressure to drive the condensate flow in porous media. The heat and mass transfer process on the designed surface is modeled using MATLAB. I am working on the fabrication of the nano/microstructured condenser surface under the guidance of the modeling results. An experimental characterization on the heat transfer performance of the designed surface will be conducted in an environmental chamber with relevant conditions of power plant condensers.

Dropwise Condensation Enhancement via Surface Design

Device Research Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Advisor: Prof. Evelyn N. Wang (July 2016 to Sept 2018)

My master's work focuses on enhancing dropwise condensation heat transfer of water and low surface tension fluids through surface design. I experimentally studied the effects of millimeter-sized geometric features on condensation heat transfer of water and demonstrated that the same geometric feature can have different impacts on condensation heat transfer under different vapor conditions. I also modeled, fabricated and tested lubricant-infused surfaces for promoting dropwise condensation of low surface tension fluids (such as natural gas hydrocarbons and refrigerants).

Novel Geothermal Systems

Institute of Turbomachinery, Xi'an Jiaotong University

Advisor: Prof. Jiangfeng Wang (Oct. 2013 to June 2016)

I designed two organic Rankine cycle systems to harness geothermal energy: one is a combined cooling and power (CCP) system, another is a flash-binary power system. I simulated the two systems using MATLAB and performed parametric studies on the two systems based on a performance indicator I developed combining both economic and thermodynamic viewpoints. Based on the parametric analysis, I optimized the two systems and determined the optimal operational conditions for the best system performance.

Formation Mechanism of Dimples

Columbia Nanomechanics Research Center, Columbia University

Advisor: Prof. Xi Chen (Jan. 2015 to Feb. 2015)

I simulated the formation of dimples using buckling theory and finite element method (ABAQUS).