Dr Yunge Zou| Powertrain design | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D, Chongqing University, China

Yunge Zou is a Ph.D. candidate at Chongqing University, specializing in hybrid powertrain design and optimization. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering from the same institution in 2018. Currently, he is a talent under the Chongqing Excellence Program and was selected as one of the Shapingba Elite Talents for 2023-2025. His research focuses on developing innovative solutions for optimizing hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrains, improving energy management systems (EMS), and addressing battery degradation. Zou has been involved in several high-profile national research projects and has collaborated with leading companies in the automotive industry. He has published extensively in top journals, securing multiple patents for his work on multi-mode hybrid powertrains. His contributions have had a significant impact on the automotive sector, particularly in the areas of fuel efficiency and vehicle electrification.

Profile

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Strengths for the Award

1. Innovative Contributions: Yunge Zou’s work is at the forefront of hybrid powertrain design, specifically focusing on optimizing multi-mode, multi-gear hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). His research tackles critical challenges in energy management and battery degradation, which are vital for the development of efficient and sustainable hybrid systems. The introduction of the Hyper-Rapid Dynamic Programming (HR-DP) method is a significant innovation, improving computational efficiency by orders of magnitude compared to traditional methods. This has the potential to revolutionize the design of HEV transmissions, achieving notable fuel savings (7.70%-10.6%) over well-established models like the Toyota Prius.
2. Impact on Industry: His research is not only theoretical but also has practical applications. The technology developed through his collaboration with companies like Chang’an New Energy Automobile Technology and Chongqing Sokon Industry Group has already been integrated into real-world vehicles, demonstrating a strong linkage between academia and industry. This translation of research into tangible outcomes is a key indicator of impactful innovation.
3. Leadership in Research Projects: Zou is leading multiple high-profile research projects funded by major institutions, including the National Key Research and Development Program of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. These projects address critical areas in hybrid vehicle powertrains, such as optimization of topology, battery degradation, and control strategies for multi-mode HEVs. The substantial funding involved (over 7 million yuan) reflects the trust and importance placed on his work.
4. Scientific Publications and Patents: Zou has published multiple high-quality papers in well-regarded journals like Journal of Power Sources and Energy, with his research focusing on cutting-edge advancements in hybrid electric powertrains. His work has been cited internationally, indicating broad academic interest and recognition. Moreover, the patents he has filed showcase his ability to translate research into innovative technologies that can shape the future of transportation electrification.
5. Professional Recognition and Collaborations: Being selected as a talent under the Chongqing Excellence Program and recognized as one of the Shapingba Elite Talents further underscores his standing in the academic community. His collaborations with leading industrial companies show his commitment to solving real-world problems and enhancing the practical viability of his research.

Areas for Improvement

1. Expanding Collaboration Scope: While Zou has collaborated with prominent companies in the automotive industry, there is potential to broaden these collaborations to other sectors, such as battery manufacturers or policy-making bodies focused on clean energy and transportation. This could help position his work within a wider strategic context of sustainable transportation technologies.
2. Public Engagement and Knowledge Dissemination: Although Zou’s publications and patents demonstrate significant technical achievements, more efforts could be made to disseminate his research to a broader audience. Engaging with non-academic stakeholders, such as policymakers and the general public, can enhance the impact of his work and advocate for necessary policy changes regarding hybrid electric vehicles.
3. Diversity in Research Focus: While his work on hybrid powertrain systems is exemplary, exploring interdisciplinary approaches, such as integrating artificial intelligence or machine learning into powertrain optimization, could further advance the efficiency and performance of hybrid systems. This might also help position him as a leader in cutting-edge transportation technologies.

Education 

Yunge Zou graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering from Chongqing University in 2018. Afterward, he pursued his Ph.D. in the field of hybrid powertrain design and optimization at the same university. During his doctoral research, Zou has developed advanced methodologies for optimizing hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) systems, focusing on the integration of powertrain components, energy management, and addressing battery degradation. His academic work has been strongly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, with him being a recipient of the National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars. Zou’s academic achievements include publishing high-impact journal papers, securing patents for his innovations, and contributing to projects that have practical applications in the automotive industry. His education has provided him with a strong foundation in automotive engineering, while his research has positioned him as a key figure in the development of next-generation hybrid vehicles.

Experience  

Yunge Zou has been actively involved in research on hybrid powertrain design, optimization, and energy management systems for over five years. As a Ph.D. candidate at Chongqing University, he is a key member of the Vehicle Power System Lab, where he has contributed significantly to several large-scale national and municipal research projects. Zou’s research includes the development of high-efficiency hybrid powertrains, optimization of energy management systems (EMS), and improving battery longevity in hybrid vehicles. He has collaborated with renowned companies such as Chang’an New Energy Automobile Technology Co., Ltd. and Chongqing Sokon Industry Group Stock Co., Ltd., providing innovative solutions to enhance hybrid vehicle performance. Zou’s leadership in research projects has led to the successful publication of numerous scientific papers in prestigious journals, and his patented technologies are being integrated into commercial vehicles, further demonstrating the practical impact of his work. He has also been recognized as one of the Shapingba Elite Talents.

Research Focus  

Yunge Zou’s research primarily focuses on the design, optimization, and control of hybrid powertrains for electric vehicles (EVs). His work is centered on developing more efficient energy management systems (EMS), enhancing the design of multi-mode, multi-gear transmissions, and addressing the complex issue of battery degradation in hybrid vehicles. Zou has developed a novel approach called Hyper-Rapid Dynamic Programming (HR-DP) that significantly improves the computational efficiency of multi-mode powertrain systems, enabling faster and more accurate optimization of control strategies. His research also explores the dynamics of powertrain configurations, focusing on topology design and control coordination mechanisms for multi-mode hybrid vehicles. The practical applications of his work are substantial, with collaborations leading to advancements in the real-world performance of hybrid electric vehicles, including improved fuel economy and extended battery life. Zou’s research aims to contribute to the development of more sustainable, efficient, and affordable hybrid electric vehicles.

Publication Top notes

• 📝 Aging-aware co-optimization of topology, parameter, and control for multi-mode input- and output-split hybrid electric powertrains
  Authors: Yunge Zou, Yalian Yang, Yuxin Zhang, Changdong Liu
  Journal: Journal of Power Sources, 2024
  DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235564
• 📝 Computationally efficient assessment of fuel economy of multi-modes and multi-gears hybrid electric vehicles: A Hyper Rapid Dynamic Programming Approach
  Authors: Yunge Zou, Yalian Yang, Yuxin Zhang, Changdong Liu
  Journal: Energy, 2024
  DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.133811
• 📝 Design of optimal control strategy for range-extended electric vehicles considering additional noise, vibration, and harshness constraints
  Authors: Yuxin Zhang, Yalian Yang, Yunge Zou, Changdong Liu
  Journal: Energy, 2024
  DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.133287
• 📝 Design of all-wheel-drive power-split hybrid configuration schemes based on hierarchical topology graph theory
  Authors: Yalian Yang, Pengshuai Li, Huanxin Pei, Yunge Zou
  Journal: Energy, 2022
  DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.122944

Conclusion

Yunge Zou is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work is groundbreaking in the field of hybrid powertrain optimization, with innovative methodologies like Hyper-Rapid Dynamic Programming contributing significantly to the field. His research has clear practical applications and is making a real impact on the automotive industry, evidenced by successful collaborations with major companies and the commercialization of his innovations. His leadership in securing substantial funding for high-profile research projects further demonstrates his competence and commitment to advancing the field of transportation electrification. With the potential for broader collaborations and engagement outside the academic sphere, Zou is poised to make even greater contributions to sustainable transportation technologies.