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The Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government hosted the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme Signing Ceremony, unveiling the results of the scheme’s first review round.
Two projects from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) were awarded RAISe+ funding, underscoring the university’s dedication to advancing research and innovation and translating scientific discoveries into practical applications that benefit the community.
PolyU’s Vice President for Research and Innovation praised the success of the PolyU teams, stating that the recognition and support from the RAISe+ Scheme would expedite the commercialisation of these projects. This will enable researchers to develop innovative solutions, strengthen industry partnerships, and ultimately make a significant real-world impact. He emphasised PolyU’s commitment to contributing to Hong Kong, the nation, and the world by leveraging its research strengths to transform Hong Kong into a global innovation and technology hub.
The two PolyU projects funded by the RAISe+ Scheme include:
Energy-Efficient Liquid Cooling System for Data Centres (Advanced Manufacturing)
Led by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, this project focuses on developing a more sustainable cooling system for data centres. Data centres, essential for AI, big data, and other technologies, account for 3% of global energy consumption, with cooling systems consuming 40% of this energy. Current cooling methods are inefficient, costly, environmentally harmful, and contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
The project aims to commercialise an Energy-Efficient Liquid Cooling System (ELCS) that addresses the high energy consumption of cooling systems in data centres. The ELCS overcomes the long-standing Leidenfrost challenge through innovative nano-engineered surfaces known as structured thermal armour.
This system uses phase change cooling principles, where a liquid coolant is transported to hot areas via heat pipes. The coolant vaporises, carries away the heat, and then condenses back into liquid for reuse, achieving nearly zero-energy cooling. The ELCS is designed to handle high heat fluxes of approximately 1,000 W/cm², even at temperatures up to 1,000 ℃, surpassing traditional cooling methods. Additionally, the system integrates AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring and optimisation of thermal performance.
Pilot and Mass Production of Next-Generation Composite Current Collectors for Mobility and Energy Storage Batteries (New Materials and New Energy)
This project, led by Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices, aims to develop a new type of current collector (CC) for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and future solid-state lithium batteries. The objective is to enhance the energy density of these batteries by using an ultrathin, ultralight, flexible, and durable composite film as a CC.
Current commercial LIBs use copper and aluminium foils as CCs, which are relatively heavy and thick. Reducing the thickness and weight of these metal foils has been challenging due to mechanical reliability and processability issues. The composite CC developed by Prof. ZHENG’s team is 80%-85% lighter and 65%-80% thinner than traditional metal foils, while also being 40%-60% cheaper.
This composite CC maintains better electron and thermal conductivity, as well as chemical and electrochemical stability, compared to metal foils. It is compatible with various electrode materials, increasing the gravimetric energy density of LIBs by 20%-25% and the volumetric energy density by 9%-12%.
The RAISe+ Scheme, inaugurated in 2023, aims to provide matching funds for at least 100 research teams from universities funded by the University Grants Committee, demonstrating strong startup potential. Each approved project receives funding support ranging from HK$10 million to HK$100 million, fostering innovation and commercialisation of research outcomes.
