‘My vision is to deliver a paradigm shift in how future chemical and energy processes can be designed, optimised and self-evolved throughout their entire lifecycle.’
Based at the UK’s Loughborough University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Professor Xuan’s work has found application in a number of industrial areas including novel micro-structured reactors for hydrogen production, Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, solar fuel production and CO2 utilisation with performance in orders of magnitude higher than conventional reactors.
Accepting the award, Professor Xuan said that he was particularly proud of the fact that he has led the development of novel thermofluid models beyond the state of the art for complex chemical and energy systems as well as delivering affordable, inclusive low-carbon solutions to tackle global climate change challenges. ‘Proudly, my work on predictive CFD models has influenced the fundamental understanding of complex flow systems, by discovering a number of important reaction/fluid phenomenon at micro-scale, and has impacted on the development of a series of energy devices such as fuel cells. Electrolysers and reactors,’ Professor Xuan said.
Commenting on new developments Professor Xuan said, ‘My future research will focus on the digital transformation of complex chemical and energy processes via integrated smart sensing, advanced fluid thermofluids modelling and data-centric deep learning. My vision is to deliver a paradigm shift in how future chemical and energy processes can be designed, optimised and self-evolved throughout their entire lifecycle. This will enable connected products and services, making them super efficient, zero-loss, whilst maximising their value creation.’
The Beilby Medal and Prize is jointly awarded and administered in rotation by SCI, RSC and IOM3 annually recognising a scientist or engineer whose work is of exceptional practical significance in chemical engineering, applied science, energy efficiency or a related field. The 2020 award was administered by SCI.
Professor Xuan will be presented with his medal, certificate and £1,000 prize at the Beilby Medal and Lecture 2020 event on 2 December, where Professor Xuan will also give a talk entitled ‘Tailoring Future Renewable Fuel Systems for Net Zero UK’.
Related links
- Beilby Medal and Lecture 2020: Tailoring future renewable fuel systems for Net Zero UK - 2 December 2020, Online Webinar 14.00 - 16.00 GMT
- SCI Awards
- Previous recipients
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