Professor Gao Min
BSc, PhD, CEng, MIEE
Professor
- min@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 5034
- S/2.10B, Queen's Buildings - South Building, 5 The Parade, Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 3AA
Overview
Key Research Areas:
- Thermoelectric materials and devices
- Solution processed solar cells (Perovskite, OPV)
- Concentrated photovoltaic/thermoelectric systems
- Magnetocaloric materials
Gao Min is a Professor of Energy Materials and Head of Thermoelectric Laboratory. He obtained BSc in Semiconductor Physics from Xidian University, China and PhD under supervision of Professor D M Rowe in Thermoelectrics at Cardiff University UK. His main research interests focus on fundamental understanding of thermoelectric processes for energy harvesting applications.
He served as a Board Member of European Thermoelectric Society and an expert evaluator for H2020, DOE (USA), NSF (USA), NWO (NL), DFF (DK), NSF (CN) and EPSRC (UK) on energy materials, promoting truly excellent research in thermoelectrics and related energy materials.
He has over 25-year experience in thermoelectric research. In early 1990s, he initiated the research in the use of the Peltier modules as generators for waste heat recovery and subsequently developed an improved TE module theory to demonstrate the potential economic benefits even using low efficiency TE modules. This work has contribution to the recent resurgence of interest in thermoelectrics.
In 1994, his work on improving the power factor by employing multiple potential barriers contributed to the development of energy filtering concept. He was the first to propose the fabrication of TE micro-coolers using IC and MEMS technologies and demonstrated theoretically the feasibility. In 2000, his empirical analysis of known thermoelectric materials identified a ZT barrier, putting a realistic upper-bound on the PGCE approach.
Recently, his work focuses on developing novel characterisation techniques that enable investigation of the thermoelectric processes on wide and deep scale, such as high-throughput thermoelectric measurement system based on novel multifunctional probe; thermoelectric impedance spectroscopy; dual I-V curves for complete characterisation of thermoelectric devices.
A new emerging area of his research is to explore innovative and economically viable concepts for full-spectrum solar energy harvesting based on hybrid PV-TE systems. The current research focuses on development of new type of solar cells, concentrators and systems that facilitates the integration with thermoelectrics.
New concepts proposed by him with his co-workers included: improving thermoelectric efficiency using Fermi-gas/Fermi-liquid interfaces; thermoelectric property-structure diagram; ring-structured thermoelectric module; regenerative thermoelectric combustion system; improving cooling performance by thermo-electro-photon process; variable thermal resistor; improving the thermoelectric efficiency through pulse mode operation; preparation of thermoelectric nanoparticles using ultrasonic milling; new generation low cost thermoelectric materials based on AlFeTi; and heavy fermion/superconductor tunnelling junctions for millie-Kelvin refrigeration.
Biography
Career
2016-Present Professor of Energy Materials, Cardiff University
2013-2016 Reader, School of Engineering, Cardiff University
2011-2013 Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering, Cardiff University
2005-Present Head of Thermoelectric Laboratory, Cardiff University
2005-2005 Visiting Scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2004-2011 Lecturer, School of Engineering, Cardiff University
1999-2004 Thermoelectric Specialist, Cardiff University
1993-1999 Research Assistant/Associate, Cardiff University
1988-1989 Visiting Academic to University of Wales Cardiff
1985-1993 Research Scientist, Kunming Institute of Physics, China
1982-1985 Research Assistant, Institute of Solid-State Circuits, China
Education
1993-1996 PhD, Thermoelectrics, University of Wales Cardiff, UK
1978-1982 BSc, Semiconductor Physics, Xidian University, Xian, China
Membership of Professional Bodies/Review Panels
Board member of European Thermoelectric Society (Re-elected) 2016-2019
Member of EPSRC Review College, 2016-Present
Theme coordinator (Device Physics), UK Thermoelectric Network, 2016-Present
Member of the Community Practice of Welsh H2020 Experts and Evaluators, 2016-
Independent expert for EC H2020 Programme, 2014-2016
Board member of European Thermoelectric Society, 2013-2016
Review Panel Member for FP7 project (MERGING), Mainz, Germany, 19/07/2014
Panel Member for H2020 proposal evaluation (LCE 2014 -1), 07-10/04/2014
Panel Member for MSc course validation, Soest (Germany)/Bolton (UK), 8-10/05/2013
Scientific committee member, European Thermoelectric Society, 1995-1997
Membership of International Conference Committee
Co-organiser, E-MRS, Symposium H, Strasbourg, France, 23/05/2017
Chair for the Poster Award Selection Panel for ECT2016, Lisbon, Portugal
Session chairman/Scientific committee member at ECT2016, Lisbon, Portugal
Member of Life-time Award Selection Panel for ICT2016, Wuhan, China
Session chairman at ICT2015, Dresden, Germany.
Scientific committee member/Session chairman at ECT2014, Madrid, Spain
Scientific committee member at ECT2013, ESA, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Programme chairman for ECT2006, Cardiff, UK
Programme chairman for ICT2000, Cardiff, UK
External Examiner (International)
University of Aalborg, Denmark, 24/02/2019
University of Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, 21/07/2017
Aalto University, Finland, 18/12/2016;
University of Agder, Norway, 14/06/16
KTH, Sweden, 27/05/16
External Examiner (UK)
Southampton 25/01/2021;
Swansea 28/05/2019;
Queen Mary 06/02/2019;
Loughborough 25/10/2018;
Swansea 21/05/2018;
Manchester 22/11/17;
Queen Mary London 09/11/17;
Queen Mary London, 30/11/16;
Swansea 18/11/15;
Imperial 08/06/15;
Southampton 09/03/15;
Glasgow 13/05/14;
Warwick 09/06/14;
Bolton 2012;
Swansea18/02/10
Publications
We are currently unable to retrieve the list of publications. Visit our institutional repository.Teaching
Current Teaching:
EN2082 Electrical and Electronic Engineering 3 (Analogue Electronics)
EN2083 Electrical and Electronic Engineering 4 (Analogue Electronics)
EN3805 Advanced Analogue Integrated Circuit Design
Previous Taught:
EN1047 Communication Skills & Professional Studies (Technical report writting)
EN1067 Heat Transfer
EN1072 Electronic Laboratory
EN3050 Electronic Circuits and Systems (Active Filters)
EN3060 Alternative Energy Systems (Thermoelectric Technology)
ENT408 Electronics, Computing and Instrumentation
Teaching Administration:
Chair: Review of “Integrated Engineering” degree scheme 2016
Year 1 Tutor for EEE degree scheme from 2011 to 2015
Year 2 Tutor for EEE degree scheme from 2006 to 2011
Year 1 Tutor for EEE degree scheme from 2003 to 2005
Research theme: Energy and environment
Contracts
| Title | People | Sponsor | Value | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development of innovative TEG systems optimized for energy harvesting from EAF off-gas cooling water and radiative waste heat sources designed to be cost-effectively InTEGrated within steel plants |
Min G |
EU-RFCS | 309212 |
2020-2024 |
| Manufacturing New Class of Ferrofluids for Thermomagnetic Convection Enhanced Heat Transfer, Energy Generation and Storage |
Daniel Zabek (fellow), Min G (host) |
Royal Academy of Engineer | 623000 | 2019-2024 |
| Environmental impact of perovskite solar cell | Zhe Li, Min G | EPSRC SUPERGEN | 11836 | 01/04/2019 -15/09/2019 |
| System integration of High Concentrator Photovoltaic anf Thermoelectric devices for enhanced solar energy harvesting | Sweet T, Min G | Ser Cymru NRN AEM | 99621 | 01/07/2015 - 30/06/2017 |
| Scalable solar thermoelectrics and photovaltaics (SUNTRAP) | Gao M | EPSRC via Glasgow | 309996 | 30/09/2013 - 29/09/2017 |
| Development, design and testing of a carbon dioxide based trap with on-board power | Marsh R, Min G | KTP and Agrisense BCS Ltd | 185992 | 01/08/2009 - 31/07/2012 |
| On-chip millikelvin electronic refrigerator for astronomical and quantum device applications | Min G, Rowe DM | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council | 330248 | 01/07/2008 - 30/06/2011 |
| Research exchange with China | Min G | Royal Academy of Engineering | 2400 | 20/06/2009 - 26/07/2009 |
| Demonstrating the fuel economy benefit of exhaust energy recovery | Min G | EPSRC - via Loughborough University | 90686 | 01/09/2010 - 31/10/2012 |
| THERMOMAG - Nanostructured thermoelectrics based on mg2si | Min G | European Commission (FP7) | 244759 | 01/05/2011 - 30/10/2014 |
| Global solar spectrum harvesting through highly efficient photovoltaic and thermoelectric integrated cells -GLOBASOL | Min G | Commission of the European Communities | 280036 | 01/03/2013 - 29/02/2016 |
| Accelerated Discovery of Alloy Formulation | Min G, | European Commission (FP7) | 406155 | 15/06/2011 - 14/06/2016 |
| To establish thermo electric module fabrication capability in the UK for creating a key energy device in the supply chain of energy harvesting systems. | Min G, Marsh R | KTP and European Thermodynamics | 129354 | 01/02/2012 - 31/01/2014 |
| THERELEXPRO Thermoelectric heat recovery from low temperature exhausts of steel process | Min G, Melikhov Y | European Commission (FP7) | 117129 | 01/07/2013 - 30/06/2016 |
Past postdoctoral researchers/academic visitors
Dr.T Sweet, 2014-2017
Dr M Philips 2014-2017
Dr M Prest 2014-2016
Dr J G Canadas 2012-2015
Dr T Singh 2014-2016
Dr M A Rind 2014
Dr. L M Garcia 2013-2016
Mr M Robbins 2011-2013
Dr J J Bomphrey 2011-2014
Dr J G Canadas 2011-2012
Dr Q Z Yang 2009-2012
Academic visitors
Angel Fabian Mijangos, Mexico 2015
Yongming Shi, Behang China 2014
Lili Cao, Beihang China 2014
Wei Li, Hunan China 2014
Wei Zhu, Beihang, China 2013
Binwei Luo, Beihang, China 2012
Anne Hermann and Stafanie Gabriel, TUD Germany 2012
David Prieto de la Parte, University of Basque 2010
Prof T J Zhu, Zhejiang China 2009
Alex Stevenson, Herriot-Watt University 2008
Louis Goncalves, University of Mino Portugal 2005
Somchai Kiatgamolchai, Cholulongkorn University Thailand 2005
Supervision
Current PhD
|
Laser micro-spectroscopy characterization of individual colloidal nanoparticles for biomedical applications |
F Kamil | Current | PhD |
|
Next-generation photovoltaic devices based on printable organic semiconductors |
H Ifheema | Current | PhD |
| Exploiting the properties of graphene and nanodiamond to enhance wear-resistance in ceramic-based materials by Spark Plasma Sintering | J Alemzadeh | Current | PhD |
| 3D Nanostructured magnetic & thermoelectric materials | E Harding | Current | PhD |
| Stability study of non-fullerene acceptor based organic solar cells (S-OSCs) | G N Ugwuanyi | Current | PhD |
|
Productivity enhancement of thermoelectric distillation system |
A Bahr | Current | PhD |
|
Large scale solar PV power plant control, operation and energy conversion optimization |
A M Atia | Current | PhD |
| Investigation of energy conversion materials based on Al-Ti-Fe alloys | S Singh | Current | PhD |
| Development of new low bandgap perovskite materials for photovoltaic applications | M Eze | Current | PhD |
| Development of graphene/ceramic composites with damage self-monitoring capabilities | G Rodriguez | Current | PhD |
| Full-spectrum Solar Energy Harvesting for Power and Heat Production using Dichroic Concentrator | A Altuwirgi | Current | PhD |
| Preparation and Characterisation of Magnetocaloric Materials for Energy Applications | Alex Evans | Submitted | PhD |
|
Development novel solar concentrator/thermal absorber for a hybrid PV/TE system |
M Al-Najideen | To be submitted | PhD |
Past PhD
|
Design, Fabrication and Characterisation of Cross Compound Parabolic Concentrators for Solar Power Generation |
M Al-Shidhani | Graduate | PhD |
| Full-Spectrum Solar Energy Harvesting Using Nanotechnology-Enabled Photovoltaic/Thermoelectric Hybrid System | HASHIM Hasan Talib | Graduate | PhD |
| SOLAR POWERED THERMOELECTRIC COOLING SYSTEM. | AL MADHHACHI Hayder Sami Saleh | Graduate | PhD |
| PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF NANOSTRUCTURED BULK Bi2 Te3 THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS USING ULTRASOUND MILLING | MARQUEZ GARCIA Lourdes | Graduate | PhD |
| DEVELOPMENT OF THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES: DESIGN, FABRICATION AND CHARACTERISATION. | ROBBINS Mark Cooper | Graduate | MPhil |
| PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF BLOCKING LAYERS FOR IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS | AUGUSTYNIAK Mateusz Michal | Graduate | PhD |
| SYSTEM INTEGRATION OF CONCENTRATOR PHOTOVOLTAICS WITH THERMOELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED SOLAR ENERGY HARVESTING. | ROLLEY Matthew Henry | Graduate | PhD |
| INVESTIGATION OF THERMO-ELECTROMAGNETIC MATERIALS IMPLEMENTED IN THE FIELD OF SOLID-STATE PHYSICS DEVICES AND USED FOR HARVESTING OF THERMOELECTRIC ENERGY IN ELECTRICAL MACHINES. | AL BAGHDADI Muhammid Hamid Husein | Graduate | PhD |
| Development Of A Novel ZT Measurement Technique For Investigation Of Thermoelements And Segmented Thermoelectric Structures | MD YATIM Nadhrah | Graduate | PhD |
| Hybrid Solar Thermoelectric System For Combined Heat and Power | KAZUZ Ramadan | Graduate | PhD |
| Development and Investigation Of A Non-Catalytic Self-Aspirating Meso-Scale Premixed Burner Integrated Thermoelectric Power Generator. | SINGH Tanuj Deep | Graduate | PhD |
| THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE BY A SYSTEM OF SYSTEMS APPROACH. | CHARLES Terrance Priestley | Transfered | PhD |
| Cold Electron Bolometera | BRIEN Tom | Graduate | PhD |