1. Heat transfer enhancement theory and technology

Heat transfer enhancement is an active research field in power engineering and engineering thermophysics, and it is known as a second-generation heat transfer technology. Heat transfer enhancement is crucial to reduce the volume of thermal equipment and to save energy. This research discipline primarily emphasizes passive enhanced heat transfer research, focusing on practical applications, and specifically proposes interdisciplinary collaborative research. Based on the theory of basic heat transfer methods, such as conduction, convection, and radiation, as well as on the characteristics of heat transfer under the influence factors of structure, medium, phase transformation, scale, and space, this research discipline focuses on vibration-enhanced heat transfer mechanisms and applications, swirling-enhanced heat transfer technology, extended surface-enhanced heat transfer technology, small space natural convection and porous medium heat transfer technology, boiling and condensation heat transfer, micro/nanoscale flow heat transfer, dynamic characteristics and control of heat exchange equipment, etc.

2. Efficient energy conversion and clean utilization technology

Based on the national energy construction and environmental protection needs, this research discipline is committed to the fundamental study of the combustion and conversion process of fossil fuels represented by coal and green fuels represented by biomass, and of the law of pollutant generation and control methods to promote the development of advanced high-efficiency and low-pollution energy utilization technologies and equipment for the sustainable development of the national economy, environment, and society. This research discipline uses advanced testing techniques and simulation methods to study the fundamental mechanisms and methods of clean combustion of fuels (i.e., coal, oil, and gas), to explore effective ways and new technologies to improve energy utilization, and to conduct fundamental research and applications of low-pollution and enhanced combustion technology for power plant pulverized coal boilers, flue gas desulfurization technology, flue gas deNOx technology, flue gas dedusting technology, CO₂ emission reduction technology, combined pollutant removal technology, biomass energy utilization technology, energy resource conversion and utilization technology for solid waste, etc.

3. Efficient energy conversion theory and thermal process optimization

This field focuses on the research concerning economical efficiency and reliability of thermal equipments, thermal systems, and thermal processes. Reliability theory, equipment operation theory, and energy-saving theory are combined to study the energy conversion theory of thermal equipment and to analyze the economics and reliability of each component, and thereby achieving economical and reliable equipments. This research area combines fault control with energy conservation, achieves breakthroughs and innovations in the field of energy conservation of thermal equipment, and enriches the existing energy conservation theory and reliability theory. Through a systematic study, a complete set of theories regarding the reliability and economic interaction and interdependence of thermal equipment can be established to obtain a new and more rational design method for thermal equipment. Through this study, one will further understand the dynamic characteristics of thermal equipment at various operational stages and comprehensively identify the various factors affecting its economy and reliability, thereby providing a theoretical basis for optimizing operational control. The research scopes include the enhancement of thermodynamic cycle efficiency, new thermal energy and power cycle, efficient waste heat recovery and utilization technology, and noise control of rotating equipment.

4. Internal combustion engine work engineering and emission control

This research discipline primarily focuses on the combustion organization, test analysis, emission and noise control of internal combustion engines, as well as automotive thermal management systems. Automobile emissions and noise pollution as well as energy consumption are prominent issues in environmental protection and energy conservation research. The combustion, emission, and noise of internal combustion engines are the primary aspects. This research discipline aims to achieve the goal of energy saving, and emission and noise control through the optimization and matching of the gas distribution, fuel supply, and combustion process of internal combustion engines, as well as through the adoption of new energy and new fuel technologies. Exhaust post-treatment and efficient mufflers will be used in existing engines for emission and noise control and improvement. Every energy utilization link is optimized and organized with the goal of controlling the overall vehicle energy consumption. A method combining test and numerical simulation technology will be adopted to reveal the internal factors of the process and thereby establish the theory and technology for the efficient and low-pollution operation of internal combustion engines.

5. Refrigeration and distributed combined cooling, heating, and power systems

Based on the national medium- and long-term scientific development plan and on the development needs of energy conservation and emission reduction and related industries, aiming at the basic theory and key technologies of the refrigeration and air-conditioning low-temperature fields, this research discipline intends primarily to develop a thermodynamic theory of refrigeration and cryogenic systems; new refrigeration methods and circulation systems; new technologies for air-conditioning and heat pumps; methods for efficient energy usage of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems; simulation and optimization design; combined cooling, heating, and power and distributed energy supply systems with the multi-energy complementary; heat and mass transfer characteristics of refrigeration and air-conditioning units; applications of renewable energy (such as solar energy) and low-grade energy in refrigeration and air conditioning systems; CO₂ powered refrigeration and heating systems; electric vehicle thermal management technology; energy storage technology; methods for efficient recycling of liquified natural gas cold energy; artificial environmental system engineering, etc. This research discipline also aims to provide a theory basis and key technical support for refrigeration, low-temperature air-conditioning, and related industries. .

6. Industrial fluid mechanics

This research discipline primarily investigates a large number of fluid mechanics problems in engineering and studies the flow characteristics around structures, the vortex development processes and flow control measures to achieve energy conservation. Wind tunnel tests and numerical techniques are employed in fundamental and applied aerodynamic research of vehicles and common structures. To meet the needs of national economic development, the operating principle, design method, and testing technology of the turbomachinery are all studied to explain the internal flow mechanism in turbomachinery, optimize such machine and develop the effective testing method for it. This research discipline also focuses on the contaminant diffusion in different city environments, to obtain the spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of the flow field and pollutant concentration field, and then to optimize the architectural design and road environment to improve city's air quality.

7. New energy utilization and new energy vehicle technology

To cope with the energy crisis and environmental issues, to achieve healthy and sustainable economic development, and to adapt to the national energy structure adjustment and the transformation and upgrading of the energy industry, this research discipline focuses on the theory and technology of new energy utilization such as fuel cell, solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, ocean energy, and geothermal energy. The research scope includes new energy material development, energy storage technology, distributed energy technology, photothermal radiation transmission mechanism and numerical simulation, value-added biomass utilization technology, power battery and supercapacitor technology, energy microgrid system technology, multi-energy complementary technology, ground source heat pump system technology, and energy policy research. In the field of new energy vehicles, research focuses on the application of new lithium batteries and fuel cells in automobiles, optimization of hybrid and electric assembly matching, thermal balance and thermal management of new energy vehicles, theory and method of fault diagnosis systems, vehicle energy management and dynamic coordination, and intelligent integrated control strategy technology.