1st Quarter of 2025:
Yijie Zeng

1. Introduction: Yijie Zeng

 I am an international student from China. Six years ago, when I first joined the Energy Conversion System Laboratory, I was the youngest member in the lab. The laboratory is divided into an experimental group and a simulation group, and at that time, I joined the experimental group. During my time there, I was fortunate to participate in numerous on-site testing research projects, which often required me to travel to power plants. Those experiences were not only unforgettable but also incredibly valuable memories in my research journey.

 As time went on, I graduated in 2021 and decided to pursue a PhD. This time, I chose to join the simulation group. In the beginning, due to my lack of foundational knowledge, I had to stay up late every day to study. Fortunately, my group leader gave me a lot of help. I learned a great deal from him during that time. After he graduated, I gradually grew into a senior PhD student in the lab. I am deeply grateful to my advisor for trusting me and appointing me as the leader of the simulation group. Just as my senior once supported me, I now strive to help junior members of the lab. I am constantly learning and working hard to become a dependable senior for them.

2. Research field and Futurework

 I am currently engaged in three-dimensional simulations of energy systems. Recently, my research has focused on the co-firing of ammonia and coal in coal-fired boilers. While ammonia-coal co-firing is an effective method for decarbonization in coal power plants, it also introduces challenges such as high NOx emissions and reduced thermal efficiency. Through studying various operating conditions, I have successfully found a method to address these issues simultaneously.

 Throughout this process, I have deeply realized the joy and significance of research. As my advisor often says, "No matter how good the research results are, they lose their value if they are not shared." Therefore, alongside my research, I strive to write papers to ensure that more people can understand and benefit from my findings. Moving forward, I will continue to refine my research and work toward successfully completing my PhD.

3. My future dream

 In the future, I hope to become a researcher or a professor. While I aspire to delve deeper into my current research field, a senior once told me that the word "PhD" signifies being broadly knowledgeable. Therefore, I also wish to explore different research areas and learn about topics that I am currently unfamiliar with. At the same time, I hope to have a research group in the future that is as united, supportive, and collaborative as the one I am fortunate to be part of now. This has been an invaluable part of my academic journey.