The University of Tokyo Department of Mechanical Engineering Daiguji & Hsu Lab

menu

Research

Summary

energy and transport phenomena

We work on energy technologies and related phenomena in pursuit of higher efficiency and performance in various temperature control mechanical devices.
There include phase change, chemical reactions and heat and mass transport phenomena in different thermal engineering systems. Especially, we evaluate the applicability of nanomaterials porous metals superhydrophobic suefaces and nanobubbles to large-scale mechanical systems. Our ultimate target is to acquire groundbreaking knowledge via nanoscale research that can be applied to macroscale machines.

Current Research Topics

Theoretical and experimental studies of molecular-scale and nano-scale heat, mass and charge transfer

We study molecular-scale and nano-scale heat, mass and charge transfer mainly in energy related technology. We design and fabricate nanostructures such as nanopores and nanochannels and their integrated devices, and study transport phenomena of molecules, ions and liquids. We also conduct molecular simulations of these transport phenomena. Current research topics include:

  • Adsorption and transport phenomena in nanopores
  • Ion transport in nanofluidic channels
  • Control of bubble generation in nanopores

Theoretical and experimental studies of micro-scale heat, mass and charge transfer

Hollow structures such as forms and hollow capsules have various mechanical, thermal, electrical, acoustical and optical properties. For the improvement of these properties of hollow structures and the energy-saving in the production process, we fabricate and characterize materials having hollow microstructures used as mechanical stress absorbers, thermal, electrical and acoustical insulators and light scattering sheets. Current research topics include:

  • Frost growth on a super-hydrophobic surface
  • Noise reduction using porous materials
  • Fabrication of hollow microcapsules using microbubbles

Application of functional materials to energy systems

We focus on the application of functional materials (nanostructures and microstructures) to energy systems in order to improve the efficiency of energy utilization. We study not only nano-scale and micro-scale transport phenomena but also thermo-fluid phenomena in macro-scale energy systems. The current target energy systems are air-conditioning systems, thermal storage systems, turbines and electrochemical cells. We collaborate with materials scientists and energy system engineers to realize various energy and environmental technologies. Current research topics include:

  • Multiphysics transport and reaction phenomena for dehumidification systems and next generation energy storage devices (lithium ion batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, etc.)

  • Application of water adsorbents to desiccant based air-conditioning systems

  • Noise reduction of a model jet engine (Please click here for further details.)

Bachelor Thesis Research

2021 Open Lab (Zoom online meetings)
4/5(Mon) 13:00-17:00
4/6(Tue) 10:00-12:00/13:00-16:00
3/14(月) 12:30-13:30
Please check the details at Open Lab.

pagetop