Prof. Patrick Y. Du (BSE)

Biography:

Prof. Du graduated with the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and received the Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Southern California in the US. He joined the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1995 as an Assistant Professor, and is now a Professor in the Department of Building Services Engineering. His research interests include building electromagnetic environments, electromagnetic compatibility, and lightning protection for electrical distribution systems, railway systems, and communication systems.  He serves as a consultant for local industry in the areas of electromagnetic compatibility and lightning protection. Currently he is a member of the Steering Committee of the Asia-Pacific International Conference on Lightning. He is a member of IET and a chartered engineer of the UK.

Future Plan:

Prof. Du leads a research group on lighting detection and protection. The research group is currently developing a virtual lightning simulation laboratory, which provides a platform or tool for analyzing lightning-generated phenomena. This includes modelling and simulation of lightning discharge in air and in grounded structures.  A couple of research projects have been funded by the Research Grant Council in the past few years for the development of the lightning laboratory. Several joint projects with institutions in China are ongoing. To further enhance the research, this group will consider collaborating with leading institutions worldwide. Experts from North America, Europe, and other parts of the world will be invited to visit Hong Kong to explore this possibility. This group will continue to particulate actively in the international activities organized for lightning research.