We continue to collaborate with universities, industry partners, and government bodies to synergize on important sustainability issues and share our research findings with stakeholders.
PolyU Base for Commercialization, Training and Research in Shenzhen, has become a strategic partner with the Southwest Jiaotong University Railway Development Co. Ltd. to research and develop technology that will optimize the performance and efficiency of high-speed rail (HSR) in China. We studied the feasibility of various HSR applied technologies such as running real-time monitoring with Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. We also succeeded in eliminating undesirable vibration, thereby improving HSR stability, passenger comfort and equipment lifespan.
We collaborated with Sino Group and Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited to develop the world’s first in-building hydropower system. By installing a novel vertical-axis turbine we jointly developed with the Water Supplies Department within buildings pipelines and shopping malls, we generated electricity from water flows through a micro-hydropower system. The initial trial demonstrated that it could power lights in a lift lobby or recharge batteries, potentially providing a renewable energy source for buildings.
PolyU’s Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) and Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) partnered with the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong under the Vocational Training Council to develop a type of protective clothing in compliance with industry-specific requirements for frontline workers who are exposed to extreme heat and humidity. In April 2015, we proudly licensed the technology for anti-heat stress construction apparel made from a new fabric, namely Coolmax. It removes skin moisture with excellent one-way transferability and capacity for liquid moisture management, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke.
While photochemical smog is widely known as a contributor of air pollution in Hong Kong and neighboring mainland Chinese cities, no effective control strategies exist. We have been working closely with government bodies such as the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to investigate the effects of new radicals in photochemical chemistry on air quality in our city. Our researchers helped EPD improve their air quality prediction techniques and relevant mitigation measures, recommending that they set up environmental monitoring stations in Hong Kong and other countries.