Jingkang Li | Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Jingkang Li | Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics | Best Researcher Award 

Tsinghua University | China

Mr. Jingkang Li is a Ph.D. candidate in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics at Tsinghua University, specializing in modeling and control of novel energy power systems. His research focuses on heat pipe cooled modular reactor systems integrated with the Closed Brayton Cycle, where he has led simulation modeling, control system design, and HIL verification under China’s National Key R&D Program. He has published in leading journals such as Energy and Annals of Nuclear Energy, presented at international conferences, and holds multiple patents and software copyrights in nuclear power systems and electric wheel technologies.

Author Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Jingkang Li began his academic career at Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions. He obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in Vehicle Engineering from the School of Vehicle and Transportation (2015–2019), focusing on the electromechanical coupling characteristics of electric wheels. During this time, he received several honors, including the Outstanding Academic Performance Award (2016–2018), which reflected his strong academic foundation. In 2019, he continued his journey at Tsinghua University as a PhD Candidate in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics, supported by the Future Scholars Scholarship. His early pursuits highlighted his passion for integrating engineering, energy systems, and advanced modeling approaches.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout his doctoral studies, Mr. Li actively participated in key national and international projects. Since 2020, he has been a key member of the National Key R&D Program of China, contributing to the modeling and control of heat pipe cooled modular reactor power systems combined with the Closed Brayton Cycle (CBC). His professional endeavors include designing simulation models, conducting failure mode analyses, developing innovative control methodologies, and carrying out hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) verification. Additionally, his earlier research (2018–2019) addressed the torsional vibration characteristics of electric wheels, underscoring his interdisciplinary expertise across mechanical and thermal systems.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Li’s primary research contributions lie in the field of Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics, particularly in the modeling and control of novel nuclear power systems. His work integrates heat pipe cooled reactors with CBC systems, providing critical insights into coupled thermal and dynamic performance. He has also developed optimization frameworks for nuclear-battery hybrid systems designed for distributed power sources. Beyond nuclear applications, his patents on electric wheel designs and hydrogen production devices demonstrate his contributions to clean energy and advanced mobility technologies. His research focus embodies innovation at the intersection of nuclear power, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Li has established himself as an emerging scholar in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics, producing impactful research published in high-quality journals such as Energy (2023) and Annals of Nuclear Energy (2025). His work has been presented at prestigious conferences, including the International Symposium on Future I&C for Nuclear Power Plants (ISOFIC) and the China Automation Congress (CAC). His influence extends to practical technology development, evidenced by multiple patents and software copyrights related to simulation, optimization, and nuclear-electric hybrid systems. These efforts showcase his ability to bridge theoretical research with industrial application.

Academic Cites

Mr. Li’s publications have attracted attention from the global academic community, reflecting the growing relevance of his research. His articles on coupled reactor-Brayton cycle characteristics and temperature fluctuation mitigation strategies are positioned to be highly cited in the years ahead. His intellectual property contributions patents and registered software further expand his academic footprint, ensuring long-term recognition of his innovative approaches in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Mr. Li’s legacy is being built through his innovative contributions to nuclear power system modeling, clean mobility, and hybrid energy integration. His future work will likely advance the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of next-generation nuclear reactors while also addressing challenges in distributed energy and electric vehicle systems. As he completes his PhD at Tsinghua University, his expertise positions him as a future leader in both academia and industry, shaping the evolution of energy systems.

Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics

Mr. Li’s academic career is deeply rooted in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics, where he has developed innovative models for nuclear reactor systems and hybrid energy technologies. His patents and software contributions also highlight the practical application of Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics principles. Looking ahead, his interdisciplinary research in nuclear, mobility, and renewable energy systems promises to further advance Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics as a driving force for sustainable innovation.

Publications

Jingkang Li, Zunyan Hu, Zeguang Li, Liangfei Xu, Jianqiu Li (2025). "Optimization and parameter sizing of nuclear-battery hybrid system for distributed power source" in Nuclear Engineering and Technology.

 Li, J.; Hu, Z.; Jiang, H.; Guo, Y.; Li, Z.; Zhuge, W.; Xu, L.; Li, J.; Ouyang, M (2023). "Coupled Characteristics and Performance of Heat Pipe Cooled Reactor with Closed Brayton Cycle".

Dong, J.; Gao, Q.; Li, J.; Li, J.; Hu, Z.; Liu, Z. (2023). "Innovative modeling strategy of wind resistance for platoon vehicles based on real-time disturbance observation and parameter identification" in Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers,  Journal of Automobile Engineering.

Li, H.; Hu, Z.; Hu, J.; Li, J.; Li, J.; Li, Y.; Xu, L.; Liu, S.; Ouyang, M (2023). "Slip ratio estimation of electric wheels based on tire force and road conditions" in Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers,  Journal of Automobile Engineering.

Jingkang Li, Zunyan Hu, Hongsheng Jiang, Yuchuan Guo, Zeguang Li, Weilin Zhuge, Liangfei Xu, Jianqiu Li, Minggao Ouyang (2023). Coupled characteristics and performance of heat pipe cooled reactor with closed Brayton cycle.

Yan, K.; Li, J.; Li, J.; Hu, Z.; Hu, J.; Zhang, Q.; Xu, L.; Ouyang, M (2022). "A Novel Safety-Oriented Control model of HTC with Electromechanical Interfaces" in 2022 6th CAA International Conference on Vehicular Control and Intelligence (CVCI 2022).

Conclusion

Mr. Jingkang Li has demonstrated exceptional academic ability, professional dedication, and innovative research across nuclear systems, electric vehicle technologies, and hybrid energy platforms. His achievements in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics not only contribute to cutting-edge scholarship but also have real-world implications for sustainable energy. With a solid foundation of publications, patents, and honors, his career trajectory points toward impactful leadership and future breakthroughs in the global energy field.