Bio
Dr. Yifeng Hu is an established academic researcher with expertise in HVAC system performance optimization, fault diagnostics, and sustainable thermal engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where his dissertation focused on developing a methodology to assess fault prevalence in residential air-conditioning systems. Dr. Hu’s academic journey also includes an M.S. in HVAC Engineering from Tongji University, where he investigated the effects of transportation systems on ground-coupled heat pump efficiency, and a B.E. in Building Environment and Equipment Engineering from Southwest University of Science and Technology. His research has consistently explored innovative ways to enhance energy efficiency and system reliability in HVAC technologies. He is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in both Nebraska and Tennessee and has an EPA 608 Universal Certification, which allows him to work on all types of equipment that use refrigerants regulated under the Clean Air Act.
Dr. Hu has led and contributed to a range of high-impact research projects, particularly through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and collaborations with industry leaders. Notable projects include the development of a cold climate heat pump using a vapor compression cycle with a thermoelectric cascade and a study on the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of low-GWP refrigerants. He has also advanced the field through projects on virtual sensing and diagnostics, developing methods for fault detection and repair in variable refrigerant flow systems and rooftop air conditioners. His contributions to these projects have resulted in highly regarded publications and conference presentations, including numerous studies presented at the ASHRAE and Purdue Conferences.
As a prolific author, Dr. Hu has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as the International Journal of Refrigeration, Applied Thermal Engineering, and Energy and Buildings, many of which have become references for professionals and researchers alike in HVAC fault diagnostics and sustainable building energy solutions. He has also served as a reviewer for esteemed journals, including Nature Communications and Science and Technology for the Built Environment. Dr. Hu’s academic accolades, such as the Milton E. Mohr Fellowship and third prize in the “Thermal Comfort” category at the International Solar Decathlon, underscore his commitment to advancing HVAC research through rigorous academic inquiry and meaningful contributions to energy-efficient building technologies.
Professional Experience
R&D Associate Staff Member, Building Equipment Group, UT BATTELLE LLC ORNL, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 2023/6 – present.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Omaha, Nebraska, 2021/10 – 2023/5
Graduate Research Assistant, Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Omaha, Nebraska, 2019/5 – 2021/8.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Omaha, Nebraska, 2018/1 – 2019/5.
HVAC Engineer, Architects & Engineers, Co., Ltd. of Southeast University, Nanjing, China, 2014/4 – 2017/11.
Awards
2020-2021 Milton E. Mohr Fellowship, College of Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Omaha, NE, USA.
2012-2013 Kailan Corporate Scholarship, Shanghai, China.
2012-2013 “Outstanding Student” of Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
2012 International Solar Decathlon, “Thermal Comfort” and “Home Function” third prize, Madrid, Spain.
2011-2012 First place of “Anyue Cup” energy conservation and emission reduction, Shanghai, China.
Education
Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 2018/1 – 2021/8
M.S. in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineering, Tongji University, 2011/9 – 2014/3
B.E. in Building Environment and Equipment Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, 2007/9 – 2011/6
Professional Service
Reviewer for Journals and Conferences:
Nature Communications, Energy, Energy and Buildings, Applied Thermal Engineering, Journal of Building Engineering, Science and Technology for the Built Environment, Journal of Architectural Engineering, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering, ASME Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering Applications, International Workshop on Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering, IEA Heat Pump Conference
Professional Affiliations
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Associate Member
Specialized Equipment
PE Mechanical, Nebraska & Tennessee
EPA 608 Universal
Trademarks and Patents
H. Li and Y. Hu. Non-invasive Refrigerant Charge Fault Detection Method for VRF HVAC Systems (No. 2023-047). IP 63/683,375 (Filed).