Chunrong Zhao

Dr. Chunrong Zhao is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Sydney's School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. His research focuses on thermal management systems, phase change materials (PCMs), and energy storage solutions for aerospace and HVAC applications. He has contributed to studies on battery cooling for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, supercritical CO₂ heat pumps, and thermal enhancement techniques using periodic structures and graphite foams.

His work integrates advanced thermal modeling with material science innovations, addressing challenges in high-temperature energy storage and efficient cooling systems. Notable projects include optimizing liquid cooling systems for eVTOL batteries and analyzing the performance of PCM heat sinks under cyclic thermal loads.

Research interests also extend to HVAC technologies leveraging the Maisotsenko cycle and turbulence optimization in supercritical fluid flows. Zhao collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to advance sustainable energy solutions, with publications in journals like International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.