Dr. Shin Young Jeong | Thermal Energy Storage | Best Researcher Award
Postdoctoral Researcher at National Renewable Energy Laboratory, United States
Dr. Shin Young Jeong is a postdoctoral researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), specializing in mechanical engineering with a focus on thermal energy systems. His academic and research trajectory spans prestigious institutions, including Georgia Institute of Technology and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). His expertise centers on the design and modeling of high-efficiency thermal energy storage systems, passive radiative cooling, and solar thermal technologies. Dr. Jeong has contributed significantly to innovations in particle-based thermal systems and fluidized bed solar receivers, advancing the frontiers of sustainable energy engineering. He combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical system development, evidenced by his leadership roles in several DOE-funded projects and patent contributions. In addition to his technical accomplishments, Dr. Jeong has been recognized with several awards, has an impressive portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, and actively contributes to the energy research community through peer reviews, conference sessions, and invited talks. His multidisciplinary approach and global academic exposure underscore his commitment to sustainable energy solutions through cutting-edge research and collaboration.
Profile
Education
Dr. Shin Young Jeong earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2023. His Ph.D. work, supervised by Dr. Zhuomin Zhang and Dr. Peter G. Loutzenhiser, involved the study of granular flow and radiative properties of bauxite particles for solar thermal applications—pioneering contributions to the field of high-temperature energy storage. Prior to this, Dr. Jeong completed a Master of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in 2018. His research there, under Dr. Christopher Yu Hang Chao and Dr. Chi Yan Tso, explored passive radiative cooling technologies inspired by the Saharan silver ant, a notable intersection of biomimetics and nanotechnology. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from HKUST in 2016. This diverse educational background has provided him with a strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and energy systems, blending experimental, computational, and material science approaches. Each stage of his academic progression has uniquely prepared him for innovative research in solar energy and thermal system integration.
Professional Experience
Currently serving as a postdoctoral researcher at NREL since September 2023, Dr. Jeong leads and contributes to several groundbreaking energy storage projects. His work involves component and system design for thermal storage, particularly in the context of particle-based and fluidized bed solar receivers. He has developed prototypes, conducted fluidization characterizations, and performed economic forecasting for system scalability. Projects such as PUMP, LTPCR, and tailored ceramics for thermochemical storage highlight his ability to merge theoretical analysis with engineering applications. Previously, as a graduate research assistant at Georgia Tech (2019–2023), he focused on the radiative and flow properties of particles in high-temperature environments, contributing novel insights into discrete element modeling, heat transfer behavior, and optical property characterization. At HKUST, his research on passive radiative cooling systems integrated HVAC principles with photonic and nanostructured materials. Dr. Jeong’s professional portfolio includes experience in teaching as a TA and lecturer, showcasing his dedication to mentoring the next generation of engineers. His combined expertise across academic institutions and national labs reflects a robust understanding of thermal systems and sustainability-driven engineering design.
Research Interests
Dr. Jeong’s research interests are firmly rooted in sustainable thermal energy systems. His primary focus is on particle-based thermal energy storage, radiative heat transfer, and advanced materials for concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. He is deeply engaged in the design of innovative solar receivers and thermochemical storage systems that utilize microstructured and coated particles to enhance durability and thermal efficiency. His studies encompass both experimental investigations—such as high-flux solar simulator-based property characterization—and computational modeling, including DEM and CFD simulations of granular flows. He is also interested in passive radiative cooling systems and their integration with building HVAC technologies for energy-efficient architecture. Bridging fundamental heat transfer with applied engineering, Dr. Jeong explores radiative properties at the nano- and micro-scale, especially in high-temperature environments. Recently, his work has also expanded to techno-economic assessments and system scalability for real-world deployment. With a strong vision for long-duration energy storage and decarbonization of industrial processes, Dr. Jeong aims to contribute to global efforts in transitioning to clean, renewable energy technologies.
Research Skills
Dr. Jeong possesses a rich arsenal of technical skills, blending experimental instrumentation, computational modeling, and system design. He is proficient in designing and operating high-flux solar simulators for material and thermal characterization. His expertise includes radiative property measurements of submillimeter particles, flow visualization techniques, and temperature-dependent property assessments. In computational domains, he excels in Discrete Element Method (DEM) modeling, Monte Carlo simulations for radiative transfer, and transient heat transfer simulations. Dr. Jeong has extensive experience with microfabrication, optical diagnostics, and economic modeling for energy systems. His skill set also includes developing fluidized bed heat exchangers, evaluating particle sintering, and optimizing heat exchanger geometries for energy efficiency. He is adept in using simulation tools like COMSOL, MATLAB, and FDTD software for photonic design. Moreover, his interdisciplinary approach equips him to work across thermal engineering, materials science, and applied physics domains. Dr. Jeong’s hands-on experience with prototype development and pilot-scale systems reflects a strong capability to transition innovations from the lab to practical application, making him a well-rounded researcher in energy science and engineering.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Shin Young Jeong has received numerous awards that reflect both academic excellence and real-world impact. In 2024, he earned the Key Contributor Award from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), recognizing his substantial contributions to innovative thermal energy systems. His research was also recognized with the NSF Student Participation Award at ASME ES 2023. In 2018, his work on passive cooling earned him the Best Student Paper Award at the COBEE conference in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Jeong is a past recipient of the prestigious BXAI Student Scholarship from the Bai Xian Asia Institute and won the Hanson I&T Outstanding Award along with the Best Innovation Award from Hong Kong’s Environment Bureau. Early in his career, he was honored with the IMechE Best Student Project Award in 2016. Beyond awards, Dr. Jeong has been an active contributor to the academic community—serving as a peer reviewer for top journals and holding roles in ASME technical committees. These accolades not only highlight his technical capabilities but also demonstrate his commitment to advancing energy sustainability and fostering academic collaboration globally.
Publications
Dr. Jeong’s publication record spans high-impact journals in solar energy, thermal engineering, and material science. His recent work includes accepted and under-review articles in Solar Energy, Journal of Energy Storage, and iScience. Notable publications include studies on particle-based pumped thermal energy storage, heat and mass transfer modeling in granular flows, and optical characterization of energy materials. He has co-authored over 15 peer-reviewed journal articles in respected venues such as Applied Thermal Engineering, Renewable Energy, Desalination, and International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. His interdisciplinary approach is also reflected in contributions to building applications through passive radiative cooling. Additionally, he has contributed to book chapters and holds patents on modular particle thermal storage systems and steam-generation technologies. His research outcomes have been presented in major international conferences, including ASME ES, SolarPACES, and CMCEE. This growing body of work underscores Dr. Jeong’s dedication to advancing the scientific understanding and technological innovation in sustainable energy.
Conclusion
Dr. Shin Young Jeong stands out as an emerging leader in the field of thermal and solar energy systems. With a solid educational foundation, dynamic research portfolio, and a deep commitment to sustainability, he bridges fundamental research and practical application. His projects at NREL, in collaboration with top institutions like Georgia Tech and HKUST, underscore his ability to translate complex theories into impactful engineering solutions. Recognized by awards, patents, and a strong publication track record, Dr. Jeong continues to contribute to decarbonizing energy systems through thermal storage innovations and passive cooling strategies. As energy demand and climate challenges grow, his interdisciplinary skills, research leadership, and forward-thinking vision position him as a vital contributor to the future of clean energy technologies. His trajectory reflects not only academic excellence but also a passion for shaping a more sustainable and resilient energy future.