Keynote Speaker
Prof. Dimitrios Karamanis, University of Patras, Greece
Professor of Alternative Energy Sources at University of Patras. His research interest started with the development of appropriate countermeasures for the mitigation of the severe environmental consequences of the Chernobyl accident and followed by cross section measurements in the thorium fuel cycle for energy production and waste incineration. Expanded to the study of wind and solar energy systems in the last twenty years, ongoing research is focused on the integration of photovoltaics in buildings and urban infrastructure for electricity generation and its synergy with nature-based solutions towards carbon neutral cities. By participating in national and international research programs as a scientific coordinator and researcher, he has published more than 120 scientific papers in scientific journals, patents and book chapters with >4500 citations and h-index 40 (Scopus). He is member of International Solar Energy Society and serves as Associate Editor of Green Technologies and Sustainability (Elsevier/KeAi) and in the Editorial Boards of Clean Energy & Sustainability; Carbon Footprints; Energy Buildings; Urban Transitions. Prof. Karamanis has been invited expert for European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency; European Institute of Innovation & Technology; EU Clean Energy Transition Partnership; EU Intelligent Cities Challenge; National Research Councils of European & Asian Countries. Prof. Karamanis teaches courses in the subject of renewable energy sources and their applications since 2006 in Departments of the Universities of Ioannina and Patras.
Speech Title: Powering the Future with Urban BIPV Systems
Abstract: The transition to net zero energy buildings and/or cities (NZEBs & NZEC) remains a complex and cost-intensive challenge. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer a high-impact solution, combining passive energy performance with on-site electricity generation. In addition to rooftop PVs, the large available surfaces on the buildings’ facades offer unique opportunities to integrate photovoltaics into opaque or transparent areas. Despite the technological maturity of BIPV systems and significant cost reductions, there are still challenges to overcome for the expansion of BIPV applications and their wider adaptation at global level. In recent research, we have validated the strong potential of BIPV to meet energy demands across multiple scales, from individual buildings to neighborhoods and up to carbon-neutral cities by 2030, in agreement with findings from comparable research studies. However, the wider BIPV implementation as an energy transition pathway is constrained by two critical socio-technical barriers: microgrid-based energy sharing and social integration. Addressing these barriers requires targeted research and innovation efforts, which are essential to unlock the full potential of BIPV in urban energy transitions and will be discussed.
Prof. Hongfa (Henry) Hu, University of Windsor, Canada
Dr. Hongfa (Henry) Hu is a tenured full Professor at Department of Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering, University of Windsor. He was a senior research engineer at Ryobi Die Casting (USA), and a Chief Metallurgist at Meridian Technologies, and a Research Scientist at Institute of Magnesium Technology. He received degrees from University of Toronto (Ph.D., 1996), University of Windsor (M.A.Sc., 1991), and Shanghai University of Technology (B.A.Sc., 1985). He was a NSERC Industrial Research Fellow (1995-1997). His publications (over 200 papers) are in the area of magnesium alloys, composites, metal casting, computer modelling, and physical metallurgy. He was a Key Reader of the Board of Review of Metallurgical and Materials Transactions, a Committee Member of the Grant Evaluation Group for Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, National Science Foundation (USA) and Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly. He has served as a member or chairman of various committees for CIM-METSOC, AFS, and USCAR. His current research focuses on materials processing and evaluation of light alloys and composites. His recent fundamental research is focussed on transport phenomena and mechanisms of solidification, phase transformation and dissolution kinetics. His applied research has included development of magnesium automotive applications, cost-effective casting processes for novel composites, and control systems for casting processes. His work on light alloys and composites has attracted the attention of several automotive companies.