MS, PhD, UC Berkeley
BSc(Eng), University of Hong Kong
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Associate Dean of Engineering (Research and Graduate Studies)

Prof. Chao graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a first class honors in Mechanical Engineering in 1988. He obtained his Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of California at Berkeley, majoring in Thermosciences in 1992 and 1994 respectively. He has a wide range of research interests in the areas of Built Environment, Energy and Environmental Engineering. He serves as an Associate Editor of Journal of Indoor and Built Environment and is on the editorial board of 3 other International Journals. Prof Chao is Director of the Building Energy Research Center (BERC) of the HKUST Nansha Fok Ying Tung Graduate School. He served as Associate Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering from July of 2009 to July of 2011 and was appointed as Acting Head from Feb to Oct of 2010. He took up the position of Associate Dean of Engineering (Research and Graduate Studies) since Sept of 2011. Prof.Chao is a fellow of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (FASME), The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (FCIBSE), The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (FHKIE) and is also a member of The Academy of Fellows of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (FISIAQ). He has been an elected member of the Board of Directors of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) since 2012 and is the Vice President of the Indoor Air 2014 conference.
 

Teaching Activities

MECH4350

Indoor Air Quality in Buildings

 

Research Interests

Energy and Built Environment: Aerosol Transport in Indoor Environments; Respiratory Infectious Disease Transmission and Risk Assessment; Ultrafine Particle Dynamics; Contaminant Transport in Indoor Environments; Smart Green Buildings; Mass Transfer and Chemical Kinetics in Catalytic Reaction Systems; Adsorption Cooling and Refrigeration; Combustion

 

Research Projects

Professor Chao has managed more than 30 research projects as Project Manager and Principal Investigator with a total research grant of over HK$40 Million since he joined HKUST in 1997. Some of the recent projects are listed below:

• Transmission Characteristics of Human-Exhaled Droplets due to Respiratory Actions in Aircraft Cabin Environment, Research Grant Council, 611505, 2006-2009.

• Dispersion of Expiratory Aerosols in Indoor Environments with Buoyancy Generated Turbulence, Research Grant Council, 611506, 2007-2009.

• A Study of the Mass Transfer and Reaction Characteristics of Catalytic Oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in a Fixed-Bed Reactor with Micro/Meso-Porous Catalysts, Research Grant Council, 611507, 2008-2010.

• Transport Dynamics of Ultrafine Particles and Exposure in Multi-Compartment Indoor Environments, Research Grant Council, 611308, 2008-2011.

• Modeling Infectious Disease Transmission Risk via Airborne, Droplet and Indirect Contact Modes using Expiratory Aerosol Transport Data in Indoor Environments, Research Grant Council, 611509, 2010-2012.

• Characterization of Resuspension of Expiratory Aerosols and their Associated Infection Risk, Research Grant Council, 611310, 2011-2013.

• Energy Efficient Adsorption Cooling System for Buildings and Industrial Applications,  Innovation and Technology Fund, ITS/175/11FP, 2012-2014.

• Development of Carbon Nanotube Embedded Zeolite 13X/CaCl2 Composite Adsorbents for Waste Heat Powered Adsorption Cooling Systems, Research Grant Council, 611212, 2013-2015.

 

Selected Publications

(Professor Chao has published over 90 refereed Journal Articles/ Book Chapters and over 70 conference papers and invited presentations. Some are listed below.) 
 

1. C.Y. Tso, C.Y.H. Chao and S.C. Fu, Performance Analysis of a Waste Heat Driven Activated Carbon Based Composite Adsorbent – Water Adsorption Chiller Using Simulation Model, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 55, pp. 7596-7610, 2012.

2. C.Y. Tso and C.Y.H. Chao, Activated Carbon, Silica-gel and Calcium Chloride Composite Adsorbents for Energy Efficient Solar Adsorption Cooling and Dehumidification Systems, International Journal of Refrigeration, 35(6), pp. 1626-1638, 2012.

3. K.C. Chan, C.Y.H. Chao, G.N. Sze-To and K.S. Hui, Performance Predictions for a New Zeolite 13X/CaCl2 Composite Adsorbent for Adsorption Cooling Systems, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 55, pp. 3214-3224, 2012.

4. G.N. Sze-To, C.L. Wu, C.Y.H. Chao, M.P. Wan and T.C. Chan, Exposure and Cancer Risk Toward Cooking-generated Ultrafine and Coarse Particles in Hong Kong Homes, HVAC&R Research,  18(1-2), pp. 204-216, 2012.  

5. S. Yin, G.N. Sze To and C.Y.H. Chao, Retrospective Analysis of Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis Outbreak during a Flight Using Computational Fluid Dynamics and Infection Risk Assessment, Building and Environment, 47, pp. 50-57, 2012. (Received Best Paper Award)

6. Y. Yang, G.N. Sze-To and C.Y.H. Chao, Estimation of the Aerodynamic Sizes of Single Bacterium-laden Expiratory Aerosols using Stochastic Modeling with Experimental Validation, Aerosol Science and Technology, 46, pp. 1-12, 2012.

7. G.R. Johnson, L. Morawska, Z.D. Ristovski, M. Hargreaves, K. Mengersen, C.Y.H. Chao, M.P. Wan, Y. Li, X. Xie, D. Katoshevski, S. Corbett, Modality of Human Expired Aerosol Size Distributions,  Journal of Aerosol Science, 42, pp. 839-851, 2011.

8. M.P. Wan, C.L. Wu, G.N. Sze-To, T.C. Chan and C.Y.H. Chao, Ultrafine Particles and PM_2.5 Generated from Cooking in Homes, Atmospheric Environment, 45, pp. 6141-6148, 2011.

9. G.N. Sze To and C.Y.H. Chao, Use of Risk Assessment and Likelihood Estimation to Analyze Spatial Distribution Pattern of Respiratory Infection Cases, Risk Analysis, 31(3), pp. 351-369, 2011.

10. D. Parienta, L. Morawska, G.R. Johnson, Z.D. Ristovski, M. Hargreaves, K. Mengersen, S. Corbett, C.Y.H. Chao, Y. Li, D. Katoshevski, Theoretical Analysis of the Motion and Evaporation of Exhaled Respiratory Droplets of Mixed Composition, Journal of Aerosol Science, 42, pp. 1-10, 2011.

11. M.P. Wan, K.S. Hui, C.Y.H. Chao and C.W. Kwong, Catalytic Combustion of Methane with Ozone using Pd-exchanged Zeolite X: Experimental Investigation and Kinetics Model, Combustion Science and Technology,  182, pp. 1429-1445, 2010.

12. G.N. Sze To and C.Y.H. Chao, Review and Comparison between the Wells-Riley and Dose-response Approaches to Risk Assessment of Infectious Respiratory Diseases, Indoor Air, 20, pp. 2-16, 2010.

13. C.W. Kwong and C.Y.H. Chao, Fly Ash Products from Biomass Co-Combustion for VOC Control, Bioresource Technology, 101, pp. 1075-1081, 2010.

14. J. Pantelic, G.N. Sze-To, K.W. Tham, C.Y.H. Chao, Y.C.M. Khoo, Personalized Ventilation as a Control Measure for Airborne Transmissible Disease Spread, Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 6, pp. 715-726, 2009.

15. G.N. Sze To, M.P. Wan, C.Y.H. Chao, L. Fang and A. Melikov, Experimental Study of Dispersion and Deposition of Expiratory Aerosols in Aircraft Cabins and Impact on Infectious Disease Transmission, Aerosol Science and Technology, 43, pp. 466-485, 2009.   

16. L. Morawska, G.R. Johnson, Z.D. Ristovski, M. Hargreaves, K. Mengersen, S. Corbett, C.Y.H. Chao, Y. Li and D. Katoshevski, Size Distribution and Sites of Origin of Droplets Expelled during Expiratory Activities, Journal of Aerosol Science, 40, pp. 256-269, 2009.  

17. C.Y.H. Chao, M.P. Wan, L. Morawska, G.R. Johnson, Z.D. Ristovski, M. Hargreaves, K. Mengersen, S. Corbett, Y. Li, X. Xie and D. Katoshevski,  Characterization of Expiratory Air Jets and Droplet Size Distributions immediately at the Mouth Opening, Journal of Aerosol Science, 40, pp. 122-133, 2009.    

18. M.P. Wan, G.N. Sze To, C.Y.H. Chao, L. Fang and A. Melikov, Modeling the Fate of Expiratory Aerosols and the Associated Infection Risk in an Aircraft Cabin Environment, Aerosol Science and Technology, 43, pp. 322-343, 2009.  

19. C.W. Kwong, C.Y.H. Chao, K.S. Hui and M.P. Wan, Catalytic Oxidation of Toluene using Zeolite and MCM-41 Materials, Environmental Science and Technology, 42, pp. 8504-8509, 2008.  

20. K.S. Hui and C.Y.H. Chao, Methane Emissions Abatement by Multi-ion-exchanged Zeolite A Prepared from Both Commercial-grade Zeolite and Coal Fly Ash, Environmental Science and Technology, 42, pp. 7392-7397, 2008.  

21. G.N. Sze To, M.P. Wan, C.Y.H. Chao, F. Wei, S.C.T. Yu and J.K.C. Kwan, A Methodology for Estimating Airborne Virus Exposures in Indoor Environments Using the Spatial Distribution of Expiratory Aerosols and Virus Viability Characteristics, Indoor Air, 18, pp. 425-438, 2008.  

22. C.Y.H. Chao, M.P. Wan and G.N. Sze To, Transport and Removal of Expiratory Droplets in Hospital Ward Environment, Aerosol Science and Technology, 42, pp. 377-394, 2008.    
     
23. J.S. Hu and C.Y.H. Chao, Study of a Micro Absorption Heat Pump System, International Journal of Refrigeration, 31, pp. 1198-1206, 2008.  
     
24. K.S. Hui, C.Y.H. Chao, C.W. Kwong and M.P. Wan, Use of Multi-transition Metal-ion-exchanged Zeolite 13X Catalysts in Methane Emissions Abatement, Combustion and Flame, 153, pp. 119-129, 2008.  

25. C.W. Kwong, C.Y.H. Chao, K.S. Hui and M.P. Wan, Removal of VOCs from Indoor Environment by Ozonation over Different Porous Materials, Atmospheric Environment, 42, pp. 2300-2311, 2008.  

26. J.S. Hu and C.Y.H. Chao, Development of an Electroosmotic Pump Driven Micro LiBr Absorption Heat Pump System for Controlling Microclimate in Protective Clothing – Feasibility Review and Role of the EO Pump, HVAC&R Research,  14(3), pp. 467-487, 2008.

27. M.P. Wan, C.Y.H. Chao, Y.D. Ng, G.N. Sze To and W.C. Yu, Dispersion of Expiratory Aerosols in a General Hospital Ward with Ceiling Mixing Type Mechanical Ventilation System, Aerosol Science and Technology, 41, pp. 244-258, 2007.  

28. P.C.W. Kwong, C.Y.H. Chao, J.H. Wang, C.W. Cheung and G. Kendall, Co-combustion Performance of Coal with Rice Husks and Bamboo, Atmospheric Environment,  41, pp. 7462-7472, 2007.  

29. Y. Li, G.M. Leung, J.W. Tang, X. Yang, C.Y.H. Chao, J.Z. Lin, J.W. Lu, P.V. Nielsen, J. Niu, H. Qian, A.C. Sleigh, H.J. Su, J. Sundell, T.W. Wong and P.L. Yuen, Role of Ventilation in Airborne Transmission of Infectious Agents in the Built Environment – A Multidisciplinary Systematic Review, Indoor Air, 17, pp. 2-18, 2007.  

30. J.S. Hu and C.Y.H. Chao, A Study of the Performance of Microfabricated Electroosmotic Pump, Sensors & Actuators: A. Physical, 135, pp. 273-282, 2007.  

31. C.Y.H. Chao, K.S. Hui, W. Kong, P. Cheng and J.H. Wang, Analytical and Experimental Study of Premixed Methane-Air Flame Propagation in Narrow Channels, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 50, pp. 1302-1313, 2007.

32. J.S. Hu and C.Y.H. Chao, An Experimental Study of the Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in Micro Condensers with Slug-bubbly Flow, International Journal of Refrigeration, 30, pp. 1309-1318, 2007.

33. J.S. Hu and C.Y.H. Chao, Numerical Study of Electroosmotic (EO) Flow in Microfabricated EO Pump with Overlapped Electrical Double Layer (EDL), International Journal of Refrigeration,  30, pp. 290-298, 2007.

34. C.Y.H. Chao, P.C.W. Kwong, J.H. Wang, C.W. Cheung and G. Kendall, Co-Firing Coal with Rice Husk and Bamboo and the Impact on Particulate Matters and Associated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emissions, Bioresource Technology, 99, pp. 83-93, 2007.

35. M.P. Wan and C.Y.H. Chao, Transport Characteristics of Expiratory Droplets and Droplet Nuclei in Indoor Environments with Different Ventilation Air Flow Patterns, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, T-ASME, 129(3), pp. 341-353, 2007.

36. C.Y.H. Chao, C.W. Kwong and K.S. Hui, Potential Use of a Combined Ozone and Zeolite System for Gaseous Toluene Elimination, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 143, pp. 118-127, 2007.

37. C.Y.H. Chao and M.P. Wan, A Study of the Dispersion of Expiratory Aerosols in Uni-Directional Downward and Ceiling-return Type Air Flows Using Multiphase Approach, Indoor Air, 16, pp. 296-312, 2006.

38. K.S. Hui and C.Y.H. Chao, Synthesis of MCM-41 from Coal Fly Ash by a Green Approach: Influence of Synthesis pH, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 137, pp. 1135-1148, 2006.

39. K.S. Hui and C.Y.H. Chao, Pure, Single Phase, High Crystalline, Chamfered-Edge Zeolite 4A Synthesized from Coal Fly Ash for Use as a Builder in Detergents, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 137(1), pp. 401-409, 2006.   

40. M.P. Wan and C.Y.H. Chao, Numerical and Experimental Study of Velocity and Temperature Characteristics in a Ventilated Enclosure with Underfloor Ventilation Systems, Indoor Air, 15, pp. 342-355, 2005.

41. K.S. Hui, C.Y.H. Chao and S.C. Kot, Removal of Mixed Heavy Metal Ions in Waste Water by Zeolite 4A and Residual Products from Recycled Coal Fly Ash, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 127 (1-3), pp. 89-101, 2005.

42. K.S. Hui and C.Y.H. Chao, Effects of Step-Change of Synthesis Temperature on Synthesis of Zeolite 4A from Coal Fly Ash, Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 88, pp. 145-151, 2005.

43. C.Y.H. Chao and M.P. Wan, Experimental Study of Ventilation Performance and Contaminant Distribution of Underfloor Ventilation Systems versus Traditional Ceiling Based Ventilation System, Indoor Air, 14(5), pp. 306-316, 2004. 

44. C.Y.H. Chao, J.H. Wang and W. Kong, Effects of Fuel Properties on the Combustion Behaviors of Different Types of Porous Beds Soaked with Combustible Liquid, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 47(24), pp. 5201-5210, 2004.  

45. J.H.Wang, C.Y.H. Chao and W. Kong, Experimental Study and Asymptotic Analysis of Horizontally Forced Forward Smoldering Combustion, Combustion and Flame, 135(4), pp. 405-419, 2003.  

46. C.Y.H. Chao, M.P. Wan and E. C.K. Cheng, Penetration Coefficient and Deposition Rate as a Function of Particle Size in Non-Smoking Naturally Ventilated Residences, Atmospheric Environment, 37(30), pp. 4233-4241, 2003.  

47. W. Kong, C.Y.H. Chao and J. Wang, Behavior of Non-Spread Diffusion Flames of Combustible Liquid Soaked in Porous Beds, Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, Combustion Institute, 29, pp. 251-257, 2002.  

48. Y. Huang, C.Y.H. Chao and P. Cheng, Effects of Preheating and Operation Conditions on Combustion in a Porous Medium, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 45, pp. 4315-4324, 2002.