Dr Hongwei Zhang BEng, MSc, PhD, CEng, MIET, FHEA
Deputy Head of the National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering
- Department of Engineering and Mathematics
- National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering
- Industry and Innovation Research Institute
Summary
I have a PhD in Control Engineering from the University of Manchester and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology.
I am a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). I am also an IET Academic Accreditor. I am a keen researcher in the field of advanced control and condition monitoring of complex processes, industrial automation, robotics and artificial
intelligence. My main teaching areas are in industrial automation and control engineering.
I joined Sheffield Hallam University in 2007, working as a Subject Group Leader for three different subject groups respectively in the Department of Engineering and Mathematics (2009-2018) before being appointed as the Deputy Head of Department in 2018. From June 2021 to January 2022, I worked as the Interim Head of Department for Engineering and Mathematics. In February 2022, I took up the position of Deputy Head of Centre for the National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering (NCEFE).
About
I graduated with a First-Class BEng degree in Automatic Control (1993), an MSc in Control Engineering (1996) and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering (1999) all from Harbin Institute of Technology, China.
While working as a Research Associate at the University of Manchester (2001-2003), I completed my second PhD in the field of Advanced Process Control and Condition Monitoring in 2004 from the School of Engineering. Before joining Sheffield Hallam University in 2007, I worked as a Lecturer in Control Engineering at North East Wales Institute, University of Wales (now Glyndŵr University) (2003-2006).
As Deputy Head and then Interim Head of the Department of Engineering and Mathematics at Sheffield Hallam University, I led one of the largest departments in the university and provided strategic leadership for the department. I was also responsible for work planning, resources allocation, people management, staff development, and developing innovation, research, and continuous quality enhancement in the department.
I have been leading and delivering many MSc, MEng and BEng modules relevant to Automation and Control Engineering. I have supervised many BEng final year projects, MSc Project and Dissertations, and have successfully supervised/co-supervised 14 PhD students to completion to date.
Areas of Interest:
- Advanced Process Control
- Condition Monitoring
- Industrial Automation and Robotics
- Industry 4.0
- Artificial Intelligence
Teaching
Department of Engineering and Mathematics
Business, Technology and Enterprise
Power, Electrical and Control Engineering Subject Group
In the last 15 years at Sheffield Hallam University, I have been a Module Leader for over 10 modules from Level 4 to Level 7. I am currently leading the following module: Control Systems and Their Applications (Level 6 MEng/BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering) I also teach part of the following module: Control of Linear Systems (Level 7, MSc Automation, Control and Robotics).
Research
Current Projects
• SUSFOOD2 - A Horizon 2020 ERA-NET Cofund on Sustainable Food Production and Consumption, 2018 – 2021, Co-I. ‘Improving sustainability in food processing using Moderate Electric Fields (MEC) for process intensification and smart processing. Project ID: MEFPROC, €1.353M in total working with University College Dublin and 5 other European partners.
• KTP project with Quality Service Solutions Ltd, 2021 – 2023, Lead Academic. ‘Development of an Industry 4.0 enabled embedded digital control systems software platform’. £181K.
• Innovate UK Call ‘Driving the electric revolution – building talent for the future’, 2022-2022, Co-Investigator, ‘Boosting the Readiness of University Graduates for Power Electronics Market’, £25K.
• Enhanced Mentored Internship with AESSEAL / AVT, 2022-2023, Co-I, ‘Machine learning (ML) / artificial intelligence (AI) Assisted Zero Auxiliary Knowledge Fault Detection System’. £32K.
• Innovate UK ICURe Sprint, 2022, PI (as Senior Researcher of the project), ‘Optimal Flexibility Resource Management - Generating Optimal Flexibility Exchange Strategies to Enable High Renewable, Net Zero Electrical networks and Energy Cost Reduction’. £20K.
Recently Completed Projects
• KTP project with World Feeds Ltd, 2016 – 2018, Academic Supervisor. 'Development of embedded bespoke manufacturing processes to produce high volumes of high value advanced food products', £133K.
• Innovate UK project, 2015 – 2017, Co-I. ‘Effective milk processing with variable composition’, approx. £700K in total working with Nestle, Foss and First Milk.
• Consultancy Project with SSG Insight in Leeds - Publication of a White Paper 'Harnessing Brexit, Technology and Insight - British manufacturers maintaining a competitive edge in an age of uncertainty & opportunity' (Web Link: https://www.ssginsight.com/brexit-tech-insight). £3.5K
Collaborators and Sponsors
• Innovate UK
• DEFRA
• Nestlé UK & Ireland
• FOSS
• First Milk
• World Feeds Ltd
• Ohm-E Technology
• United Utilities
• Festo Didactic
• SSG Insight
• Quality Service Solutions Ltd
• Penso Power
Publications
Key Publications
Zhang, H., Mohamed, A., Breikin, T., & Howarth, M. (2021). Modelling and Simulation of an Ohmic Heating Process. Open Journal of Modelling and Simulation, 9 (1), 26-42. http://doi.org/10.4236/ojmsi.2021.91002
Kokkrathoke, S., Rawsthorne, A., Zhang, H., & Xu, X. (2022). Nonlinear Optimal Stabilising Control of a Two-wheel Robot. International Journal of Modelling, Identification and Control, 38 (2), 175-189. http://doi.org/10.1504/IJMIC.2021.122501
Saad, S.M., Bahadori, R., Zhang, H., & Albaqami, A. (2021). Technology Roadmapping Application in Smart City's Development. In ICMR2021: 18th International Conference on Manufacturing Research, Virtual, 7 September 2021 - 9 September 2021 (pp. 368-373). IOS Press: http://doi.org/10.3233/ATDE210063
Saad, S., Bhovar, C., Bahadori, R., & Zhang, H. (2021). Industry 4.0 Application in Lean Manufacturing- A Systematic Review. In ICMR2021: 18th International Conference on Manufacturing Research, University of Derby, UK, 7 September 2021 - 9 September 2021 (pp. 341-346). IOS press: http://doi.org/10.3233/ATDE210059
Meng, Q., Zhang, H., & Howarth, M. (2022). Comparison between Real-Time Auto-Tuning PID and Conventional PID Controller for a Dairy Industrial Evaporation Process. International Journal of Modelling, Identification and Control, 40 (1).
Oluwole-Ojo, O., Zhang, H., Howarth, M., & Xu, X. (2021). Model based design and validation of a batch ohmic heating system. Modelling, 2 (4), 641-658. http://doi.org/10.3390/modelling2040034
Ding, Y., Chen, Z., Zhang, H., Wang, X., & Guo, Y. (2022). A short-term wind power prediction model based on CEEMD and WOA-KELM. Renewable Energy, 189, 188-198. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.02.108
Journal articles
Saleh, I., Ali, R., & Zhang, H. (2018). Experimental testing and validation of the mathematical model for a self-humidifying PEM fuel cell. Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, 6 (4), 202-218. http://doi.org/10.4236/msce.2018.64019
Saleh, I.M., Ali, R., & Zhang, H. (2018). Environmental Impact of High Altitudes on the Operation of PEM Fuel Cell Based UAS. Energy and Power Engineering, 10 (03), 87-105. http://doi.org/10.4236/epe.2018.103007
Ding, Y., Zhu, C., & Zhang, H. (2017). A type of distribution control method for nonlinear stochastic systems. Paiguan Jixie Gongcheng Xuebao/Journal of Drainage and Irrigation Machinery Engineering, 35 (9), 774-779. http://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-8530.17.0063
Saleh, I.M.M., Ali, R., & Zhang, H. (2016). Simplified mathematical model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on horizon fuel cell stack. Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy, 4 (4), 668-679. http://doi.org/10.1007/s40565-016-0196-5
Zhang, H. (2008). Optimal control of a fed-batch yeast fermentation process based on Least Square Support Vector Machine. International Journal of Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation, 1 (1), 63-68. http://doi.org/10.1504/IJESMS.2008.018850
Zhang, H., Klaveness, B., & Vagapov, Y. (2006). Least square support vector machine based soft-sensing for fed-batch yeast fermentation - A comparative study. World Journal of Engineering, 3 (4), 1-8.
Zhang, H., Lian, Z., Yan, K., Sun, Y., Yuan, J., & Zhang, Z. (2006). Decision support for choice optimal power generation projects: Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model based on the electricity market. Energy Policy, 34 (17), 3359-3364. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2005.06.021
Lennox, B., Zhang, H., Lovett, D., & Sandoz, D. (2004). An integrated approach to advanced process control and condition monitoring. Computing and Control Engineering Journal, 15 (1), 32-37.
Zhang, H., & Lennox, B. (2004). Integrated condition monitoring and control of fed-batch fermentation processes. Journal of Process Control, 14 (1), 41-50. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0959-1524(03)00044-1
Zhang, H., & Lennox, B. (2003). Multi-way optimal control of a benchmark fed-batch fermentation process. Transactions of the Institute of Measurement and Control, 25 (5), 403-417. http://doi.org/10.1191/0142331203tm0100oa
Zhang, H., Lennox, B., Goulding, P.R., & Leung, A.Y.T. (2000). A float-encoded genetic algorithm technique for integrated optimization of piezoelectric actuator and sensor placement and feedback gains. Smart Materials and Structures, 9 (4), 552-557. http://doi.org/10.1088/0964-1726/9/4/319
Conference papers
Meng, Q., Zhang, H., & Howarth, M. (2019). Performances Comparison between Real-Time Auto-Tuning PID and Conventional PID Controller for a Dairy Industrial Evaporation Process Control. 2019 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Control and Automation Engineering (AICAE 2019). http://doi.org/10.12783/dtcse/aicae2019/31462
Haire, M., Xu, X., Alboul, L., Penders, J., & Zhang, H. (2019). Ship Hull Repair Using A Swarm Of Autonomous Underwater Robots: A Self-Assembly Algorithm. ECMR 2019 (European Conference on Mobile Robotics). http://doi.org/10.1109/ECMR.2019.8870910
Haire, M., Xu, X., Alboul, L., Penders, J., & Zhang, H. (2019). Ship hull inspection using a swarm of autonomous underwater robots: a Search algorithm. 2019 IEEE International Symposium on Safety, Security, and Rescue Robotics (SSRR). http://doi.org/10.1109/SSRR.2019.8848963
Kalashnikov, A., Zhang, H., & Abramiuk, M. (2018). Automated recording and processing of lecture attendance data using RFID student cards. PROCEEDINGS OF THE VI INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ADVANCED INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES AIST-2018, 81-84.
Kalashnikov, A., Zhang, H., Jennings, J., & Abramriuk, M.-.M. (2017). Remote laboratory: using Internet-of-Things (IoT) for E-learning. In Comparison of the responsiveness of ultrasonic oscillating temperature sensors (UOTSes) and conventional sensors to temperature inflection points, (pp. 43-46). Springer: http://aist.sumdu.edu.ua/main/
Butler, D., & Zhang, H. (2012). Intelligent software sensors and process prediction for glass container forming processes based on multivariate statistical process control techniques. In Proceedings of 2012 UKACC International Conference on Control, (pp. 281-285). IEEE: http://doi.org/10.1109/CONTROL.2012.6334643
Zhang, H., Zhang, Z., & Lan, L.H. (2010). Evolutionary optimization of a fed-batch penicillin fermentation process. In 2010 International Symposium on Computer, Communication, Control and Automation, Tainan, 5 May 2010 - 7 May 2010 (pp. 403). http://doi.org/10.1109/3CA.2010.5533789
Lan, L.H., & Zhang, H. (2010). Frequency domain criteria for lp-robust stability of systems with fuzzy parameters. In 2010 International Symposium on Computer, Communication, Control and Automation, 3CA 2010, Tainan, 5 May 2010 - 7 May 2010 (pp. 318). http://doi.org/10.1109/3CA.2010.5533820
Zhang, H., & Vagapov, Y. (2006). LS-SVM Based Software Sensor for Fed-batch Yeast Fermentation and Comparative Studies. In 2006 IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology, (pp. 564-568). IEEE: http://doi.org/10.1109/EIT.2006.252204
Belloc, C., Zhang, H., Vagapov, Y., & Moreno, P. (2006). A Step Voltage Response Method for Identification of Induction Motor Parameters at Stand Still. In 2006 IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology, (pp. 109-112). IEEE: http://doi.org/10.1109/EIT.2006.252171
Katawaluwa, M., Zhang, H., Vagapov, Y., & Evans, J. (2006). Simulation of Wind Heat Generator. In 2006 IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology, (pp. 479-482). IEEE: http://doi.org/10.1109/EIT.2006.252138
Zhang, H., Zouaoui, Z., & Lennox, B. (2005). A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOFT-SENSING METHODS FOR FED-BATCH FERMENTATION PROCESSES. IFAC Proceedings Volumes, 38 (1), 55-60. http://doi.org/10.3182/20050703-6-CZ-1902.02213
Zhang, H., & Lennox, B. (2003). Fault detection and isolation in a FED-batch penicillin fermentation process. European Control Conference, ECC 2003, 1670-1675. http://doi.org/10.23919/ecc.2003.7085204
Zhang, H., Lennox, B., Goulding, P.R., & Wang, Y. (2002). Adaptive information sharing factors in federated Kalman filtering. IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 15 (1), 79-84. http://doi.org/10.3182/20020721-6-es-1901.00666
Book chapters
Xu, X., Zhang, H., & Carbone, G. (2017). Case studies on nonlinear control theory of the inverted pendulum. In Boubaker, O., & Iriarte, R. (Eds.) The inverted pendulum in control theory and robotics. From theory to new innovations. (pp. 225-262). London: IET: http://doi.org/10.1049/PBCE111E_ch
Zhang, H. (2009). Software Sensors and Their Applications in Bioprocess. In Nicoletti, M.D.C., & Jain, L.C. (Eds.) Computational Intelligence Techniques for Bioprocess Modelling, Supervision and Control. (pp. 25-56). Springer-Verlag: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-01888-6_2
Zhang, H. (2008). Intelligent software sensors for fed-batch fermentation processes. In Proceedings of the UKACC International Conference on Control 2008. University of Manchester: https://ukacc.group.shef.ac.uk/proceedings/control2008/Proceedings.html
Reports
Smith, D., Woodroofe, N., Little, L., Slay, O., Handforth, R., Beckingham, S., ... Ludwig, F. (2019). Research Informed Teaching a Post Graduate perspective. Sheffield Hallam University.
Zhang, H., Saad, S., & Jon, M. (2018). Harnessing Brexit, Technology and Insight - British manufacturers; maintaining a competitive edge in an age of uncertainty & opportunity. Sheffield Hallam University and SSG Insight.
Theses / Dissertations
Alshamsi, O.M.A. (2022). Framework for embedding industry 4.0 in UAE emergency management. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Zhang, H. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00445
Meng, Q. (2020). Advanced Process Control with Applications in the Food Industry. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Zhang, H., & Halliday, I. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00374
Salah, I.M.M. (2015). Modelling, simulation and performance evaluation: PEM fuel cells for high altitude UAS. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Ali, R., & Zhang, H.
Other activities
I am working in the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation, and the International Journal of Modelling, Identification and Control. I have also been working as the International Liaison Co-chair for the annually held IEEE Conference on Electro/Information Technology (https://www.eit-conference.org/) since 2006. I have recently been invited to act as a Guest Editor and a Topic Editor for the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) Journals. I have served as a regular reviewer for many funding councils, journals and publishers including EPSRC, Innovate UK, IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, Journal of Process Control, International Journal of Systems Science, Journal of Image and Vision Computing, Journal of Chemical Engineering Science, Processes, Robotics, and Elsevier books etc.
Postgraduate supervision
I have supervised 14 PhD students to completion to date and I am currently supervising 8 PhD students, as Director of Study (DoS) for 4 of them, including:
ALNUAIMI, Samah, The Seventh Generation of Innovation Management - an Integrated Framework for Competitive Advantages;
GAAFAR, Amr Mohamed Ehab Moustafa, Design and Manufacture of Medium-Voltage Contactors and Circuit Breakers;
MOHAMED FADAAQ, Salem Hussain, Framework for Improving Strategic Competitiveness of Container Ports in the UAE;
OLUWOLE-OJO, Oluwaloba, Modelling, control and analysis of moderate electric fields in food manufacturing processes;
AL BALOUSHI, Khalifa Murad, Framework for Integrating Industry 4.0 in the UAE Defence Industry Ecosystem;
SHOBAYO, Olamilekan Saheed, Artificial Intelligence Techniques Development for Infra-Red Imaging Based Bone Fracture Screening;
O’BRIEN, Alexander, Advanced real-time control and optimisation of mixed beer fermentation;
JAVED, Tasmiyah, Model-based control and optimisation of MEF electrified processing to decarbonise food manufacturing.