Work with impact
Originally from China, Professor Zhongdong Wang studied her PhD at Manchester before becoming a Professor in High Voltage Engineering at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Associate Dean for Internationalisation in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
One of the differences with Manchester’s approach is the push to benefit industry and society.
Professor Zhongdong Wang / Professor in High Voltage Engineering, The University of Manchester
Why I chose Manchester
I went to Tsinghua University, Beijing to study both my undergraduate and master’s in electrical engineering before becoming a lecturer there. The University (formerly UMIST) and Tsinghua had been collaborating in high voltage engineering since 1990 so the research was well known in China. It was a natural step for me to come to UMIST and study my PhD. I’m now leading research in the area of power transformers.
One of the differences with Manchester’s approach is the push to benefit industry and society. We’re solving real problems and advising people who are making multi-million pound decisions.
In my opinion, Manchester’s reputation and support for those who want to do well are great for any academics at any stage of career. It’s the best place to work.
Making an impact
I enjoy seeing our research lead to significant advancements and developments in engineering applications. Our work over the last ten years has directly led to the creation of two international standards for the global power industry.
Our research into the application of environmentally-friendly and fire-safe transformer liquids has proved that ester liquids can be used in high voltage transformers – bringing economic and safety advantages to the power industry and environmental benefits to society.
This led to the design and operation of the first 132kV, 90MVA ‘green’ transformer in the UK Power Networks’ distribution network and the design of the first 400kV, 240MVA 'fire safe' transformer for the National Grid’s transmission network (each valued between £1 million and £2 million). Moreover the revisions to the National Grid’s oil policy have seen them recommend ester-filled high voltage transformers for use in London. These developments have contributed directly to a Manchester SME, M&I Materials Limited, increasing its sales from £15 million in 2008 to £29 million today.
I am pleased to see that our work over the last ten years has directly led to the creation of two international standards for the global power industry.
Professor Zhongdong Wang / Professor in High Voltage Engineering, The University of Manchester
Global thinking
I collaborate with a wide range of industry partners, at home and abroad, providing independent research and technical consultancy. My research is sponsored by a number of international companies including those from the US, South Korea, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Germany and the UK.
I have also maintained close links with China and have been involved in initiatives such as leading the EU-China Research and Innovation Partnership on energy.
The next generation
The main benefit of being an academic at The University of Manchester has to be the students. We can never underestimate the positive impact we can give to the next generation. Equally if we aren’t careful, we can easily overlook our duties towards educating them, or providing the right level of education.
Our PhD graduates work in various countries and act as brand ambassadors for The University of Manchester. It’s amazing to see the impact of our research and PhD students whenever I visit Malaysia, China, Australia and other countries.