Yizhi Zhang received his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. degrees in electrical engineering from Beijing Jiaotong University in 2023, 2018, and 2016, respectively. He worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at Beijing Jiaotong University in 2023, where he focused on modelling and energy management for renewable energy systems and smart grids, specifically integrating electric vehicles (EVs) with power networks. In January 2024, Yizhi joined McMaster University’s McMaster Automotive Resource Center (MARC) as a postdoctoral research fellow. His current research interests include modelling, optimization, and the design of energy management systems and power distribution systems.
Full Profile
Yizhi Zhang discovered his passion for physics and mathematics in high school. This discovery led him to electrical engineering. In 2012, he enrolled at Beijing Jiaotong University and built a strong academic foundation throughout his undergraduate studies.
From 2016 to 2018, Yizhi completed his master’s degree at the Center for Protection and Control of Power Systems at Beijing Jiaotong University. His thesis focused on protecting isolated power systems. He developed a strategy that optimized power grid topology and improved energy delivery to critical industrial loads. He also created an efficient mathematical model for energy-flow calculations in combined heating and power systems.
In November 2018, he began his Ph.D. at Beijing Jiaotong University. His work centred on modelling, control, and optimization of renewable energy systems and smart grids, especially their integration with electric vehicles. He designed a control strategy for power battery production parks that reduced outage costs by 12% through optimized dispatch of EV charging, energy storage, industrial production, and multi-energy systems. After completing his Ph.D., he continued researching energy-system design for industrial parks and shifted toward practical, industry-focused solutions.
In January 2024, Yizhi joined Dr. Ali Emadi’s team at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC). He now applies his experience in modelling and optimization to aerospace electrification and electrified transportation. His current projects include developing a high-voltage power distribution system for aerospace applications and helping design key components for solid-state power controllers.
