Innovator

Besides teaching and scientific research, Qin has promoted theoretical research to solve practical problems.

Steam-heating, widely used in China in the 1970s, could heat and cool quickly. However, it carried a hidden danger as a power failure could seriously affect the safe operation of boilers when the power supply became unstable.

After careful research and testing, Qin created the first natural circulation hot water boiler in China, which opened a new avenue for industrial manufacturing.

More than half a century later, such boilers are still used in many areas across the country.

In the 1990s, Qin focused his research on pulverized coal combustion, a technology widely used in power generation. He invented a series of new technologies in the area for different combustion methods and types of coal.

In 2001, as his new technology was being applied, it was estimated to have annual direct economic benefit of more than 130 million yuan.

The same year, Qin was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

He has never stopped making innovations to keep pace with changing times. In recent years, as the country called for efforts to further improve environmental protection, Qin's team has begun research on cleaner and more efficient coal-fired boilers.

"From the founding of New China to reform and opening-up and growing prosperity, I have experienced the great changes of our country," he said. "I never regret my lifelong choice and still believe that scientific researchers should always consider the national interests and closely link their research with the needs of the nation's development."