Article
Energy & Fuels
Rebeca Salgado-Pizarro, Marc Martin, Adela Svobodova-Sedlackova, Alejandro Calder, Laia Haurie, Camila Barreneche
Summary: The use of adequate thermal energy storage systems has the potential to increase energy efficiency in various fields, including the building sector. Shape-stabilized phase change materials (SS-PCMs) have attracted attention for their ability to overcome the leakage issue of PCMs during the liquid state. However, SS-PCMs still need to address drawbacks such as poor fire reaction and thermal stability. This study presents a new shape-stabilized nano-enhanced phase change material (SS-NEPCM) that incorporates layered silicates to overcome these limitations. The experimental results showed improved thermal stability and fire resistance of the SS-NEPCM.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Obai Younis, Abed Mourad, Abderrahmane Aissa, Naef A. A. Qasem, Azher M. Abed, Omid Ali Akbari, Ghassan Fadhil Smaisim, Kamel Guedri, Davood Toghraie, Lioua Kolsi, As'ad Alizadeh
Summary: The melting process of nano-enhanced phase change material (NEPCM) in a latent heat thermal storage system is investigated. A new design using an inner Koch snowflake cylinder is proposed to enhance the melting process. The effects of nanoparticle concentration, undulation number of the outer cylinder, annulus eccentricity, and inner cylinder geometry on the melting performance are examined.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chandrmani Yadav, Rashmi Rekha Sahoo
Summary: The experimental study investigated the impact of Al2O3 and CuO nano-additives on the thermal energy storage system based on lauric acid and paraffin wax phase change materials. The results show that the Al2O3 nano-additives can improve the charging rate of the TES system, reducing the charging time significantly. The 0.1% vol. fraction Al2O3 nano-additives-based lauric acid NEPCM demonstrated superior performance in terms of charging period compared to other samples, with optimal thermal performance observed at 7kg engine load with 1500 rpm.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Seyed Mojtaba Hosseinnia, Mikhail Sorin
Summary: The application of solar assisted ground source heat pumps in buildings has increased in recent years, but there is still a lack of a systematic approach to integrate the optimum system. This study proposes a novel dynamic targeting approach that predicts and guarantees the maximum possible heat recovery by introducing an interconnected network of heat exchangers, energy storage, heat pump, and solar photovoltaic panels based on real-time data.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Johan Lind, Erik Mollerstrom, Helge Averfalk, Fredric Ottermo
Summary: This article explores the storage potential and challenges of building thermal mass in the transition to a more sustainable energy system. Buildings, with their large energy demand and thermal mass, have the ability to shift loads on short term and impact cost reduction, energy demand, and CO2 emissions. The study also examines factors such as heat emission systems and insulation levels that influence the storage potential of building thermal mass.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Amani Al-Saadi, Saleh Al-Saadi, Hayder Khan, Aliya Al-Hashim, Hanan Al-Khatri
Summary: This study aims to assess the feasibility of constructing zero-emission energy schools in hot climates and propose practical design solutions. The results show that the integration of passive and active design strategies can significantly reduce energy consumption and cost.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Nour Bassim Frahat, Mohamed Amin, Ashraf Mohamed Heniegal, Omar Mohamed Omar Ibrahim
Summary: Improving energy efficiency in buildings is a fundamental challenge for sustainable buildings. Incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into mortar is an efficient technique for enhancing energy efficiency. However, the low integration ratio of PCMs in cement mortar reduces its effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the eco-friendly use of PCMs in mortar and assess the impact of replacing sand with ceramic fine aggregate waste on thermal energy storage ability and physicomechanical properties. The results showed that using ceramic as a replacement for sand improved the compressive strength and thermal performance of the mortar.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mehdi Ghalambaz, S. A. M. Mehryan, Kasra Ayoubi Ayoubloo, Ahmad Hajjar, Mohammad S. Islam, Obai Younis, Abdelraheem M. Aly
Summary: The energy storage capability of Nano-Encapsulated Phase Change Material (NEPCM) nanoparticles in an enclosure during the charging and discharging process was investigated. The study found that an increase in the volume fraction of nanoparticles led to a rise in the rate of heat transfer and total energy storage. Additionally, decreasing the Stefan number increased the total stored energy, and the fusion temperature played a significant role in the energy storage behavior.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nishant Modi, Xiaolin Wang, Michael Negnevitsky
Summary: Domestic water heating accounts for a considerable portion of energy consumption in Australian buildings. The use of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system in solar water heating has been widely investigated as a way to reduce fossil fuel consumption and increase renewable energy usage. However, recent research has focused mainly on optimizing the LHTES heat exchanger geometry, which may not be sufficient for commercialization. This perspective paper discusses various solar hot water systems using LHTES, emphasizing on-demand performance studies and structure optimization for faster commercialization, while also addressing future challenges.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zi-Rui Li, Zi-Kun Zhang, Xiao-Rong Wang, Shuang-Shuang Ni, Li-Wu Fan
Summary: Nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM) exhibit immense potential for thermal energy storage (TES) applications, due to its improved thermal conductivity. However, its high viscosity can cause a significant deterioration in natural convection. Close-contact melting (CCM), featuring heat conduction through micro-liquid film, is regarded as a viable pathway to maximize the advantage of NePCM's high thermal conductivity and weaken the adverse effect of high viscosity on convection.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Santosh Kumar Singh, Sujit Kumar Verma, Rahul Kumar
Summary: This study investigates the effects of nanodoping on the thermal performance and overall behavior of PCM-based LHTES systems. The results show that the inclusion of nanoparticles significantly enhances the charging and discharging rates, but also decreases the thermal energy storage capacity. SiO2 doped PCM samples exhibit better thermal response and are suitable for commercial applications.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Micheal A. William, Maria Jose Suarez-Lopez, Silvia Soutullo, M. M. Fouad, Ahmed A. Hanafy
Summary: As buildings consume a significant amount of global energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, this study examines the potential of energy-efficient building solutions in hot climatic regions. Through parametric analysis, a building envelope solution is proposed that reduces energy use, generates green energy, and improves indoor thermal comfort. The results show significant reductions in CO2 emissions and discomfort hours, with promising economic indicators.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammad Ghalambaz, S. A. M. Mehryan, Ahmad Hajjar, Mohammad Yacoub Al Shdaifat, Obai Younis, Pouyan Talebizadehsardari, Wahiba Yaici
Summary: The study utilized a wavy shape to enhance thermal heat transfer in a shell-tube latent heat thermal energy storage unit filled with CuO-coconut oil nano-enhanced phase change material. Results indicated that increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles reduced charging time, while the waviness of the tube could potentially increase charging time by resisting natural convection flow circulation.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Esra Trepci, Praveen Maghelal, Elie Azar
Summary: This paper systematically evaluates the impact of the built urban context on the cooling energy performance of buildings. It shows that urban context height, distance, and orientation can lead to significant reductions in cooling demand, especially for residential buildings. The study provides valuable insights for urban development strategies aiming to leverage inter-building shading effects for energy conservation.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bahman Soleiman Dehkordi, Masoud Afrand
Summary: The energy consumption in the Middle East has increased by 24.2% from 2010 to 2020. Despite the global warming phenomenon affecting the region, the share of renewable energy has remained relatively unchanged. The study found that the effectiveness of phase change materials (PCM) varies between hot and cold regions, and the proper selection of PCM can lead to significant energy savings and reduced building energy demand.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alejandro Calderon, Camila Barreneche, A. Ines Fernandez, Merce Segarra
Summary: The durability and reliability of solid particles in concentrating solar power tower plants are crucial for project viability. The study compares the thermal aging and cycling effects on two solid particle materials - silicon carbide (SiC) and CarboHSP (R) 30/60, with SiC being more affected by thermal cycling and CarboHSP (R) by temperature aging.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
J. A. Farre, R. Salgado-Pizarro, M. Martin, G. Zsembinszki, J. Gasia, L. F. Cabeza, C. Barreneche, A. I. Fernandez
Summary: The study discusses the AWCS and AVWC systems as alternatives to traditional waste management systems, improving collection efficiency by transporting waste directly underground. The research also introduces the origin of failure and identification of failure phenomena, along with recommendations to avoid similar failures in the future.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Laura Boquera, David Pons, Ana Ines Fernandez, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: The study identified six supplementary cementitious materials that can be added to concrete, including bauxite, chamotte, ground granulated blast furnace slag, iron silicate, silica fume, and steel slag. Microstructural characterization was conducted using various tests, showing the formation of calcium silica hydrate in all SCMs during pozzolanic tests. Additionally, exposure to an alkaline environment led to a decrease in tensile strength for polypropylene and steel fibers.
Article
Physics, Applied
M. Ahmad, X. Pelorson, I. A. Fernandez, O. Guasch, A. Van Hirtum
Summary: In this study, a model of the effective low-strain elastic Young's modulus of multi-layer stacked composites is proposed, which can take into account arbitrary stacked inclusions. The model is validated against measurements on molded silicone specimens and allows to predict the influence of a stiff inclusion on the low-strain effective Young's modulus.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marc Majo, Alejandro Calderon, Rebeca Salgado-Pizarro, Adela Svodobova-Sedlackova, Camila Barreneche, Josep Maria Chimenos, Ana Ines Fernandez
Summary: This study evaluates the potential of utilizing solid waste in concentrated solar power technology. The results show that electric arc furnace black slag is the most suitable candidate as a thermal energy storage medium and heat transfer fluid.
Correction
Physics, Applied
M. Ahmad, X. Pelorson, I. A. Fernandez, O. Guasch, A. Van Hirtum
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adela Svobodova-Sedlackova, Sergio Huete-Hernandez, Alejandro Calderon, Camila Barreneche, Pablo Gamallo, Ana Ines Fernandez
Summary: Incorporating nanoparticles into thermal fluids is a viable strategy to develop high-performance fluids and enhance their thermal properties. However, the effect of nanoparticles on the thermal stability and decomposition kinetics of the base fluid remains unclear. In this study, it was found that nanoparticles can accelerate the decomposition of nitrate to nitrite, confirming their catalytic role in nanofluids.
Article
Thermodynamics
J. Garcia-Plaza, M. Diaz-Heras, R. Mondragon, L. Hernandez, A. Calderon, C. Barreneche, J. Canales-Vazquez, A. Fernandez, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez
Summary: This study experimentally tested the thermal performance of coated sand particles for CSP applications and found that coatings based on graphite and carbon black can enhance the thermal absorptivity of particles, leading to the absorption of more energy. These coatings showed no apparent deterioration of their thermal properties after multiple charging/discharging cycles. Extrapolation of the results indicates that coated particles can effectively increase the energy stored in the bed by 60-80% compared to raw sand.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cristina Prieto, Javier Ruiz-Cabanas, Virginia Madina, A. Ines Fernandez, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: This manuscript discusses the challenge of cost-reduction in thermal energy storage system in concentrating solar power (CSP), and evaluates the performance of tank materials in contact with molten salts in a demo plant. The study reveals the corrosion phenomena in the tank materials caused by the introduction of CO2 in the tanks during the preheating process.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rebeca Salgado-Pizarro, Marc Martin, Adela Svobodova-Sedlackova, Alejandro Calder, Laia Haurie, Camila Barreneche
Summary: The use of adequate thermal energy storage systems has the potential to increase energy efficiency in various fields, including the building sector. Shape-stabilized phase change materials (SS-PCMs) have attracted attention for their ability to overcome the leakage issue of PCMs during the liquid state. However, SS-PCMs still need to address drawbacks such as poor fire reaction and thermal stability. This study presents a new shape-stabilized nano-enhanced phase change material (SS-NEPCM) that incorporates layered silicates to overcome these limitations. The experimental results showed improved thermal stability and fire resistance of the SS-NEPCM.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
J. Calvo-de la Rosa, P. Pomarede, P. Antonik, F. Meraghni, D. S. Citrin, D. Rontani, A. Locquet
Summary: Terahertz pulsed imaging, combined with spatial and temporal signal and image processing, is used to visualize woven fabric in glass-fiber-reinforced polymer laminates and determine quantitative microstructure parameters. The results agree with manufacturer-provided microstructure features. The employed signal processing is also effective in revealing weave patterns from noisy C-scans and assessing process-induced microstructure.
NDT & E INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jofre Manosa, Jaume Calvo-de la Rosa, Alessio Silvello, Alex Maldonado-Alameda, Josep Maria Chimenos
Summary: This study presents novel characterisation techniques to evaluate the effects of mechanical activation (MA) on the kaolinite structure. The results show that mechanical treatments significantly distort the kaolinite structure, reducing the kaolinite content and altering the morphology of kaolinite particles. Illite, K-feldspars, and quartz impurities are also extensively modified. The mechanical treatments also affect the bonding strength of hydroxyls in the structure and can lead to the formation of water molecules.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mohammad Ahmad, Xavier Pelorson, Oriol Guasch, Ana Ines Fernandez, Annemie Van Hirtum
Summary: This study characterizes the stress-strain behavior of multi-layer silicone composites and shows that cubic polynomial and exponential two-parameter relationships can accurately fit the measured stress-strain data. These parameters can be modeled as a constant or a linear function of the effective low-strain Young's modulus. The accurate stress-strain predictions obtained from this characterization are useful for the design of composites with different composition and stacking.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Pascal Pomarede, Jaume Calvo-de la Rosa, Piotr Antonik, Fodil Meraghni, David S. Citrin, Damien Rontani, Alexandre Locquet
Summary: This study uses terahertz (THz) imaging technology in the real-space and spatial-frequency domain to nondestructively test the evolution of the main characteristics of a woven glass-fiber reinforced polymer laminate in three dimensions. It can determine the tow orientation and weave period of the material. The results show how the tows realign with the load direction and the decrease in weave period as stress increases, indicating distortion in the surface and inner layers. THz inspection provides quantitative measurements in all material layers and can monitor distortion and damage, making it valuable for process monitoring and validation.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON TERAHERTZ SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)