Article
Thermodynamics
Ji Zhang, Zhixiang Zhang, Shiqiao Zhou, Hongxun Hui, Ning Mei, Han Yuan
Summary: This research introduces a novel combined power-refrigeration cycle using a hybrid liquid-gas-gas ejector to improve the energy conversion efficiency of ocean thermal energy conversion. The study develops a fluid flow model to explain the liquid-gas-gas ejection process and conducts parametric analysis to evaluate the cycle performance. The results demonstrate that the cycle can enhance both refrigeration and power capabilities while maintaining a certain refrigeration temperature.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Mehdi Ebadi, Mehdi Mehrpooya, Alireza H. Kani
Summary: The new design presented in this research overcomes the intermittent nature of solar radiation, increases the outlet temperature of the solar receiver to integrate with the thermochemical reactor, and significantly improves thermal-hydraulic performance using corrugated tubes. Additionally, numerical modeling of a thermochemical reactor with a honeycomb structure is performed and validated against experimental results, showing the capability of the designed solar receiver hybrid with thermochemical energy storage to provide the required turbine inlet temperature in off-sun condition.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
M. N. Khan, Tawfeeq Abdullah Alkanhal, Jihen Majdoubi, Iskander Tlili
Summary: The study compares the energy and exergy analysis of a proposed gas turbine cycle with a simple gas turbine cycle, finding that the proposed cycle can significantly improve thermal efficiency and output under certain conditions, while also reducing exhaust gas exergy losses. Compared to the simple gas turbine cycle, the proposed cycle has higher combustion efficiency and lower energy losses.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qian Zhao, Jianquan Lin, Haotian Huang, Zhuwei Xie, Yimin Xiao
Summary: A novel K2CO3-based composite material was successfully synthesized by incorporating expanded graphite and octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether with K2CO3, resulting in significantly improved mass and heat transfer capacities. These composites exhibited high energy storage densities and cycling stability, making them suitable for medium-to-low-temperature thermochemical heat storage applications.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tao Shi, Huijin Xu
Summary: In this study, a theoretical model was developed for the hydrogen charging process in the hydrogen storage reactor assisted with heat storage, and a novel method to improve heat transfer performance was proposed by topology optimization of thermal conductivity fins. The optimized structure showed significant improvement in the hydrogen charging process.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wenwen Han, Chaojie Jiang, Jingjing Wang, Hongbo Chen
Summary: This study proposes the Internal Circulational Thermal Dispersion Technology (ICTDT) to improve the heat transfer efficiency of waste rubber pyrolysis. By adding heat-conducting media into the rotary kiln, the formation of coking center is inhibited and the heat transfer efficiency is greatly increased. The research provides a feasible method for the industrialization of waste rubber pyrolysis.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Minerva Diaz-Heras, Alejandro Calderon, Monica Navarro, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez, A. Ines Fernandez, C. Barreneche
Summary: This study focuses on researching different materials as alternative candidates for HTF and storage materials in CSP plants, highlighting the significant advantages of SiC and carbo over sand. The research shows that high temperature and fluidization processes do not affect particle diameter, but fluidized samples vary considerably in diameter.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hyejeong Lee, Jonghun Lim, Junghwan Kim
Summary: This study presents a new lithium production method that reduces production time and energy consumption by utilizing waste heat from a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) and using desalination wastewater as a source. Through economic analysis, it was determined that 108.5 tons/year of Li2CO3 can be produced and NaOH absorbents can be synthesized, capturing about 93.0% of CO2 and achieving 48.7% energy savings. The proposed process is economically feasible, with a net present value of 2,827 million USD and a payback period of 0.31 years. Therefore, this study provides valuable insight into the efficient and environmentally friendly production of lithium using recovered waste heat and desalination wastewater.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Boyan Wang, Zhiyuan Wang, Yan Ma, Yijing Liang
Summary: The study indicates that improving convective heat transfer has different effects on heat transfer performance in different reaction processes. Enhancing convective heat transfer can improve heat transfer performance in the dehydration process, while its effect is minimal in the hydration process.
Article
Thermodynamics
Min Wu, Shikai Shen, Xuefeng Yang, Wenlong Dong, Fei Song, Yeqi Zhu, Zhiyuan Wang
Summary: This paper systematically classifies and summarizes the current state of research on the enhancement of heat transfer in microchannels with bionic fractal structure, including fractal structures such as leaf veins, tree branches, lung trachea, spider webs and other biomimetic microchannels. The fractal topology microchannels are also discussed with theoretical models and experimental numerical verification, which shows their advantages by comparing with conventional microchannels. Finally, the existing challenges and future directions of fractal structured microchannel are analyzed in depth and prospected, respectively. This study can provide new research ideas for the development of heat transfer process strengthening and provide the corresponding theoretical basis and scientific guidance for industrial application.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Haiquan Yu, Jianxin Zhou, Fengqi Si, Lars O. Nord
Summary: Combined heat and power dynamic economic dispatch (CHPDED) is a key technology for efficient operation of natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants. This study proposes an advanced loads variation capacity model integrated into the CHPDED model, improving feasibility of dispatched demands in NGCC plant operations. Case studies using field operational data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Article
Thermodynamics
Xiaojing Han, Shuli Liu, Cheng Zeng, Yongliang Shen, Liu Yang
Summary: This study experimentally compared the performance of a thermochemical reactor for space heating using copper fins and copper plates as heat enhancement methods. The copper plate reactor was found to achieve better desorption performance than the copper fin reactor, with higher outlet air temperature lifts and lower pressure drop. The reactors exhibited different performance characteristics under varying inlet air flow rates due to the different internal air flow characteristics caused by the copper fins and plates. Future research should focus on improving reactor performance, optimizing reactor design, and identifying suitable operating conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LOW-CARBON TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zilong Wang, Hua Zhang, Binlin Dou, Guanhua Zhang, Weidong Wu, Xiang Zhou
Summary: The study demonstrated that incorporating copper metal foam into phase change materials can significantly improve heat transfer efficiency and thermal conductivity, leading to increased heat storage capacity and integrated heat transfer coefficient. The optimal heat storage and heat storage rate for copper metal foam composite phase change materials were achieved with a copper metal foam proportion of 1.28%.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hiu Yan Mok, Nima Sedaghatizadeh, Maziar Arjomandi, Graham J. Nathan, Mehdi Jafarian
Summary: A novel molten metal helical coil (M2HC) solar receiver is introduced in this study, which heats pressurised air or other gases to high temperatures. The absorbed solar thermal heat is transferred to the pressurised air through the submerged helical coil in a molten metal bath, while the heat transfer efficiency is enhanced by injecting inert gas. This receiver demonstrates high absorption efficiency and potential application benefits.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gabriele Humbert, Adriano Sciacovelli
Summary: In this study, mass transfer enhancement in open system thermochemical energy storage is achieved through optimized design of flow channel geometries. Two reactor configurations, sieve reactors and cylindrical reactors, are analyzed and compared with literature benchmarks. Tentacular flow channel geometries are observed, with elongated flow channels in the reactive bed without direct connection between the inlet and outlet interfaces. Compared to literature solutions, a +757.8% increase in discharged energy is achieved in a fixed time. Optimal geometrical features vary based on the targeted performance metric. Thinner channels are found to be favorable for increasing discharged exergy. Overall, the emerging design trends provide new pathways for improving open system thermochemical energy storage reactors and contribute significantly to technological advancement.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Seyed Mohsen Hashem Zadeh, Maryam Ghodrat, Kasra Ayoubi Ayoubloo, Nima Sedaghatizadeh, Robert A. Taylor
Summary: This study numerically analysed the performance of a circular LHTES under partial charging/discharging modes, revealing the significant impact of the angle and thickness of metal foam sheets on the charging/discharging process. The configuration with maximum complete charging power may not exhibit the best performance during partial charging, and a Y-shaped design can achieve optimal performance by charging in the upright orientation and then rotating 60 degrees.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qiyuan Li, Huili Zhang, Cheng Tan, Boyue Lian, Raquel Garcia-Pacheco, Robert A. Taylor, John Fletcher, Pierre Le-Clech, Buddhi Ranasinghe, Tharanga Senevirathna, Gregory Leslie
Summary: A decentralized RO module was designed to address water availability issues in rural communities, utilizing tubular RO membranes and 3D printed static mixers. The system requires minimal pretreatment, fits in a self-contained suitcase, and was tested with uninterrupted power solutions to provide drinking water for rural households.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Moucun Yang, Yiluo Zhang, Qinggang Wang, Yuezhao Zhu, Robert A. Taylor
Summary: This paper proposes an "umbrella" support structure to improve the mechanical properties of heliostats. By optimizing the design through a coupled (structural-optical) modeling approach, weight and cost reduction can be achieved while the loss in optical efficiency is negligible.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Javad Mohammadpour, Ann Lee, Victoria Timchenko, Robert Taylor
Summary: Phase change materials have high potential for thermal energy storage, but their uptake has been limited due to slow charging response, limited life, and economic considerations. The development of nano-enhanced phase change materials is now a major focus to overcome these technical challenges. China has played a central role in research and international collaboration in this field.
Article
Mechanics
Zahra Hashemi Shahraki, Mahdi Navidbakhsh, Robert A. Taylor
Summary: This paper investigates the application of smooth transition CEAs in spiral microchannels and finds that it can reduce focusing duration and cell lysis probability at a certain flow rate while maintaining a high separation efficiency, providing a promising new method for passive microfluidic focusing of particles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Toufik Arrif, Samir Hassani, Mawloud Guermoui, A. Sanchez-Gonzalez, Robert A. Taylor, Abdelfetah Belaid
Summary: A comparative analysis was conducted to optimize the staggered heliostat field of the PS10 plant using eight metaheuristic algorithms. The study found that evolutionary algorithms outperform swarm intelligence algorithms in terms of efficiency, while the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) and grey wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) converge faster. A hybrid genetic-grasshopper algorithm (GA-GOA) was proposed to achieve high efficiency with low computational cost. The hybrid algorithm demonstrated improved performance in terms of weighted efficiency, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and land use factor (LUF).
Article
Thermodynamics
Mohammadreza Sedighi, Ricardo Vasquez Padilla, Andrew Rose, Robert A. Taylor
Summary: This study proposes a semi-transparent absorber design that allows for uniform absorption of solar energy within its volume, resulting in a uniform temperature distribution and minimized thermal emission losses.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nouman Rafique Mirza, Debra Fernandes, Qiyuan Li, Amr Omar, Shuaifei Zhao, Zongli Xie, Robert Taylor, Jessica Allen, Paul Feron
Summary: In this study, the integration of vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) with direct air capture (DAC) process was evaluated as a sustainable combined water-CO2 recovery approach. Four different VMD modules were used in the experiments, and the results showed that a commercially available LiquiCel module and a custom-made hollow fiber module were the most durable and produced the highest distillate fluxes. These modules also exhibited high removal rates of salinity, dissolved oxygen, and showed some basic species moving across the membranes. Furthermore, the results indicated that coupling DAC with VMD represents a viable pathway for sustainably reclaiming water from industrial processes and carbon capture systems for power plants.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
David Saldivia, Robert A. Taylor
Summary: This study investigates a novel rotating receiver-storage unit that could enable high-temperature concentrated solar thermal (CST) plants. The design, using cast steel as the storage medium, achieves >70% receiver efficiency for operation temperatures of 850-1000 K. This design is best for relatively small CST systems and can be effectively employed as an efficient peaking plant.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Peter Ellersdorfer, Amr Omar, Robert A. Taylor, Rahman Daiyan, Greg Leslie
Summary: The study compares the water demands and operating costs of a solar-driven electrolyser facility using reverse osmosis or low-temperature multi-effect distillation. The results show that low-temperature multi-effect distillation has lower costs and produces surplus water for other uses. This suggests that thermal desalination is a compelling option for large-scale production of green hydrogen.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Long Xu, Moucun Yang, Xinhe Wang, Kelong Diao, Yuezhao Zhu, Robert Taylor
Summary: In order to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector, a hybrid renewable energy system was studied, which consists of wind, solar, and biogas-fueled combined cooling, heating, and power components. The system's thermal and electrical energy are closely linked, making it challenging to optimize. To address this issue, a novel approach combining orthogonal design and intelligent algorithms was proposed to optimize the capacity of each unit within the system. The results showed significant cost reduction and emission reduction rate increase compared to the optimal orthogonal capacity, and taking into account part-load operation and local resource endowment further improved the system's comprehensive value and reduced investment cost.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ehsan Golab, Behzad Vahedi, Ankur Jain, Robert A. Taylor, Kambiz Vafai
Summary: This study investigates the potential of NEPCM mixtures in convective heat transfer and exergy losses. The effect of various parameters on the melting process, heat transfer, and exergy losses is evaluated. The findings show that NEPCM can enhance heat transfer rate, but it also increases exergy losses. However, an optimal value of omega = 0.02 provides a reasonable improvement in heat transfer with no exergy losses. The location of the phase change and the mass concentration of NEPCM substantially affect the percentage of molten NEPCM and the latent heat efficacy.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiyuan Li, Lixue Jiang, Gan Huang, Da-Wei Wang, Jack Shepherd, Rahman Daiyan, Christos N. Markides, Robert A. Taylor, Jason Scott
Summary: A solar-driven system is proposed for hydrogen production from waste biomass with low carbon and water footprints. The system consists of a waste biomass concentrator, a biomass preconditioning reactor integrated with hybrid PV-thermal collectors, and a flow electrolysis cell equipped with a high-performance electrode. The system achieved an overall solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 7.5% and also produced clean water and a value-added chemical by-product. This work presents a new route towards efficient and economically feasible renewable hydrogen production.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Energy & Fuels
Amr Omar, David Saldivia, Amir Nashed, Qiyuan Li, Robert A. Taylor
Summary: The study finds that sCO(2)-MED cogeneration plants are a promising sustainable technological solution for the energy-water nexus. The approach can achieve lower energy consumption without significantly reducing thermal efficiency for low water production levels. Economic sustainability is mainly influenced by electricity costs and direct normal irradiance resources, with minimal impact from seawater pumping costs.
SOLARPACES 2020 - 26TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONCENTRATING SOLAR POWER AND CHEMICAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Pengcheng Zhao, Jingang Wang, Liming Sun, Yun Li, Haiting Xia, Wei He
Summary: The production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis is crucial for renewable energy utilization and decarbonization. This research explores the optimal electrode configuration and system design of compactly-assembled industrial electrolyzer. The findings provide valuable insights for industrial application of water electrolysis equipment.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
V. Baiju, P. Abhishek, S. Harikrishnan
Summary: Thermally driven adsorption desalination systems (ADS) have gained attention as an eco-friendly solution for water scarcity. However, they face challenges related to low water productivity and scalability. To overcome these challenges, integrating ADS with other desalination technologies can create a small-scale hybrid system. This study proposes integrating ADS with a Thermo Electric Dehumidification (TED) unit to enhance its performance.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
C. X. He, Y. H. Liu, X. Y. Huang, S. B. Wan, Q. Chen, J. Sun, T. S. Zhao
Summary: A decentralized centroid multi-path RC network model is constructed to improve the temperature prediction accuracy compared to traditional RC models. By incorporating multiple heat flow paths and decentralizing thermal capacity, a more accurate prediction is achieved.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chaoying Li, Meng Wang, Nana Li, Di Gu, Chao Yan, Dandan Yuan, Hong Jiang, Baohui Wang, Xirui Wang
Summary: There is an urgent need to shift away from heavy dependence on fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources, particularly in the energy-intensive oil refining process. This study presents an innovative concept called the Solar Oil Refinery, which applies solar energy in oil refining. A solar multi-energies-driven hybrid chemical oil refining system that utilizes solar pyrolysis and electrolysis has been developed, significantly improving solar utilization efficiency, cracking rate, and hydrogen yield.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chao Ma, Guanghui Wang, Dingbiao Wang, Xu Peng, Yushen Yang, Xinxin Liu, Chongrui Yang, Jiaheng Chen
Summary: This study proposes a bio-inspired fish-tail wind rotor to improve the wind power efficiency of the traditional Savonius rotor. Through transient simulations and orthogonal experiments, the key factors affecting the performance are identified. A response surface model is constructed to optimize the power coefficient, resulting in an improvement of 9.4% and 6.6% compared to the Savonius rotor.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sina Bahmanziari, Abbas-Ali Zamani
Summary: This paper proposes a new framework for improving electrical energy harvesting from piezoelectric smart tiles through a combination of magnetic plucking, mechanical impact, and mechanical vibration force mechanisms. Experimental results demonstrate a significant increase in energy yield and average energy harvesting time compared to other mechanisms.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Nanjiang Dong, Tao Zhang, Rui Wang
Summary: This study establishes a multiobjective mixed-variable configuration optimization model for a comprehensive combined cooling, heating, and power energy system, and proposes an efficient generating operator to optimize this model. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than other state-of-the-art algorithms.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ahmed E. Mansy, Eman A. El Desouky, Tarek H. Taha, M. A. Abu-Saied, Hamada El-Gendi, Ranya A. Amer, Zhen-Yu Tian
Summary: This study aims to convert office paper waste into bioethanol through a sustainable pathway. The results show that physiochemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of the waste can yield a high glucose concentration. The optimal conditions were determined using the Box-Behnken design, and a blended membrane was used for ethanol purification.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sven Klute, Marcus Budt, Mathias van Beek, Christian Doetsch
Summary: Heat pumps are crucial for decarbonizing heat supply, and steam generating heat pumps have the potential to decarbonize the industrial sector. This paper presents the current state, technical and economic data, and modeling principles of steam generating heat pumps.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Le Zhang, To-Hung Tsui, Yen Wah Tong, Pruk Aggarangsi, Ronghou Liu
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of a current-carrying-coil-based magnetic field in promoting anaerobic digestion of chicken manure. The results show that the applied magnetic field increases methane yield, decreases carbon dioxide production, and reduces the concentration of ammonia nitrogen. Microbial community analysis reveals the enrichment of certain methanogenic genera and enhanced metabolic pathways. Pilot-scale experiments confirm the technical effectiveness of the magnetic field assistance in enhancing anaerobic digestion of chicken manure.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bo Chen, Ruiqing Ma, Yang Zhou, Rui Ma, Wentao Jiang, Fan Yang
Summary: This paper presents an advanced energy management strategy for fuel cell hybrid electric heavy-duty vehicles, focusing on speed planning and energy allocation. By utilizing predictive co-optimization control, this strategy ensures safe inter-vehicle distance and minimizes energy demand. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in reducing fuel cell degradation cost and overall operation cost.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Fabio Fatigati, Roberto Cipollone
Summary: Organic Rankine Cycle-based microcogeneration systems that use solar sources to generate electricity and hot water can help reduce CO2 emissions in residential energy-intensive sectors. The adoption of a recuperative heat exchanger in these systems improves efficiency, reduces thermal power requirements, and saves on electricity costs.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Lipeng He, Renwen Liu, Xuejin Liu, Xiaotian Zheng, Limin Zhang, Jieqiong Lin
Summary: This research proposes a piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester (PEHEH) for low-frequency wave motion and self-sensing wave environment monitoring. The PEHEH shows promising power output and the ability to self-power and self-sense the wave environment.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Shangling Chu, Yang Liu, Zipeng Xu, Heng Zhang, Haiping Chen, Dan Gao
Summary: This paper studies a distributed energy system integrated with solar and natural gas, analyzes the impact of different parameters on its energy utilization and emissions reduction, and obtains the optimal solution through an optimization algorithm. The results show that compared to traditional separation production systems, this integrated system achieves higher energy utilization and greater reduction in carbon emissions.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Qingpu Li, Yaqi Ding, Guangming Chen, Yongmei Xuan, Neng Gao, Nian Li, Xinyue Hao
Summary: This paper proposes and studies a piston-type thermally-driven pump with a structure similar to a linear compressor, aiming to eliminate the high-quality energy consumption of existing pumps and replace mechanical pumps. The coupling mechanism of working fluid flow and element dimension is analyzed based on force analysis, and experimental data analysis is used to determine the pump operation stroke. Theoretical simulation is conducted to analyze the correlation mechanism of the piston assembly. The research shows that the thermally-driven pump can greatly reduce power consumption and has potential for industrial applications.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)