Review
Thermodynamics
Allan Takudzwa Muzhanje, M. A. Hassan, Hamdy Hassan
Summary: Phase change material thermal energy storage is an effective solution for energy savings in air conditioning applications. This article reviews previous research works and analyzes energy saving approaches, providing best practices and recommendations for achieving cost cutting but accurate results. The potential benefits of integrating PCMs in air conditioning units include enhanced performance coefficient, energy savings, and reduced CO2 emissions.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ali Tavakoli, Mahmood Farzaneh-Gord, Amir Ebrahimi-Moghadam
Summary: This study evaluates the thermo-hydraulic performance of utilizing sinusoidal internal fins and phase change material (PCM) in LHTES systems. A numerical framework is developed to analyze the geometrical parameters of the fins and investigate different heat transfer and thermodynamic characteristics. The results show that the highest growth of liquid fraction and the lowest entropy generation are achieved in case 4, with H/L = 0.125 and a thickness of 3mm, compared to a case with simple straight fins.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Heng Gu, Yuanyuan Chen, Xiaoyan Yao, Li Huang, Deqiu Zou
Summary: This paper provides an overview of the classification, thermophysical properties, and modification of phase change materials (PCM) for heat pump systems. It summarizes in detail the thermal energy storage (TES) for thermal energy supply and defrosting on both sides of the condenser and evaporator. Furthermore, the frontier technologies of coupling heat pump with PCM driven by renewable energy are introduced, and the existing problems, solutions, and future research directions are raised.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Artur Szajding, Marta Kuta, Agnieszka Cebo-Rudnicka, Marcin Rywotycki
Summary: This paper proposes connecting a thermal energy storage (TES) with a phase change material (PCM) to a photo-voltaic (PV) installation in order to store excess energy. The TES with PCM was designed using an electric heater for charging and water for discharge. Numerical simulations confirmed the effectiveness of the designed TES, which utilized thin aluminium fins for fast heat transport and short charging time. The study also included measurements of energy produced by a 9.6 kWp PV installation in Southern Poland and economic analysis, which showed the feasibility of using a PV installation to charge a TES with PCM.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hakan F. Oztop, Hakan Cosanay, Nirmalendu Biswas, Fatih Selimefendigil
Summary: This study analyzed the melting of phase change materials (PCMs) in a closed space heated from the bottom wall. The performance of a system with PCM containers and fins was assessed by solving governing equations using the finite volume technique. It was found that the inclusion of PCM containers effectively utilized waste heat and modulated the thermal transport process significantly.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. F. Belmonte, M. Diaz-Heras, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez
Summary: The integration of thermal energy storage units can increase renewable energy contribution and overall system performance, but also introduces irreversibility to the system operation. A Second-Law approach should be incorporated in the design to assess the exergy losses. This study quantifies and evaluates the entropy generated by different thermal energy storage units using a simplified and computationally efficient method. The results indicate that the temperature difference and heat losses to surroundings are the main factors contributing to entropy generation.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Aramesh, B. Shabani
Summary: This study provides a detailed review of the parameters affecting the thermophysical performance of PCM-MFs. It identifies the most effective parameters and investigates their possible effects. It also points out common observations and contradicting reports, and discusses the current gaps in the field and opportunities for further research.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hossam A. Nabwey, Maha A. Tony
Summary: Thermal energy storage is a technology that can efficiently store energy and is attractive for thermal applications. However, common organic phase change materials have low thermal conductivity, resulting in slow thermal response that is not suitable for many applications. Therefore, there is a search for methods to improve their thermal properties. This study introduces a novel phase change material system based on waste material, and enhances its performance by adding nanoparticles. The experimental results show improved behavior in the charging and discharging processes.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Atef Chibani, Slimane Merouani, Fouzi Benmoussa
Summary: This study numerically investigates the melting process of phase change materials and metal foams in a latent thermal energy storage unit, finding that metal foam-PCM systems outperform nano- and pure-PCM systems, significantly reducing melting time and showing potential for practical applications and energy waste reduction.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
V. V. Tyagi, K. Chopra, B. Kalidasan, Aditya Chauhan, U. Stritih, Sanjeev Anand, A. K. Pandey, Ahmet Sari, Richa Kothari
Summary: This paper discusses the significant role of thermal energy storage in building energy performance, combining thermal properties of PCM materials and their applications in energy efficient buildings. The article summarizes the advancements, applications, and future solutions in thermal energy storage technologies, with a focus on PCM composites, control strategies, and PCM-based PV/T systems.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
R. Deepak Selvakumar, Jian Wu, Yulong Ding, Ahmed K. Alkaabi
Summary: A numerical analysis was conducted to investigate the melting process of an organic phase change material (PCM) in a square thermal energy storage (TES) capsule with high voltage wire electrodes. The study explored the effect of electric field direction on the melting process under different grounded wall configurations. The results showed that electric field generated small vortices that influenced the melt interface, velocity distribution, and overall melting performance.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Laura Quant, Gonzalo Diarce, Lourdes Bouzas, Ana Garcia-Romero
Summary: This study aims to deepen the understanding of using eutectic mixtures as phase change materials (PCMs) and investigate the influence of operation parameters on phase segregation. The eutectic mixture of urea and sodium nitrate shows potential as a PCM for thermal energy storage. However, an unexpected segregation phenomenon was observed during repeated melting-solidification cycles. Through experimental campaigns and analysis, the relationship between operation conditions and resulting crystal structures was established, and mechanical stirring was identified as a mitigation measure.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dan Zhou, Shaowen Wu, Zhigen Wu, Xingjuan Yu
Summary: A novel multi-slab thermal energy storage unit with NaNO3 as PCM was designed for concentrating solar thermal power plants, with two heat transfer enhancement methods of adding plate fins or 10 wt%EG compared and validated using a numerical model. The results show that adding fins can shorten phase change time by up to 18%, while adding 10 wt%EG is the most effective way to enhance heat transfer, with natural convection playing a critical role in heat transfer efficiency. Sensible heat during charging/discharging process occupies a significant portion of total heat stored/released, providing valuable insights for optimizing system design and operation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Gulbahar Bahsi Kaya, Yunsang Kim, Kyle Callahan, Santanu Kundu
Summary: The microencapsulation of phase change materials via non-chemically modified cellulose nanofibrils in Pickering emulsions enhances thermal energy storage efficiency, demonstrating potential for sustainable applications.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maryam Roza Yazdani, Anna Lagerstrom, Ville Vuorinen
Summary: This paper reports experimental performance of a low to medium temperature latent heat storage system. The system includes a lightweight heat exchanger with a complex heat transfer area and organic phase change materials. The results show improved storage performance with the addition of biochar additive, and a conceptual modular design is proposed for application in smart city bus stops.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida, Romeu da Silva Vicente, Antonio Ventura-Gouveia, Antonio Figueiredo, Filipe Rebelo, Eduardo Roque, Victor M. Ferreira
Summary: The radiant floor system market is growing rapidly due to Europe's transition towards a low-carbon economy and increased awareness about environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. This study investigates the impact of screed mortar formulations and floor finishing materials on the system's performance through experimental and modeling approaches.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuel Andres, Filipe Rebelo, Alvaro Corredera, Antonio Figueiredo, Jose L. Hernandez, Victor M. Ferreira, Luis A. Bujedo, Romeu Vicente, Francisco Morentin, Jesus Samaniego
Summary: The addition of phase change materials (PCMs) into mortars as an indoor wall coating for lightweight buildings can help guarantee thermal comfort conditions. This research studied the effects of mortars incorporating microencapsulated PCMs with different operating temperature ranges. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of PCM-based indoor coating panels reduced indoor temperature fluctuations, lowered energy consumption, and caused a time delay in temperature waves.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Eduardo Roque, Romeu Vicente, Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida, Victor M. Ferreira
Summary: The lightweight steel framing (LSF) construction system is becoming increasingly popular in Southern Europe, but little research has been done on its indoor thermal environment. This study evaluates and compares the indoor thermal environment of LSF and masonry construction systems, with a focus on thermal inertia.
Review
Energy & Fuels
M. Moreira, J. Dias-de-Oliveira, C. Amaral, F. Neto, T. Silva
Summary: This article provides an overview of the use of phase change materials (PCM) in radiant systems, including their techniques, challenges, advantages, and disadvantages. The incorporation of PCM in building solutions has the potential to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The article focuses on PCM macroencapsulated floors in radiant systems and reviews existing literature to lay the foundation for future research. However, there are some research gaps, such as the lack of information on climatic conditions, macroencapsulation techniques, and a standardized method for comparing PCM solutions in building envelopes.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Geological
Rajendra Babu Roka, Antonio Jose Pereira de Figueiredo, Ana Maria Carvalho Pinheiro Vieira, Jose Claudino de Pinho Cardoso
Summary: Shallow geothermal energy systems are recognized as an important renewable energy source in the global building sector. However, their exploration rate and global contribution are still relatively low. This study aims to identify barriers to the promotion of shallow geothermal energy systems through a systematic review of the literature.
Article
Architecture
Rafael Ramirez Eudave, Tiago Miguel Ferreira, Romeu Vicente, Paulo B. Lourenco, Fernando Pena
Summary: This study assesses the seismic vulnerability of historical buildings in the central region of Mexico using a parameter-based approach. Data on more than 160 adobe buildings were collected and managed using open-source GIS software, Python-based database management tool, and a cloud-based platform for onsite data collection. The study finds that the parameter-based approach is effective and also trains a Machine Learning algorithm using the database to overcome representativeness limitations of the method.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rafael Ramirez Eudave, Daniel Rodrigues, Tiago Miguel Ferreira, Romeu Vicente
Summary: This article proposes a novel approach to establish a vulnerability-oriented database linked to external services using open-source tools. The database is applied in a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment to survey the seismic vulnerability of masonry constructions based on an adapted version of the GNDT-II approach. Additionally, a customised Python-based software for reading, managing, and editing the database is presented, which includes calculations for vulnerability index and levels of damage. Furthermore, alternative methods for distributing the database, such as cloud-based distribution and the use of the Transactional Web Feature Service (WFS-T) protocol, are discussed.
Article
Polymer Science
C. Amaral, F. Gomez, M. Moreira, T. Silva, R. Vicente
Summary: This study focuses on the development and analysis of a new multifunctional facade panel incorporating PCM in foam layers. The thermal performance was analysed using a hotbox heat flux meter method, and the main findings are presented. Experimental tests in climatic chambers were used to calibrate and validate numerical simulations using Ansys Fluent, with a correlation factor of 0.9674 achieved. The results show the significant potential of the multi-layered panel with PCM incorporation in regulating indoor space temperature for thermal comfort.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Antonio Figueiredo, Filipe Rebelo, Antonio Samagaio, Romeu Vicente, Jorge Lira
Summary: Improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings is a major goal of the European Union's Renovation Wave initiative. This research focuses on the design of an innovative construction solution using phase change materials (PCMs) to enhance thermal mass and reduce temperature fluctuations. Experimental results show significant reduction in thermal amplitude with the use of the solution containing macroencapsulated PCMs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shitong Fang, Houfan Du, Tao Yan, Keyu Chen, Zhiyuan Li, Xiaoqing Ma, Zhihui Lai, Shengxi Zhou
Summary: This paper proposes a new type of nonlinear VIV energy harvester (ANVEH) that compensates for the decrease in peak energy output at low wind speeds by introducing an auxiliary structure. Theoretical and experimental results show that ANVEH performs better than traditional nonlinear VIV energy harvesters under various system parameter variations.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Jiang, Shuo Zhang, Teng Wang, Yufei Zhang, Aimin Sha, Jingjing Xiao, Dongdong Yuan
Summary: A standardized method was developed to evaluate the availability of solar energy resources in road areas, which combined the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Geographic Information System (GIS). By analyzing critical factors and using a multi-indicator evaluation method, the method accurately evaluated the utilization of solar energy resources and guided the optimal location selection for road photovoltaic (PV) projects. The results provided guidance for the application of road PV projects and site selection for route corridors worldwide, promoting the integration of transportation and energy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chang Liu, Jacob A. Wrubel, Elliot Padgett, Guido Bender
Summary: The study investigates the effects of coating defects on the performance of the anode porous transport layer (PTL) in water electrolyzers. The results show that an increasing fraction of uncoated regions on the PTL leads to decreased cell performance, with continuous uncoated regions having a more severe impact compared to multiple thin uncoated strips.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marcos Tostado-Veliz, Xiaolong Jin, Rohit Bhakar, Francisco Jurado
Summary: In this paper, a coordinated charging price mechanism for clusters of parking lots is proposed. The research shows that enabling vehicle-to-grid characteristics can bring significant economic benefits for users and the cluster coordinator, and vehicle-to-grid impacts noticeably on the risk-averse character of the uncertainty-aware strategies. The developed pricing mechanism can reduce the cost for users, avoiding to directly translate the energy cost to charging points.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Duan Kang
Summary: Building an energy superpower is a key strategy for China and a long-term goal for other countries. This study proposes an evaluation system and index for measuring energy superpower, and finds that China has significantly improved its ranking over the past 21 years, surpassing other countries.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fucheng Deng, Yifei Wang, Xiaosen Li, Gang Li, Yi Wang, Bin Huang
Summary: This study investigated the synergistic blockage mechanism of sand and hydrate in gravel filling layer and the evolution of permeability in the layer. Experimental models and modified permeability models were established to analyze the effects of sand particles and hydrate formation on permeability. The study provided valuable insights for the safe and efficient exploitation of hydrate reservoirs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hao Wang, Xiwen Chen, Natan Vital, Edward Duffy, Abolfazl Razi
Summary: This study proposes a HVAC energy optimization model based on deep reinforcement learning algorithm. It achieves 37% energy savings and ensures thermal comfort for open office buildings. The model has a low complexity, uses a few controllable factors, and has a short training time with good generalizability.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Moyue Cong, Yongzhuo Gao, Weidong Wang, Long He, Xiwang Mao, Yi Long, Wei Dong
Summary: This study introduces a multi-strategy ultra-wideband energy harvesting device that achieves high power output without the need for external power input. By utilizing asymmetry, stagger array, magnetic coupling, and nonlinearity strategies, the device maintains a stable output voltage and high power density output at non-resonant frequencies. Temperature and humidity monitoring are performed using Bluetooth sensors to adaptively assess the device.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tianshu Dong, Xiudong Duan, Yuanyuan Huang, Danji Huang, Yingdong Luo, Ziyu Liu, Xiaomeng Ai, Jiakun Fang, Chaolong Song
Summary: Electrochemical water splitting is crucial for hydrogen production, and improving the hydrogen separation rate from the electrode is essential for enhancing water electrolyzer performance. However, issues such as air bubble adhesion to the electrode plate hinder the process. Therefore, a methodology to investigate the two-phase flow within the electrolyzer is in high demand. This study proposes using a microfluidic system as a simulator for the electrolyzer and optimizing the two-phase flow by manipulating the micro-structure of the flow.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shuo Han, Yifan Yuan, Mengjiao He, Ziwen Zhao, Beibei Xu, Diyi Chen, Jakub Jurasz
Summary: Giving full play to the flexibility of hydropower and integrating more variable renewable energy is of great significance for accelerating the transformation of China's power energy system. This study proposes a novel day-ahead scheduling model that considers the flexibility limited by irregular vibration zones (VZs) and the probability of flexibility shortage in a hydropower-variable renewable energy hybrid generation system. The model is applied to a real hydropower station and effectively improves the flexibility supply capacity of hydropower, especially during heavy load demand in flood season.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhen Wang, Kangqi Fan, Shizhong Zhao, Shuxin Wu, Xuan Zhang, Kangjia Zhai, Zhiqi Li, Hua He
Summary: This study developed a high-performance rotary energy harvester (AI-REH) inspired by archery, which efficiently accumulates and releases ultralow-frequency vibration energy. By utilizing a magnetic coupling strategy and an accumulator spring, the AI-REH achieves significantly accelerated rotor speeds and enhanced electric outputs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yi Yang, Qianyi Xing, Kang Wang, Caihong Li, Jianzhou Wang, Xiaojia Huang
Summary: In this study, a novel hybrid Quantile Regression (QR) model is proposed for Probabilistic Load Forecasting (PLF). The model integrates causal dilated convolution, residual connection, and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) for multi-scale feature extraction. In addition, a Combined Probabilistic Load Forecasting System (CPLFS) is proposed to overcome the inherent flaws of relying on a single model. Simulation results show that the hybrid QR outperforms traditional models and CPLFS exceeds the best benchmarks in terms of prediction accuracy and stability.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wen-Jiang Zou, Young-Bae Kim, Seunghun Jung
Summary: This paper proposes a dynamic prediction model for capacity fade in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). The model accurately predicts changes in electrolyte volume and capacity fade, enhancing the competitiveness of VRFBs in energy storage applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuechao Ma, Shengtie Wang, Guangchen Liu, Guizhen Tian, Jianwei Zhang, Ruiming Liu
Summary: This paper focuses on the balance of state of charge (SOC) among multiple battery energy storage units (MBESUs) and bus voltage balance in an islanded bipolar DC microgrid. A SOC automatic balancing strategy is proposed considering the energy flow relationship and utilizing the adaptive virtual resistance algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in achieving SOC balancing and decreasing bus voltage unbalance.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Raad Z. Homod, Basil Sh. Munahi, Hayder Ibrahim Mohammed, Musatafa Abbas Abbood Albadr, Aissa Abderrahmane, Jasim M. Mahdi, Mohamed Bechir Ben Hamida, Bilal Naji Alhasnawi, A. S. Albahri, Hussein Togun, Umar F. Alqsair, Zaher Mundher Yaseen
Summary: In this study, the control problem of the multiple-boiler system (MBS) is formulated as a dynamic Markov decision process and a deep clustering reinforcement learning approach is applied to obtain the optimal control policy. The proposed strategy, based on bang-bang action, shows superior response and achieves more than 32% energy saving compared to conventional fixed parameter controllers under dynamic indoor/outdoor actual conditions.