Article
Engineering, Chemical
Congliang Huang, Qiangqiang Huang
Summary: A coordination-number model for hybrid-particle packed beds was established, and the thermal conductivity model was derived with statistical method. The model showed accurate predictions of coordination-number and thermal conductivities in particle packed beds.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yangfan Cui, Xiaojun Wang, Shuai Duan, Xin Chen, Xiaobing Liu
Summary: This article introduces a new semiconducting phase in TaS3, called the C2/m phase, which has beneficial multivalley band dispersions for electronic transport and a unique nano-pore structure that reduces thermal conductivity. It shows potential high-performance thermoelectric capability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIOMICS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Dong-min Kim, Joong Kim, Jungchul Lee, Bong Jae Lee
Summary: The effective thermal conductivity of LaNi5 powder packed bed was analyzed using a miniaturized guarded hot-plate apparatus in this study. Calibration experiment and uncertainty analysis were conducted to validate the accuracy of the apparatus. The study estimated the effect of particle size on the contact factor of the packed bed and analyzed the impact of contact factor and gas thermal conductivity on the characteristic length of the gas film using the Yagi and Kunii model.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2021)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Dongxu Wu, Lin Liang
Summary: Understanding the thermal contact resistance between nanoparticles is crucial for tuning the thermal conductivities of metallic nanoparticle-packed beds (NPBs). In this study, a theoretical model was established to comprehend the heat transport properties in NPBs, including background thermal resistance (Rbulk), thermal contact resistances between particles (Rcontact), and interfacial thermal resistance between solid and air (Rinter). Copper NPBs were prepared and their thermal conductivity (TC) was measured, demonstrating that the model matches the experimental data well. The ultra-low TC of copper NPBs is attributed to the large Rcontact generated at the interface by electron boundary scattering. This study provides valuable insights to tailor the TC of metallic nanoparticles packed beds.
PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liangjun Xie, Jiawei Yang, Ziyu Liu, Nuo Qu, Xingyan Dong, Jianbo Zhu, Wenjing Shi, Hao Wu, Guyang Peng, Fengkai Guo, Yang Zhang, Wei Cai, Haijun Wu, Hangtian Zhu, Huaizhou Zhao, Zihang Liu, Jiehe Sui
Summary: By introducing ultrafine grains and randomly distributed pores in α-MgAgSb, an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity and excellent thermoelectric performance are achieved, breaking the limitations of traditional thermoelectric materials and providing a swift pathway to the wide employment of thermoelectric cooling technology in modern society.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Si-Zhao Huang, Cheng-Ge Fang, Qing-Yi Feng, Bi-Yi Wang, Hong-Dong Yang, Bo Li, Xia Xiang, Xiao-Tao Zu, Hong-Xiang Deng
Summary: This study systematically explores the thermoelectric performance of the Janus ZrSSe monolayer under biaxial strain using first-principles approach and Boltzmann transport theory. The results demonstrate that the Janus ZrSSe monolayer has excellent stability and can be tuned by strain. The electronic structure and thermoelectric transport parameters can be significantly adjusted by biaxial strain. Under certain tensile strain, the monolayer exhibits high power factor and ZT values, making it a promising strain-tunable thermoelectric material.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Haobin Liang, Jianlei Niu, Ratna Kumar Annabattula, K. S. Reddy, Ali Abbas, Minh Tri Luu, Yixiang Gan
Summary: This study analyzed the performance advantages of the packed bed PCM storage unit design and numerically investigated key geometric parameters. It was found that packed bed units have a larger surface-to-volume ratio and are advantageous in large-scale applications.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Y. S. Sun, Y. Han, G. D. Li, H. Y. Shen, X. M. Chi, C. Y. Zhang
Summary: This study presents a numerical model and thermodynamic analysis for a three-dimensional cascaded packed bed thermal energy storage system (PBTES). The results show that the cascaded-PBTES has higher thermal energy storage and efficiency compared to a single-PBTES, and the effects of heat transfer fluid inlet temperature and mass flow rate on the thermal performance of cascaded-PBTES are discussed.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Suiting Ning, Shan Huang, Ziye Zhang, Bin Zhao, Renqi Zhang, Ning Qi, Zhiquan Chen
Summary: The thermoelectric properties of intrinsic n-type β-Ga2O3 were evaluated using first-principles calculations and transport theory. A large Seebeck coefficient and good electron mobility were observed. The lattice thermal conductivity can be reduced by adjusting the grain size. These findings suggest the potential application of β-Ga2O3 in high temperature thermoelectric conversion.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Weimin Guo, Zhaoyu He, Yuting Zhang, Peng Zhang
Summary: This study experimentally and theoretically examines the thermal performance of the packed bed thermal energy storage (PBTES) system used in waste heat recovery and utilization. The results show that various parameters significantly influence the time durations of charging and discharging processes as well as the thermal efficiency of the system.
Article
Physics, Applied
Adetoye H. Adekoya, Yuhe Zhang, Matthew Peters, James Male, Yvonne Chart, Jason Dong, Ryan Franks, Alexander Furlong, Binghao (Evan) Guo, Matthias T. Agne, Gregory Olson, G. Jeffrey Snyder
Summary: Designing a high-efficiency thermoelectric material requires optimizing multiple properties simultaneously, which is complex and requires a sophisticated algorithm. The AIM methodology developed for engineering the mechanical properties of complex multiphase steel alloys can be applied to optimize the thermal and electrical transport properties of a multiphase thermoelectric material, accelerating the design process for high zT materials.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bingke Li, Chenghua Zhang, Zhehao Sun, Tao Han, Xiang Zhang, Jia Du, Jiexue Wang, Xiuchan Xiao, Ning Wang
Summary: This study uses first-principles calculations to investigate the thermoelectric properties of Tl3XSe4. The results show that Tl3XSe4 exhibits excellent thermoelectric performance, making it a potential high-performance thermoelectric material.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Silvia Trevisan, Wujun Wang, Bjorn Laumert
Summary: High-temperature thermal energy storage is crucial in concentrating solar power systems, and coatings can significantly enhance the performance of packed beds by reducing effective thermal conductivity and controlling heat transfer. Research indicates that low emissivity coatings can greatly decrease the effective thermal conductivity of packed beds and limit fluctuations, ultimately improving the efficiency of energy storage systems.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ignacio Calderon-Vasquez, Valentina Segovia, Jose M. Cardemil, Rodrigo Barraza
Summary: The study evaluates the potential of using copper slags as filler material in thermocline tanks, demonstrating their high thermal capacity and ability to create steeper thermoclines. This allows for higher energy density stored and lower exergy loss rates compared to other byproducts under similar storage dimensions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hao Zhou, Kun Cheng, Xiang Meng, Jie Li, Wen Li
Summary: Due to weak chemical bonding and low lattice thermal conductivity, semiconducting compounds with a layered crystal structure exhibit outstanding thermoelectric performances. GaGeTe, with its layered structure and p-type conduction, possesses great potential for thermoelectric applications. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the thermoelectric properties of GaGeTe, and the layered structure induces texture and anisotropy in transport properties of hot-pressed pellets. By utilizing the single parabolic band model and considering acoustic scattering, the electrical transport properties and physical parameters perpendicular to the hot press direction are well understood. GaGeTe achieves a peak zT value of approximately 0.4 along the parallel direction, thanks to the weak van der Waals bond resulting in low sound velocity and low lattice thermal conductivity of around 0.6 W/m K. This work not only demonstrates GaGeTe as a promising thermoelectric material, but also provides guidance for further improvements through microstructure engineering.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jinxin Zhong, Congliang Huang
Summary: This study proposed an improved heat and mass transfer model for high-temperature vapor system and discussed the influences of main factors on evaporation efficiency and vapor temperature using the finite element method. The results indicated that high-temperature vapor could be achieved by applying optimal porosity and proper absorbers, rather than enhancing the heat-insulating property of the bi-layer systems.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yahui Ma, Congliang Huang, Xiaodong Wang
Summary: The study developed multi-layer gradient aperture open-cell porous copper to enhance pool boiling heat transfer performance. Results showed that the new sample had lower onset of nucleate boiling temperature, higher heat transfer coefficient, smaller bubble departure diameter, and higher frequency due to its porous structure and gradient aperture design.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Changkang Du, Congliang Huang
Summary: Efficient and easy-to-operate vapor condensation method is proposed for solar desalination, with a balance between optimization based on theory and experimentation. The system shows great potential for sustainable freshwater production.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Dongsheng Li, Congliang Huang
Summary: A novel porous carbon material was developed from pressed and carbonized pine sawdust, showing excellent thermal insulation performance and environmental friendliness. The carbonized pine sawdust packed (CPP) bed exhibited low thermal conductivity, high porosity, hydrophobicity, reusability, and structural stability.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Congliang Huang, Qiangqiang Huang
Summary: A coordination-number model for hybrid-particle packed beds was established, and the thermal conductivity model was derived with statistical method. The model showed accurate predictions of coordination-number and thermal conductivities in particle packed beds.
Article
Thermodynamics
Wang Shaoyu, Wang Zijie, Wang Shuolin, Yang Yanru, Huang Congliang, Wang Xiaodong
Summary: The kinetics of Al-Ni and Cu-Ni nanodroplets spreading on a Cu substrate with a temperature difference between them were studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations revealed that significant dissolution reactions occurred in both systems and no precursor film was formed during spreading. The spreading rate of nanodroplets in the Al-Ni/Cu wetting systems increased when they contained fewer Ni atoms, while in the Cu-Ni/Cu wetting systems, the spreading rate remained unchanged regardless of the Cu to Ni ratio due to their similar lattice constants. The simulations also showed that local solidification occurred in the later spreading stage due to the temperature gradient, hindering the spreading process.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Lan Yingying, Huang Congliang, Guo Chuwen
Summary: Developing advanced high-temperature thermal storage systems is crucial for improving the efficiency and reducing the costs of solar thermal storage. Two typical systems composed of Cu as the matrix and Sn as the phase change material (PCM) were explored in this study: a 3D structure system with embedded Sn particles and a 2D structure system with embedded Sn wires. The thermophysical properties of PCM and matrix were derived theoretically, and used to estimate the energy storage ability and investigate the influence of structure on heat transfer efficiency. Results showed that the 3D structure system was a better choice due to its larger specific surface area, sensitive heat capacity, and thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the system decreased exponentially when the feature size of the PCM decreased below a critical value, while the heat storage capacity increased linearly. Moreover, when the feature size of the Sn geometry was below a critical value, the Cu matrix could not improve the effective thermal conductivity of the whole system.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Changkang Du, Dongtai Han, Congliang Huang
Summary: Solar energy has been utilized for desalination due to its abundance and cleanliness, showing potential in addressing freshwater shortage. Heat-localized solar evaporation systems have recently gained interest for their high efficiency, with new materials and structures being explored for improved performance. The method of thermal redistribution has been proposed to increase vapor condensation by raising the average temperature of generated vapor, showing a 30% increase in condensation rate.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Qiangqiang Huang, Changkang Du, Congliang Huang
Summary: This study proposes a heat-localized solar evaporator made from wasted durian shells, which exhibits high absorption efficiency, evaporation rate, and salt resistance. By carbonization and polypyrrole deposition, a hierarchical solar absorption structure is formed on the surface of durian shells, resulting in improved absorption efficiency. The curved bottom surface and pyramid-shaped structures further enhance the evaporation efficiency and salt resistance.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yingying Lan, Congliang Huang
Summary: This study investigates a new type of leakage prevention nanocomposite, which encloses metallic phase change materials with excellent adsorption capacity nanoparticles. The nanocomposite not only prevents liquid leakage during the thermal storage process, but also enhances the specific heat capacity of the system.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhihao Zhong, Congliang Huang, Xiaodong Wang
Summary: This study combines the advantages of copper mesh and multilayer nanoparticle-packed beds to improve pool-boiling heat transfer. By adjusting the layer thickness and porosity of the beds and coating them with copper mesh, a significant enhancement in heat transfer performance can be achieved.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Li DongSheng, Gao Gang, Huang CongLiang
Summary: This paper presents a facile strategy to prepare a porous foam made from a chitosan matrix reinforced by SiC whiskers, which exhibits good performance in building insulation and mechanical strength. The density of the chitosan-SiC porous foam can be controlled by adjusting the suspension solid and SiC whisker content. The study also investigates the effects of SiC whisker content on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the foam, showing that a SiC whisker content of 30 wt% provides the highest compression modulus and low thermal conductivity.
SCIENCE CHINA-TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhiguo Lv, Yi An, Congliang Huang
Summary: To improve the heat transfer performance, researchers have designed various special porous structures, but little research has been done on the thermal conductivity of materials applied in the porous structure. In this study, the thermal conductivity of copper porous structures was enhanced by adding metalized diamond, resulting in improved pool boiling performance.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Changkang Du, Xinpeng Zhao, Xin Qian, Congliang Huang, Ronggui Yang
Summary: Solar evaporation technology, which is free of fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission, has attracted significant research interest in recent years. Although many systems have achieved high evaporation efficiency, the upper limit of this efficiency is not bounded by 100%. In this article, the thermodynamic limit of solar evaporation efficiency is analyzed, and the challenges and potential improvements for heat-localized solar evaporation and their hybrid systems are discussed.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Congliang Huang, Qiangqiang Huang, Changkang Du, Xiao Luo
Summary: The solar steam generation system has attracted significant research attention for its high conversion efficiency. Current research focuses on the heat and mass transfer mechanisms, optimization of the light-to-heat conversion layer, and system structure and material selection. The evaporation efficiency is related to environmental factors and there are technical limitations that need to be addressed for further enhancement of the system.
CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE
(2021)