Article
Energy & Fuels
Ayman G. Anter, Ahmed A. Sultan, A. A. Hegazi, M. A. El Bouz
Summary: One of the new strategies in energy efficient building is integrating phase change materials (PCM) into the building structure. This study investigates the thermal behavior of a building wall with different types and thicknesses of PCM in the hot summer of Aswan, Egypt. ANSYS 2020 R1 is used to design and simulate a 2D thermal model, and the effects of PCM types, thicknesses, and locations on the inner wall temperature are analyzed. The results show that using PCM in the wall structure reduces indoor heat flux and brings the internal wall temperature closer to desired levels, with RT-35HC performing the best and the optimal PCM location being 1.5 cm from the inside and outside of the wall. The use of 1.5 cm RT35HC-PCM results in a 66% reduction in overall energy gain over the summer.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Fan Feng, Yangyang Fu, Zhiyao Yang, Zheng O'Neill
Summary: This study aims to develop a model for PCM-integrated building envelopes that accurately simulates hysteresis behaviors. The model shows good agreement with experimental data during complete phase transitions and significantly improves performance compared to other PCM models during partial phase transitions. Whole building simulations demonstrate the model's effectiveness in predicting heating/cooling loads and zone mean air temperature.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhiying Xiao, Pramod Mishra, Alireza Mahdavi Nejad, Mingjiang Tao, Sergio Granados-Focil, Steven Van Dessel
Summary: Zero energy buildings (ZEBs) have attracted significant attention in the US, with the potential to achieve more cost-effective energy savings through new materials and systems that regulate building enclosure heat losses and gains. The study on thermo-optically responsive solid-solid phase change material (SS-PCM) coatings demonstrates their ability to reduce heat exchange in building enclosures and highlights the rooftop as the optimal location for installation. The findings also suggest that SS-PCM systems offer more thermal benefits and energy savings in warm climates compared to cold climates, presenting a promising solution for existing passive solar facades.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Petr Jancik, Michal Schmirler, Tomas Hyhlik, Jakub Suchy, Pavel Slama, Petr Prokop, Viktor Syrovatka
Summary: This article presents a design of a fin-and-tube latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) and explores its potential for improved performance at lower output power and cost-effectiveness in laboratory circuits.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zu'an Liu, Jiawen Hou, Xi Meng, Bart Julien Dewancker
Summary: A heat transfer model of lightweight building walls integrated with PCM was established and analyzed in this study. The results demonstrate that PCM can significantly improve the thermal performance, with each parameter having a relative optimal value. Additionally, PCM installed in the middle of the wall at a suitable phase-transition temperature showed the best results in enhancing thermal comfort in lightweight buildings.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Adeel Arshad, Anurag Roy, Tapas K. Mallick, Asif Ali Tahir
Summary: By combining poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with silica aerogel (Si-ag), a smart insulation composite material has been developed to balance thermal and visual comfort in buildings. This composite material has the ability to obstruct near-infrared light while maintaining visible transparency, and exhibits temperature-dependent switchable hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics. The thermal performance evaluation shows that the composite material can effectively reduce indoor temperature and be used for window retrofitting.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bin Xu, Xing Xie, Xing-ni Chen
Summary: In this work, the implicit method is used to solve the building heat transfer equations, improving calculation speed and stability. The effective heat capacity method is used to model building modules with phase change materials (PCMs) and consider radiative heat transfer. The proposed software, BuildingEnergy, has been proven reliable through experiments and accurately simulates the performance of PCMs and vanadium dioxide films in buildings.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Weizhun Jin, Linhua Jiang, Lei Chen, Tianjiao Yin, Yue Gu, Mingzhi Guo, Xiancui Yan, Xunqin Ben
Summary: The composite phase change materials LA-SA/Dt/GR were prepared and characterized for their thermal performance and stability. Results show that graphene can significantly enhance thermal conductivity and heat storage efficiency of the materials.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ru Ji, Xiang Li, Cheng Lv
Summary: In this paper, PCMs with a phase transition temperature close to 26 degrees C were prepared using the Schrader equation, and capric acid (CA) and stearic acid (SA) were selected as raw materials. The experimental results showed that PCMs with a mass ratio of 9:1 formed a eutectic structure with a phase transition temperature of 24.9 degrees C and enthalpy of 157.3 J/g. The simulation results confirmed a high energy-saving rate of around 20% for the proposed PCMs in Guangzhou throughout their entire life cycle. The study also provided recommendations for optimizing PCMs use in hot summer and warm winter climates.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Teng Guo, Guochen Sang, Yangkai Zhang, Xiaoling Cui
Summary: The application effects of phase change material (PCM) embedded in buildings were examined in six representative regions of western China. The results showed that the effectiveness of PCM depended on local climate conditions, thickness, and location. It was necessary to use an auxiliary heating system (AHS) for winter heating in passive solar buildings. The use of PCM in conjunction with AHS resulted in improved thermal energy storage and reduced discomfort, with the highest energy and carbon dioxide emission savings in Lhasa and the lowest in Urumqi.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
F. Javier Batlles, Antonio M. Puertas, Manuel S. Romero-Cano, Sabina Rosiek, Bartosz Gil, Jacek Kasperski, Artur Nems, Magdalena Nems, Mario Grageda, Svetlana Ushak, Marcos Lujan, Diana Maldonado
Summary: The study compared the performance of different thermal energy storing systems in providing overnight air-conditioning for a limited space in a building in south Spain, finding that storing in phase change materials (PCM) is more convenient with significant reduction of electricity consumption. In winter, the tanks can fully meet the demand for overnight heating.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ali Thaeer Hammid, Yasir Mohammed Jebur, Holya A. Lafta, I. Wayan Parwata, Indrajit Patra, Luis Andres Barboza Arenas
Summary: The residential cooling and heating sectors contribute significantly to global energy consumption. Utilizing phase change insulators is an effective method to reduce energy consumption. This study aims to determine the most efficient way to use phase change materials in wall structures, focusing on Phuket's climate. Simulation results show that a phase change material with a melting temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and an annual energy savings of 22% performs the best.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yunlong Zhang, Meizhu Chen, Yuechao Zhao, Shaopeng Wu, Dongyu Chen, Zhengxu Gan, Yansong Fan
Summary: A novel type of microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) was prepared using waste cooking oil and studied for its application in foamed concrete. The MPCM showed suitable phase change temperature, enthalpy, and decomposition temperature for adjusting indoor temperature. The particle size of the MPCM also contributed to the increased strength of the foam concrete. Moreover, the MPCM demonstrated its ability to mitigate the impact of ambient temperature on buildings in thermal imaging experiments.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
C. Suresh, Tapano Kumar Hotta, Sandip K. Saha
Summary: With the increase in urbanization and improved living standards, there is a higher demand for energy worldwide. The building sector is a major consumer of energy, accounting for about 40% of total energy consumption and causing environmental impacts. Researchers are challenged to reduce energy consumption without compromising thermal comfort in buildings. Phase change materials (PCMs) have the potential to store and release heat for energy conservation and thermal regulation. Integrating PCMs into building materials can significantly improve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. This study reviews the effects of PCM integration into building envelopes and discusses energy savings and economic benefits. It concludes that PCMs integrated into building envelopes such as walls, roofs, ceilings, and windows can lead to energy consumption reduction and improved thermal comfort. Micro/nano encapsulation and shape stabilization techniques show higher thermal performance compared to macro and impregnation techniques. In-situ-polymerization and emulsion polymerization are commonly used encapsulation techniques due to their efficiency and simplicity. PCMs with phase transition temperatures close to ambient conditions are found to be promising for enhancing thermal comfort in buildings.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abdulmunem R. Abdulmunem, Nassr F. Hussein, Pakharuddin Mohd Samin, Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Hashim A. Hussien, Habibah Ghazali
Summary: In this study, recycled waste paper (RWP) and phase change material (PCM) were experimentally investigated as inner cladding materials for buildings. The integration of 75% RWP with PCM within PVC panels resulted in a 7% improvement in acoustical insulation, and reductions in cooling load and electricity cost by 19% and 16.3% respectively compared to filled panels by PCM only. The experimental results demonstrate that these combinations of insulation materials provide good acoustic and thermal insulation, and contribute to the reduction in cooling and heating load in buildings.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
M. Diaz-Heras, J. F. Belmonte, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez
Summary: This paper presents experimental results on the influence of bed height and airflow rate on temperature distribution in a directly irradiated fluidized bed. Uneven fluidization can reduce particle temperature, especially in shallow beds, while exhibiting similar behavior to even fluidization but with lower pumping costs.
EXPERIMENTAL THERMAL AND FLUID SCIENCE
(2021)
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
M. Diaz-Heras, J. F. Belmonte, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez
Summary: This study compares the influence of bed height and airflow rate on the temperature distribution over the top surface of the bed, demonstrating that the spouted bed can reduce the maximum temperature of the particles, especially in shallow beds. The spouted bed presents slightly lower homogeneous temperatures than the spout-fluid bed in deep beds, with an associated reduction of 52.28% in pumping costs. Additionally, spout-fluid temperatures strongly depend on air velocity and bed height, exhibiting a wider temperature range due to different fluidization regimes.
EXPERIMENTAL THERMAL AND FLUID SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. F. Belmonte, M. Diaz-Heras, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez, Luisa F. F. Cabeza
Summary: This paper reports the simulation results of two different solar-assisted heat pump systems in Madrid and analyzes the impact of integrating short-term storage tanks on system performance. The study finds that conventional thermostatic control strategies may lead to degradation in system performance, and more advanced control strategies are needed to improve system efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. F. Belmonte, F. Javier Ramirez, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez
Summary: Spanish residential buildings usually use solar thermal systems to meet building code requirements. The energy savings of these systems are significant for medium or large buildings but may not be economically feasible for small buildings. A simulation tool was used to estimate the energy savings and conduct economic feasibility assessments. Results showed that solar domestic hot-water systems are not economically feasible for small buildings with less than 5 apartments, but have a wide probability range (70-90%) of being economically feasible for buildings with more than 48 apartments.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
D. Sanchez, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez, A. Molina, F. Bozzoli, L. Cattani, J. I. Corcoles
Summary: This study presents the results of a numerical simulation on the heat transfer performance of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in a helical coiled tube under laminar regime. The rheological properties of the non-Newtonian fluids significantly influence the heat transfer rate, with higher heat transfer occurring in the helical section compared to the straight section. Furthermore, the mixing of the non-Newtonian fluids is improved in the coil section, leading to enhanced heat transfer.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
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
Thermodynamics
J. D. Moya-Rico, A. E. Molina, J. I. Corcoles, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a double tube heat exchanger on thermo-hydraulic performance. Through experimental tests, 21 different shell-tube configurations were examined. The results showed that using a light groove depth in the outer tube significantly enhanced heat transfer rate and efficiency, while a higher groove depth did not improve performance. Among the different shells, the inner tubes with the highest groove depth demonstrated the best results.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. I. Corcoles, M. Diaz-Heras, M. Fernandez-Torrijos, J. A. Almendros-Ibanez
Summary: This study presents a numerical investigation of particle flow in a gas-particle fluidized dense suspension for CSP applications using the MP-PIC method. Two different numerical simulations were conducted, one for a cold and isothermal model and the other for a high-temperature case. The results showed the significant impact of pressure and aeration flow rate on particle mass flow, and fluctuations in heat transfer coefficients during the fluidization process.
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)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hai Zhao, Puzhen Gao, Xiaochang Li, Ruifeng Tian, Hongyang Wei, Sichao Tan
Summary: This study numerically investigates the interaction between flow-induced vibration and forced convection heat transfer in a tube bundle. The results show that the impact of flow-induced vibration on heat transfer varies in different flow velocity regions.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Rohit Chintala, Jon Winkler, Sugirdhalakshmi Ramaraj, Xin Jin
Summary: The current state of fault detection and diagnosis for residential air-conditioning systems is expensive and not suitable for widespread implementation. This paper proposes a cost-effective solution by introducing an automated fault detection algorithm as a screening step before more expensive tests can be conducted. The algorithm uses home thermostats and local weather information to identify thermodynamic parameters and detect high-impact air-conditioning faults.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
A. Azimi, N. Basiri, M. Eslami
Summary: This paper presents a novel optimization algorithm for improving the water-film cooling system of photovoltaic panels, resulting in a significant increase in net energy generation.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Duc-Thuan Phung, Chin-Hsiang Cheng
Summary: In this study, a novel CFDMD model is used to analyze and investigate the behavior of thermal-lag engines (TLE). The study shows that the CFDMD model effectively captures the thermodynamic behavior of the working gas and the dynamic behavior of the engine mechanism. Additionally, the study explores the temporal evolution of engine speed and the influence of various parameters on shaft power and brake thermal efficiency. The research also reveals the existence of a thermal-lag phenomenon in TLE.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Haiying Yang, Yinjie Shen, Lin Li, Yichen Pan, Ping Yang
Summary: The purpose of this article is to find a measure to improve the interfacial thermal transfer of graphene/silicon heterojunction. Through molecular dynamics simulation, it is found that surface modification can significantly reduce the thermal resistance, thereby improving the thermal conductivity of the graphene/silicon interface.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Qiong Wu, Yancheng Wang, Haonan Zhou, Xingye Qiu, Deqing Mei
Summary: This article introduces a visible methanol steam reforming microreactor, which uses an optical crystal as an observation window and measures the reaction temperature in real-time using infrared thermography. The results show that under lower oxygen to carbon ratio conditions, the microreactor has a higher heating rate and a stable gradient in temperature distribution.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Thermodynamics
Giulia Manco, Umberto Tesio, Elisa Guelpa, Vittorio Verda
Summary: In the past decade, there has been a growing interest in studying energy systems for the combined management of power vectors. Most of the published works focus on finding the optimal design and operations of Multi Energy Systems (MES). However, for newcomers to this field, understanding how to achieve the desired optimization details while controlling computational expenses can be challenging and time-consuming. This paper presents a novel approach to analyzing the existing literature on MES, with the aim of guiding practical development of MES optimization. Through the discussion of six case studies, the authors provide a mathematical formulation as a reference for building the model and emphasize the impact of different aspects on the problem nature and solver selection. In addition, the paper also discusses the different approaches used in the literature for incorporating thermal networks and storage in the optimization of multi-energy systems.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Xuepeng Yuan, Caiman Yan, Yunxian Huang, Yong Tang, Shiwei Zhang, Gong Chen
Summary: In this study, a multi-scale microgroove wick (MSMGW) was developed by laser irradiation, which demonstrated superior capillary performance. The surface morphology and performance of the wick were affected by laser scan pitch, laser power, repetition frequency, and scanning speed. The MSMGW showed optimal capillary performance in alumina material and DI water as the working fluid.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Maofei Mei, Feng Hu, Chong Han
Summary: This paper proposes an effective local search method based on detection of droplet boundaries for understanding the dynamic process of droplet growth during dropwise condensation. The method is validated by comparing with experimental data. The present simulation provides an effective approach to more accurately predict the nucleation site density in future studies.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Rahul Kumar Sharma, Ashish Kumar, Dibakar Rakshit
Summary: The study explores the use of phase change materials (PCM) as a retrofit with Heating Ventilation and Air-conditioning systems (HVAC) to reduce energy consumption and improve air quality. By incorporating PCM with specific thickness and fin configurations, significant energy savings can be achieved in comparison to standard HVAC systems utilizing R134a. This research provides policymakers with energy-efficient and sustainable solutions for HVAC systems to combat climate change.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhenhua Ren, Xiangjin Meng, Xingang Qi, Hui Jin, Yunan Chen, Bin Chen, Liejin Guo
Summary: This paper investigates the heat transfer mechanism and factors influencing thermal radiation in the process of supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of coal, and proposes a comprehensive numerical model to simulate the process. Experimental validation results show that thermal radiation accounts for a significant proportion of the total heat exchange in the reactor and a large amount of radiant energy exists in the important spectral range of supercritical water. Enhancing radiative heat transfer can effectively increase the temperature of the reaction medium and the gasification rate.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Mauro Abela, Mauro Mameli, Sauro Filippeschi, Brent S. Taft
Summary: Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHP) are passive two-phase heat transfer devices with a simple structure and high heat transfer capabilities. The actual unpredictability of their dynamic behavior during startup and thermal crisis hinders their large-scale application. An experimental apparatus is designed to investigate these phenomena systematically. The results show that increasing the number of evaporator sections and condenser temperature improves the performance of PHP. The condenser temperature also affects the initial liquid phase distribution and startup time.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ke Gan, Ruilian Li, Yi Zheng, Hui Xu, Ying Gao, Jiajie Qian, Ziming Wei, Bin Kong, Hong Zhang
Summary: A 3-dimensional enhanced heat pipe radiator has been developed to improve heat dissipation and temperature uniformity in cooling high-power electronic components. Experimental results show that the radiator has superior heat transfer performance compared to a conventional aluminum fin radiator under different heating powers and wind speed conditions.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Xinyi Zhang, Shuzhong Wang, Daihui Jiang, Zhiqiang Wu
Summary: This study focuses on recovering waste heat from blast furnace slag using dry centrifugal pelletizing technology. A comprehensive two-dimensional model was developed to analyze heat transfer dynamics and investigate factors influencing heat exchange efficiency. The findings have important implications for optimizing waste heat recovery and ensuring safe operations.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Xincheng Wu, An Zou, Qiang Zhang, Zhaoguang Wang
Summary: The boosting heat generation rate of high-performance processors is challenging traditional cooling techniques. This study proposes a combined design of active jet intermittency and passive surface modification to enhance heat transfer.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
