New Advances in Heat Transfer, Energy Conversion and Storage

Dear Colleagues,

In today’s competitive global landscape, the optimization of processes and systems is crucial to enhancing efficiency across various industries. Optimization models are vital tools used in research and practical applications to fine-tune variables of interest. Entropy, especially in the analysis of thermal systems, aids us in understanding ideal processes, such as isentropic processes. Recent research has focused on using the second law of thermodynamics to optimize thermal systems by reducing the irreversibility caused by heat transfer and friction, thereby minimizing the generation of entropy.

A popular topic in recent years has been thermal storage, with new configurations being developed to enhance the transfer of heat inside storage technology in order to reduce the charging time. In particular, the field of latent heat storage (LHS) has attracted researchers from different branches of thermal engineering. LHS faces unique challenges due to phase-change processes such as melting and solidification, along with issues such as supercooling and the low thermal conductivity of phase-change materials (PCMs).

The aim of this Special Issue is to gather original research and reviews highlighting the latest advancements in this area. We aim to provide comprehensive guidance for future research directions in thermal engineering, energy usage, and heat management.

Contributions to this Special Issue may address various aspects of entropy generation; improvements in the efficiency of energy systems; techniques for the enhancement of heat transfer; LHS optimization, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations; alternative storage device designs; and mathematical algorithms for systematic optimization. Topics may also include optimal dimensions, operating parameters, and the configuration of heat exchangers. We encourage submissions that utilize multi-objective optimization algorithms, topology optimization, machine learning, or deep learning techniques in conjunction with CFD and heat transfer modeling.

We also welcome studies exploring different heat exchange configurations, such as shell-and-tube heat exchangers, finned structures, packed-bed setups, and composite systems using PCM. Emphasis is placed on optimization criteria related to energy performance, thermodynamic considerations, cost-effectiveness, and other relevant factors.

In summary, this Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research that pushes the boundaries of heat transfer, energy conversion, and storage. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and showcasing innovative methodologies, we aim to drive advancements in thermal engineering and sustainable energy utilization.

Dr. Bernardo Buonomo
Dr. Renato Elpidio Plomitallo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• heat transfer
• latent heat storage systems
• phase-change materials (PCMs)
• experimental and numerical studies
• entropy generation minimization