Advanced Heat Transfer Technologies for the Design, Operation and Optimization of Steam Power Systems

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2025 | Viewed by 3242

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Power and Energy Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China
Interests: multiphase flow; heat and mass transfer; system performance simulation

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Power and Energy Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China
Interests: system performance simulation; mechanical analysis; status monitoring; fault diagnosis; health management

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Power and Energy Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China
Interests: multiphase flow; heat and mass transfer; thermal and power conversion devices

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The steam power system is the fundamental mechanism for heat and power conversion. This Special Issue, entitled “Advanced Heat Transfer Technologies for the Design, Operation and Optimization of Steam Power Systems”, seeks contributions related to this subject, in areas including heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, heat exchangers with high efficiency, performance simulation, control, prognostics and the health management of the steam power system, etc. We invite researchers to submit both original research papers and review papers to this Special Issue. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Heat transfer enhancement, multiphase flow, heat and mass transfer, microscale heat transfer, and the heat and mass transfer characteristics of porous materials in steam power systems;
  2. Combined cycles, advanced cycles, and thermoeconomics analyses of steam power systems;
  3. The design, performance simulation, and optimization of complex and novel steam power systems;
  4. Mechanical analyses of steam power systems;
  5. The performance prediction, status monitoring, fault diagnosis, and health management of steam power systems.

Prof. Dr. Baozhi Sun
Prof. Dr. Yanjun Li
Dr. Jianxin Shi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • multiphase flow
  • heat and mass transfer
  • thermodynamic cycle
  • thermoeconomics analysis
  • performance simulation, optimization
  • mechanical analysis
  • status monitoring
  • fault diagnosis
  • health management

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

36 pages, 7540 KiB  
Article
Radiated Free Convection of Dissipative and Chemically Reacting Flow Suspension of Ternary Nanoparticles
by Rekha Satish, Raju B. T, S. Suresh Kumar Raju, Fatemah H. H. Al Mukahal, Basma Souayeh and S. Vijaya Kumar Varma
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041030 (registering DOI) - 30 Mar 2025
Viewed by 40
Abstract
This study investigates magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) heat and mass transport in a water-based ternary hybrid nanofluid flowing past an exponentially accelerated vertical porous plate. Two critical scenarios are analyzed: (i) uniform heat flux with variable mass diffusion and (ii) varying heat source with constant [...] Read more.
This study investigates magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) heat and mass transport in a water-based ternary hybrid nanofluid flowing past an exponentially accelerated vertical porous plate. Two critical scenarios are analyzed: (i) uniform heat flux with variable mass diffusion and (ii) varying heat source with constant species diffusion. The model integrates thermal radiation, heat sink/source, thermal diffusion, and chemical reaction effects to assess flow stability and thermal performance. Governing equations are non-dimensionalized and solved analytically using the Laplace transform method, with results validated against published data and finite difference method outcomes. Ternary hybrid nanofluids exhibit a significantly higher Nusselt number compared to hybrid and conventional nanofluids, demonstrating superior heat transfer capabilities. Magnetic field intensity reduces fluid velocity, while porosity enhances momentum transfer. Thermal radiation amplifies temperature profiles, critical for energy systems. Concentration boundary layer thickness decreases with higher chemical reaction rates, optimizing species diffusion. These findings contribute to the development of advanced thermal management systems, such as solar energy collectors and nuclear reactors, enhance energy-efficient industrial processes, and support biomedical technologies that require precise heat and mass control. This study positions ternary hybrid nanofluids as a transformative solution for optimizing high-performance thermal systems. Full article
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12 pages, 1668 KiB  
Article
Deep Drawing of Paperboard Under Heat–Moisture Control
by Julia Orlik, Viacheslav Khilkov, Stefan Rief, Holger Schubert, Marek Hauptmann and Heiko Andrä
Processes 2025, 13(3), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030780 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 234
Abstract
Deep drawing is a common process for shaping paperboard packages. To improve performance, the paperboard is kept in a room with high humidity before treatment. The surfaces of forming tools that come into contact with the paperboard are heated. A control problem for [...] Read more.
Deep drawing is a common process for shaping paperboard packages. To improve performance, the paperboard is kept in a room with high humidity before treatment. The surfaces of forming tools that come into contact with the paperboard are heated. A control problem for heating moist paperboard, with evaporation from the pore surface, is considered in this paper. Micro-CT images of three different paperboards are taken, segmented, and parameterized with respect to the specific pore surface in terms of the pore surface per pore volume, pore volume fraction, fiber thickness, average surface contact area between fibers, and unsupported fiber length. Simple averaging formulas are provided to compute the effective coefficients in the coupled water-diffusion and heat-transfer problem with a phase transition. The model is validated by experimental measurements and offers an opportunity for optimal heating control to simultaneously ensure compliance of the paperboard layer, leading to small delamination at its boundary, thereby avoiding folding. Full article
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33 pages, 9678 KiB  
Article
A Novel High Vacuum MSF/MED Hybrid Desalination System for Simultaneous Production of Water, Cooling and Electrical Power, Using Two Barometric Ejector Condensers
by Francisco J. Caballero-Talamantes, Nicolás Velázquez-Limón, Jesús Armando Aguilar-Jiménez, Cristian A. Casares-De la Torre, Ricardo López-Zavala, Juan Ríos-Arriola and Saúl Islas-Pereda
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2927; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122927 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1021
Abstract
This work presents a novel trigeneration system for the simultaneous production of desalinated water, electrical energy, and cooling, addressing the challenges of water scarcity and climate change through an integrated and efficient approach. The proposed system combines an 8-stage Multi Stage Flash Distillation [...] Read more.
This work presents a novel trigeneration system for the simultaneous production of desalinated water, electrical energy, and cooling, addressing the challenges of water scarcity and climate change through an integrated and efficient approach. The proposed system combines an 8-stage Multi Stage Flash Distillation (MSF) process with a 6-effect Multiple Effect Distillation (MED) process, complemented by an expander-generator to optimize steam utilization. Cooling production is achieved through a dual ejectocondensation mechanism, which enhances energy recovery and expands operational flexibility. The system’s performance was analyzed using Aspen Plus simulations, demonstrating technical feasibility across a broad operating range: 28.3 to 0.8 kPa and 68 to 4 °C. In cogeneration mode, the system achieves a Performance Ratio (PR) of 12.06 and a Recovery Ratio (RR) of 54%, producing 67,219.2 L/day of desalinated water and reducing electrical consumption by 12.03%. In trigeneration mode, it achieves a PR of 17.81 and an RR of 80%, with a cooling capacity of 1225 kW, generating 99,273.6 L/day of desalinated water while reducing electrical consumption by 3.69%. These results underscore the system’s capability to significantly enhance the efficiency and capacity of thermal desalination technologies, offering a sustainable and high-performing solution for coastal communities worldwide. Full article
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25 pages, 5047 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Thermal Efficiency of Parabolic Trough Collectors by Using Annular Receivers for Low-Enthalpy Steam Generation
by Zuriel Aquino-Santiago, J. O. Aguilar, Guillermo Becerra-Núñez and O. A. Jaramillo
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2653; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122653 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 678
Abstract
Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) are a well-established technology for efficiently generating hot water and low-enthalpy steam. For instance, PTCs can be used in steam power systems to drive small Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs). This study evaluated the thermal efficiency of a PTC equipped [...] Read more.
Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) are a well-established technology for efficiently generating hot water and low-enthalpy steam. For instance, PTCs can be used in steam power systems to drive small Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs). This study evaluated the thermal efficiency of a PTC equipped with a receiver tube featuring a concentric annular cross-section. This receiver design consists of a tube with a concentric rod inside, forming an annular gap through which the working fluid flows. A thermodynamic model was developed to assess the PTC’s thermal efficiency in hot water and low-enthalpy steam applications. The evaluation considered the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, factoring in environmental losses. The model included a bare receiver tube with three-rod diameters—3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inches—and a range of volumetric flow rates from 1 to 6 L per minute. The results showed improved heat transfer with the annular cross-section receiver compared to a conventional circular one, particularly at lower flow rates of 1 and 2 L per minute. The highest increase in thermal efficiency was observed with the 3/4-inch rod at a flow rate of 1 L per minute, where the maximum efficiency reached 40%. Full article
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12 pages, 2353 KiB  
Article
Performance Evaluation of CO2 + SiCl4 Binary Mixture in Recompression Brayton Cycle for Warm Climates
by Muhammad Ehtisham Siddiqui and Khalid H. Almitani
Processes 2024, 12(10), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102155 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 749
Abstract
This work demonstrates the potential of CO2 + SiCl4 binary mixture as a working fluid for power generation cycle. Recompression Brayton cycle configuration is considered due to its proven record of high performance for medium- to high-temperature sources. The objective of [...] Read more.
This work demonstrates the potential of CO2 + SiCl4 binary mixture as a working fluid for power generation cycle. Recompression Brayton cycle configuration is considered due to its proven record of high performance for medium- to high-temperature sources. The objective of this study is to assess the thermodynamic performance of a recompression Brayton cycle using a CO2 + SiCl4 binary mixture as a working fluid, particularly under warm climate conditions. The cycle is simulated using the Peng–Robinson equation of state in Aspen Hysys (v11) software, and the model is validated by comparing VLE data against experimental data from the literature. The analysis involves the assessment of cycle’s thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency under warm climatic conditions, with a minimum cycle temperature of 40 °C. The results demonstrate a notable improvement in the cycle’s thermodynamic performance with CO2 + SiCl4 binary mixture compared to pure CO2. A small concentration (5%) of SiCl4 in CO2 increases the thermal efficiency of the cycle from 41.7% to 43.4%. Moreover, irreversibility losses in the cooler and the heat recovery unit are significantly lower with the CO2 + SiCl4 binary mixture than with pure CO2. This improvement enhances the overall exergy efficiency of the cycle, increasing it from 62.1% to 70.2%. The primary reason for this enhancement is the substantial reduction in irreversibility losses in both the cooler and the HTR. This study reveals that when using a CO2 + SiCl4 mixture, the concentration must be optimized to avoid condensation in the compressor, which can cause physical damage to the compressor blades and other components, as well as increase power input. This issue arises from the higher glide temperature of the mixture at increased SiCl4 concentrations and the limited heat recovery from the cycle. Full article
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