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Feature Review Papers in Energy Science and Technology

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 26073

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Wroclaw University of Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: renewable energy; new energy technologies; heat and mass transfer; numerical modeling; fluid mechanics; engineering thermodynamics; heating ventilation and air conditioning systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: renewable energy; new energy technologies; rainfall precipitation; rainfall runoff modelling; watershed management; urban hydrology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy science and technology is critical for the modern world. The world needs radical change in the energy efficiency of its energy technologies—one that can effectively offset global energy demand while improving the quality of life and health of users. The growing energy consumption has become a global concern, and new and innovative technologies need to be developed in order to face this challenge. This Special Issue is dedicated to feature review papers in energy science and technology.

This Special Issue is open to all contributors in the field of energy science and technology. We invite submissions of novel and original reviews to this Special Issue that extend and advance our scientific/technical understanding of energy science and technology in areas that include but are not limited to:

  • Energy;
  • Energy technologies;
  • Solar energy;
  • Wind energy;
  • Renewable energy;
  • Energy savings;
  • Heating;
  • Ventilation;
  • Air conditioning;
  • Energy efficiency;
  • Smart systems;
  • Cooling;
  • Thermal storage;
  • Evaporative cooling;
  • Desiccant systems;
  • Adsorption;
  • Advanced buildings;
  • New power sources;
  • Energy recovery.

Prof. Dr. Demis Pandelidis
Dr. Katrzyna Wartalska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Review

31 pages, 4521 KiB  
Review
Laboratory Studies on Underground H2 Storage: Bibliometric Analysis and Review of Current Knowledge
by Edgar Berrezueta, Timea Kovács, Gricelda Herrera-Franco, Jhon Caicedo-Potosí, María Jaya-Montalvo, Berta Ordóñez-Casado, Paúl Carrión-Mero and Júlio Carneiro
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11286; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311286 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 832
Abstract
The global demand for energy and the need to mitigate climate change require a shift from traditional fossil fuels to sustainable and renewable energy alternatives. Hydrogen is recognized as a significant component for achieving a carbon-neutral economy. This comprehensive review examines the underground [...] Read more.
The global demand for energy and the need to mitigate climate change require a shift from traditional fossil fuels to sustainable and renewable energy alternatives. Hydrogen is recognized as a significant component for achieving a carbon-neutral economy. This comprehensive review examines the underground hydrogen storage and, particularly, laboratory-scale studies related to rock–hydrogen interaction, exploring current knowledge. Using bibliometric analysis of data from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, this study reveals an exponential increase in scientific publications post-2015, which accounts for approximately 85.26% of total research output in this field and the relevance of laboratory experiments to understand the physicochemical interactions of hydrogen with geological formations. Processes in underground hydrogen storage are controlled by a set of multi-scale parameters, including solid properties (permeability, porosity, composition, and geomechanical properties) and fluid properties (liquid and gas density, viscosity, etc.), together with fluid–fluid and solid–fluid interactions (controlled by solubility, wettability, chemical reactions, etc.). Laboratory experiments aim to characterize these parameters and their evolution, simulating real-world storage conditions to enhance the reliability and applicability of findings. The review emphasizes the need to expand research efforts globally to comprehensively address the currently existing issues and knowledge gaps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Energy Science and Technology)
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51 pages, 7379 KiB  
Review
Transforming Petrochemical Processes: Cutting-Edge Advances in Kaolin Catalyst Fabrication
by Osamah Basil Al-Ameri, Mohammed Alzuhairi, Esther Bailón-García, Francisco Carrasco-Marín and Juan Amaro-Gahete
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 9080; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199080 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1685
Abstract
The depletion of conventional light petroleum reserves has intensified the search for alternative sources, notably, low-quality heavy oils and byproducts from heavy crude processing, to meet the global demand for fuels, energy, and petrochemicals. Heavy crude oil (HO) and extra heavy crude oil [...] Read more.
The depletion of conventional light petroleum reserves has intensified the search for alternative sources, notably, low-quality heavy oils and byproducts from heavy crude processing, to meet the global demand for fuels, energy, and petrochemicals. Heavy crude oil (HO) and extra heavy crude oil (EHO) represent nearly 70% of the world’s reserves but require extensive upgrading to satisfy refining and petrochemical specifications. Their high asphaltene content results in elevated viscosity and reduced API gravity, posing significant challenges in extraction, transportation, and refining. Advanced catalytic approaches are crucial for efficient asphaltene removal and the conversion of heavy feedstocks into valuable light fractions. Kaolin, an aluminosilicate mineral, has emerged as a key precursor for zeolite synthesis and a promising catalyst in upgrading processes. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of kaolin’s geological origins, chemical properties, and structural characteristics, as well as the various modification techniques designed to improve its catalytic performance. Special focus is given to its application in the transformation of heavy crudes, particularly in facilitating asphaltene breakdown and enhancing light distillate yields. Finally, future research avenues and potential developments in kaolin-based catalysis are discussed, emphasizing its vital role in addressing the technological challenges linked to the growing reliance on heavier crude resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Energy Science and Technology)
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50 pages, 16295 KiB  
Review
Application of Thermal Batteries in Greenhouses
by Seyed Soheil Mousavi Ajarostaghi, Leyla Amiri and Sébastien Poncet
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8640; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198640 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 977
Abstract
One of the key issues confronting modern greenhouses is the need to supply the necessary energy in an environmentally friendly manner to facilitate heating and cooling processes within greenhouses. Solar radiation entering the greenhouse during the day can sometimes be more than the [...] Read more.
One of the key issues confronting modern greenhouses is the need to supply the necessary energy in an environmentally friendly manner to facilitate heating and cooling processes within greenhouses. Solar radiation entering the greenhouse during the day can sometimes be more than the energy demand of the greenhouse. In contrast, there are cases where the greenhouse must dissipate a significant amount of heat, absorbed over a long period, either naturally or forcibly, during the cooling process. Moreover, the system’s efficiency could be enhanced if there is a mechanism capable of capturing heat expelled during greenhouse cooling and redistributing it on demand. Employing thermal energy storage is critical for maintaining stable temperatures, assuring energy efficiency, encouraging sustainability, and enabling year-round production. This technique ensures a safe environment for crops and eliminates temperature fluctuations inside the greenhouse. Nocturnal thermal energy storage, storing thermal energy during the daytime for later use at night, is essential to managing a contemporary greenhouse because it promotes consistent crop growth, sustainability, and profitability, particularly in areas with severe winters and significant day-to-night temperature variations. This work reviews various types of thermal energy storage systems employed in previous works focusing on greenhouse applications by researchers and categorizes them based on efficient factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Energy Science and Technology)
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20 pages, 1083 KiB  
Review
Assessment and Categorization of Biological Effects and Atypical Symptoms Owing to Exposure to RF Fields from Wireless Energy Devices
by Adel Razek
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1265; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031265 - 17 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
Nowadays, environmental electromagnetic fields exist everywhere and the whole population is exposed. The most widespread technologies engendering exposure to electromagnetic fields for the public and workers are radiofrequency wireless communication systems. Such exposure can have direct effects on living tissue involving biological problems [...] Read more.
Nowadays, environmental electromagnetic fields exist everywhere and the whole population is exposed. The most widespread technologies engendering exposure to electromagnetic fields for the public and workers are radiofrequency wireless communication systems. Such exposure can have direct effects on living tissue involving biological problems or personal symptoms, as well as indirect effects restricting healthcare appliances. This assessment aims to analyze, examine and categorize the consequences of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields emitted by radiofrequency devices. This concerns biological effects in living tissues and atypical personal symptoms for short and long-term exposures. The evaluation methodology in this field of investigation is also discussed. In the article, these consequences as well as their evaluation techniques, in the case of wireless digital communication tools, are analyzed and reviewed. The categorization of exposure sources, the corresponding effects and their assessment methodologies are analyzed. The concept of systematic reviews and meta-analyses and their applications in various assessments of these effects and symptoms are reviewed and discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Energy Science and Technology)
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15 pages, 1187 KiB  
Review
Production, Types, and Applications of Activated Carbon Derived from Waste Tyres: An Overview
by Nitin Muttil, Saranya Jagadeesan, Arnab Chanda, Mikel Duke and Swadesh Kumar Singh
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010257 - 25 Dec 2022
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 14693
Abstract
Storage of waste tyres causes serious environmental pollution and health issues, especially when they are left untreated in stockpiles and landfills. Waste tyres could be subjected to pyrolysis and activation in order to produce activated carbon, which is an effective adsorbent, and can [...] Read more.
Storage of waste tyres causes serious environmental pollution and health issues, especially when they are left untreated in stockpiles and landfills. Waste tyres could be subjected to pyrolysis and activation in order to produce activated carbon, which is an effective adsorbent, and can find various applications, such as for wastewater treatment, removal of metals and dyes, energy storage devices, electrode materials, etc. Activated carbon (AC) is a non-polar and non-graphite material having high porosity and excellent adsorption capabilities, making it one of the most frequently used adsorbents in various industries. It is normally produced from carbon-rich materials such as coal, coconut shells, waste tyres, biowaste, etc. The use of waste tyres for the production of AC is a sustainable alternative to conventional sources (such as coconut shells and coal) as it supports the concept of a circular economy. Since AC sourced from waste tyres is a new area, this study reviews the methods for the preparation of AC, the types of activation, the forms of activated carbon, and the factors affecting the adsorption process. This study also reviews various applications of AC derived from waste tyres, with a specific focus on the removal of different pollutants from wastewater. Activated carbon derived from the waste tyres was found to be a versatile and economically viable carbon material, which can contribute towards safeguarding the environment and human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Energy Science and Technology)
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36 pages, 3047 KiB  
Review
Bio-Sourced and Biodegradable Membranes
by Masoume Ehsani, Denis Kalugin, Huu Doan, Ali Lohi and Amira Abdelrasoul
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 12837; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122412837 - 14 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4194
Abstract
Biodegradable membranes with innovative antifouling properties are emerging as possible substitutes for conventional membranes. These types of membranes have the potential to be applied in a wide range of applications, from water treatment to food packaging and energy production. Nevertheless, there are several [...] Read more.
Biodegradable membranes with innovative antifouling properties are emerging as possible substitutes for conventional membranes. These types of membranes have the potential to be applied in a wide range of applications, from water treatment to food packaging and energy production. Nevertheless, there are several existing challenges and limitations associated with the use of biodegradable membranes in large scale applications, and further studies are required to determine the degradation mechanisms and their scalability. Biodegradable membranes can be produced from either renewable natural resources or synthesized from low-molecular monomers that increase the number of possible structures and, as a result, greatly expand the membrane application possibilities. This study focused on bio-sourced and synthesized biodegradable polymers as green membrane materials. Moreover, the article highlighted the excellent antifouling properties of biodegradable membranes that assist in improving membrane lifetime during filtration processes, preventing chemical/biological disposal due to frequent cleaning processes and ultimately reducing the maintenance cost. The industrial and biomedical applications of biodegradable membranes were also summarized, along with their limitations. Finally, an overview of challenges and future trends regarding the use of biodegradable membranes in various industries was thoroughly analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Energy Science and Technology)
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