Search Results (232)

Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPP) suffer from drops in power and efficiency due to summer time ambient conditions. This power reduction is especially important in regions with extreme summer ambient conditions. Given the substantial investment and labor involved in the establishment and operation of these power plants, mitigating power loss using various methods emerges as a promising solution. In this context, the integration of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies has been proposed in this research not primarily to improve the overall performance efficiency of power plants as other recent studies entail, but to ensure continuous power generation throughout summer days, improving stability. This research aims to address this issue by conducting an extensive study covering the different scenarios in which Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) can be integrated into the power plant. Multiple scenarios for integration were defined including CSP integration in the Heat Recovery Steam Generator, CSP-powered chiller for Gas Turbine Compressor Cooling and Gas Turbine Combustion Chamber Preheating using CSP, and scenarios with inlet air fog cooling and hybrid scenarios were studied. This systematic analysis resulted in the selection of the scenario where the CSP is integrated into the combined cycle power plant in the HRSG section as the best case. The selected scenario was benchmarked against its equivalent model operating in Seville’s ambient conditions. By comparing the final selected model, both Yazd and Seville experience a noticeable boost in power and efficiency while reaching the maximum integration capacity at different reflector lengths (800 m for Seville and 900 m for Yazd). However, both cities reach their minimum fuel consumption at an approximate 300 m total reflector length. Full article

Background/Objectives:Hydrogels are highly hydrated, biocompatible polymer networks increasingly investigated as drug-delivery systems (DDS) for analgesics. Their ability to modulate local release, prolong drug residence time, and reduce systemic toxicity positions them as promising platforms in perioperative, chronic, and localized pain settings. This scoping review aimed to systematically map clinical applications, efficacy, and safety of hydrogel-based DDS for analgesics, while also documenting non-DDS uses where the matrix itself contributes to pain modulation through physical mechanisms. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidance, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched without publication date restrictions. Only peer-reviewed clinical studies were included; preclinical studies and non-journal literature were excluded. Screening and selection were performed in duplicate. Data extracted included drug class, hydrogel technology, clinical setting, outcomes, and safety. Protocol was registered with Open Science Framework. Results: A total of 26 clinical studies evaluating hydrogel formulations as DDS for analgesics were included. Most were randomized controlled trials, spanning 1996–2024. Local anesthetics were the most frequent drug class, followed by opioids, corticosteroids, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and neuromodulators. Application sites were predominantly topical/transdermal and perioperative/incisional. Across the DDS cohort, most of the studies reported improved analgesic outcomes, including reduced pain scores and lower rescue medication use; neutral or unclear results were rare. Safety reporting was limited, but tolerability was generally favorable. Additionally, 38 non-DDS studies demonstrated pain reduction through hydrogel-mediated cooling, lubrication, or barrier effects, particularly in burns, ocular surface disorders, and discogenic pain. Conclusions: Hydrogel-based DDS for analgesics show consistent clinical signals of benefit across diverse contexts, aligning with their mechanistic rationale. While current evidence supports their role as effective, well-tolerated platforms, translational gaps remain, particularly for hybrid nanotechnology systems and standardized safety reporting. Non-DDS applications confirm the intrinsic analgesic potential of hydrogel matrices, underscoring their relevance in multimodal pain management strategies. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of high-voltage, high-frequency pulse generation techniques for Pockels cell drivers. These drivers are critical in electro-optic systems for laser modulation, where nanosecond-scale voltage pulses with amplitudes of several kilovolts are required. The study reviews key design challenges, with particular emphasis on thermal management strategies, including air, liquid, solid-state, and phase-change cooling methods. Different high-voltage, high-frequency pulse generation architectures including vacuum tubes, voltage multipliers, Marx generators, Blumlein structures, pulse-forming networks, Tesla transformers, switching-mode power supplies, solid-state switches, and high-voltage operational amplifiers are systematically evaluated with respect to cost, complexity, stability, and their suitability for driving capacitive loads. The analysis highlights hybrid approaches that integrate solid-state switching with modular multipliers or pulse-forming circuits as offering the best balance of efficiency, compactness, and reliability. The findings provide practical guidelines for developing next-generation high-performance Pockels cell drivers optimized for advanced optical and laser applications. Full article

Nickel-based alloys, including Inconel 718 and alloy 625, are indispensable in industries such as aerospace, marine, and nuclear energy due to their exceptional mechanical strength, high-temperature performance, and corrosion resistance. However, these very properties pose severe machining challenges, such as accelerated tool wear, poor surface finish, and high cutting forces. Although several studies have investigated coatings, lubrication strategies, and process optimization, a comprehensive and up-to-date integration of these advancements is still lacking. To address this gap, a systematic review was conducted using Web of Science and Scopus databases. The inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed journal and conference articles published in the last eleven years (2014–2025), written in English, and directly addressing machining of nickel-based alloys, with particular emphasis on tool coatings, lubrication/cooling technologies, and machinability optimization. Exclusion criteria included duplicate records, non-English documents, papers lacking experimental or modeling results, and studies unrelated to tool life or coating performance. Following this screening process, 101 high-quality articles were selected for detailed analysis. The novelty of this work lies in synthesizing comparative insights across TiAlN, TiSiN, and CrAlSiN coatings, alongside advanced lubrication methods such as HPC, MQL, nano-MQL, and cryogenic cooling. Results highlight that CrAlSiN coatings retain hardness up to 36 ± 2 GPa after exposure to 700 °C and extend tool life by 4.2× compared to TiAlN, while optimized cooling strategies reduce flank wear by over 30% and improve tool longevity by up to 133%. The integration of coating performance, thermal stability, and lubrication effects into a unified framework provides actionable guidelines for machining optimization. The study concludes by proposing future research directions, including hybrid coatings, real-time process monitoring, and sustainable lubrication technologies, to bridge the remaining gaps in machinability and promote industrial adoption. This integrative approach establishes a robust foundation for advancing machining strategies of nickel-based superalloys, ensuring improved productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced component reliability. Full article

The increasing demand for high-efficiency cooling technologies necessitates improved methods to prevent degradation and ensure reliable operation of lithium–ion batteries. Conventional PCM (phase change material)-based cooling systems are limited by low thermal conductivity and uneven phase change processes, which lead to non-uniform thermal distribution and diminished performance. In response to these challenges, this study introduces a hybrid thermal management system that combines an indirect liquid-cooling structure with multiple cooling channel configurations within a PCM-based battery pack. Numerical simulations were conducted to systematically assess the thermal performance of the proposed design. Experimental validation with various cooling media showed that PCM achieved the greatest reduction in temperature (47%) and the longest isothermal duration (56 min) under air-cooled conditions, surpassing thermally conductive adhesive (40%) and silicone oil (26%) for temperature decrease. Vertical temperature differentials were effectively reduced, staying below only 2 °C for silicone oil and reaching a maximum of 4 °C for PCM. Phase change evaluation indicated that after 30 min of operation, only 37% of the PCM volume had melted, highlighting localized constraints in heat transfer. Comparative analysis among four liquid-cooling channel arrangements (A–D) and a standalone PCM system demonstrated that configuration D exhibited the highest cooling capability, lowering the battery surface temperature by as much as 9 °C (17.8%). Flow rate analysis determined that increases above 0.2 L/min resulted in only modest thermal improvements (<1 °C), with 0.108 L/min identified as the most efficient rate. Relative to PCM-only designs, the advanced hybrid cooling system achieved significantly enhanced thermal regulation and temperature uniformity, underscoring its promise as a superior solution for lithium–ion battery thermal management. Full article

A newly developed hybrid maximum power point tracker (MPPT) utilizes a modified simulated annealing (SA) algorithm in conjunction with an adaptive hill climbing (HC) technique to optimize the extraction of the maximum power point (MPP) from photovoltaic (PV) systems. This innovative MPPT improves the ability to harvest maximum power from the PV system, particularly under rapidly fluctuating weather conditions and in situations of partial shading. The controller combines the rapid local search abilities of HC with the global optimization advantages of SA, which has been modified to retain and retrieve the maximum power achieved, thus ensuring the extraction of the global maximum. Furthermore, an adaptive HC algorithm is implemented with a variable step size adjustment, which accelerates convergence and reduces steady-state oscillations. Additionally, an offline SA algorithm is utilized to fine-tune the essential parameters of the proposed controller, including the maximum and minimum step sizes for duty cycle adjustments, initial temperature, and cooling rate. Simulations performed in Matlab/Simulink, along with experimental validation using Imperix-Opal-RT, confirm the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller. In the scenarios that were tested, the suggested HC–SA reached the global maximum power point (GMPP) of approximately 600 W in about 0.05 s, whereas the traditional HC stabilized at a local maximum close to 450 W, and the fuzzy-logic MPPT attained the GMPP at a slower rate, taking about 0.2 s, with a pronounced transient dip before settling with a small steady-state ripple. These findings emphasize that, under the operating conditions examined, the proposed method reliably demonstrates quicker convergence, enhanced tracking accuracy, and greater robustness compared with the other MPPT techniques. Full article

Although neural network-based methods have significantly advanced the field of machine fault diagnosis, they remain vulnerable to physical adversarial attacks. This work investigates such attacks in the physical context of a real production line. Attacks simulate failures or irregularities arising from the maintenance or production department during the production process, a scenario commonly encountered in industrial environments. The experiments are conducted using data from vibration signals and operational parameters of a motor installed in an industrial air-cooling system used for staple fiber production. In this context, we propose the Mean Confusion Impact Index (MCII), a novel and simple robustness metric that measures the average misclassification confidence of models under adversarial physical attacks. By performing a series of hardware-level interventions, this work aims to demonstrate that even minor physical disturbances can lead to a significant reduction in the model’s diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, a hybrid defense approach is proposed, which leverages deep feature representations extracted from the original classification model and integrates them with lightweight classifiers retrained on adversarial labeled data. Research findings underscore an important limitation in existing industrial artificial intelligence (AI)-based monitoring systems and introduce a practical, scalable framework for improving the physical resilience of machine fault diagnosis in real-world environments. Full article

The move toward environmentally friendly methods in the global manufacturing sector has led to the use of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flood cooling. However, the natural limits of MQL in high-performance settings have led to the use of nanotechnology, which has resulted in the creation of nanofluids, engineered colloidal suspensions that significantly improve the thermophysical and tribological properties of base fluids. This paper gives a complete overview of the latest developments in nanofluid technology for use in machining. It starts with the basics of MQL and the rules for making, describing, and keeping nanofluids stable. The review examines the application and effectiveness of single and hybrid nanofluids in various machining processes. It goes into detail about how they improve tool life, surface integrity, and overall efficiency. It also examines the benefits of integrating nanofluid-assisted MQL (NMQL) with more advanced and hybrid systems, including cryogenic cooling (cryo-NMQL), ultrasonic atomization, electrostatic–magnetic assistance, and multi-nozzle delivery systems. The paper also gives a critical look at the main problems that these technologies face, such as the long-term stability of nanoparticle suspensions, their environmental and economic viability as measured by life cycle assessment (LCA), and the important issues of safety, toxicology, and disposal. This review gives a full picture of the current state and future potential of nanofluid-assisted sustainable manufacturing by pointing out important research gaps, like the need for real-time LCA data, cost-effective scalability, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve processes, and by outlining future research directions. Full article

One of the most important applications of solar energy is electricity generation using photovoltaic (PV) panels. Yet, as the temperature of PV modules rises, both their efficiency and service life decline. A common approach to mitigate this issue is cooling with fins, a design that is now widely adopted. However, traditional fin-based cooling systems often fail to deliver adequate performance in hot regions with strong solar radiation. In particular, passive cooling alone shows limited effectiveness under conditions of high ambient temperatures and intense sunlight, such as those typical in Malaysia. To address this limitation, hybrid cooling strategies, especially those integrating both air and water, have emerged as promising solutions for enhancing PV performance. In this study, an experimental and economic investigations were carried out on a PV cooling system combining copper tubes and aluminium fins, tested under Malaysian climatic conditions. The economic feasibility was evaluated using the Simple Payback Period (SPP) method. An outdoor test was conducted over four consecutive days (10–13 June 2024), comparing a conventional PV module with one fitted with the hybrid cooling system (active and passive). The cooled module achieved noticeable surface temperature reductions of 2.56 °C, 2.15 °C, 2.08 °C, and 2.58 °C across the four days. The system also delivered a peak power gain of 66.85 W, corresponding to a 2.82% efficiency improvement. Economic analysis showed that the system’s payback period is 4.52 years, with the total energy value increasing by USD 477.88, representing about a 2.81% improvement compared to the reference panel. In summary, the hybrid cooling method demonstrates clear advantages in lowering panel temperature, enhancing electrical output, and ensuring favorable economic performance. Full article

Natural cooling and ventilation have been fundamental principles in vernacular architecture for millennia, shaping sustainable building practices across diverse climatic regions. This paper examines the historical evolution, technological advancements, environmental benefits, and prospects of passive cooling strategies, with a particular focus on wind catchers. Originating in Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Caucasia, and Iranian architectural traditions, these structures have adapted over centuries to maximize air circulation, thermal regulation, and humidity control, ensuring comfortable indoor environments without reliance on mechanical ventilation. This study analyzes traditional wind catcher designs, highlighting their geometric configurations, airflow optimization, and integration with architectural elements such as courtyards and solar chimneys. Through a comparative assessment, this paper contrasts passive cooling systems with modern HVAC technologies, emphasizing their energy neutrality, low-carbon footprint, and long-term sustainability benefits. A SWOT analysis evaluates their strengths, limitations, opportunities for technological integration, and challenges posed by urbanization and regulatory constraints. This study adopts a comparative analytical method, integrating a literature-based approach with qualitative assessments and a SWOT analysis framework to evaluate passive cooling strategies against modern HVAC systems. Methodologically, the research combines historical review, typological classification, and sustainability-driven performance comparisons to derive actionable insights for climate-responsive design. The research is grounded in a comparative assessment of traditional and modern cooling strategies, supported by typological analysis and evaluative frameworks. Looking toward the future, the research explores hybrid adaptations incorporating solar energy, AI-driven airflow control, and retrofitting strategies for smart cities, reinforcing the enduring relevance of vernacular cooling techniques in contemporary architecture. By bridging historical knowledge with innovative solutions, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions on climate-responsive urban planning and sustainable architectural development. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are critical for various applications, and effective thermal management is important for their safety, performance, and lifespan. Traditional physics-based modeling of battery thermal behavior is computationally complex and requires detailed parameters. Using data-driven modeling to predict thermal characteristics of batteries offers a promising alternative. This review comprehensively examines the utilization of data-driven methods in predicting LIB thermal behavior and designing battery thermal management systems. It explores commonly used data-driven techniques and focuses on their applications in predicting heat generation, temperature distribution, and cooling performance. Specific data-driven models for battery thermal prediction are presented, with a comparative analysis of their strengths and weaknesses. The review concludes that data-driven models can effectively predict battery thermal behavior, offering computational efficiency compared to physics-based simulations. Future research directions include hybrid data-driven/physical modeling, ensemble modeling, and incorporating explainable artificial intelligence techniques to enhance model interpretability. These advancements will lead to more accurate and interpretable models, contributing to the safe and efficient applications of LIB systems. Full article

A significant challenge in thermal device designs across diverse industries is optimizing heat dissipation rates to enhance system performance. Among different geometric configurations, a partially heated–cooled annular system containing magneto-nanofluids presents unique complexities due to the curvature ratio and strategic positioning of thermal sources–sinks, which substantially influences flow dynamics and thermal transfer mechanisms. The present investigation examines the buoyancy-driven heat transfer in an annular cavity containing a hybrid nanofluid under the influence of an inclined magnetic field and thermal source–sink pairs. Five different thermal source–sink arrangements and a wide range of magnetic field orientations are considered. The governing equations are solved using a finite difference approach that combines the Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) method with relaxation techniques to capture the flow and thermal characteristics. An artificial neural network (ANN) is trained using simulation data to estimate the average Nusselt number for a range of physical conditions. Among different source–sink arrangements, the Case-1 arrangement is found to produce a stronger flow circulation and thermal dissipation rates. Also, an oblique magnetic field offers greater control compared with vertical or horizontal magnetic orientations. The network, structured with multiple hidden layers and optimized using a conjugate gradient algorithm, produces predictions that closely match the numerical results. Our analysis reveals that Case-1 demonstrates superior thermal performance, with approximately 19% greater heat dissipation compared with other chosen heating configurations. In addition, the Case-1 heating configuration combined with blade-shaped nanoparticles yields more than 27% superior thermal performance among the considered configurations. The outcomes suggest that at stronger magnetic fields $(Ha=50)$, the orientation angle becomes critically important, with perpendicular magnetic fields $(\gamma ={90}^{\circ })$ significantly outperforming other orientations. Full article

Over the last several years, a significant advancement in high-voltage electronic packaging techniques has paved the way for next-generation power electronics. However, controlling the thermal properties of these new packaging solutions is still a major challenge. The utilization of wide bandgap semiconductors such as SiC and GaN offers effective methods to minimize thermal inefficiencies caused by conduction losses through high-frequency switching topologies. Nevertheless, the need for high voltage in electrical systems continues to pose significant barriers, as heat generation remains one of the most significant obstacles to widespread implementation. The trend of electronics design miniaturization has driven the development of high-performance cooling concepts to address the needs of high-power-density systems. As a result, the design of effective cooling systems has emerged as a crucial aspect for successful implementation, requiring seamless integration with electronic packaging to achieve optimal performance. This review article explores various thermal management approaches demonstrated in electronic systems. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of heat transfer enhancement techniques employed in electronics thermal management, focusing on core concepts. The review categorizes these techniques into concepts based on fin design, microchannel cooling, jet impingement, phase change materials, nanofluids, and hybrid designs. Recent advancements in high-power density devices, alongside innovative cooling systems such as phase change materials and nanofluids, demonstrate potential for enhanced heat dissipation in power electronics. Improved designs in finned heat sinks, microchannel cooling, and jet impingement techniques have enabled more efficient thermal management in high-density power electronics. By fixing key insights into one reference, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers navigating the complex landscape of high-performance cooling for modern electronic systems. Full article

Rising urban temperatures due to climate change, limited green spaces, and dense urban areas impact public health and human well-being, highlighting the need for innovative grey infrastructure solutions where conventional green spaces are not feasible. This study aims to bridge the gap between objectively measured and perceived benefits of urban heat mitigation by combining social and technological methods within socio-ecological systems. First, a literature review of 759 articles, with 64 meeting the review criteria, and a bibliometric analysis examined the recent extensive research on participation and the connections between participation, resilience, and sustainability. Second, a chain of evidence as a qualitative method demonstrated how Active Bottom Surface Cooling (ABSC) can enhance outdoor thermal comfort (OTC). This emphasised the importance of participatory innovation and novel cooling technologies for urban resilience: hybrid (digital and analogue) participation can raise the awareness, acceptance, and effectiveness of such technical innovations. It revealed the need for an integrated framework, leveraging synergies: (1) community engagement tailors solutions to urban needs, (2) adaptability ensures effectiveness across diverse settings, (3) improved thermal comfort enhances citizen well-being, and (4) resilience strengthens the climate change response. By conceptualising cities as urban systems, the integrated framework fosters reciprocal socio-ecological benefits between people, nature, and the environment. Through hybrid participation and ABSC, it boosts community engagement, OTC, and well-being for sustainable urban development. Full article

The efficiency of electric motors is highly dependent on their operating temperature, with lower temperatures contributing to enhanced performance, reliability, and extended service life. This study presents a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art cooling technologies and evaluates their impact on the thermal behavior of a commercial motor–generator system in high-demand applications. A baseline model of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) was developed using MotorCAD 2023^® software, which was supported by reverse engineering techniques to accurately replicate the motor’s physical and thermal characteristics. Subsequently, multiple cooling strategies were simulated under consistent operating conditions to assess their effectiveness. These strategies include conventional axial water jackets as well as advanced oil-based methods such as shaft cooling and direct oil spray to the windings. The integration of these systems in hybrid configurations was also explored to maximize thermal efficiency. Simulation results reveal that hybrid cooling significantly reduces the temperature of critical components such as stator windings and permanent magnets. This reduction in thermal stress improves current efficiency, power output, and torque capacity, enabling reliable motor operation across a broader range of speeds and under sustained high-load conditions. The findings highlight the effectiveness of hybrid cooling systems in optimizing both thermal management and operational performance of electric machines. Full article