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Novel Research on Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Thermal Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2025) | Viewed by 10010

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Center for Research and Engineering, CIICAp, State Autonomous University of Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, México
Interests: turbulence measurement and modelling; conjugate heat transfer; film cooling; swirl combustion; energy harvesting

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is a kind invitation for you to submit an article in the fields of heat transfer and thermodynamics. Recent advances allow many aspects of the effects of properties, conditions, and various applications. However, more research is necessary to improve the thermal performance of processes and devices. This Special Issue seeks to publish all contributions with a deep insight into solving technological problems and applications. Also, looking to mitigate the consequences of climate change, this Special Issue looks for friendly solutions involving heat and thermodynamics.

I hope you will consider submitting your work to this Special Issue of the Journal of Applied Sciences.

Prof. Dr. Fernando Zenaido Sierra-Espinosa
Guest Editor

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.

Keywords

  • convective heat transfer coefficient
  • film cooling
  • thermal boundary layer
  • Nusselt number
  • Reynolds number
  • natural–forced convection
  • turbulence
  • thermal comfort
  • thermal conjugate CFD solution
  • ORC
  • thermo-economic evaluation
  • failure analysis
  • solar-assisted system
  • heat transfer rate
  • Rayleigh number
  • nanofluid
  • thermal boundary layer

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 5652 KiB  
Article
Experimental Characterization of Thermal Conductivity with a New Compact Hot-Box Prototype
by Francisco A. Ramírez-Rivera, Néstor Guerrero-Rodríguez, Yokasta García-Frómeta, Diógenes Vargas and Mauricio Montanaro
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4137; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084137 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 284
Abstract
In this study, a new compact “hot-box” prototype with a volume of 0.602 m3 has been designed, instrumented, and implemented to experimentally characterize the thermal conductivity of specimens measuring 25 cm × 25 cm, with the thickness of the specimen varying up [...] Read more.
In this study, a new compact “hot-box” prototype with a volume of 0.602 m3 has been designed, instrumented, and implemented to experimentally characterize the thermal conductivity of specimens measuring 25 cm × 25 cm, with the thickness of the specimen varying up to a maximum of 10 cm. The prototype features a novel design aimed at enhancing flexibility and speed in changing specimens, thereby reducing downtime when testing different materials. It requires minimal space and incurs low development and maintenance costs. To validate the prototype’s functionality for measuring thermal conductivity, an oak wood specimen with a thickness of 3.81 cm was experimentally tested. The results indicate that the control system maintains key parameters under steady-state conditions for a significant duration. The thermal conductivity obtained for the oak wood specimen is 0.1695 W/m·K, with an expanded uncertainty of 0.0183 W/m·K for a 95% confidence interval. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics)
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14 pages, 3055 KiB  
Article
Experimental Evaluation of a Lignocellulosic Biomass Downdraft Gasifier on a Small-Scale Basis: A Thermodynamic Approach
by Lina Montuori, Manuel Alcázar-Ortega, Carlos Vargas-Salgado and Ennio Andrea Adinolfi
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010177 - 28 Dec 2024
Viewed by 841
Abstract
This research study explores the technology of biomass syngas production by using an experimental downdraft fixed-bed gasifier coupled to a two-cylinder engine, designed and implemented at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. Furthermore, it deals with the study of the experimental and analytical [...] Read more.
This research study explores the technology of biomass syngas production by using an experimental downdraft fixed-bed gasifier coupled to a two-cylinder engine, designed and implemented at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. Furthermore, it deals with the study of the experimental and analytical relations between the driving thermodynamic parameters that control the gasification process, in order to contribute to the development of a theoretical model for the design of a small-scale gasification facility. Different experiments have been performed to investigate the variations in parameters such as low heating values, the air–syngas ratio, the reduction and combustion temperature, efficiency, and electrical power generation during the continuous functioning of the gasification power production facility. The results obtained show that the low heating value is directly related to the inlet air flow rate, so that it increases when the air flow increases, while the increase in the inlet air flow of the gasifier makes both the reduction and the combustion temperature increase. Moreover, the efficiency of the motor–generator reaches a maximum value of 0.204 at the maximum power (around 5 kW), being characterized by an excellent operating range for the air–fuel ratio of a gasification facility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics)
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22 pages, 4999 KiB  
Article
The Exergo-Economic and Environmental Evaluation of a Hybrid Solar–Natural Gas Power System in Kirkuk
by Ali Alfaris, Abdulrazzak Akroot and Emrah Deniz
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10113; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210113 - 5 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1155
Abstract
The increasing environmental challenges posed by the widespread use of fossil fuels and the fluctuating nature of renewable energy have driven the need for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. Current research is actively exploring hybrid energy systems as a means to address [...] Read more.
The increasing environmental challenges posed by the widespread use of fossil fuels and the fluctuating nature of renewable energy have driven the need for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. Current research is actively exploring hybrid energy systems as a means to address these issues. One such area of focus is the integration of Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs) with gas and steam turbines, utilizing both natural gas (NG) and solar parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) as energy sources. This study examines the performance of a hybrid system implemented in Kirkuk, Iraq, a region known for its substantial solar radiation. Previous research has shown that hybrid systems can effectively enhance energy conversion efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, but there is still a need to assess the specific benefits of such systems in different geographical and operational contexts. The analysis reveals a thermal efficiency of 59.32% and an exergy efficiency of 57.28%. The exergoeconomic analysis highlights the optimal energy cost at USD 71.93/MWh when the compressor pressure ratio is set to 8 bar. The environmental assessment demonstrates a significant reduction in CO2/emissions, with a carbon footprint of 316.3 kg CO2/MWh at higher compressor pressure ratios. These results suggest that integrating solar energy with natural gas can substantially improve electricity generation while being both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics)
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13 pages, 5312 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Ignition Reliability with Tail-Groove Strut Designs in Cavity-Based Combustors
by Haihong Chen and Shilong Zhao
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8979; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198979 - 5 Oct 2024
Viewed by 896
Abstract
As the flight envelopes of turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engines expand, ensuring reliable ignition and flame stability under varying conditions becomes increasingly critical. Previous work has shown a significantly changed ignition performance and flow pattern in cavity-based combustors when strut structure parameters were [...] Read more.
As the flight envelopes of turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engines expand, ensuring reliable ignition and flame stability under varying conditions becomes increasingly critical. Previous work has shown a significantly changed ignition performance and flow pattern in cavity-based combustors when strut structure parameters were altered, indicating a strong correlation between the ignition process, flame structure, and the strut configuration. This suggests that further investigation is required to determine the optimal strut design. Therefore, this study examines the impact of various strut configurations through numerical simulations, validated by high-speed imaging. Findings show that the tail-groove strut designs improve the flame propagation performance compared to the normal struts, with a critical depth beyond which further increases do not enhance performance. Changes in strut length have a lesser impact than depth. Flow analysis indicates that tail-groove struts create additional recirculation zones that enhance fuel atomization and flame stability. These results suggest that optimizing strut configurations is vital for achieving reliable ignition and flame stability, advancing the development of efficient engines across a wide range of operational conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics)
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20 pages, 3818 KiB  
Article
The Effect of a New Approach to Cooling the External Heat Exchange Surfaces of a Car Cooler with Air Nozzles on the Cooling Process
by Marek Lipnický and Zuzana Brodnianská
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2227; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062227 - 7 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1400
Abstract
The paper deals with an experimental investigation of a new approach for cooling the external heat exchange surfaces of a cooler using an air pressure nozzle system. The G12+ coolant (50:50 ethylene glycol/water concentrate) is heated to an operating temperature of 80 °C [...] Read more.
The paper deals with an experimental investigation of a new approach for cooling the external heat exchange surfaces of a cooler using an air pressure nozzle system. The G12+ coolant (50:50 ethylene glycol/water concentrate) is heated to an operating temperature of 80 °C and cooled by a cooler. Three ways of forced cooling of the external heat exchange surfaces of the cooler are experimentally compared—fan, nozzles, and a combination of nozzles and fan. The spacing between the nozzles and the cooler is variable from 60 to 170 mm in inline and staggered nozzle arrangements. Coolant temperatures in the cooler inlet and outlet pipes are recorded by thermistors. The air pressure nozzle system achieved an improvement in the cooling process compared to a conventional fan. At a spacing of 160 mm, the heat exchange surface is completely covered by the air flow, which leads to a reduction in cooling time and an increase in the temperature difference. The maximum temperature difference of 28.84 °C and 16.90 °C for staggered arrangement of nozzles at a spacing of 160 mm are achieved for the combination of nozzles with fan and nozzles, respectively. When comparing 60 mm and 160 mm spacing, there was an increase in thermal performance of 70.3%, 55.99%, 6.20%, and 1.83% for inline nozzles, staggered nozzles, fan with inline nozzles, and fan with staggered nozzles, respectively. The air nozzle system fully replaces the fan in the cooling process and achieves improved heat dissipation, making the cooling process significantly shorter and more efficient. In addition, the air nozzle system can also be used as an additional equipment for intensification of heat dissipation in combination with the fan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics)
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19 pages, 6856 KiB  
Article
Modelling a Loop Heat Pipe as Heat Switch for Transient Application in Space Systems
by João P. Castanheira, Nicole G. Dias, Rui Melicio, Paulo Gordo, André R. R. Silva and Roger M. Pereira
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(23), 12547; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312547 - 21 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1567
Abstract
Heat switches are devices for controlling heat flow in various applications, such as electronic devices, cryogenic cooling systems, spacecraft, and rockets. These devices require non-linear transient thermal simulations, in which there is a lack of information. In this study, we introduce an innovative [...] Read more.
Heat switches are devices for controlling heat flow in various applications, such as electronic devices, cryogenic cooling systems, spacecraft, and rockets. These devices require non-linear transient thermal simulations, in which there is a lack of information. In this study, we introduce an innovative 1D thermo-hydraulic lumped parameter model to simulate loop heat pipes as heat switches by regulating the temperature difference between the evaporator and the compensation chamber. The developed thermo-hydraulic model uses the continuity, energy, and momentum equations to represent the behaviour of loop heat pipes as heat switches. The model also highlights the importance of some thermal conductance parameters and correction coefficients for accurately simulating the different operational states of a loop heat pipe. The simulations are conducted using the proposed 1D model, solved through the application of the Mathcad block function. The numerical model presented is successfully validated by comparing the temperatures of the evaporator and condenser inlet nodes with those of a referenced loop heat pipe from the literature. In conclusion, in this research, the mathematical modelling of loop heat pipes as heat switches is presented. This is achieved by incorporating correction coefficients with Boolean logic that results in non-linear transient simulations. The presented 1D thermo-hydraulic lumped parameter model serves as a valuable tool for thermal system design, particularly for systems with non-linear operational modes like sorption compressors. The graphical and nodal representation of this proposed 1D thermo-hydraulic model further enhances its utility in understanding and optimising loop heat pipes as heat switches across various thermal management scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics)
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14 pages, 1719 KiB  
Article
Tyre–Road Heat Transfer Coefficient Equation Proposal
by Paolo Cattani, Lucia Cattani and Anna Magrini
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 11996; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111996 - 3 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2707
Abstract
Tyres are one of the most important elements of a vehicle because they are the link to the road and have a huge impact on traffic-related pollution. Knowing their behaviour, thus being able to use them at their best and reducing their wear [...] Read more.
Tyres are one of the most important elements of a vehicle because they are the link to the road and have a huge impact on traffic-related pollution. Knowing their behaviour, thus being able to use them at their best and reducing their wear rate, is one of the means of improving their lifetime, which means decreasing traffic environmental impact. In order to understand how tyres behave and to predict the real-time tyre–road coefficient of friction, which is strongly influenced by the temperature, in the last few years several complex thermo-mechanical models of heat transfer inside the tyre have been developed. However, in the current state of the art of the literature and practice, there is still an important parameter regarding such models that is not deeply studied. This parameter is the heat transfer coefficient between the tyre and the road at the contact patch, which usually is considered as a constant. The current research paper allows understanding that such an approximation is not always valid for all of the speeds and tyre loads of city and race cars; instead, it is developed an equation that, for the first time, calculates the real-time, dynamic tyre–road heat transfer coefficient, taking into account the tyre’s travelling speed and the footprint length. The equation results are in good agreement with the empirical values coming from the literature and permit understanding how much such a parameter can vary, depending on the tyre use range. The formulation is simple enough to be easily implemented in existing thermodynamic tyre models without requiring meaningful computational time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics)
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