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Machines
Special Issues
Intelligent Propulsion Systems and Energy Control
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Intelligent Propulsion Systems and Energy Control

A special issue of Machines (ISSN 2075-1702). This special issue belongs to the section "Electromechanical Energy Conversion Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 1830

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hao Shi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Reactive Flows and Diagnostics, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
Interests: hydrogen; ammonia; engine combustion; heat pump; laser diagnostic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mohammad Alnajideen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
Interests: hydrogen; ammonia; energy systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Dongsheng Dong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
Interests: combustion; hydrogen/ammonia; alernative fuels; chemical reaction kinetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Fuxing Wei

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Transportation Engineering, Kunming University Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Interests: energy-saving control of intelligent flying cars; vehicle-road cooperative control; battery thermal management; optimization and control of power systems for new energy vehicles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The propulsion and energy management landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the need for sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. Traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) face challenges such as knock detection, combustion optimization, and emission reduction, while emerging technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and flying cars require advanced energy control systems. This Special Issue seeks to bridge these domains by highlighting interdisciplinary research that integrates machine learning (ML), electromechanical systems, and intelligent control to address current and future mobility challenges.

This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge advancements in propulsion technologies, focusing on two core areas: (1) the intelligent analysis and optimization of ICEs, including knock prediction, marine engine efficiency, and combustion dynamics, and (2) next-generation energy management strategies for intelligent EVs and flying cars. By fostering dialogue between traditional mechanical engineering and modern computational techniques, this issue will emphasize the roles of ML, automation, and electromechanical integration in shaping sustainable transportation.

By uniting diverse perspectives, this issue will accelerate the transition toward cleaner, smarter mobility. It will serve as a platform for researchers exploring the synergy between legacy propulsion systems and disruptive technologies, ultimately contributing to global sustainability goals. We invite scholars and industry experts to share breakthroughs that will redefine the future of transportation.

Dr. Hao Shi
Dr. Mohammad Alnajideen
Dr. Dongsheng Dong
Dr. Fuxing Wei
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Machines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • engine knock analysis
  • marine engine innovations
  • combustion optimization
  • energy control systems
  • flying car technologies

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 6109 KB  
Article
SLEC-Based Tunnel Lighting Design: A Sustainable Engineering Approach Through RSM
by Nazım İmal and Burak Öztürk
Machines 2026, 14(3), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines14030312 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 362
Abstract
Tunnel lighting systems serving pedestrian and vehicular traffic must simultaneously satisfy visual performance requirements and energy efficiency constraints. This study investigates the optimization of tunnel lighting design using a sustainable engineering approach based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Specific Lighting Energy Consumption [...] Read more.
Tunnel lighting systems serving pedestrian and vehicular traffic must simultaneously satisfy visual performance requirements and energy efficiency constraints. This study investigates the optimization of tunnel lighting design using a sustainable engineering approach based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Specific Lighting Energy Consumption (SLEC). Software-assisted lighting simulations were performed for two tunnel geometries—straight and double-curved—and horizontal (Eh) and vertical (Ev) illuminance levels were evaluated at five representative locations. The resulting data were used to construct RSM-based predictive models and to assess energy performance through SLEC. The effects of mounting height, luminaire spacing, luminous flux, number of luminaires, and tunnel type were systematically analyzed. The results demonstrate that luminaire spacing is the dominant parameter influencing illuminance levels and energy consumption. An optimal configuration consisting of a 12 m luminaire spacing, 5 m mounting height, and 10,000–12,000 lm luminous flux achieved a favorable balance between lighting quality and energy efficiency. Additionally, straight tunnels exhibited higher illuminance uniformity at shorter spacings, whereas curved tunnels showed improved performance under wider spacing conditions. The proposed RSM–SLEC framework provides a robust, data-driven methodology for sustainable tunnel lighting design without compromising safety or visual comfort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Propulsion Systems and Energy Control)
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33 pages, 6040 KB  
Article
Research on Capacity Parameter Matching and Robust Design of a Methanol Range-Extended Series Hybrid Powertrain System for Harbor Tugs
by Zhao Li, Hua Tian and Wuqiang Long
Machines 2026, 14(3), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines14030274 - 2 Mar 2026
Viewed by 566
Abstract
To address the stringent emission regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the growing demand for green port operations, this study proposes an innovative range-extended series hybrid powertrain system featuring a dedicated methanol engine as an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for harbor [...] Read more.
To address the stringent emission regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the growing demand for green port operations, this study proposes an innovative range-extended series hybrid powertrain system featuring a dedicated methanol engine as an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for harbor tugs. Based on an analysis of actual ship operational data, a core design paradigm of “battery-dominant, engine-as-range-extender” is established. A robust capacity parameter matching method is proposed, yielding a configuration comprising a 200 kW∙h/600 kW Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Pack (LFPBP), a 250 kW methanol APU, and a 400/600 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Propulsion Motor (PMSM). A hierarchical intelligent energy management strategy (EMS), integrating state-machine coordination and real-time power allocation, is designed. High-fidelity simulations under a typical duty cycle demonstrate that the proposed system achieves an equivalent fuel-saving rate of 50.8% compared with a conventional diesel system, with the engine operating exclusively in its high-efficiency zone (>42% efficiency) for only 35% of the operational time. A full life-cycle techno-economic analysis reveals an incremental investment payback period (PBP) of approximately 3 months and a net present value (NPV) exceeding USD 9.69 million over a 10-year period. Quantitative environmental analysis shows an annual reduction of approximately 94.8% in CO2 emissions (assuming the use of green methanol produced from renewable sources and captured CO2), 95% in NOx emissions, and the near-elimination of SOx and particulate matter (PM). This study provides a systematic and economically attractive solution with promising engineering feasibility verified by simulation, which paves the way for further experimental validation and practical engineering implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Propulsion Systems and Energy Control)
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Review

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42 pages, 1791 KB  
Review
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles for Sustainable Mobility: A State-of-the-Art Review
by Vinoth Kumar, Shriram Srinivasarangan Rangarajan, Chandan Kumar Shiva, E. Randolph Collins and Tomonobu Senjyu
Machines 2026, 14(5), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines14050467 - 22 Apr 2026
Viewed by 424
Abstract
The hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are becoming a worldwide recognized eco-friendly choice which produces no tailpipe emissions while providing better energy efficiency than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The review delivers an in-depth evaluation of FCEVs through their assessment which focuses [...] Read more.
The hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are becoming a worldwide recognized eco-friendly choice which produces no tailpipe emissions while providing better energy efficiency than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The review delivers an in-depth evaluation of FCEVs through their assessment which focuses on their transportation and power generation functions. The research investigates hydrogen production methods together with storage and distribution systems and vehicle integration practices and performance enhancement techniques. The paper highlights major technical challenges such as high production costs, limited refueling infrastructure, storage inefficiencies, and fuel cell durability. The research uses battery electric and hybrid vehicle comparisons to assess FCEV market competitiveness. The life-cycle environmental impact assessment proves that using clean hydrogen sources and sustainable end-of-life strategies is essential for achieving FCEV operational capabilities. The review examines new electrochemistry materials science and hybridization solutions which have become essential methods for creating better efficiency and durability while decreasing costs. The study shows how policy regulations and collaborative programs fast-track hydrogen adoption through their impact on future hydrogen grid integration and renewable hydrogen production and circular economy methods. The review shows how experts from different fields reached their achievements while still facing challenges to improve FCEVs as fundamental components of environmentally friendly transportation systems and clean energy networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Propulsion Systems and Energy Control)
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