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Processes
Special Issues
Model Predictive Control of Heating and Cooling Systems
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Model Predictive Control of Heating and Cooling Systems

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2025 | Viewed by 4590

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wei Su

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Energy and Power Engineering, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin 132012, China
Interests: liquid desiccant systems; innovative heat pump; anti-frosting
Prof. Dr. Xu Jin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Energy and Power Engineering, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin 132012, China
Interests: refrigeration; heat pump; waste heat recovery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid societal and economic development has led to persistent growth in energy consumption, resulting in severe energy shortages and environmental pollution. The application of heating and cooling systems has garnered significant attention because it provides the necessary energy to maintain indoor environments at comfortable temperatures. The effective application of these methods is crucial for achieving energy savings, reducing carbon emissions, and aligning with environmental sustainability objectives. This issue invites contributions from researchers, experts, and practitioners working on various aspects related to the design, application, simulation, and optimization of heating and cooling systems that prioritize efficiency, environmental friendliness, and long-term sustainability.

This Special Issue is addressed to researchers studying the application and simulation of heating and cooling systems based on model predictive control. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Innovative HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technologies;
  • Power systems;
  • Renewable energy integration;
  • Energy storage system;
  • Heat pumps, district heating, and cooling systems;
  • Energy conversion and management.

Dr. Wei Su
Prof. Dr. Xu Jin
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. Processes 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

  • numerical modelling
  • air-conditioning
  • cooling and heating
  • energy and buildings
  • energy storage systems
  • heat pump systems
  • renewable energy integration

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 5787 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation Study on Reverse Source Tracing for Heating Pipeline Network Leaks Based on Adjoint Equations
by Jie Wang, Yue Zhu, Songyu Zou, Shuai Xue, Le Chen, Weilong Hou, Shengwei Xin, Jinglan Li and Zhongyan Liu
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2710; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122710 - 1 Dec 2024
Viewed by 813
Abstract
In order to identify the leak source in complex heating pipeline networks, a timely and effective simulation of the leakage process was conducted. The open-source computational fluid dynamics software OpenFOAM 5.0 was combined with the PISO algorithm to simulate the pressure during the [...] Read more.
In order to identify the leak source in complex heating pipeline networks, a timely and effective simulation of the leakage process was conducted. The open-source computational fluid dynamics software OpenFOAM 5.0 was combined with the PISO algorithm to simulate the pressure during the leakage in water supply networks, transforming the reverse source tracing problem into the solution of an adjoint equation. The validation of the transient adjoint equation for single-phase flow was completed through simulation, and the pressure wave change graph at the moment of the network leakage was solved, which was consistent with the experimental results. Using the open-source finite element analysis software OpenFOAM 5.0, the positioning accuracy of pipeline leak points can be controlled within the range from 92% to 96%. Based on the pressure wave change graph, the position of the leak source in the complex network was determined using the reverse source tracing method combined with the second correlation theory. The results show that the calculation speed of the PISO algorithm combined with the adjoint equation is significantly better than that of the individual SIMPLE and PISO algorithms, thereby proving the superiority of the adjoint method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Model Predictive Control of Heating and Cooling Systems)
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17 pages, 5725 KiB  
Article
Simulation of PSDF (Photovoltaic, Storage, Direct Current and Flexibility) Energy System for Rural Buildings
by Xianfeng Li, Wenjie Miao, Chuanzi Xu, Yubao Li, Zhongyan Liu and Shuai Sha
Processes 2024, 12(11), 2380; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112380 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 923
Abstract
The PSDF (photovoltaic, storage, direct current, and flexibility) energy system represents an innovative approach aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. This study focused on rural buildings and utilized Modelica to develop a dynamic simulation model of the PSDF system. The research introduced a framework [...] Read more.
The PSDF (photovoltaic, storage, direct current, and flexibility) energy system represents an innovative approach aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. This study focused on rural buildings and utilized Modelica to develop a dynamic simulation model of the PSDF system. The research introduced a framework for direct current distribution microgrid systems with flexible regulatory mechanisms, employing a virtual inertia control strategy to provide stable adjustments for flexible operations and support integration with local grids. Case simulation results indicated that the system equipped with a water tank saved 3.15 kWh compared to the system without a water tank, resulting in an energy savings rate of 22.14%. Compared to traditional photovoltaic systems, the PSDF system significantly enhanced energy management flexibility and system reliability through the integration of thermal storage and battery management. This research made significant contributions to the fields of renewable energy and building energy systems by offering a scalable and practical solution suitable for rural contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Model Predictive Control of Heating and Cooling Systems)
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19 pages, 7417 KiB  
Article
Study on the Performance of a Novel Double-Section Full-Open Absorption Heat Pump for Flue Gas Waste Heat Recovery
by Xin Cai, Zhanbin Wang, Yuhao Han and Wei Su
Processes 2024, 12(10), 2181; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102181 - 8 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1418
Abstract
Open absorption heat pumps are considered one of the most promising methods for efficiently utilizing low-grade waste heat, reducing energy consumption, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. However, traditional heat pumps have significant limitations in the range of flue gas temperatures they can recover, [...] Read more.
Open absorption heat pumps are considered one of the most promising methods for efficiently utilizing low-grade waste heat, reducing energy consumption, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. However, traditional heat pumps have significant limitations in the range of flue gas temperatures they can recover, and their relatively low system performance further restricts practical applications. In this study, we propose a novel double-section full-open absorption heat pump driven by flue gas from the desulfurization tower. By designing the absorber with a double-layer structure, the system can recover more latent and sensible heat from the flue gas, significantly enhancing its thermal recovery capability. Additionally, replacing the traditional LiBr/H2O working pair with LiCl/H2O significantly reduces the risks of solution crystallization and equipment corrosion. Through comprehensive research, the strengths and weaknesses of the system were explored. The results indicate that this system effectively recovers flue gas waste heat within the temperature range of 30–70 °C. Specifically, at a flue gas temperature of 70 °C and a flow rate of 3 kg/s, the system achieves a COP of 1.838, along with a heating capacity of 158.83 kW and a ROI of 34.1%. These metrics demonstrate that the system not only delivers high performance but also exhibits excellent economic viability. Additionally, when the solution temperature is lowered to 10 °C, the system’s maximum COP reaches 1.96, reflecting a significant 30.67% improvement over traditional heat pumps. These findings highlight the system’s potential for application in coal-fired power plants, where varying levels of power output can benefit from enhanced thermal recovery and efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Model Predictive Control of Heating and Cooling Systems)
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33 pages, 9586 KiB  
Article
Particle Dynamics Study on Influencing Factors of Ice Slurry Flow Characteristics in District Cooling Systems
by Di Yang and Wenpeng Hong
Processes 2024, 12(10), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102117 - 28 Sep 2024
Viewed by 877
Abstract
In district cooling systems, substituting the conventional cooling medium with ice slurry represents an ideal approach to achieve economical operation. During pipeline transportation, ice slurry exhibits heterogeneous flow characteristics distinct from those of pure fluids. Consequently, investigating the flow field characteristics of non-homogeneous [...] Read more.
In district cooling systems, substituting the conventional cooling medium with ice slurry represents an ideal approach to achieve economical operation. During pipeline transportation, ice slurry exhibits heterogeneous flow characteristics distinct from those of pure fluids. Consequently, investigating the flow field characteristics of non-homogeneous ice slurry, quantitatively analyzing the rheological variations and flow resistance laws due to the uneven distribution of ice particles, and standardizing the comprehension and depiction of flow patterns within ice slurry pipes hold significant theoretical importance and practical value. This study analyzes the heterogeneous isothermal flow characteristics of ice slurry in a straight pipe by employing particle dynamics and the Euler–Euler dual-fluid model. Taking into account the impact of ice particles’ non-uniform distribution on the rheological properties of ice slurry, a particle concentration diffusion equation is incorporated to develop an isothermal flow resistance model for ice slurry. The flow behavior of ice slurry with initial average ice particle fractions (IPFs) ranging from 0% to 20% in DN20 horizontal straight and elbow pipes is examined. The findings reveal that the degree of heterogeneous flow in ice slurry is inversely proportional to the initial velocity and directly proportional to the initial concentration of ice particles. When the flow velocity is close to 0.5 m/s, the flow resistance of ice particles exhibits a linear positive correlation with changes in flow velocity, whereas the flow resistance of the fluid-carrying phase displays a linear negative correlation. As the flow rate increases to 1 m/s, the contribution of each phase to the total flow resistance becomes independent of the initial velocity parameter. Additionally, the drag fraction of the ice particle phase is positively associated with the initial concentration of ice particles. Furthermore, the phenomenon of “secondary flow” arises when ice slurry flows through an elbow, enhancing the mixing of ice particles with the carrier fluid. The extent of this mixing intensifies with a decrease in the turning radius and an increase in the initial velocity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Model Predictive Control of Heating and Cooling Systems)
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