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Processes
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Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management
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Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 February 2025) | Viewed by 19639

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Tudor Mitran

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Management and Technological Engineering, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Interests: propulsion systems for road vehicles; thermodynamics; heat transfer; renewable energy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Replacing conventional energy sources (fossil fuels) with renewable ones is a major goal worldwide. The main primary sources of renewable energy are solar energy, wind energy, hydraulic energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, and biomass energy, among others. The sustainable development of our society must be based on the use of these resources.

Solar energy, wind energy and tidal energy are not continuously supplied. That is why it is necessary to use storage systems for the energy produced by these sources. The most common storage systems used at this moment are electric batteries and hydrogen tanks. In the case of electric batteries, research must focus on increasing the batteries’ specific power and specific energy, as well as on developing a longer duration of use. The improvement of hydrogen storage systems can provide significant advances to their use.

Thermal management systems are based on thermodynamics and heat transfer. Such systems control the temperature through technology. These can be applied in various fields: thermal management in electronics, thermal management for batteries, and thermal management for industry.

This Special Issue is addressed to researchers whose field of study is thermodynamics, heat transfer, physics, chemistry and materials engineering.

Dr. Tudor Mitran
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. 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

  • energy storage systems
  • thermal management
  • sustainable development
  • thermodynamics
  • heat transfer

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 6163 KiB  
Article
Prevention Against Decrease in the Cooling Efficiency at the Car Engine by Applying Compressed Air to the External Heat Exchange Surfaces of the Car Cooler
by Marek Lipnický, Zuzana Brodnianská, Stanislav Kotšmíd and Pavel Beňo
Processes 2025, 13(2), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020582 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
This paper is aimed at preventing the reduction of automotive cooler cooling efficiency in order to prevent engine failure by overheating. At the same time, fouling of the external surfaces of the cooler can be prevented in this process. For this purpose, a [...] Read more.
This paper is aimed at preventing the reduction of automotive cooler cooling efficiency in order to prevent engine failure by overheating. At the same time, fouling of the external surfaces of the cooler can be prevented in this process. For this purpose, a system of 12 air pressure nozzles placed inline and staggered in front of the cooler at a distance of 60 mm to 170 mm was designed and investigated. This type of cooling of the external heat exchange surfaces of automotive coolers is new and has not yet been studied. To investigate the effect of the air nozzles on the coolant cooling time, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the cooler were compared when the nozzles and the cooler fan and a separate cooler fan were operating. In addition, the effect of forced air on the cooler generated by an external fan at velocities of 6, 8, and 10 m/s was investigated as a simulation of driving a vehicle. Cooling of the G12+ coolant by the external fan caused a gradual decrease in the outlet temperature of the coolant as the air velocity increased. The system of air pressure nozzles in combination with the cooler fan caused an improvement in the cooling process compared to a single cooler fan. The inline and staggered nozzle arrangements with the cooler fan achieved a decrease in the outlet temperature of 0.76 to 1.02 times and 0.78 to 1.03 times compared to cooling by the single cooler fan, respectively. The arrangement and varying the distance of the nozzles from the cooler had no significant effect on decreasing the coolant outlet and inlet temperatures. The air pressure nozzle system covers the complete surface of the cooler with airflow and encircles the tubes and fins more efficiently, leading to more intense heat dissipation while cooling the coolant. The designed system can be applied in automobiles and equipment demanding intense cooling of operating fluids by means of coolers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management)
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21 pages, 4547 KiB  
Article
Electric Vehicle Thermal System Concept Development for Multiple Variants Using Digital Prototype and AI
by Muhammad Bilal, Simon Petrovich and Kambiz Ebrahimi
Processes 2024, 12(11), 2314; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112314 - 22 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1592
Abstract
The automotive industry is experiencing a surge in system complexity driven by the ever-growing number of interacting components, subsystems, and control systems. This complexity is further amplified by the expanding range of component options available to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). OEMs work in [...] Read more.
The automotive industry is experiencing a surge in system complexity driven by the ever-growing number of interacting components, subsystems, and control systems. This complexity is further amplified by the expanding range of component options available to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). OEMs work in parallel on more than one vehicle model, with multiple vehicle variants for each vehicle model. With the increasing number of vehicle variants needed to cater to diverse regional needs, development complexity escalates. To address this challenge, modern techniques like Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), digitalization, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are becoming essential tools. These advancements can streamline concept development, optimize thermal and HVAC system design across variants, and accelerate the time-to-market for next-generation EVs. The development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) needs a strong focus on thermal management systems (TMSs) and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These systems play a critical role in maintaining optimal battery temperature, maximizing range and efficiency, and ensuring passenger comfort. This article proposes a digital prototype (DP) and AI-based methodology to specify BEV thermal system and HVAC system components in the concept phase. This methodology uses system and variant thinking in combination with digital prototype (DP) and AI to verify BEV thermal system architecture component specifications for future variants without extensive simulation. A BEV cabin cooling requirement of 22 °C to be achieved within 1800s at a high ambient temperature (45 °C) is required, and its verification is used to prove this methodology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management)
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21 pages, 6353 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Residential Hydrogen Facilities with Waste Heat Recovery: Economic Feasibility across Various European Cities
by Evangelos E. Pompodakis, Arif Ahmed, Georgios I. Orfanoudakis and Emmanuel S. Karapidakis
Processes 2024, 12(9), 1933; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12091933 - 9 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1286
Abstract
The European Union has established ambitious targets for lowering carbon dioxide emissions in the residential sector, aiming for all new buildings to be “zero-emission” by 2030. Integrating solar generators with hydrogen storage systems is emerging as a viable solution for achieving these goals [...] Read more.
The European Union has established ambitious targets for lowering carbon dioxide emissions in the residential sector, aiming for all new buildings to be “zero-emission” by 2030. Integrating solar generators with hydrogen storage systems is emerging as a viable solution for achieving these goals in homes. This paper introduces a linear programming optimization algorithm aimed at improving the installation capacity of residential solar–hydrogen systems, which also utilize waste heat recovery from electrolyzers and fuel cells to increase the overall efficiency of the system. Analyzing six European cities with diverse climate conditions, our techno-economic assessments show that optimized configurations of these systems can lead to significant net present cost savings for electricity and heat over a 20-year period, with potential savings up to EUR 63,000, which amounts to a 26% cost reduction, especially in Southern Europe due to its abundant solar resources. Furthermore, these systems enhance sustainability and viability in the residential sector by significantly reducing carbon emissions. Our study does not account for the potential economic benefits from EU subsidies. Instead, we propose a novel incentive policy that allows owners of solar–hydrogen systems to inject up to 20% of their total solar power output directly into the grid, bypassing hydrogen storage. This strategy provides two key advantages: first, it enables owners to profit by selling the excess photovoltaic power during peak midday hours, rather than curtailing production; second, it facilitates a reduction in the size—and therefore cost—of the electrolyzer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management)
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22 pages, 3712 KiB  
Article
A Novel Optimal Planning and Operation of Smart Cities by Simultaneously Considering Electric Vehicles, Photovoltaics, Heat Pumps, and Batteries
by Masoud Shokri, Taher Niknam, Miad Sarvarizade-Kouhpaye, Motahareh Pourbehzadi, Giti Javidi, Ehsan Sheybani and Moslem Dehghani
Processes 2024, 12(9), 1816; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12091816 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1138
Abstract
A smart city (SC) includes different systems that are highly interconnected. Transportation and energy systems are two of the most important ones that must be operated and planned in a coordinated framework. In this paper, with the complete implementation of the SC, the [...] Read more.
A smart city (SC) includes different systems that are highly interconnected. Transportation and energy systems are two of the most important ones that must be operated and planned in a coordinated framework. In this paper, with the complete implementation of the SC, the performance of each of the network elements has been fully analyzed; hence, a nonlinear model has been presented to solve the operation and planning of the SC model. In the literature, water treatment issues, as well as energy hubs, subway systems (SWSs), and transportation systems have been investigated independently and separately. A new method of subway and electric vehicle (EV) interaction has resulted from stored energy obtained from subway braking and EV parking. Hence, considering an SC that simultaneously includes renewable energy, transportation systems such as the subway and EVs, as well as the energy required for water purification and energy hubs, is a new and unsolved challenge. In order to solve the problem, in this paper, by presenting a new system of the SC, the necessary planning to minimize the cost of the system is presented. This model includes an SWS along with plug-in EVs (PEVs) and different distributed energy resources (DERs) such as Photovoltaics (PVs), Heat Pumps (HPs), and stationary batteries. An improved grey wolf optimizer has been utilized to solve the nonlinear optimization problem. Moreover, four scenarios have been evaluated to assess the impact of the interconnection between SWSs and PEVs and the presence of DER technologies in the system. Finally, results were obtained and analyzed to determine the benefits of the proposed model and the solution algorithm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management)
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18 pages, 13419 KiB  
Article
Techno-Economic and Environmental Impact Analysis of a 50 MW Solar-Powered Rankine Cycle System
by Abdulrazzak Akroot and Abdullah Sultan Al Shammre
Processes 2024, 12(6), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12061059 - 22 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1513
Abstract
The interest in combined heat and solar power (CHP) systems has increased due to the growing demand for sustainable energy with low carbon emissions. An effective technical solution to address this requirement is using a parabolic trough solar collector (PTC) in conjunction with [...] Read more.
The interest in combined heat and solar power (CHP) systems has increased due to the growing demand for sustainable energy with low carbon emissions. An effective technical solution to address this requirement is using a parabolic trough solar collector (PTC) in conjunction with a Rankine cycle (RC) heat engine. The solar-powered Rankine cycle (SPRC) system is a renewable energy technology that can be relied upon for its high efficiency and produces clean energy output. This study describes developing a SPRC system specifically for electricity generation in Aden, Yemen. The system comprises parabolic trough collectors, a thermal storage tank, and a Rankine cycle. A 4E analysis of this system was theoretically investigated, and the effects of various design conditions, namely the boiler’s pinch point temperature and steam extraction from the high-pressure turbine, steam extraction from the intermediate-pressure turbine, and condenser temperature, were studied. Numerical simulations showed that the system produces a 50 MW net. The system’s exergetic and energy efficiencies are 30.7% and 32.4%. The planned system costs 2509 USD/h, the exergoeconomic factor is 79.43%, and the system’s energy cost is 50.19 USD/MWh. The system has a 22.47 kg/MWh environmental carbon footprint. It is also observed that the performance of the cycle is greatly influenced by climatic circumstances. Raising the boiler’s pinch point temperature decreases the system’s performance and raises the environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management)
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11 pages, 1486 KiB  
Article
An Electrolyte-Free Thermo-Rechargeable Battery Made of Prussian Blue Analog Thin Films
by Takayuki Shibata, Hirotada Matsushima, Ichiro Nagai and Hitoshi Ohnuki
Processes 2024, 12(1), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12010175 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1385
Abstract
Thermo-rechargeable batteries, or tertiary batteries, are prospective energy-harvesting devices that are charged by changes in the battery temperature. Previous studies on tertiary batteries have utilized an electrolyte solution, yet the volume of this electrolyte solution could be a disadvantage in terms of the [...] Read more.
Thermo-rechargeable batteries, or tertiary batteries, are prospective energy-harvesting devices that are charged by changes in the battery temperature. Previous studies on tertiary batteries have utilized an electrolyte solution, yet the volume of this electrolyte solution could be a disadvantage in terms of the heat capacity given to the tertiary batteries. To overcome this drawback, the performance of an electrolyte-free tertiary battery consisting of physically joined Na1.60Co[Fe(CN)6]0.902.9H2O (NCF90) and Na0.72Ni[Fe(CN)6]0.685.1H2O (NNF68) thin films was investigated for the first time. During thermal cycling between 5 °C and 15 °C, the thermal voltage (VTB) was observed to be 8.4 mV. This result is comparable to the VTB of conventional tertiary batteries that use electrolyte solutions made of NCF90 and NNF68 thin films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management)
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Review

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20 pages, 13022 KiB  
Review
Safety of Hydrogen Storage Technologies
by Emma Davies, Andrea Ehrmann and Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp
Processes 2024, 12(10), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102182 - 8 Oct 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3274
Abstract
While hydrogen is regularly discussed as a possible option for storing regenerative energies, its low minimum ignition energy and broad range of explosive concentrations pose safety challenges regarding hydrogen storage, and there are also challenges related to hydrogen production and transport and at [...] Read more.
While hydrogen is regularly discussed as a possible option for storing regenerative energies, its low minimum ignition energy and broad range of explosive concentrations pose safety challenges regarding hydrogen storage, and there are also challenges related to hydrogen production and transport and at the point of use. A risk assessment of the whole hydrogen energy system is necessary to develop hydrogen utilization further. Here, we concentrate on the most important hydrogen storage technologies, especially high-pressure storage, liquid hydrogen in cryogenic tanks, methanol storage, and salt cavern storage. This review aims to study the most recent research results related to these storage techniques by describing typical sensors and explosion protection measures, thus allowing for a risk assessment of hydrogen storage through these technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management)
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29 pages, 2225 KiB  
Review
Advances in Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Renewable Energy: A Review of Recent Developments
by Paul Arévalo, Danny Ochoa-Correa and Edisson Villa-Ávila
Processes 2024, 12(9), 1844; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12091844 - 29 Aug 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6008
Abstract
This review highlights the latest advancements in thermal energy storage systems for renewable energy, examining key technological breakthroughs in phase change materials (PCMs), sensible thermal storage, and hybrid storage systems. Practical applications in managing solar and wind energy in residential and industrial settings [...] Read more.
This review highlights the latest advancements in thermal energy storage systems for renewable energy, examining key technological breakthroughs in phase change materials (PCMs), sensible thermal storage, and hybrid storage systems. Practical applications in managing solar and wind energy in residential and industrial settings are analyzed. Current challenges and research opportunities are discussed, providing an overview of the field’s current and future state. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 1040 articles were initially screened, resulting in 49 high-quality studies included in the final synthesis. These studies were grouped into innovations in TES systems, advancements in PCMs, thermal management and efficiency, and renewable energy integration with TES. The review underscores significant progress and identifies future research directions to enhance TES’s efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in renewable energy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management)
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26 pages, 6712 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on Enhancing Seasonal Energy Storage Systems through Energy Efficiency Perspectives
by Daniel Hiris, Mugur Ciprian Balan and Florin Ioan Bode
Processes 2024, 12(8), 1623; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12081623 - 2 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1901
Abstract
The global energy transition requires efficient seasonal energy storage systems (SESSs) to manage fluctuations in renewable energy supply and demand. This review focuses on advancements in SESSs, particularly their integration into solar district heating systems, highlighting their role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions [...] Read more.
The global energy transition requires efficient seasonal energy storage systems (SESSs) to manage fluctuations in renewable energy supply and demand. This review focuses on advancements in SESSs, particularly their integration into solar district heating systems, highlighting their role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. Tanks are the most suitable solutions for seasonal storage, as they can be implemented regardless of location for volumes up to 100,000 m3. However, pits are the most optimal solutions in terms of cost and size, as they can be constructed for volumes up to 200,000 m3. This review analyses key performance indicators such as energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, drawing on case studies from countries like Denmark and Germany. Notable findings include Denmark’s Silkeborg system, which supplies 22,000 households and reduces CO2 emissions by 15,000 tons annually. Challenges such as high initial costs and system maintenance remain, but coupling SESSs with heat pumps enhances thermal stratification within SESSs. This approach can reduce the annual cost by up to 9% and the purchase cost of energy by 23%. Future research should focus on innovative materials, system design optimization, and supportive policies to enhance adoption. In conclusion, advancing SESS technologies and integrating them into renewable energy systems is necessary for achieving sustainable energy solutions and mitigating climate change impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage Systems and Thermal Management)
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