Advancements in Thermal Engineering: Innovations for Sustainable Energy Systems
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 653
Special Issue Editors
Interests: biomass conversion; energy conversion process; renewable energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: solar thermal applications; solar drying; energy storage; LCA photo
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Thermal engineering is quietly powering the backbone of our transition to sustainable energy, yet its innovations often remain behind the scenes. This Special Issue, Advancements in Thermal Engineering: Innovations for Sustainable Energy Systems, shines a light on the recent breakthroughs that are redefining how we generate, store, and use heat. From cutting-edge heat exchangers and smart thermal storage to the integration of solar thermal systems and waste heat recovery in industrial networks, the issue explores how thermal processes are evolving to meet the complex demands of a low-carbon future. We are particularly interested in those solutions that don’t just push efficiency boundaries but rethink entire systems, for example, connecting advanced materials, digital optimization tools, and circular design thinking, however, not limited to these topics. While much of the literature separates thermal engineering from broader sustainability narratives, this issue brings them together highlighting the indispensable role of heat in building resilient, decarbonized energy systems. Our goal is not just to present new findings but to inspire a more connected dialogue between thermal science, engineering practice, and sustainability strategies.
It is with great enthusiasm that we invite you to contribute to the upcoming Special Issue, Advancements in Thermal Engineering: Innovations for Sustainable Energy Systems, to be published in the Sustainability Journal. As the global pursuit for sustainable, low-carbon energy systems intensifies, the role of thermal engineering has become more critical than ever. Whether in industrial processes, renewable energy harvesting, or energy storage technologies, thermal systems lie at the heart of enhancing energy efficiency and accelerating the clean energy transition. Yet, despite their pivotal importance, many innovations in this field remain underrepresented in the broader sustainability dialogue. The aim of this Special Issue is to showcase cutting-edge research and insightful reviews that explore how advanced thermal engineering solutions can drive sustainable energy transformation. Aligned with the interdisciplinary scope of the Sustainability journal, this issue seeks to highlight not only technological developments but also their system-level integration, environmental impact, and practical implementation in energy systems. We especially welcome work that bridges science and application, demonstrating how thermal innovations contribute directly to real-world energy challenges. We encourage submissions across a diverse range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Solar thermal energy systems and concentrating solar collectors
- Solar drying technologies for agriculture and biomass
- Phase change materials and thermal energy storage systems
- Solar industrial process heat (SIPH) applications
- Thermochemical and hybrid energy conversion systems
- Waste heat recovery and heat integration in process industries
- Thermal systems modeling, simulation, and optimization
- Digitalization and AI-driven control in thermal energy management
Both original research papers and comprehensive review articles are welcome. We believe this special issue will serve as a valuable platform to stimulate knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, and advance the frontiers of sustainable thermal engineering. We look forward to your contributions and to shaping a collection that reflects the diversity, depth, and impact of innovation in this essential field.
Warm regards,
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Zoltán Szamosi
Dr. Baibhaw Kumar
Dr. Katalin Voith
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. Sustainability 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
- thermal energy storage
- solar industrial process heat (SIPH)
- phase change materials (PCM)
- concentrated solar thermal systems
- waste heat recovery
- advanced heat transfer technologies
- thermochemical energy conversion
- sustainable thermal engineering
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