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Search Results (3,337)

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Keywords = energy thermal storage

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37 pages, 1907 KiB  
Review
Research Progress on Risk Prevention and Control Technology for Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Power Stations: A Review
by Weihang Pan
Batteries 2025, 11(8), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11080301 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Amidst the background of accelerated global energy transition, the safety risk of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, especially the fire hazard, has become a key bottleneck hindering their large-scale application, and there is an urgent need to build a systematic prevention and control [...] Read more.
Amidst the background of accelerated global energy transition, the safety risk of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, especially the fire hazard, has become a key bottleneck hindering their large-scale application, and there is an urgent need to build a systematic prevention and control program. This paper focuses on the fire characteristics and thermal runaway mechanism of lithium-ion battery energy storage power stations, analyzing the current situation of their risk prevention and control technology across the dimensions of monitoring and early warning technology, thermal management technology, and fire protection technology, and comparing and analyzing the characteristics of each technology from multiple angles. Building on this analysis, this paper summarizes the limitations of the existing technologies and puts forward prospective development paths, including the development of multi-parameter coupled monitoring and warning technology, integrated and intelligent thermal management technology, clean and efficient extinguishing agents, and dynamic fire suppression strategies, aiming to provide solid theoretical support and technical guidance for the precise risk prevention and control of lithium-ion battery storage power stations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Battery Safety Technologies: From Materials to Systems)
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23 pages, 3036 KiB  
Article
Research on the Synergistic Mechanism Design of Electricity-CET-TGC Markets and Transaction Strategies for Multiple Entities
by Zhenjiang Shi, Mengmeng Zhang, Lei An, Yan Lu, Daoshun Zha, Lili Liu and Tiantian Feng
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7130; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157130 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
In the context of the global response to climate change and the active promotion of energy transformation, a number of low-carbon policies coupled with the development of synergies to help power system transformation is an important initiative. However, the insufficient articulation of the [...] Read more.
In the context of the global response to climate change and the active promotion of energy transformation, a number of low-carbon policies coupled with the development of synergies to help power system transformation is an important initiative. However, the insufficient articulation of the green power market, tradable green certificate (TGC) market, and carbon emission trading (CET) mechanism, and the ambiguous policy boundaries affect the trading decisions made by its market participants. Therefore, this paper systematically analyses the composition of the main players in the electricity-CET-TGC markets and their relationship with each other, and designs the synergistic mechanism of the electricity-CET-TGC markets, based on which, it constructs the optimal profit model of the thermal power plant operators, renewable energy manufacturers, power grid enterprises, power users and load aggregators under the electricity-CET-TGC markets synergy, and analyses the behavioural decision-making of the main players in the electricity-CET-TGC markets as well as the electric power system to optimise the trading strategy of each player. The results of the study show that: (1) The synergistic mechanism of electricity-CET-TGC markets can increase the proportion of green power grid-connected in the new type of power system. (2) In the selection of different environmental rights and benefits products, the direct participation of green power in the market-oriented trading is the main way, followed by applying for conversion of green power into China certified emission reduction (CCER). (3) The development of independent energy storage technology can produce greater economic and environmental benefits. This study provides policy support to promote the synergistic development of the electricity-CET-TGC markets and assist the low-carbon transformation of the power industry. Full article
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19 pages, 4563 KiB  
Article
Designing Imidazolium-Mediated Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Machine-Learning Approaches: An Insight into Ionene Materials
by Ghazal Piroozi and Irshad Kammakakam
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152148 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Over the past few decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have gained significant attention due to their inherent potential for environmental sustainability and unparalleled energy storage efficiency. Meanwhile, polymer electrolytes have gained popularity in several fields due to their ability to adapt to various battery [...] Read more.
Over the past few decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have gained significant attention due to their inherent potential for environmental sustainability and unparalleled energy storage efficiency. Meanwhile, polymer electrolytes have gained popularity in several fields due to their ability to adapt to various battery geometries, enhanced safety features, greater thermal stability, and effectiveness in reducing dendrite growth on the anode. However, their relatively low ionic conductivity compared to liquid electrolytes has limited their application in high-performance devices. This limitation has led to recent studies revolving around the development of poly(ionic liquids) (PILs), particularly imidazolium-mediated polymer backbones as novel electrolyte materials, which can increase the conductivity with fine-tuning structural benefits, while maintaining the advantages of both solid and gel electrolytes. In this study, a curated dataset of 120 data points representing eight different polymers was used to predict ionic conductivity in imidazolium-based PILs as well as the emerging ionene substructures. For this purpose, four ML models: CatBoost, Random Forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM were employed by incorporating chemical structure and temperature as the models’ inputs. The best-performing model was further employed to estimate the conductivity of novel ionenes, offering insights into the potential of advanced polymer architectures for next-generation LIB electrolytes. This approach provides a cost-effective and intelligent pathway to accelerate the design of high-performance electrolyte materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Polymers)
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22 pages, 5509 KiB  
Article
Kinetic Analysis of Thermal Degradation of Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Compounds Under Different Aging Conditions
by Imen Hamouda, Masoud Tayefi, Mostafa Eesaee, Meysam Hassanipour and Phuong Nguyen-Tri
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080420 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study examined the impact of storage and operational aging on the thermal stability, structural degradation, and electrical properties of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) compound by analyzing three distinct materials: a laboratory-stored sample, an operationally aged one, and an original unaged reference. Thermal degradation [...] Read more.
This study examined the impact of storage and operational aging on the thermal stability, structural degradation, and electrical properties of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) compound by analyzing three distinct materials: a laboratory-stored sample, an operationally aged one, and an original unaged reference. Thermal degradation was analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which examined weight loss as a function of temperature and time at different heating rates. Results showed that the onset temperature and peak position in the 457 °C to 483 °C range remained stable. The activation energy (Ea) was determined using the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), and Friedman methods, with the original unaged sample’s (OUS) Ea averaging 203.7 kJ/mol, decreasing to 163.47 kJ/mol in the laboratory-stored sample (LSS), and increasing to 224.18 kJ/mol in the operationally aged sample (OAS). The Toop equation was applied to estimate the thermal degradation lifetime at a 50% conversion rate. Since the material had been exposed to electricity, the evolution of electrical conductivity was studied and found to have remained stable after storage at around 0.070 S/cm. However, after operational aging, it showed a considerable increase in conductivity, to 0.321 S/cm. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze microstructural degradation and chemical changes, providing insights into the impact of aging on thermal stability and electrical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials and Joints)
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25 pages, 1356 KiB  
Review
Mobile Thermal Energy Storage—A Review and Analysis in the Context of Waste Heat Recovery
by Marta Kuta, Agata Mlonka-Mędrala, Ewelina Radomska and Andrzej Gołdasz
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4136; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154136 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 136
Abstract
The global energy transition and increasingly rigorous legal regulations aimed at climate protection are driving the search for alternative energy sources, including renewable energy sources (RESs) and waste heat. However, the mismatch between supply and demand presents a significant challenge. Thermal energy storage [...] Read more.
The global energy transition and increasingly rigorous legal regulations aimed at climate protection are driving the search for alternative energy sources, including renewable energy sources (RESs) and waste heat. However, the mismatch between supply and demand presents a significant challenge. Thermal energy storage (TES) technologies, particularly mobile thermal energy storage (M-TES), offer a potential solution to address this gap. M-TES can not only balance supply and demand but also facilitate the transportation of heat from the source to the recipient. This paper reviews the current state of M-TES technologies, focusing on their technology readiness level, key operating parameters, and advantages and disadvantages. It is found that M-TES can be based on sensible heat, latent heat, or thermochemical reactions, with the majority of research and projects centered around latent heat storage. Regarding the type of research, significant progress has been made at the laboratory and simulation levels, while real-world implementation remains limited, with few pilot projects and commercially available systems. Despite the limited number of real-world M-TES implementations, currently existing M-TES systems can store up to 5.4 MWh in temperatures ranging from 58 °C to as high as 1300 °C. These findings highlight the potential of the M-TES and offer data for technology selection, simultaneously indicating the research gaps and future research directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Highly Efficient Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Technologies)
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14 pages, 4225 KiB  
Article
DFT Investigation into Adsorption–Desorption Properties of Mg/Ni-Doped Calcium-Based Materials
by Wei Shi, Renwei Li, Xin Bao, Haifeng Yang and Dehao Kong
Crystals 2025, 15(8), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15080711 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 139
Abstract
Although concentrated solar power (CSP) coupled with calcium looping (CaL) offers a promising avenue for efficient thermal chemical energy storage, calcium-based sorbents suffer from accelerated structural degradation and decreased CO2 capture capacity during multiple cycles. This study used Density Functional Theory (DFT) [...] Read more.
Although concentrated solar power (CSP) coupled with calcium looping (CaL) offers a promising avenue for efficient thermal chemical energy storage, calcium-based sorbents suffer from accelerated structural degradation and decreased CO2 capture capacity during multiple cycles. This study used Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the mechanism by which Mg and Ni doping improves the adsorption/desorption performance of CaO. The DFT results indicate that Mg and Ni doping can effectively reduce the formation energy of oxygen vacancies on the CaO surface. Mg–Ni co-doping exhibits a significant synergistic effect, with the formation energy of oxygen vacancies reduced to 5.072 eV. Meanwhile, the O2− diffusion energy barrier in the co-doped system was reduced to 2.692 eV, significantly improving the ion transport efficiency. In terms of CO2 adsorption, Mg and Ni co-doping enhances the interaction between surface O atoms and CO2, increasing the adsorption energy to −1.703 eV and forming a more stable CO32− structure. For the desorption process, Mg and Ni co-doping restructured the CaCO3 surface structure, reducing the CO2 desorption energy barrier to 3.922 eV and significantly promoting carbonate decomposition. This work reveals, at the molecular level, how Mg and Ni doping optimizes adsorption–desorption in calcium-based materials, providing theoretical guidance for designing high-performance sorbents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Processing of Metal Materials)
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15 pages, 3003 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigations on Sustainable Dual-Biomass-Based Composite Phase Change Materials for Energy-Efficient Building Applications
by Zhiwei Sun, Wei Wen, Jiayu Wu, Jingjing Shao, Wei Cai, Xiaodong Wen, Chaoen Li, Haijin Guo, Yin Tang, Meng Wang, Dongjing Liu and Yang He
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153632 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
The incorporation of phase change material (PCM) can enhance wall thermal performance and indoor thermal comfort, but practical applications still face challenges related to high costs and potential leakage issues. In this study, a novel dual-biomass-based shape-stabilized PCM (Bio-SSPCM) was proposed, wherein waste [...] Read more.
The incorporation of phase change material (PCM) can enhance wall thermal performance and indoor thermal comfort, but practical applications still face challenges related to high costs and potential leakage issues. In this study, a novel dual-biomass-based shape-stabilized PCM (Bio-SSPCM) was proposed, wherein waste cooking fat and waste reed straw were, respectively, incorporated as the PCM substance and supporting material. The waste fat (lard) consisted of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acid glycerides, exhibiting a melting point about 21.2–41.1 °C and a melting enthalpy value of 40 J/g. Reed straw was carbonized to form a sustainable porous biochar supporting matrix, which was used for the vacuum adsorption of waste fat. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared dual-Bio-SSPCM exhibited excellent thermal performance, characterized by a latent heat capacity of 25.4 J/g. With the addition of 4 wt% of expanded graphite (EG), the thermal conductivity of the composite PCM reached 1.132 W/(m·K), which was 5.4 times higher than that of the primary lard. The thermal properties of the Bio-SSPCM were characterized using an analog T-history method. The results demonstrated that the dual-Bio-SSPCM exhibited exceptional and rapid heat storage and exothermic capabilities. The dual-Bio-SSPCM, prepared from waste cooking fat and reed straw, can be considered as environmentally friendly construction material for energy storage in line with the principles of the circular economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Friendly Intelligent Infrastructures Materials)
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22 pages, 1788 KiB  
Article
Multi-Market Coupling Mechanism of Offshore Wind Power with Energy Storage Participating in Electricity, Carbon, and Green Certificates
by Wenchuan Meng, Zaimin Yang, Jingyi Yu, Xin Lin, Ming Yu and Yankun Zhu
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4086; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154086 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
With the support of the dual-carbon strategy and related policies, China’s offshore wind power has experienced rapid development. However, constrained by the inherent intermittency and volatility of wind power, large-scale expansion poses significant challenges to grid integration and exacerbates government fiscal burdens. To [...] Read more.
With the support of the dual-carbon strategy and related policies, China’s offshore wind power has experienced rapid development. However, constrained by the inherent intermittency and volatility of wind power, large-scale expansion poses significant challenges to grid integration and exacerbates government fiscal burdens. To address these critical issues, this paper proposes a multi-market coupling trading model integrating energy storage-equipped offshore wind power into electricity–carbon–green certificate markets for large-scale grid networks. Firstly, a day-ahead electricity market optimization model that incorporates energy storage is established to maximize power revenue by coordinating offshore wind power generation, thermal power dispatch, and energy storage charging/discharging strategies. Subsequently, carbon market and green certificate market optimization models are developed to quantify Chinese Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) volume, carbon quotas, carbon emissions, market revenues, green certificate quantities, pricing mechanisms, and associated economic benefits. To validate the model’s effectiveness, a gradient ascent-optimized game-theoretic model and a double auction mechanism are introduced as benchmark comparisons. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model increases market revenues by 17.13% and 36.18%, respectively, compared to the two benchmark models. It not only improves wind power penetration and comprehensive profitability but also effectively alleviates government subsidy pressures through coordinated carbon–green certificate trading mechanisms. Full article
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17 pages, 1522 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Solid Particulates to Be Used as Storage as Well as Heat Transfer Medium in Concentrated Solar Power Systems
by Rageh Saeed, Syed Noman Danish, Shaker Alaqel, Nader S. Saleh, Eldwin Djajadiwinata, Hany Al-Ansary, Abdelrahman El-Leathy, Abdulelah Alswaiyd, Zeyad Al-Suhaibani, Zeyad Almutairi and Sheldon Jeter
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8566; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158566 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 142
Abstract
Using solid particulates as a heat transfer medium for concentrated solar power (CSP) systems has many advantages, positioning them as a superior option compared with conventional heat transfer media such as steam, oil, air, and molten salt. However, a critical imperative lies in [...] Read more.
Using solid particulates as a heat transfer medium for concentrated solar power (CSP) systems has many advantages, positioning them as a superior option compared with conventional heat transfer media such as steam, oil, air, and molten salt. However, a critical imperative lies in the comprehensive evaluation of the properties of potential solid particulates intended for utilization under such extreme thermal conditions. This paper undertakes an exhaustive examination of both ambient and high-temperature thermophysical properties of four naturally occurring particulate materials, Riyadh white sand, Riyadh red sand, Saudi olivine sand, and US olivine sand, and one well-known engineered particulate material. The parameters under scrutiny encompass loose bulk density, tapped bulk density, real density, sintering temperature, and thermal conductivity. The results reveal that the theoretical density decreases with the increase in temperature. The bulk density of solid particulates depends strongly on the particulate size distribution, as well as on the compaction. The tapped bulk density was found to be larger than the loose density for all particulates, as expected. The sintering test proved that Riyadh white sand is sintered at the highest temperature and pressure, 1300 °C and 50 MPa, respectively. US olivine sand was solidified at 800 °C and melted at higher temperatures. This proves that US olivine sand is not suitable to be used as a thermal energy storage and heat transfer medium in high-temperature particle-based CSP systems. The experimental results of thermal diffusivity/conductivity reveal that, for all particulates, both properties decrease with the increase in temperature, and results up to 475.5 °C are reported. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Thermal Engineering)
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40 pages, 4775 KiB  
Article
Optimal Sizing of Battery Energy Storage System for Implicit Flexibility in Multi-Energy Microgrids
by Andrea Scrocca, Maurizio Delfanti and Filippo Bovera
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8529; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158529 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
In the context of urban decarbonization, multi-energy microgrids (MEMGs) are gaining increasing relevance due to their ability to enhance synergies across multiple energy vectors. This study presents a block-based MILP framework developed to optimize the operations of a real MEMG, with a particular [...] Read more.
In the context of urban decarbonization, multi-energy microgrids (MEMGs) are gaining increasing relevance due to their ability to enhance synergies across multiple energy vectors. This study presents a block-based MILP framework developed to optimize the operations of a real MEMG, with a particular focus on accurately modeling the structure of electricity and natural gas bills. The objective is to assess the added economic value of integrating a battery energy storage system (BESS) under the assumption it is employed to provide implicit flexibility—namely, bill management, energy arbitrage, and peak shaving. Results show that under assumed market conditions, tariff schemes, and BESS costs, none of the analyzed BESS configurations achieve a positive net present value. However, a 2 MW/4 MWh BESS yields a 3.8% reduction in annual operating costs compared to the base case without storage, driven by increased self-consumption (+2.8%), reduced thermal energy waste (–6.4%), and a substantial decrease in power-based electricity charges (–77.9%). The performed sensitivity analyses indicate that even with a significantly higher day-ahead market price spread, the BESS is not sufficiently incentivized to perform pure energy arbitrage and that the effectiveness of a time-of-use power-based tariff depends not only on the level of price differentiation but also on the BESS size. Overall, this study provides insights into the role of BESS in MEMGs and highlights the need for electricity bill designs that better reward the provision of implicit flexibility by storage systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Optimize Future Multi-Energy Systems)
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16 pages, 4629 KiB  
Article
Development of a Reflective Electrochromic Zinc-Ion Battery Device for Infrared Emissivity Control Using Self-Doped Polyaniline Films
by Yi Wang, Ze Wang, Tong Feng, Jiandong Chen, Enkai Lin and An Xie
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2110; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152110 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 229
Abstract
Electrochromic devices (ECDs) capable of modulating both visible color and infrared (IR) emissivity are promising for applications in smart thermal camouflage and multifunctional displays. However, conventional transmissive ECDs suffer from limited IR modulation due to the low IR transmittance of transparent electrodes. Here, [...] Read more.
Electrochromic devices (ECDs) capable of modulating both visible color and infrared (IR) emissivity are promising for applications in smart thermal camouflage and multifunctional displays. However, conventional transmissive ECDs suffer from limited IR modulation due to the low IR transmittance of transparent electrodes. Here, we report a reflection-type electrochromic zinc-ion battery (HWEC-ZIB) using a self-doped polyaniline nanorod film (SP(ANI-MA)) as the active layer. By positioning the active material at the device surface, this structure avoids interference from transparent electrodes and enables broadband and efficient IR emissivity tuning. To prevent electrolyte-induced IR absorption, a thermal lamination encapsulation method is employed. The optimized device achieves emissivity modulation ranges of 0.28 (3–5 μm) and 0.19 (8–14 μm), delivering excellent thermal camouflage performance. It also exhibits a visible color change from earthy yellow to deep green, suitable for various natural environments. In addition, the HWEC-ZIB shows a high areal capacity of 72.15 mAh cm−2 at 0.1 mA cm−2 and maintains 80% capacity after 5000 cycles, demonstrating outstanding electrochemical stability. This work offers a versatile device platform integrating IR stealth, visual camouflage, and energy storage, providing a promising solution for next-generation adaptive camouflage and defense-oriented electronics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart and Functional Polymers)
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59 pages, 2417 KiB  
Review
A Critical Review on the Battery System Reliability of Drone Systems
by Tianren Zhao, Yanhui Zhang, Minghao Wang, Wei Feng, Shengxian Cao and Gong Wang
Drones 2025, 9(8), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9080539 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 459
Abstract
The reliability of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) energy storage battery systems is critical for ensuring their safe operation and efficient mission execution, and has the potential to significantly advance applications in logistics, monitoring, and emergency response. This paper reviews theoretical and technical advancements [...] Read more.
The reliability of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) energy storage battery systems is critical for ensuring their safe operation and efficient mission execution, and has the potential to significantly advance applications in logistics, monitoring, and emergency response. This paper reviews theoretical and technical advancements in UAV battery reliability, covering definitions and metrics, modeling approaches, state estimation, fault diagnosis, and battery management system (BMS) technologies. Based on international standards, reliability encompasses performance stability, environmental adaptability, and safety redundancy, encompassing metrics such as the capacity retention rate, mean time between failures (MTBF), and thermal runaway warning time. Modeling methods for reliability include mathematical, data-driven, and hybrid models, which are evaluated for accuracy and efficiency under dynamic conditions. State estimation focuses on five key battery parameters and compares neural network, regression, and optimization algorithms in complex flight scenarios. Fault diagnosis involves feature extraction, time-series modeling, and probabilistic inference, with multimodal fusion strategies being proposed for faults like overcharge and thermal runaway. BMS technologies include state monitoring, protection, and optimization, and balancing strategies and the potential of intelligent algorithms are being explored. Challenges in this field include non-unified standards, limited model generalization, and complexity in diagnosing concurrent faults. Future research should prioritize multi-physics-coupled modeling, AI-driven predictive techniques, and cybersecurity to enhance the reliability and intelligence of battery systems in order to support the sustainable development of unmanned systems. Full article
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17 pages, 1501 KiB  
Article
Topology-Optimized Latent Heat Battery: Benchmarking Against a High-Performance Geometry
by Arsham Mortazavi, Matteo Morciano, Pietro Asinari and Eliodoro Chiavazzo
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4054; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154054 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
This study presents a topology optimization approach to enhance the discharging performance of a latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system using paraffin wax as the phase-change material (PCM) and a high-conductivity aluminium structure. Solidification is primarily governed by conduction, and the average [...] Read more.
This study presents a topology optimization approach to enhance the discharging performance of a latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system using paraffin wax as the phase-change material (PCM) and a high-conductivity aluminium structure. Solidification is primarily governed by conduction, and the average heat transfer rate during this process is significantly lower than during melting; therefore, the optimization focused on the discharge phase. In a previous study, a novel LHTES device based on a Cartesian lattice was investigated experimentally and numerically. The validated numerical model from that study was adopted as the reference and used in a 2D topology optimization study based on the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) method. The objective was to promote more uniform temperature distribution and reduce discharging time while maintaining the same aluminium volume fraction as in the reference device. Topology optimization produced a branched fin design, which was then extruded into a 3D model for comparison with the reference geometry. The optimized design resulted in improved temperature uniformity and a faster solidification process. Specifically, the time required to solidify 90% of the PCM was reduced by 12.3%, while the time to release 90% of the latent heat during the solidification process improved by 7.6%. Full article
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24 pages, 3325 KiB  
Article
Multi-Energy Flow Optimal Dispatch of a Building Integrated Energy System Based on Thermal Comfort and Network Flexibility
by Jian Sun, Bingrui Sun, Xiaolong Cai, Dingqun Liu and Yongping Yang
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4051; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154051 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 251
Abstract
An efficient integrated energy system (IES) can enhance the potential of building energy conservation and carbon mitigation. However, imbalances between user-side demand and supply side output present formidable challenges to the operational dispatch of building energy systems. To mitigate heat rejection and improve [...] Read more.
An efficient integrated energy system (IES) can enhance the potential of building energy conservation and carbon mitigation. However, imbalances between user-side demand and supply side output present formidable challenges to the operational dispatch of building energy systems. To mitigate heat rejection and improve dispatch optimization, an integrated building energy system incorporating waste heat recovery via an absorption heat pump based on the flow temperature model is adopted. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to investigate the correlation among heat pump operational strategies, thermal comfort, and the dynamic thermal storage capacity of piping network systems. The optimization calculations and comparative analyses were conducted across five cases on typical season days via the CPLEX solver with MATLAB R2018a. The simulation results indicate that the operational modes of absorption heat pump reduced the costs by 4.4–8.5%, while the absorption rate of waste heat increased from 37.02% to 51.46%. Additionally, the utilization ratio of battery and thermal storage units decreased by up to 69.82% at most after considering the pipeline thermal inertia and thermal comfort, thus increasing the system’s energy-saving ability and reducing the pressure of energy storage equipment, ultimately increasing the scheduling flexibility of the integrated building energy system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance in Buildings)
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28 pages, 3635 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Energy Performance of Phase-Change Material-Enhanced Building Envelopes Through Novel Performance Indicators
by Abrar Ahmad and Shazim Ali Memon
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2678; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152678 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 797
Abstract
Over recent decades, phase-change materials (PCMs) have gained prominence as latent-heat thermal energy storage systems in building envelopes because of their high energy density. However, only PCMs that complete a full daily charge–discharge cycle can deliver meaningful energy and carbon-emission savings. This simulation [...] Read more.
Over recent decades, phase-change materials (PCMs) have gained prominence as latent-heat thermal energy storage systems in building envelopes because of their high energy density. However, only PCMs that complete a full daily charge–discharge cycle can deliver meaningful energy and carbon-emission savings. This simulation study introduces a methodology that simultaneously optimizes PCM integration for storage efficiency, indoor thermal comfort, and energy savings. Two new indicators are proposed: overall storage efficiency (ECn), which consolidates heating and cooling-efficiency ratios into a single value, and the performance factor (PF), which quantifies the PCM’s effectiveness in maintaining thermal comfort. Using EnergyPlus v8.9 coupled with DesignBuilder, a residential ASHRAE 90.1 mid-rise apartment was modeled in six warm-temperate (Cfb) European cities for the summer period from June 1 to August 31. Four paraffin PCMs (RT-22/25/28/31 HC, 20 mm thickness) were tested under natural and controlled ventilation strategies, with windows opening 50% when outdoor air was at least 2 °C cooler than indoors. Simulation outputs were validated against experimental cubicle data, yielding a mean absolute indoor temperature error ≤ 4.5%, well within the ±5% tolerance commonly accepted for building thermal simulations. The optimum configuration—RT-25 HC with temperature-controlled ventilation—achieved PF = 1.0 (100% comfort compliance) in all six cities and delivered summer cooling-energy savings of up to 3376 kWh in Paris, the highest among the locations studied. Carbon-emission reductions reached 2254 kg CO2-e year−1, and static payback periods remained below the assumed 50-year building life at a per kg PCM cost of USD 1. The ECn–PF framework, therefore, provides a transparent basis for selecting cost-effective, energy-efficient, and low-carbon PCM solutions in warm-temperate buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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