Topic Editors

College of Energy Power and Mechanic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, China
Dr. Jinsen Hu
College of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
Dr. Xianghao Zheng
College of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China

Energy Power, Mechanical Engineering and Their Applications

Abstract submission deadline
closed (30 April 2026)
Manuscript submission deadline
30 June 2026
Viewed by
5391

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid advancement of energy systems and mechanical engineering technologies has revolutionized global industrial and environmental landscapes. This Topic focuses on interdisciplinary innovations at the intersection of energy power, mechanical engineering, and their cutting-edge applications, with an emphasis on renewable energy, intelligent heating, the district heating network, and hydraulic machinery. By addressing the challenges and opportunities in these fields, this Topic aims to foster sustainable energy solutions, enhance operational efficiency, and promote technological breakthroughs. Focusing on renewable energy, intelligent heating, district heating networks, and hydraulic machinery, this Topic seeks contributions that bridge theoretical advancements with practical implementations. Topics of interest include the following: (1) Renewable power: Intelligent diagnostics, predictive maintenance, hybrid energy systems, and offshore wind farm optimization. (2) Smart heating: AI-driven thermal load forecasting, district heating network resilience, and renewable heat integration. (3) District heating networks: Advanced heat transfer modeling, pipeline integrity assessment, and energy-efficient district cooling systems. (4) Hydraulic machinery: cavitation dynamics, pump-turbine performance, and hydropower plant automation.

Prof. Dr. Yuning Zhang
Dr. Jinsen Hu
Dr. Xianghao Zheng
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • cavitation and bubble dynamics
  • computational fluid dynamics
  • district heating network resilience
  • district heating network simulation
  • district heating optimization
  • energy system digital twin
  • fire safety in energy infrastructure
  • fluid–structure interaction
  • hydropower plant automation
  • intelligent heating technology
  • renewable energy integration
  • renewable heat integration
  • predictive maintenance strategies
  • pump-turbine performance
  • thermal load forecasting
  • wind power intelligent diagnosis
  • wind power predictive maintenance

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Mechanics
applmech
1.5 3.5 2020 24.5 Days CHF 1400 Submit
Applied Sciences
applsci
2.5 5.5 2011 16 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Energies
energies
3.2 7.3 2008 16.8 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Symmetry
symmetry
2.2 5.3 2009 15.8 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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27 pages, 3640 KB  
Article
Automatic Calibration Strategy Based on Artificial Neural Networks for Shift Control of Automatic Transmission
by Songlin Li, Yanle Zhao and Wei Guo
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4432; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094432 - 1 May 2026
Viewed by 112
Abstract
As the number of gears in automatic transmissions (AT) increases, the calibration parameters in the gear shift control process of the transmission control unit (TCU) increase exponentially, significantly increasing the calibration workload during engineering development. To address the challenges of high cost and [...] Read more.
As the number of gears in automatic transmissions (AT) increases, the calibration parameters in the gear shift control process of the transmission control unit (TCU) increase exponentially, significantly increasing the calibration workload during engineering development. To address the challenges of high cost and long cycle times associated with traditional manual calibration, this paper proposes an automatic calibration strategy for shift control based on artificial neural networks (ANNs). The core of this method lies in utilizing an ANN to establish a non-linear mapping relationship between shift characteristics and calibration parameters, thereby simulating and replacing the analysis and adjustment process of engineers. In this research, a vehicle simulation model based on a 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT) was first constructed. A large-scale dataset of shift characteristics was obtained by traversing various parameter combinations, and key features were extracted for model training. Simulation results demonstrate that the trained ANN model performs excellently in the automatic calibration process, requiring only 4 to 5 iterations to adjust shift quality to a level comparable to manual calibration. Its convergence speed and efficiency are significantly superior to traditional rule-based calibration methods. Furthermore, the model exhibits a certain degree of generalization ability and robustness across different throttle openings and gear-shifting conditions. The proposed automatic calibration method does not rely on high-precision physical models, effectively shortening the development cycle and improving calibration efficiency, which holds significant application value in the field of automatic transmission engineering development. Full article
16 pages, 2833 KB  
Article
Research on a Space–Time Modulation-Based Angle Demodulation Method for Magnetic Encoders
by Song Jin and Shuaihang Li
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3128; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073128 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 301
Abstract
This paper presents a high-precision angle demodulation method for magnetic encoders by integrating orthogonal-signal correction with space–time modulation (STM). The proposed approach specifically addresses a critical vulnerability of STM-based high-frequency pulse interpolation: its interpolation accuracy is highly sensitive to zero-crossing timing jitter of [...] Read more.
This paper presents a high-precision angle demodulation method for magnetic encoders by integrating orthogonal-signal correction with space–time modulation (STM). The proposed approach specifically addresses a critical vulnerability of STM-based high-frequency pulse interpolation: its interpolation accuracy is highly sensitive to zero-crossing timing jitter of the quadrature signals. In practical magnetic encoders, non-idealities such as DC offsets, amplitude mismatch, and phase non-orthogonality in the sine/cosine outputs induce jitter and shift in the zero-crossing points. This directly leads to fluctuations in high-frequency counts and amplifies the final angle error. To mitigate this issue, an online orthogonal-signal correction module is first developed. This module sequentially performs offset estimation, amplitude normalization, and real-time phase orthogonalization, thereby enhancing the orthogonality and zero-crossing stability of the quadrature signals at the source. This preprocessing significantly reduces the sensitivity of the subsequent interpolation counting to noise and signal imperfections. Based on the corrected signals, an STM pulse-counting interpolator is adopted to convert angle information into a time-domain phase (time) difference, and high-frequency counting is used for fine subdivision. A Kalman-filter-based predictor is employed to estimate angular velocity and compensate the intrinsic latency of counting-based demodulation in dynamic conditions. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed phase orthogonalization correction markedly suppresses zero-crossing timing jitter and enhances the stability of high-frequency pulse interpolation. Consequently, the overall demodulation error is reduced by more than 30 percent compared with existing methods, and the final angle error is maintained within 0.033°. Full article
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38 pages, 12849 KB  
Article
Research on an Ultra-Short-Term Wind Power Forecasting Model Based on Multi-Scale Decomposition and Fusion Framework
by Daixuan Zhou, Yan Jia, Guangchen Liu, Junlin Li, Kaile Xi, Zhichao Wang and Xu Wang
Symmetry 2026, 18(2), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18020253 - 30 Jan 2026
Viewed by 422
Abstract
Accurate wind power prediction is of great significance for the dispatch, security, and stable operation of energy systems. It helps enhance the symmetry and coordination between the highly stochastic and volatile nature of the power generation supply side and the stringent requirements for [...] Read more.
Accurate wind power prediction is of great significance for the dispatch, security, and stable operation of energy systems. It helps enhance the symmetry and coordination between the highly stochastic and volatile nature of the power generation supply side and the stringent requirements for stability and power quality on the grid demand side. To further enhance the accuracy of ultra-short-term wind power forecasting, this paper proposes a novel prediction framework based on multi-layer data decomposition, reconstruction, and a combined prediction model. A multi-stage decomposition and reconstruction technique is first employed to significantly reduce noise interference: the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) is utilized to optimize the parameters for an initial Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD), followed by a secondary decomposition of the high-frequency components using Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN). The resulting components are then reconstructed based on Sample Entropy (SE), effectively improving the quality of the input data. Subsequently, a hybrid prediction model named IMGWO-BiTCN-BiGRU is constructed to extract spatiotemporal bidirectional features from the input sequences. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted using actual measurement data from the Sotavento wind farm in Spain. The results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid model outperforms benchmark models across all evaluation metrics, validating its effectiveness in improving forecasting accuracy and stability. Full article
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23 pages, 5456 KB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Fluid–Structure Interaction in Wind Turbines: A Reduced-Order Approach via Periodic Modeling and Substructuring
by Harouna Illou Abdoulaye and Rabii El Maani
Appl. Mech. 2026, 7(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech7010001 - 23 Dec 2025
Viewed by 634
Abstract
This paper presents a numerical study of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) applied to wind turbines, combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA). The study focuses on a 3D wind turbine blade inspired by the GE 1.5XLE model. The blade features a [...] Read more.
This paper presents a numerical study of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) applied to wind turbines, combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA). The study focuses on a 3D wind turbine blade inspired by the GE 1.5XLE model. The blade features a twisted geometry with S818, S825, and S826 aerodynamic profiles, and is made of an orthotropic composite material with variable thickness and an internal spar. The fluid domain is defined by two circular sections upstream and downstream, aligned along the Z-axis. Simulations are performed under a wind speed of 12 m/s and a rotational speed of −2.22 rad/s (Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) = 8), with air modeled as an incompressible fluid at ambient temperature. On the CFD side, a periodic and symmetric modeling approach is applied, reducing the fluid domain to one-third of the full configuration by simulating flow around a single blade and extrapolating results to the remaining ones. This method achieves a 47% reduction in computation time while maintaining high accuracy in aerodynamic results. On the FEA side, spar condensation is performed by creating a superelement using the substructuring method. This strategy reduces structural computation time by 45% while preserving reliable predictions of displacements, stresses, and natural frequencies. These results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed techniques for accurate and computationally efficient aeroelastic simulations. Full article
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21 pages, 9596 KB  
Article
Thermal Behavior and Operation Characteristic of the Planetary Gear for Cutting Reducers
by Jiahe Shen, Wenyu Zhang, Chengjian Wang, Jianming Yuan, Fangping Ye, Lubing Shi and Daibing Wang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13219; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413219 - 17 Dec 2025
Viewed by 586
Abstract
Bolter miners have been widely used in coal mining or excavation industries. Its efficiency is closely related to the performance of its cutting reducer, which is literally determined by the thermal behavior of the planetary gear set. Thus, this study conducts experimental investigation [...] Read more.
Bolter miners have been widely used in coal mining or excavation industries. Its efficiency is closely related to the performance of its cutting reducer, which is literally determined by the thermal behavior of the planetary gear set. Thus, this study conducts experimental investigation on the thermal behavior of a cutting reducer (produced by Zhengzhou Machinery Research Institute Transmission Technology Co., Ltd., rated input power 170 kW, transmission ratio 3.06), where the results show the high temperature rise around the intermediate shaft for unloaded condition and significant influence of the torque for loaded conditions. Then, the Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to analyze the temperature field and thermal–structural coupling of the planetary gear set. The thermal stress and deformation increase by 11.5% and 38.4%, respectively, indicating high risk of gear damage. Moreover, the load spectrum imitating the actual industrial condition is added to the KISSsoft to evaluate the reliability and contact of the planetary gear set. The findings including low safety factors of the sun gear tooth surface and planetary gear root, slipping during the sun gear and planetary gear meshing, and uneven contact fluctuations can benefit planetary gear set optimization. Full article
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19 pages, 2686 KB  
Article
The Method of Cleaning Cutting Fluid Using Ultrasonic Treatment
by Anna Kim, Adil Kadyrov, Kirill Sinelnikov, Karibek Sherov and Vassiliy Yurchenko
Appl. Mech. 2025, 6(4), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech6040083 - 18 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1310
Abstract
Cutting fluids are widely used in mechanical engineering to reduce friction and heat generation during metal machining. However, during operation, these fluids become contaminated with metal particles, dust, and microorganisms, leading to degradation of their functional properties and environmental concerns. This study investigates [...] Read more.
Cutting fluids are widely used in mechanical engineering to reduce friction and heat generation during metal machining. However, during operation, these fluids become contaminated with metal particles, dust, and microorganisms, leading to degradation of their functional properties and environmental concerns. This study investigates the ultrasonic cleaning and regeneration of contaminated cutting fluids. A rheological model of the elastic–viscous medium was analyzed, and a physical model describing the ultrasonic cleaning mechanism was proposed. Experimental investigations were conducted to validate the theoretical assumptions. The results confirmed that ultrasonic treatment promotes dispersion and phase separation of the fluid, removes putrefactive odor, and partially destroys microorganisms. The regenerated fluid exhibited enhanced clarity and stability compared with the contaminated samples. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the physicochemical processes occurring during ultrasonic treatment and demonstrate the potential of this method for sustainable reuse of cutting fluids in industrial applications. Full article
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23 pages, 14097 KB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Local Flow Fields of Typical Inner Jet Holes-Type Reverse Circulation Drill Bit for Pneumatic Hollow-Through DTH Hammer Based on CFD Simulation
by Jiwei Wen, Jiang Chen and Fengtao Zhang
Symmetry 2025, 17(10), 1625; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17101625 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 848
Abstract
The reverse circulation drill bit is the key component for the efficient and smooth implementation of the pneumatic hollow-through down-the-hole (DTH) hammer reverse circulation continuous coring (sampling) technology. To obtain the structural form of a reverse circulation drill bit with better reverse circulation [...] Read more.
The reverse circulation drill bit is the key component for the efficient and smooth implementation of the pneumatic hollow-through down-the-hole (DTH) hammer reverse circulation continuous coring (sampling) technology. To obtain the structural form of a reverse circulation drill bit with better reverse circulation performance, revealing its local flow fields by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is an effective approach. Taking the inner jet holes-type reverse circulation drill bit as the research object, three kinds of symmetrical and asymmetrical structures of inner jet holes were proposed. The CFD simulation results show that increasing the air volume supply and the number of inner jet holes leads to an increase in the velocity of air flow jet within the inner jet holes, an increase in the negative pressure formed in the central through channel below the inner jet holes, an enhancement of the reverse circulation performance and suction capacity formed by the reverse circulation drill bit, and an acceleration of the upward flow velocity of the rock cores (samples) located at the bottom of the borehole. Additionally, the reverse circulation performance formed by the reverse circulation drill bit with staggered arranged inner jet holes is superior to that of the reverse circulation drill bit with uniformly distributed inner jet holes. Under the same simulation conditions, the static pressure (i.e., negative pressure) and the upward flow velocity formed by the JB6 model are 2.34 kPa and 30.778 m/s higher than those formed by the JB3-3 model, while these two values formed by the JC6 model are 0.197 kPa and 3.689 m/s higher than those formed by the JB6 model, respectively. In conclusion, an asymmetric structural design would be more reasonable for the design of the inner jet holes-type reverse circulation drill bit. Full article
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