About this Research Topic
Efficient utilization of low-grade thermal energy is of particular importance for carbon neutrality. In addition to industrial waste heat, low-grade thermal energy also includes solar thermal energy, geothermal energy, and ocean thermal energy. In order to improve the conversion efficiency, it is of great significance to develop effective approaches for low-grade thermal energy conversion. Among the existing conversion approaches, for example, the organic Rankine cycle (ORC), Brayton cycle, Kalina cycle, Uehara cycle, thermoelectric conversion materials, etc, are considered to be powerful and attractive candidates.
Although several theoretical, experimental, and numerical studies have focused on low-grade thermal energy conversion, the theory, methods, and techniques of low-grade thermal energy conversion and utilization systems still require further development to improve thermal efficiency. In addition, further research is needed to determine how heat transfer technology affects the conversion and utilization efficiency of low-grade thermal energy.
This research topic aims to highlight some theories, methods, and techniques to cope with the new challenges of low-grade thermal energy conversion, with particular emphasis on thermodynamics and heat transfer for low-grade thermal power generation systems. We invite original research, review, brief research report, case report, mini-review, and perspective focused on all aspects of efficient conversion and utilization of low-grade thermal energy, such as power generation systems, multi-energy complementarity, thermoelectric conversion materials, thermal energy saving and storage, refrigeration, cooling, heating, and heat transfer.
All types of articles on the following potential topics are welcomed but not limited to:
1. Thermodynamic cycles for waste heat recovery;
2. Low-grade thermal energy-driven refrigeration systems;
3. Solar thermal energy utilization;
4. Low-grade thermal energy-driven organic Rankine cycle systems;
5. Multi-energy complementarity;
6. Combined cooling and power cycles;
7. Energy and exergy analysis of thermal systems;
8. Modelling and simulation of thermal systems;
9. Geothermal energy utilization;
10. Ocean thermal energy conversion;
11. Liquefied natural gas cold energy utilization;
12. Thermal energy saving and storage;
13. Thermoelectric conversion materials;
14. Heat transfer enhancement;
15. Comprehensive utilization.
Although several theoretical, experimental, and numerical studies have focused on low-grade thermal energy conversion, the theory, methods, and techniques of low-grade thermal energy conversion and utilization systems still require further development to improve thermal efficiency. In addition, further research is needed to determine how heat transfer technology affects the conversion and utilization efficiency of low-grade thermal energy.
This research topic aims to highlight some theories, methods, and techniques to cope with the new challenges of low-grade thermal energy conversion, with particular emphasis on thermodynamics and heat transfer for low-grade thermal power generation systems. We invite original research, review, brief research report, case report, mini-review, and perspective focused on all aspects of efficient conversion and utilization of low-grade thermal energy, such as power generation systems, multi-energy complementarity, thermoelectric conversion materials, thermal energy saving and storage, refrigeration, cooling, heating, and heat transfer.
All types of articles on the following potential topics are welcomed but not limited to:
1. Thermodynamic cycles for waste heat recovery;
2. Low-grade thermal energy-driven refrigeration systems;
3. Solar thermal energy utilization;
4. Low-grade thermal energy-driven organic Rankine cycle systems;
5. Multi-energy complementarity;
6. Combined cooling and power cycles;
7. Energy and exergy analysis of thermal systems;
8. Modelling and simulation of thermal systems;
9. Geothermal energy utilization;
10. Ocean thermal energy conversion;
11. Liquefied natural gas cold energy utilization;
12. Thermal energy saving and storage;
13. Thermoelectric conversion materials;
14. Heat transfer enhancement;
15. Comprehensive utilization.
Keywords: Thermal energy conversion, Heat transfer, Thermodynamics, Renewable energy, Power generation
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
