Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2026.116722
Petro Kapustenko , Zdravko Kravanja , Igor Plazl , Petar Sabev Varbanov , Boton Bertok , Olga Arsenyeva , Andreja Nemet , Leonid Tovazhnyanskyy , Ting Pan
The efficient use of energy is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of modern society. It requires increasing heat recuperation in various energy-reliant systems, which is possible with heat transfer devices of intensive action, operating in conditions of limited space for installation and material availability for their production. This is achieved by heat exchangers with mini- and micro-channels, regarded as the next generation of heat transfer equipment. A survey of publications on heat transfer and pressure losses in mini- and microchannels is presented, with focus on their thermal-hydraulic performance. It includes straight channels of various cross-sectional forms, channels with enhanced heat transfer for electronic cooling, additively manufactured microchannels, crisscross flow channels of microturbine recuperators, and plate heat exchangers. A novel Micro Heat Factor for the comparison of mini- and microchannels thermal-hydraulic performance is derived. For the detailed estimation of channel performance in specified process conditions, accounting for the differences in hydraulic diameters, the equation for optimal fluid velocity is proposed. The comparison of thermal-hydraulic performance for different types of mini- and micro channels is performed, and the possibilities of their use in heat exchangers at specific applications are discussed, followed by directions of future studies.
{"title":"Thermal-hydraulic performance of heat exchanger mini- and micro-channels with single-phase flows. A comprehensive review and a comparative study","authors":"Petro Kapustenko , Zdravko Kravanja , Igor Plazl , Petar Sabev Varbanov , Boton Bertok , Olga Arsenyeva , Andreja Nemet , Leonid Tovazhnyanskyy , Ting Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116722","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The efficient use of energy is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of modern society. It requires increasing heat recuperation in various energy-reliant systems, which is possible with heat transfer devices of intensive action, operating in conditions of limited space for installation and material availability for their production. This is achieved by heat exchangers with mini- and micro-channels, regarded as the next generation of heat transfer equipment. A survey of publications on heat transfer and pressure losses in mini- and microchannels is presented, with focus on their thermal-hydraulic performance. It includes straight channels of various cross-sectional forms, channels with enhanced heat transfer for electronic cooling, additively manufactured microchannels, crisscross flow channels of microturbine recuperators, and plate heat exchangers. A novel Micro Heat Factor for the comparison of mini- and microchannels thermal-hydraulic performance is derived. For the detailed estimation of channel performance in specified process conditions, accounting for the differences in hydraulic diameters, the equation for optimal fluid velocity is proposed. The comparison of thermal-hydraulic performance for different types of mini- and micro channels is performed, and the possibilities of their use in heat exchangers at specific applications are discussed, followed by directions of future studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116722"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2026.116721
Uzair Jamil , Joshua M. Pearce
Agrivoltaics offers a promising alternative to land competition between crops and solar farms. Most agrivoltaic research and policy discourse, however, has focused on energy yield and food output, overlooking the broader spectrum of ecological, economic, and social benefits, that has made it challenging to fully assess agrivoltaics’ potential as a comprehensive systems-level solution. This study addresses this gap by synthesizing findings from prior studies and categorizing their insights into six distinct but interconnected spheres of agrivoltaic impact: Sustainability Sphere (Water-Climate-Ecosystem), Soil-Crop Sphere (Agricultural Yield and Food Security), Socioeconomic Sphere (Economic and Financial Resilience), Solar Power Sphere (Energy and Power Generation), Spatial Efficiency Sphere (Land Productivity & Land Use Synergies), and Species Sphere (Human and Animal Welfare). The evidence demonstrates that implementing agrivoltaics across crops that demonstrated yield increases could generate an additional 1800 million tonnes of food globally in a maximum-potential scenario, which could potentially feed more than 2.1 billion people annually. Such a scale of impact suggests that agrivoltaics could be instrumental in reducing global hunger and mitigating starvation-related deaths, especially in regions most vulnerable to food insecurity. Economically, the increased agricultural output could generate over $1 trillion USD in additional agriculture income, bolstering rural livelihoods, national economies, and global trade. Agrivoltaics not only promotes more efficient land use but also reduces water demand and carbon emissions by partially shading crops, thereby mitigating the negative effects of climate change on yield and irrigation needs. It is clear that agrivoltaics is a multidimensional solution with far-reaching global implications.
{"title":"Agrivoltaics as a systems innovation: Multi-dimensional benefits from global studies across climate, agriculture, energy, and ecosystems","authors":"Uzair Jamil , Joshua M. Pearce","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116721","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116721","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agrivoltaics offers a promising alternative to land competition between crops and solar farms. Most agrivoltaic research and policy discourse, however, has focused on energy yield and food output, overlooking the broader spectrum of ecological, economic, and social benefits, that has made it challenging to fully assess agrivoltaics’ potential as a comprehensive systems-level solution. This study addresses this gap by synthesizing findings from prior studies and categorizing their insights into six distinct but interconnected spheres of agrivoltaic impact: Sustainability Sphere (Water-Climate-Ecosystem), Soil-Crop Sphere (Agricultural Yield and Food Security), Socioeconomic Sphere (Economic and Financial Resilience), Solar Power Sphere (Energy and Power Generation), Spatial Efficiency Sphere (Land Productivity & Land Use Synergies), and Species Sphere (Human and Animal Welfare). The evidence demonstrates that implementing agrivoltaics across crops that demonstrated yield increases could generate an additional 1800 million tonnes of food globally in a maximum-potential scenario, which could potentially feed more than 2.1 billion people annually. Such a scale of impact suggests that agrivoltaics could be instrumental in reducing global hunger and mitigating starvation-related deaths, especially in regions most vulnerable to food insecurity. Economically, the increased agricultural output could generate over $1 trillion USD in additional agriculture income, bolstering rural livelihoods, national economies, and global trade. Agrivoltaics not only promotes more efficient land use but also reduces water demand and carbon emissions by partially shading crops, thereby mitigating the negative effects of climate change on yield and irrigation needs. It is clear that agrivoltaics is a multidimensional solution with far-reaching global implications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116721"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.116667
Jingyi Wu , C. Guedes Soares
This paper develops a multi-dimensional resilience modelling framework for offshore wind farms under disruption, integrating technical, organisational, functional and economic dimensions. The framework clarifies the comprehensive meaning of resilience on offshore wind farms, integrating temporal (pre-, during-, and post-disruption), spatial (component, turbine, and farm), and complex dimensions. Building on this foundation, the resilience of offshore wind farms under operational and extreme disruptions has been modelled to evaluate the system's capacities, including robustness, rapidity, productivity and economic efficiency in different dimensions. It also considers various uncertainties, including environment, load, fatigue, equipment and material, personnel, mechanical, and structural attributes. Finally, a case study has been presented to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed modelling methodology, demonstrating that incorporating organisational, functional, and economic aspects alongside technical ones provides a more realistic assessment of offshore wind farm resilience. The work contributes to enriching the conceptualisation of offshore wind farm resilience. It establishes a comprehensive framework for resilience modelling, with great potential to support both operational decision-making and long-term planning.
{"title":"Multi-dimensional resilience modelling framework for offshore wind farms under operational and extreme disruptions","authors":"Jingyi Wu , C. Guedes Soares","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper develops a multi-dimensional resilience modelling framework for offshore wind farms under disruption, integrating technical, organisational, functional and economic dimensions. The framework clarifies the comprehensive meaning of resilience on offshore wind farms, integrating temporal (pre-, during-, and post-disruption), spatial (component, turbine, and farm), and complex dimensions. Building on this foundation, the resilience of offshore wind farms under operational and extreme disruptions has been modelled to evaluate the system's capacities, including robustness, rapidity, productivity and economic efficiency in different dimensions. It also considers various uncertainties, including environment, load, fatigue, equipment and material, personnel, mechanical, and structural attributes. Finally, a case study has been presented to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed modelling methodology, demonstrating that incorporating organisational, functional, and economic aspects alongside technical ones provides a more realistic assessment of offshore wind farm resilience. The work contributes to enriching the conceptualisation of offshore wind farm resilience. It establishes a comprehensive framework for resilience modelling, with great potential to support both operational decision-making and long-term planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116667"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.116699
Kyoung-Jin Kim , Kyung-Won Jeon , Hyun-Seog Roh
This review provides an in-depth analysis of advancements in reforming processes for syngas preparation, emphasizing methane as the primary feedstock due to its abundance and versatility. Syngas is a versatile building block for producing chemicals, fuels, and power. Its applications range from ammonia, methanol, and formaldehyde production to Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and synthetic fuels, each requiring a specific H2/CO ratio. Considering these target products, the study evaluates conventional methods—steam reforming, CO2 reforming, partial oxidation, bi-reforming, and tri-reforming—as well as emerging techniques such as chemical looping, photocatalytic, and plasma-assisted reforming. A key focus is on tailoring the H2/CO ratios in syngas produced from catalytic reforming reactions using different oxidants to meet specific industrial requirements.
Catalyst innovation is central to these developments. Advances in Ni-based catalysts, noble metals, perovskites, and hybrid nanostructures are examined alongside the roles of supports (e.g., Al2O3, CeO2, ZrO2) and promoters (e.g., Mg, La, Ce) in enhancing catalytic performance. Achieving efficient and selective syngas production requires high catalytic activity, along with continued efforts to design customized catalysts that suppress side reactions and catalyst deactivation while optimizing reforming processes.
In summary, this review offers a systematic overview of catalyst trends in reforming reported over the past decade and introduces a unified framework for developing catalyst design strategies that link catalyst properties with syngas composition control and reaction pathways. It also provides a quantitative derivation of H2/CO ratios for each reforming process, enabling informed selection of appropriate pathways based on the H2/CO requirements of specific target products.
{"title":"Clean synthesis gas preparation as a building block using nano-catalysts considering products","authors":"Kyoung-Jin Kim , Kyung-Won Jeon , Hyun-Seog Roh","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review provides an in-depth analysis of advancements in reforming processes for syngas preparation, emphasizing methane as the primary feedstock due to its abundance and versatility. Syngas is a versatile building block for producing chemicals, fuels, and power. Its applications range from ammonia, methanol, and formaldehyde production to Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and synthetic fuels, each requiring a specific H<sub>2</sub>/CO ratio. Considering these target products, the study evaluates conventional methods—steam reforming, CO<sub>2</sub> reforming, partial oxidation, bi-reforming, and tri-reforming—as well as emerging techniques such as chemical looping, photocatalytic, and plasma-assisted reforming. A key focus is on tailoring the H<sub>2</sub>/CO ratios in syngas produced from catalytic reforming reactions using different oxidants to meet specific industrial requirements.</div><div>Catalyst innovation is central to these developments. Advances in Ni-based catalysts, noble metals, perovskites, and hybrid nanostructures are examined alongside the roles of supports (e.g., Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, CeO<sub>2</sub>, ZrO<sub>2</sub>) and promoters (e.g., Mg, La, Ce) in enhancing catalytic performance. Achieving efficient and selective syngas production requires high catalytic activity, along with continued efforts to design customized catalysts that suppress side reactions and catalyst deactivation while optimizing reforming processes.</div><div>In summary, this review offers a systematic overview of catalyst trends in reforming reported over the past decade and introduces a unified framework for developing catalyst design strategies that link catalyst properties with syngas composition control and reaction pathways. It also provides a quantitative derivation of H<sub>2</sub>/CO ratios for each reforming process, enabling informed selection of appropriate pathways based on the H<sub>2</sub>/CO requirements of specific target products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116699"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2026.116706
Nanang Apriandi , Berkah Fajar Tamtomo Kiono , Mukhsinun Hadi Kusuma , Khoiri Rozi , Anhar Riza Antariksawan
Straight wickless heat pipes, two-phase closed thermosyphons (TPCTs), are emerging as key passive thermal devices for renewable energy, desalination, and waste heat recovery systems. However, their performance strongly depends on the geometric design, internal surface features, and structural configuration. This systematic literature review synthesizes 65 peer-reviewed TPCT studies (2015–2025) identified through the SPAR-4-SLR protocol (Scopus Q1-Q2 journals) and classifies enhancement strategies into three domains: (i) external geometry, (ii) internal surface, and (iii) internal structure. A vote-counting analysis across heterogeneous datasets (working fluids, filling ratios, operating scale) shows that 88 % of studies reported performance improvement in thermal resistance (Rth) and heat transfer coefficient (HTC). Mean effect sizes reveal a performance hierarchy: internal structure (39.5 ± 11.6 %) > internal surface (33.6 ± 10.4 %) > external geometry (27.4 ± 8.1 %). Structural modifications such as axial grooves, fins, vapor-liquid separators, and vortex generators yielded the largest gains, while nanostructured and wettability-engineered surfaces produced stable, repeatable enhancement. Geometric optimization, such as curvature, inclination, fin arrays, and corrugation, offered cost-effective, scalable improvements validated in modular kilometer-scale systems. Experimental observations align with Rohsenow's nucleate boiling and Nusselt's film condensation theories, though two-phase pressure-drop correlations often under-predict results, highlighting the need for revised data-driven models. To address reporting inconsistency, this review introduces TPCT-PRMS, a 12-element performance reporting minimum set, and a techno-economic lens linking performance, cost, and scalability. The study also emphasizes manufacturability, quality assurance, and long-term reliability under fluctuating thermal loads, providing a comprehensive foundation for sustainable, high-efficiency TPCT design.
{"title":"Literature review on the enhancement of thermal performance of straight wickless heat pipes (two-phase closed thermosyphon): Geometry, surface, and internal structure modifications","authors":"Nanang Apriandi , Berkah Fajar Tamtomo Kiono , Mukhsinun Hadi Kusuma , Khoiri Rozi , Anhar Riza Antariksawan","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Straight wickless heat pipes, two-phase closed thermosyphons (TPCTs), are emerging as key passive thermal devices for renewable energy, desalination, and waste heat recovery systems. However, their performance strongly depends on the geometric design, internal surface features, and structural configuration. This systematic literature review synthesizes 65 peer-reviewed TPCT studies (2015–2025) identified through the SPAR-4-SLR protocol (Scopus Q1-Q2 journals) and classifies enhancement strategies into three domains: (i) external geometry, (ii) internal surface, and (iii) internal structure. A vote-counting analysis across heterogeneous datasets (working fluids, filling ratios, operating scale) shows that 88 % of studies reported performance improvement in thermal resistance (Rth) and heat transfer coefficient (HTC). Mean effect sizes reveal a performance hierarchy: internal structure (39.5 ± 11.6 %) > internal surface (33.6 ± 10.4 %) > external geometry (27.4 ± 8.1 %). Structural modifications such as axial grooves, fins, vapor-liquid separators, and vortex generators yielded the largest gains, while nanostructured and wettability-engineered surfaces produced stable, repeatable enhancement. Geometric optimization, such as curvature, inclination, fin arrays, and corrugation, offered cost-effective, scalable improvements validated in modular kilometer-scale systems. Experimental observations align with Rohsenow's nucleate boiling and Nusselt's film condensation theories, though two-phase pressure-drop correlations often under-predict results, highlighting the need for revised data-driven models. To address reporting inconsistency, this review introduces TPCT-PRMS, a 12-element performance reporting minimum set, and a techno-economic lens linking performance, cost, and scalability. The study also emphasizes manufacturability, quality assurance, and long-term reliability under fluctuating thermal loads, providing a comprehensive foundation for sustainable, high-efficiency TPCT design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116706"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2026.116708
Yibo Wang , Man-Chung Wong , Chi-Kong Wong
The growing integration of renewable energy in buildings, industry, and transport introduces operational challenges due to its distributed and variable nature. Efficient coordination among multiple Power Electronic Converters (PECs) is essential to ensure reliable energy delivery and optimal system performance, with communication playing a crucial role in enabling cooperative control among PECs, forming the foundation of the energy internet. PECs not only perform power conversion but also possess inherent capabilities for information transmission, known as Talkative Power Conversion (TPC). This paper systematically traces, for the first time, the historical evolution of TPC technology and analyzes the mechanism enabling PECs to transmit power and information simultaneously through physical-layer modeling, integrating both power electronics and communication engineering perspectives. The impacts of TPC parameters on ten key performance metrics across these two disciplines are examined from a cross-disciplinary perspective. A novel TPC parameter-performance matrix is summarized to reveal the relationships between parameters and performance metrics, supporting future cross-disciplinary design. Furthermore, the implementation and potential limitations of TPC in various topology categories and application scenarios are systematically evaluated, addressing gaps not fully covered in previous reviews. Finally, some foreseeable potential challenges associated with the application of TPC in large-scale systems are also discussed, with the aim of inspiring future research in this promising area.
{"title":"Review of talkative power conversion from power electronics and communication perspectives","authors":"Yibo Wang , Man-Chung Wong , Chi-Kong Wong","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116708","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116708","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing integration of renewable energy in buildings, industry, and transport introduces operational challenges due to its distributed and variable nature. Efficient coordination among multiple Power Electronic Converters (PECs) is essential to ensure reliable energy delivery and optimal system performance, with communication playing a crucial role in enabling cooperative control among PECs, forming the foundation of the energy internet. PECs not only perform power conversion but also possess inherent capabilities for information transmission, known as Talkative Power Conversion (TPC). This paper systematically traces, for the first time, the historical evolution of TPC technology and analyzes the mechanism enabling PECs to transmit power and information simultaneously through physical-layer modeling, integrating both power electronics and communication engineering perspectives. The impacts of TPC parameters on ten key performance metrics across these two disciplines are examined from a cross-disciplinary perspective. A novel TPC parameter-performance matrix is summarized to reveal the relationships between parameters and performance metrics, supporting future cross-disciplinary design. Furthermore, the implementation and potential limitations of TPC in various topology categories and application scenarios are systematically evaluated, addressing gaps not fully covered in previous reviews. Finally, some foreseeable potential challenges associated with the application of TPC in large-scale systems are also discussed, with the aim of inspiring future research in this promising area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116708"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) can revitalise energy conversion technology to be more environmentally friendly because they provide efficient energy and run on various fuel types. These advantages make them applicable in multiple sectors such as industrial processes, power generation, electronic devices and automobiles. SOFC single cell typically consists of the anode, cathode and electrolyte often stacked together by layers to increase the voltage or current output and power of a practical amount. Several advanced anode materials have been used to enhance the performance of SOFC however they are often affected by carbonization. The suggested cermet–EDL–PCM system functions synergistically by integrating electrochemical and thermal regulatory methods. The modified electrical double layer (EDL) at the electrode-electrolyte interface modifies local charge distribution and surface energetics, inhibiting carbon nucleation and facilitating cleaner fuel oxidation pathways. Simultaneously, integrated phase change materials (PCMs) mitigate thermal fluctuations by collecting and releasing latent heat, therefore diminishing thermal stresses, stabilising reaction kinetics, and improving overall solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) efficiency and durability under variable operating circumstances. Therefore, this study reviews the use of a cermet composite design integrated with a modulated electrical double layer (EDL) and phase change materials (PCM) to reduce the effect of carbon deposition, thermal properties and increase the performance of SOFC operations due to their better temperature management and electrochemical control, enhanced efficient anode with less degradation and catalytic reforming ability. This study also reviews the latest advancements in electrode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). It aims to clarify the specific challenges in developing anode and cathode materials and ultimately make SOFC technology more economically competitive.
{"title":"Hybrid enhancement of SOFC anodes: Integrating modulated electrical double layers and phase change materials for carbon-resilient energy conversion","authors":"Surajudeen Sikiru , John Oluwadamilola Olutoki , Md Siddikur Rahman , Muthusamy Kandasamy , Thamer Alomayri","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) can revitalise energy conversion technology to be more environmentally friendly because they provide efficient energy and run on various fuel types. These advantages make them applicable in multiple sectors such as industrial processes, power generation, electronic devices and automobiles. SOFC single cell typically consists of the anode, cathode and electrolyte often stacked together by layers to increase the voltage or current output and power of a practical amount. Several advanced anode materials have been used to enhance the performance of SOFC however they are often affected by carbonization. The suggested cermet–EDL–PCM system functions synergistically by integrating electrochemical and thermal regulatory methods. The modified electrical double layer (EDL) at the electrode-electrolyte interface modifies local charge distribution and surface energetics, inhibiting carbon nucleation and facilitating cleaner fuel oxidation pathways. Simultaneously, integrated phase change materials (PCMs) mitigate thermal fluctuations by collecting and releasing latent heat, therefore diminishing thermal stresses, stabilising reaction kinetics, and improving overall solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) efficiency and durability under variable operating circumstances. Therefore, this study reviews the use of a cermet composite design integrated with a modulated electrical double layer (EDL) and phase change materials (PCM) to reduce the effect of carbon deposition, thermal properties and increase the performance of SOFC operations due to their better temperature management and electrochemical control, enhanced efficient anode with less degradation and catalytic reforming ability. This study also reviews the latest advancements in electrode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). It aims to clarify the specific challenges in developing anode and cathode materials and ultimately make SOFC technology more economically competitive.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116703"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.116672
Alessio Tafone , Emiliano Borri , Luisa F. Cabeza , Odhran O’ Callaghan , Philip Donnellan , Afshin Mashayekh , Rohit Kothari , Fredrik Haglind , Dacheng Li , Lejin Xu , Yulong Ding , Yongliang Li , Lizhong Yang , Alessandro Romagnoli , Aleksandra Dzido , Piotr Krawczyk
Electrical energy storage plays a vital role in enabling renewable energy integration and achieving decarbonization targets under the Paris Agreement. Liquid air energy storage (LAES) is a promising large-scale, long-duration storage technology due to its scalability, site flexibility, and high energy density. A crucial component of LAES performance is the cold thermal energy storage (CTES), which recovers cryogenic exergy during air regasification to recovery during the liquefaction phase, significantly improving the round trip efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive and critical review of CTES technologies for LAES, aiming to identify optimal design approaches based on current literature and industrial practices. The review covers sensible and latent heat storage systems, hybrid and cascade configurations, and advanced geometries, assessed through thermodynamic and techno-economic performance indicators. Our analysis finds that packed beds with sensible heat materials are the most mature and cost-effective option, while phase change material-based systems offer higher efficiency potential—achieving round-trip efficiency improvements of up to 55 %—but face challenges in material cost, availability, and scalability. Hybrid and cascade configurations show promise in simulations, though experimental data remain limited. Cold storage losses are shown to impact round-trip efficiency up to seven times more than heat losses, highlighting the strategic importance of CTES optimization. The authors identify key research needs in dynamic system modeling, scalable material development, and lifecycle techno-economic assessment. Addressing these gaps will be critical to advancing CTES as a performance-enhancing and cost-effective component of next-generation LAES systems.
{"title":"Progress and prospects of cold thermal energy storage for liquid air energy storage systems – A critical review","authors":"Alessio Tafone , Emiliano Borri , Luisa F. Cabeza , Odhran O’ Callaghan , Philip Donnellan , Afshin Mashayekh , Rohit Kothari , Fredrik Haglind , Dacheng Li , Lejin Xu , Yulong Ding , Yongliang Li , Lizhong Yang , Alessandro Romagnoli , Aleksandra Dzido , Piotr Krawczyk","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrical energy storage plays a vital role in enabling renewable energy integration and achieving decarbonization targets under the Paris Agreement. Liquid air energy storage (LAES) is a promising large-scale, long-duration storage technology due to its scalability, site flexibility, and high energy density. A crucial component of LAES performance is the cold thermal energy storage (CTES), which recovers cryogenic exergy during air regasification to recovery during the liquefaction phase, significantly improving the round trip efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive and critical review of CTES technologies for LAES, aiming to identify optimal design approaches based on current literature and industrial practices. The review covers sensible and latent heat storage systems, hybrid and cascade configurations, and advanced geometries, assessed through thermodynamic and techno-economic performance indicators. Our analysis finds that packed beds with sensible heat materials are the most mature and cost-effective option, while phase change material-based systems offer higher efficiency potential—achieving round-trip efficiency improvements of up to 55 %—but face challenges in material cost, availability, and scalability. Hybrid and cascade configurations show promise in simulations, though experimental data remain limited. Cold storage losses are shown to impact round-trip efficiency up to seven times more than heat losses, highlighting the strategic importance of CTES optimization. The authors identify key research needs in dynamic system modeling, scalable material development, and lifecycle techno-economic assessment. Addressing these gaps will be critical to advancing CTES as a performance-enhancing and cost-effective component of next-generation LAES systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116672"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.116700
Muhammad Shahzad , Rawaid Ali , Ming Li
The cold chain is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive products during storage and transportation. However, conventional diesel-powered vapor compression refrigeration systems used in cold chain logistics are associated with high energy consumption, environmental pollution, and operational costs. In recent years, phase change materials have emerged as a promising alternative for cold energy storage, offering the potential to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions in cold storage applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of phase change materials-based cold storage technologies tailored for low-temperature cold chain logistics. It discusses the classification and thermophysical properties of phase change materials, including latent heat of fusion, thermal conductivity, supercooling, corrosiveness, and flammability. Key challenges associated with phase change materials usage, such as thermal performance, material compatibility, and cost, are critically analyzed, along with strategies for their mitigation. Furthermore, the review highlights current advancements in PCM selection and system integration across various cold chain equipment. Finally, future research directions are proposed to accelerate the development and commercialization of phase change materials-based solutions for sustainable cold chain logistics.
{"title":"Phase change materials for low-temperature cold chain logistics: Advances, challenges, and eco-friendly solutions","authors":"Muhammad Shahzad , Rawaid Ali , Ming Li","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2025.116700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cold chain is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive products during storage and transportation. However, conventional diesel-powered vapor compression refrigeration systems used in cold chain logistics are associated with high energy consumption, environmental pollution, and operational costs. In recent years, phase change materials have emerged as a promising alternative for cold energy storage, offering the potential to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions in cold storage applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of phase change materials-based cold storage technologies tailored for low-temperature cold chain logistics. It discusses the classification and thermophysical properties of phase change materials, including latent heat of fusion, thermal conductivity, supercooling, corrosiveness, and flammability. Key challenges associated with phase change materials usage, such as thermal performance, material compatibility, and cost, are critically analyzed, along with strategies for their mitigation. Furthermore, the review highlights current advancements in PCM selection and system integration across various cold chain equipment. Finally, future research directions are proposed to accelerate the development and commercialization of phase change materials-based solutions for sustainable cold chain logistics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116700"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2026.116705
Varun Pratap Singh , Craig McGregor
Solar thermal technologies (STTs) have undergone significant evolution over the past five decades. Yet the literature still lacks a unified framework for systematically categorizing these technologies based on their functional, thermal, and application characteristics. This study introduces a comprehensive four-generation classification framework (STT-G1 to STT-G4) that maps the technological evolution of solar thermal systems using operational temperature ranges, design complexity, and end-use suitability as key differentiators. The proposed framework bridges fragmented descriptions across existing studies and enables clearer benchmarking of system capabilities, performance boundaries, and application domains spanning domestic heating, industrial process heat, and high-temperature concentrating solar power (CSP) operations. By consolidating performance ranges, deployment maturity, and emerging trends, the classification provides a structured foundation for comparing technologies, identifying research gaps, and supporting future policy and market-driven decision-making. The framework also highlights opportunities for next-generation development, including hybrid thermal configurations, high-flux receivers, sCO2-based cycles, and solar-driven thermochemical pathways. Overall, this work offers a unified perspective that strengthens understanding of STT evolution and serves as a strategic guide for researchers, system designers, and energy planners in advancing solar thermal innovation.
{"title":"Generation classification of solar thermal technologies","authors":"Varun Pratap Singh , Craig McGregor","doi":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116705","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rser.2026.116705","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solar thermal technologies (STTs) have undergone significant evolution over the past five decades. Yet the literature still lacks a unified framework for systematically categorizing these technologies based on their functional, thermal, and application characteristics. This study introduces a comprehensive four-generation classification framework (STT-G1 to STT-G4) that maps the technological evolution of solar thermal systems using operational temperature ranges, design complexity, and end-use suitability as key differentiators. The proposed framework bridges fragmented descriptions across existing studies and enables clearer benchmarking of system capabilities, performance boundaries, and application domains spanning domestic heating, industrial process heat, and high-temperature concentrating solar power (CSP) operations. By consolidating performance ranges, deployment maturity, and emerging trends, the classification provides a structured foundation for comparing technologies, identifying research gaps, and supporting future policy and market-driven decision-making. The framework also highlights opportunities for next-generation development, including hybrid thermal configurations, high-flux receivers, sCO<sub>2</sub>-based cycles, and solar-driven thermochemical pathways. Overall, this work offers a unified perspective that strengthens understanding of STT evolution and serves as a strategic guide for researchers, system designers, and energy planners in advancing solar thermal innovation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":418,"journal":{"name":"Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews","volume":"230 ","pages":"Article 116705"},"PeriodicalIF":16.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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