Guest Editors
Dr. Goutam Saha
Email: gsahamath@du.ac.bd
Affiliation: Department of Mathematics, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Research Interests: phase change materials (PCMs), fluid mechanics, nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids, mathematical modelling, data driven research, mathematics education, machine learning
Dr. Ahmed A. Y. Al-Waaly
Email: aalwaaly@uowasit.edu.iq
Affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Wasit University, Kut, Wasit Governorate, Iraq
Homepage:
Research Interests: phase change materials (PCMs), thermal energy storage (TES), latent heat of fusion, building energy efficiency, smart textiles, personal protective equipment (PPE)
Summary
As global temperatures rise and energy costs continue to skyrocket, the demand for efficient, sustainable thermal management solutions has never been more critical. This Special Issue proposes the utilization of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) materials capable of absorbing and releasing thermal energy during phase transitions as a dual-purpose solution to address energy inefficiency in the built environment and safety risks in personal protective gear. In the context of infrastructure, researchers are invited to explore how PCMs can act as "thermal batteries." By melting during peak heat hours to absorb excess energy and solidifying at night to release it, these materials can significantly flatten indoor temperature fluctuations. This passive regulation reduces the mechanical load on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, leading to substantial energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. Simultaneously, in the realm of clothing and protective equipment, this issue will examine the integration of micro-encapsulated PCMs. When incorporated into hats, helmets, and workwear, these materials actively buffer the skin against environmental temperature swings. For workers in industrial settings, athletes, or military personnel, this technology mitigates the risk of heat stroke and improves cognitive function and endurance by maintaining a stable microclimate.
This Special Issue incorporates the study, analysis, and potential application of PCMs as a thermal regulation solution across two distinct scales:
- Macro-Scale (Infrastructure): The integration of PCMs into building materials to passively regulate indoor temperatures, reduce reliance on HVAC systems, and lower overall energy consumption.
- Micro-Scale (PPE & Textiles): The incorporation of micro-encapsulated PCMs into textiles, clothing, hats, and safety helmets to maintain human body temperature, prevent heat stress, and improve comfort in extreme environments.
The scope covers the material science behind PCMs (including paraffin, salt hydrates, and bio-based compounds), the mechanisms of latent heat storage, and the practical implementation challenges such as thermal stability, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
We invite original research articles and comprehensive reviews covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Material Science: Development of novel PCMs (paraffin, salt hydrates, bio-based); enhancement of thermal conductivity and stability.
- Building Integration: PCMs in concrete, drywall, and plastering; simulation and modeling of building energy efficiency; passive cooling strategies.
- Textiles and PPE: Micro-encapsulation techniques for textiles; integration of PCMs into safety helmets, gloves, and sportswear; physiological responses to PCM-enhanced gear.
- Thermal Performance: Experimental and numerical analysis of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES); thermal comfort indices; lifecycle assessment and cost analysis.
- Hybrid Systems: Combining PCMs with other cooling technologies (e.g., ventilation, radiant cooling) for enhanced performance.
Keywords
phase change materials (PCMs), thermal energy storage (TES), latent heat of fusion, building energy efficiency, smart textiles, personal protective equipment (PPE), passive cooling, micro-encapsulation, thermal comfort
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