THERMAL ENERGY, PROCESS, AND TRANSPORT INTENSIFICATION - A BRIEF REVIEW OF LITERATURE IN 2021 AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

This review provides a brief literature survey recorded by the Web of Science (WoS) in 2021 on the studies of heat transfer enhancement (HTE), thermal energy, process and transport intensification technologies. A topic search containing “heat transfer” or “heat transport” or “thermal transport” in the WoS resulted in over 31,360 papers published in 2021 and more than 30% were relevant to HTE, thermal energy, process and transport intensification, which indicates the importance and rapid development of these technologies and their applications. The chosen studies focus on HTE, thermal energy, process and transport intensification, which are grouped into heat conduction enhancement, convection HTE, boiling and condensation HTE, radiation HTE, thermal energy and process intensification and cross disciplinary research involving two or more techniques. Heat conduction enhancement research covers the research topics on thermal conductivity augmentation using various methods for thermal interface materials, phase change materials (PCMs), composite materials with nano additives, nano coatings, nanofluids, finned metal foam and fins in heat exchangers. Convection HTE research includes passive, active and compound techniques, and their engineering applications. Boiling and condensation HTE research is critical in the development of advanced and cutting-edge thermal energy and process intensification technologies. Radiation HTE research focuses on near-field radiation and thermophotovoltaic. Thermal energy and process intensification research involves thermal and power systems, energy conversion, energy storage, thermal processes, renewable energy and thermal management