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In cold, moisture-rich winter environments, window fogging represents a substantial safety hazard for drivers. Electric vehicles often incorporate heat pump systems to address challenges such as dehumidification and heating specific to cold weather. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the dehumidification and heating efficiency of these systems through focused research. This study presents a dual-evaporator heat pump system designed specifically for electric vehicles, equipped with two distinct modes for dehumidification and heating. The research examines how factors such as inlet air volume and the degree of opening of the electronic expansion valve affect the system's dehumidification and heating performance. Experimental analyses were conducted to explore the system's response under various conditions of inlet air humidity and compressor speed in both modes. Results suggest that increasing inlet air volume improves dehumidification effectiveness but may reduce heating performance. Likewise, a wider opening of the electronic expansion valve enhances heating but could decrease dehumidification efficiency. Importantly, the study indicates that when the relative humidity of the inlet air exceeds 70 %, a single evaporator mode is more effective for dehumidification. However, when the relative humidity is below 70 %, the dual evaporator mode is more advantageous, showing better heating performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive use of traditional solid fuels necessitates a clean transition to modern energy, yet rising costs hinder equitable progress, presenting a challenge that remains underexplored. Here we quantify household energy inequities in China and evaluate shifts during the cooking and heating transition by compiling data from nationwide questionnaire surveys and statistic datasets. We find that by meeting 42.6% of household energy needs at low costs, solid fuels sustain equitable energy consumption across different income groups, being measured by the Concentration Index (CI). However, energy burden inequity remains substantially with the CI value increases by up to 43% during the transition, particularly when moving away from biomass for cooking. Switching to electric heating with natural gas cooking would limit such increases by only 15.5%. The study underscores the negative equity impacts of solid fuel cessation, advocating for phased transitions and targeted subsidies to ensure a just clean energy transition. The study finds that low-cost solid fuels currently meet a large share of household energy needs, promoting equity in energy consumption, suggesting that clean transition could significantly increase energy burden inequity across income groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology to develop archetype gray-box models and use them in an economic model-based predictive control algorithm to simulate optimal heating load management in response to a newly-introduced static time-of-use tariff for Québec's residential sector, rate Flex-D. The methodology is evaluated through a case study, wherein in situ measurements from a two-storey unoccupied research house of Hydro-Québec are used to develop an 11R6C network with a heuristic zoning-by-floor approach and compute the sequence of optimal electric heating input for the next control horizon. Properly-tuned economic model-based predictive control under rate Flex-D shows potential for an approximately 30% reduction in daily heating cost compared to the reference operation, with a minimal average deviation of indoor air temperature from the reference setpoint. Also, the analysis of the response's sensitivity to weather forecast uncertainties indicates that the most influential uncontrolled input directing the performance of economic model-based predictive control is the structure price signal, rendering the impact of uncertainty in the weather forecast negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Indoor heating with an electrical heating cable, which has no harmful emissions to the environment, is an attractive way for radiant floor heating. To improve the heat transfer efficiency, a novel structure of the heating cable was designed by proposing the concept of the aluminum finned sheath. The transient heat transfer model from the embedded heating cables to the floor is established to validate the feasibility of this novel cable. The effects of the fin number and shape on the cable's temperature and heat flux distribution were analyzed. The results show that, with the specific volume of the sheath, increasing the number of fins can enhance the thermal diffusion capacity of the heating cable and reduce its temperature. Rectangular fins exhibit higher performance for heat dissipation than triangular fins due to their larger surface area. The simulation result shows that the floor temperature above the cable rises from 5°C to 22.5°C after a 2-h heating process, which was validated with experimental results. The results and suggestions can provide reference to guide the design of the heating cable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, systems for simultaneously producing electrical and thermal energy have been examined to boost efficiency and use energy resources most. By using the simultaneous production systems of electric and heat energy, achieving a high efficiency of 70% is possible based on the actual rates. Establishing the ideal functioning point of cogeneration systems is challenging due to variations in electrical and thermal loads and electrical energy tariffs at various times of the day and night. The expenses of installing and dismantling the system have not been considered in this field of study, which mostly focuses on systems without thermal energy storage tanks. As a result, in this research, the optimal operating point of a system made up of several independent units with the ability to buy and sell electrical energy was determined using a genetic algorithm based on the consumption of different fuels and the use of a thermal energy storage tank. Optimal design of combined cooling, heating and power generation systems is presented in this paper. The goal of this study is comparison of a new operational strategy for optimization of simultaneous production with conventional system in different seasons including hot, cold and moderate times. The accuracy of the modeling was also done in comparison to other references. Because of the grid's high rate of electrical energy, the modeling results demonstrate that during mild and summer seasons, the cogeneration system can completely satisfy all electrical and thermal demands in 13 to 22 h. For practically all Seasons, the cogeneration system's 24-h total cost is 50% cheaper than the traditional production method. It has also been shown that using an absorption chiller has balanced the electrical-to-thermal load ratio, boosted the cogeneration system's efficiency relative to its pre-absorption chiller condition, and lowered thermal energy loss. Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 5 Given name: [Fatemeh Razi] Last name [Astaraei]. Yes, author 5 name is "Fatemeh" and last name is "Razi Astaraei". Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [specify authors given name] Last name [specify authors last name]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.Yes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic combustion, a highly efficient technique for reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is the focus of this study. We investigate the improved catalytic efficiency of the physical mixing of nanosized Pt and atomically dispersed Co, supported on Al2O3 catalysts (Pt-Co)/Al2O3 (PM) for the catalytic combustion of VOCs. The catalyst efficiency is evaluated for the hydrogen-assisted catalytic oxidation of various VOCs, including aromatic and oxygenated VOCs such as benzene, toluene, methanol, and formic acid. Our study aims to understand the impact of hydrogen incorporation on the combustion process of various VOCs. The findings of this work underscore the potential of hydrogen-assisted catalytic ignition, which can achieve ignition at ambient temperature, a significant departure from conventional electric heating that typically requires additional energy to raise the temperature. Various characterization techniques, such as BET, STEM, and XRD, are employed to assess the structure–activity relationship of the catalyst. The optimal hydrogen concentration for complete VOC conversion is 3%. Notably, even at a lower hydrogen concentration of 2%, benzene and methanol reach an ideal ignition temperature of over 500 °C when introduced into the physically mixed catalyst. This study highlights the significant potential of hydrogen-assisted catalytic combustion, inspiring further research and offering a promising method to reduce VOCs effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective optical limiters (OLs) are necessary devices for the protection of various sensitive photo‐detectors, cameras, infrared sensors, or even the human eyes once encountering unexpected high‐intensity illumination or laser blinding attacks. Vanadium dioxide (VO2) shows pronounced infrared switching behavior across the phase transition, which is considered as an idea optical limiter for broad‐band infrared laser protection. However, the self‐adapting optical limiter function based on VO2 is quite difficult to realize since the open‐state absorptance of the VO2 layer is always very low, which makes the laser irradiation cannot trigger the phase transition quickly. In the current study, a self‐excited VO2 infrared optical limiter is proposed, which is integrated by a transferred VO2 layer, InGaAs micro/nano wires, and a local heater. Based on the"optical response–electric heating" strategy, the phase transition of VO2 layer can be quickly triggered once the incident laser beam intensity exceeds the pre‐set threshold value. In addition, this integrated device has an excellent switching ratio, flexible controllability, and stability. This work achieves a practical VO2 optical limiter device and provides a promising strategy for developing VO2‐based integrated multifunctional devices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of bioscience and technology, wearable electronic devices are developing toward advanced trends such as flexibility, convenience, multifunctionality, and user‐friendliness. Herein, polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) is employed for assisting the strong binding of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with polyimide nanofiber (PIF) to obtain the durable PIAgS conductive nanofiber membrane with antibacterial and hydrophobic ability. Owing to the porous fiber skeleton of nanofiber membrane and good interface adhesion, AgNPs can be homogeneously anchored onto fiber surface to construct stable and perfect 3D conductive network with an ultrahigh conductivity of up to 2102.7 S/m, enabling multifunctionality of the resultant conductive nanofiber membrane with superior bioelectric signal (EMG/ECG) sensing, pressure sensing (S = 1.45 kPa−1, 100 kPa) for deep learning assisted gesture recognition, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding (18757.8 dB·cm2·g−1), and electric heating (12.2 °C/V2) performances. Furthermore, as a multifunctional wearable electronic device, the antimicrobial ability of AgNPs and breathability of nanofiber membrane can ensure its sufficient wearing safety and comfort. Importantly, the inherent weathering resistance of PINF and SEBS also endows it with excellent stability and broad service life. Taken together, the designed conductive nanofiber membrane possesses great application potential for next‐generation multifunctional wearable electronic device with excellent stability and wide applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil shale, the most important unconventional oil and gas reservoir resource, is characterized by large geological reserves, difficult development technology, and great development potential. Although it cannot be exploited in a large area due to cost issues, with the development and utilization of conventional oil and gas reservoir resources, it is the main direction of future oil exploitation. Based on the classification of in situ conversion technologies of oil shale electric heating into in situ conversion process technology, ElectrofracTM technology, geothermal fuel cell heating technology, high-voltage power frequency electric heating technology, and other electric heating technology, this paper summarizes the research progress on existing electric heating technologies to provide a reference for the engineering research and development of oil shale electric heating in situ mining technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the engineering of oil shale, in situ extraction technology using electric heating involves heating the oil shale reservoir with an electric heater at high temperatures to convert the solid kerogen in oil shale into liquid hydrocarbons. These liquid hydrocarbons are then extracted from underground using traditional oil and gas drilling and production techniques. This paper discusses the pyrolysis mechanism, pore evolution, mineral transformation, and classification of electric heating technology for oil shale. It also summarizes research progress aimed at improving in situ extraction technology for oil shale, providing valuable insights for further research and development in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of variable-temperature roasting on the flavor compounds of Xinjiang tannur-roasted mutton. Gas chromatography coupled with ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS) was used to compare and analyze the volatile components and flavor fingerprints of Xinjiang tannur-roasted mutton using variable-temperature electrically heated air roasting (VTR), constant-temperature electrically heated air roasting (EHAR), and constant-burning charcoal roasting (BCR) techniques. The changes in fatty acids and free amino acids in Xinjiang tannur-roasted mutton under different roasting conditions were compared. By using GC-IMS analysis, 11 flavor compounds, including 4-methyl-3-penten-2-one, isoamyl propionate, trans-2-heptenal, trans-2-heptenal, 2-hexanone, n-hexanol, 2-hexenal, 2-ethylfuran, and ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, were identified as characteristic volatile compounds in the temperature-controlled electrothermal roasting of Xinjiang tannur-roasted mutton using the following conditions: 0–4 min, 300 °C; 5–10 min, 220 °C; and 11–17 min, 130 °C (VTR3). Through principal component analysis, it was found that the substances with the highest positive correlation with PC1 and PC2 were n-hexanol and 3-methylbutanol. The sensory evaluation showed that VTR3 had high acceptability (p < 0.05) and a fat flavor (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total fatty acid (TFA) content between the VTR3 and burning charcoal roast for 1–17 min at 300 °C (BCR3) (p > 0.05), but it was lower than that in the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The lowest proportion of glutamic acid content in VTR3 was 22.44%, and the total free amino acid content in the electric thermostatic roasting for the 1–17 min, 300 °C (EHAR3) group (347.05 mg/100 g) was significantly higher than that in the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). By using Spearman correlation analysis, the roasting loss rate showed a highly significant negative correlation with essential amino acids (EAAs), non-essential amino acids (NEAAs), and total free amino acids (TAAs) (the correlation coefficients (r) were 0.82, 0.87, and 0.87, respectively) with p < 0.01. There was no correlation between changes in the free amino acid content and fatty acid content (p > 0.05). By using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, we also found that there was no significant difference in peak temperature (Tp) between the VTR3 and EHAR experimental groups (p > 0.05). Variable temperature electric heating can affect the flavor of lamb, and there are significant differences in the content of flavor precursors such as fatty acids and amino acids in Xinjiang tannur-roasted mutton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The movement towards electrification is entailing deep changes in power systems. On the demand side, the adoption of electric heating (EH) has grown rapidly in recent years. To eliminate the voltage fluctuations caused by the random switching‐on/‐off behaviors of EHs in some application scenes with special‐power‐line in low voltage distribution networks (LVDNs), a swarm‐intelligence‐based coordinated control approach of EHs for voltage stabilization with zero communication burden while guaranteeing the users’ thermal comforts is researched. A novel bird‐perch‐on‐branch (BPB) ‐based swarm intelligence theory is proposed, which reveals the mapping relation between local observations and global states. On this theoretical basis, a multi‐agent reinforcement learning (MARL) framework is developed for the coordinated dispatch of EHs, where the deep‐Q‐network (DQN) algorithm is adopted to learn and generate the optimal control policy for each EH. The implementation of the proposed MADQN‐BPB approach is described based on the principle of centralized‐training and decentralized‐execution. Comparative control performances of MADQN‐BPB with a commercially available approach, and the global optimal solution are evaluated. Simulation results verify the capability of MADQN‐BPB in voltage stabilization with zero communication burden. Its control performance is close to that of the global optimal solution, and is scalable to the variations of environment.

Over the many decades of studying the electric explosion of thin wires (EEW), researchers have developed and accepted certain notions about this process. Despite the lack of proof behind certain established assertions and, sometimes, their contradiction with the results of recent experiments, they are still widely used to describe and interpret new data. In the first place, this concerns the concept that the EEW is a fast evaporation of metal as a result of the dissipation of Joule energy inside it. Another fundamental notion that is used during the analysis of the experimental results and in model calculations is the uniform distribution of matter along the cross section of the wire core during the explosion. To date, the nature and mechanism of the appearance of strata, i.e., the periodicity observed in many images of the EEW, remain unexplained. Using the traditional notions of the EEW, even in experiments conducted at a high level, does not allow one to correctly interpret the obtained results and, as a whole, does not facilitate the progress in understanding the complicated physics of the process of wire explosion. Therefore, the traditional concepts of the EEW have long required a revision. This work summarizes the results of modern research in this area and considers its relation to the previous works. It also proposes new approaches to the studies of the EEW dynamics and to the understanding of the processes of energy transformation in matter during its rapid heating by the electric current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric heating is frequently employed to treat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through catalytic combustion. However, it is associated with problems such as slow heating, high energy consumption, and low efficiency. This study explores PdPt/Al2O3 catalysts for igniting methanol (MeOH) through H2 catalytic combustion, providing internal on-site heating of catalyst active sites. It also investigates VOCs' abatement using H2-ignited-MeOH combustion without H2 and external heating. Bimetallic catalysts enhance activity and reduce thermal aging. Hydrogen gas (H2) can initiate the MeOH combustion at room temperature with the addition of very small amounts, even below its low explosive limit of 4%. This process optimizes MeOH ignition at approximately 350 °C, even when the concentration of H2 is as low as 0.01%. This method enhances combustion kinetics, converting MeOH and VOCs into CO2 and water. Catalytic performance is independent of PdPt nanoparticle sizes in fresh and spent catalysts, represented in XRD and STEM. Using hydrogen as an igniting agent provides a clean, effective method to initiate catalytic reactions, addressing traditional challenges and enhancing VOCs' decomposition efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic combustion is an effective strategy for alleviating volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds, mostly derived from the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. We employed Pd/Al2O3 as a catalyst for combusting aromatic VOCs via hydrogen catalytic combustion. It differs from conventional approaches that do not necessitate additional electric heating. Briefly, when hydrogen (H2) is introduced below its lower explosive limit of 4% on the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst, it completely oxidizes important aromatic VOCs like benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene to carbon dioxide and water. The catalytic performance of the integrated system remains stable even after long-term use. Therefore, hydrogen co-combustion on the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst can provide onsite heating for a facility without needing external electric heat. The catalytic performance shows no significant dependence on the sizes of Pd nanoparticles in both fresh and spent conditions, as demonstrated by XRD, XPS, and STEM analyses. Therefore, renewable green hydrogen can effectively reduce aromatic VOC pollutants, providing a more energy-efficient alternative. Our findings suggest that this integrated process is promising for converting aromatic VOCs into carbon dioxide and water without electric heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the promotion of sodium chlorate (NaClO3) crystallization through optical trapping, enhanced by the addition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs). Using a focused laser beam at the air–solution interface of a saturated NaClO3 solution with AuNPs or SiNPs, the aggregates of these particles were formed at the laser focus, the nucleation and growth of metastable NaClO3 (m-NaClO3) crystals were induced. Continued laser irradiation caused these m-NaClO3 crystals to undergo repeated cycles of growth and dissolution, eventually transitioning to a stable crystal form. Our comparative analysis showed that AuNPs, due to their significant heating due to higher photon absorption efficiency, caused more pronounced size fluctuations in m-NaClO3 crystals compared to the stable behavior observed with SiNPs. Interestingly, the maximum diameter of the m-NaClO3 crystals that appeared during the size fluctuation step was consistent, regardless of nanoparticle type, concentration, or size. The crystallization process was also promoted by using polystyrene nanoparticles, which have minimal heating and electric field enhancement, suggesting that the reduction in activation energy for nucleation at the particle surface is a key factor. These findings provide critical insights into the mechanisms of laser-induced crystallization, emphasizing the roles of plasmonic heating, particle surfaces, and optical forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal performance of windows is an important area of research to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and improve indoor comfort. The application of innovative glazing technologies can improve the energy performance of windows and transparent facades, resulting in significant energy savings. This paper presents research results on the energy performance of electrically heated windows. A comprehensive CFD and experimental analysis of the heat transfer processes in a window space depending on the size, power, and location of an electric heater was performed. The convective gas flows in the gas gaps and in the boundary layer were also analysed, and it is shown that a window with an electric heater can reduce the energy consumption of a room by 10–12%. This study is a pilot study to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of electric local heating of a window or facade to minimise heat loss before full-scale implementation. The results of numerical modelling and experimental studies confirm the potential of the new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem. In order to effectively protect public health from the magnetic field of electric heating cable systems of the floors, it is necessary to reduce it to a safe level. However, this requires careful study of the magnetic field. The purpose of the work is to develop a mathematical model and a verified methodology for calculating the magnetic field of electric heating cable systems of the floors in residential premises, and assessment of compliance of the magnetic field with the normative level. Method. A methodology for calculating the magnetic field of electric heating cable systems of the floors in residential premises has been developed. Scientific novelty. Based on Bio-Savar’s law and the principle of superposition, an analytical model of the magnetic field of electric heating cable systems of the floors and its calculation method was created. The magnetic field of the coaxial heating cable is determined, taking into account the value of its maximum eccentricity. The experimentally substantiated correctness of the obtained theoretical statements, which is confirmed by their coincidence with the results of the experiment with a spread of less than 7 %. Practical significance. A verified methodology for calculating the magnetic field of electric heating cable systems of the floors was proposed and an assessment of compliance of their magnetic flux density with the normative level of 0.5 μT was performed. It is recommended to lay modern two-wire heating cables at a depth of at least 75–100 mm from the floor. With a smaller laying depth, it is recommended to use coaxial heating cables, which have an order of magnitude smaller magnetic field. References 51, tables 1, figures 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the energy efficiency of a coupled natural gas hydrate exploitation and reforming hydrogen production system, process design and modeling were conducted, and models for energy efficiency assessment and economic analysis were established. Focusing on the selection between fuel heating or electric reforming in the reforming process, whether offshore wind power is integrated in electric reforming, and the selection between membrane separation or amine scrubbing in H2 separation, the exergy efficiency ratio and annual total cost of different technical schemes were compared. The results show that System C, with electric reforming without offshore wind power integration and membrane separation, has the highest exergy efficiency ratio (2.25). System B, with fuel heating reforming and membrane separation, has the lowest annual total cost (5803.91 106 CNY/a). System F, which integrates offshore wind power and uses amine scrubbing for separation, has the highest annual total cost (5862.09 106 CNY/a), only about 1.0% higher than the most economically efficient System B, but with higher energy efficiency. This indicates that the application of membrane separation and offshore wind power on hydrate exploitation platforms has significant potential in both energy efficiency and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Advanced Textile Technology is the property of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Magazines and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective In the hydrogen purification system, in order to analyze the process energy, the influence of oxygen mole fraction in feedstock on heat release from hydrogen-oxygen reaction and reactor temperature was investigated. Method The energy consumption of the electric heater and the amount of cold consumed by the cooler were further calculated by the method of model calculation to enable the optimization of the process flow. Based on this, a new purification process of heat exchange regeneration gas was proposed, and the effects of oxygen mole fraction and logistics flow on system temperature were analyzed. Results The heating can meet the energy requirements only when the oxygen mole fraction is above 0.13%. Compared with the original process, the new heat exchange regeneration gas purification process can save more than 88% of the cooling capacity, and the operating temperature of the system can be maintained without electric heating. Conclusion The new heat exchange regeneration gas purification process can fully use the heat released by the hydrogen and oxygen reaction to heat the cold flow, save the electricity energy consumption and cooling capacity, and reduce operating costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar dryers are a convenient option for drying fruits and vegetables, but they largely depend on climatic conditions. Climate dependency makes them vulnerable to dry products and maintain the quality of the products accurately. To mitigate this problem, an electric auxiliary heating system (AHS) was designed, constructed, and tested for a solar dryer in Bangladesh. The developed system had three parts: an auxiliary heating unit, an air duct, and hot air convection pipes. The performance testing of the AHS was done in three experimental trials. The average air velocity from the auxiliary heating unit was found to be between 3.57 and 3.80 m s−1. Trial runs showed a maximum drying temperature of 66.97°C, while the average value remained between 35.10 and 43.26°C. During the off‐sunshine hours, the AHS rose the average temperature by 1.00–12.84°C above ambient and continued the drying operation. Overall, the solar dryer with AHS saved 30%–36% sunshine hours than open sun drying, and its efficiency was estimated as 14.55%–21.9%. Regression analysis showed that the Page and Modified Page models were suitable for predicting the drying kinetics of cabbage samples. Through the results of the study, the developed AHS showed potential for significantly improving the solar drying process. It could be an effective measure for establishing a weather‐independent drying solution to reduce the postharvest losses of perishable agro‐products. Further improvements to the auxiliary heating unit, implying an Internet of Things (IoT)‐based control system will facilitate an improved and user‐convenient drying operation. Practical Applications: Postharvest losses are prevalent for perishable agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) in Bangladesh and are considered a prime reason for the inhabitants to consume a less nutritious diet than recommended. An appropriate dry chain technology that is affordable, weather‐independent, continuous, and fast in operation could be the optimal solution to this problem. Numerous types of solar hybrid dryers with different additional heating sources (electricity, biomass, LPG, etc.) have been investigated around the world. However, the extent of these research endeavors is very limited in Bangladesh. The study was thus conducted to develop a novel auxiliary heating system for a solar dryer in Bangladesh and check its technical viability. Our results indicate that an electric auxiliary heating system can be an efficient option for drying fruits and vegetables irrespective of the weather and can substantially reduce postharvest losses in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology to forecast electrical demand for the Chilean Electrical Power System considering a national, regional, district and bus spatial disaggregation. The methodology developed was based on different kinds of econometric models and end-use models to represent the massification of low carbon emission technologies such as electromobility, electric heating, electric water heating, and distributed generation. In addition, the methodology developed allows for the projection of the electric demand considering different kinds of clients as regulated and non-regulated clients, and different economic sectors. The model was applied to forecast the long-term electricity demand in Chile for the period 2022–2042 for 207 districts and 474 buses. The results include projections under the base case and low carbon scenarios, highlighting the significant influence of new technologies on future demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A double layer membrane humidity sensor was designed with a synergistic effect of force and hygroscopic expansion, capitalizing on the high sensitivity demonstrated by MXene material. This sensitivity was achieved through the modulation of resistance change associated with layer spacing of MXene. The double layer structure of sensor was made by vacuum filtration, with an inner layer of MXene for conductivity and an outer layer of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) for moisture absorption, which is rooted in the MXene through the CNFs, similar to the biomimetic structure of hairs rooted in the skin. The synergistic effect of humidity sensitivity is achieved by trapping and dissociating water molecules through the CNF layer generating a change in MXene stress and disrupting the conductive pathway of MXene upon swelling. The CNF/MXene humidity sensor showed a resistance change rate of 117.93 % from 11 % RH to 98 % RH, accompanied by a response time of 319s and a recovery time of 132s. Stable sensing performance is maintained even after 5 times adsorption and desorption cycling, prolonged exposure (7 days) or bending and folding. CNF/MXene bilayer membrane also has good electrical heating performance, reaching about 80 °C at 7V and maintaining stable performance under 5 cycles of heating and 10 min of long heating, respectively. The CNF/MXene membrane humidity sensor can monitor human respiration monitoring, fingertip humidity, pipeline leakage and artifact dehumidification, and combined with the function of electric heating can realize the cycle of dehumidification and humidity monitoring, which has a wide range of application prospects in flexible equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ electric heating is an important method used to increase production capacity during the extraction of natural gas hydrates. This work numerically evaluated the sensitivity of different heating parameters on gas production behavior with a vertical well depressurization in the Shenhu Sea area hydrate reservoir, the production pressure difference of 4 MPa, and continuous depressurization for 1080 days. The results showed that the in situ electric heating method can effectively enhance production capability by promoting hydrate dissociation and eliminating secondary hydrates. Compared with scenarios without heating, implementing whole wellbore heating (100 W/m) increases cumulative gas production (Vg) by 118.56%. When intermittent heating is applied to the local wellbore (15 m) located in the three-phase layer (with an interval of 30 days) and stops heating in advance at 480 days, there is no significant difference in Vg compared to the whole wellbore heating case, and the cumulative heat input is only 4.76%. We recommend considering intermittent heating of the local wellbore and stopping heating in advance during vertical well depressurization as this approach significantly reduces heating energy consumption while simultaneously improving production capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LDR-50 low-temperature nuclear reactor is designed for the Finnish and European district heating markets, as an environmentally sustainable heating option for the 2030s. While the carbon footprint of conventional electricity-producing reactors is known to be small, there have been no comprehensive studies on the emission reduction potential when the technology is applied to the heating sector. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap by means of life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis. The carbon footprint of the LDR-50 heating plant is evaluated, and compared to conventional heating fuels, direct electric heating, and heat pumps. The results of the analysis show that the life cycle CO2 emissions are low, although there are still significant uncertainties related to the construction phase, due to missing data. In addition to carbon footprint, the analysis is also extended to other adverse environmental impacts. It is concluded that significant reductions in CO2 emissions can be achieved by replacing fossil heating fuels with nuclear energy. The technology is considered a viable option alongside biofuels and heat pumps. The overall environmental impacts are low, and the production does not compete for low-carbon electricity or scarce natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a numerical discrete element model of granule consolidation taking into account only the elastic interaction force. Calculation of electric and temperature fields was added to the model. Granules are considered as a set of nodes with links in between. Using this model, numerical experiments were carried out, the results of which qualitatively show the process of granular material consolidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of convective instability in an internally heated dielectric fluid‐saturated porous layer under the influence of a uniform AC electric field for different types of boundary conditions is investigated. The flow in the porous medium is described by the Brinkman model with fluid viscosity different from effective viscosity. The lower adiabatic and the top with finite heat transfer coefficient to the external environment boundaries are considered to be either rigid or stress‐free. The presence of a uniform volumetric heat source alters the conduction profile of the temperature field from linear to quadratic in the vertical coordinate. A modal linear stability analysis of the basic motionless state is carried out and the general regime of linear instability is investigated by solving the stability eigenvalue problem numerically using the Galerkin method of weighted residual technique. The neutral stability condition as well as the critical value of the thermal Rayleigh number is computed for rigid–rigid, free–free, and rigid–free boundaries for various values of governing parameters. It is seen that the nature of boundaries affect the stability of the system only quantitatively, though not qualitatively. The rigid–rigid boundaries offer a more stabilizing effect against convection in comparison with rigid–free and free–free boundaries. The study found that the effect of increasing thermal electric Rayleigh number and the Darcy number is to hasten the onset of instability, while the opposite trend is perceived with an increase in the ratio of viscosities and Biot number. The outcomes of this investigation are found to be in good agreement with past studies under the limiting cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stochastic equations of hydrodynamic theory of plasma are presened. The article shows that for transfer processes in liquid and gas, on the one hand, and in plasma, on the other hand, there exist sets of stochastic differential equations for substantial quantities based on the equality of measures between deterministic motion and random motion. It is shown that the application of these stochastic equations makes it possible to obtain new theoretical solutions for the occurrence of turbulence also for a plasma as a result of its heating in an external electric field instead of only for a classical gas, as it was proved previously. Theoretical solutions for the conductivity of turbulent plasma during its heating in an external electric field are considered. At a first time taking into account the turbulence parameters theoretical relations for the electron drift velocity and corresponding relations for electron mobility, for the frequency of electron collisions, and for the Coulomb integral are obtained. All theoretical relations are applied to calculate the conductivity during the turbulent heating of plasma in an electric field. Here experiments with hydrogen plasma are being considered. The theoretical explanation of the cause for the existence of a constant conductivity in the field of strength E = 0.6 - 19 V/cm and its fall at 19 < E < 100 V/cm is given. The calculated dependences of plasma conductivity are in satisfactory agreement with experimental data at the electric-field strength in the turbulent region E = 0.6 - 100 V/cm and in the region E < 0.6 V/cm.The equation for the critical electric-field strength is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doped-zirconia finds several applications as strucutral material and in different electrochemical devices; moreover, it is considered a model ceramic system. The consolidation of 3 mol% Y 2 O 3 stabilized ZrO 2 (3YSZ) by rapid sintering (flash processes) has yielded unusual properties like higher hardness and thinner electrochemical grain boundaries. To explore the effect of high heating rate and distinguish it from field-induced phenomena, we investigated and compared UHS (Ultrafast high-temperature sintering) with conventional heating with and without an electric field. The results show that: i) UHS allows ultra-rapid consolidation (<30 s) of YSZ nanopowders (≈20 nm) with a densification pathway different from conventional sintering in terms of microstructural evolution (UHS allows a grain size reduction by more than 60% at a fixed desnity level); ii) the electric field plays a minor role in sintering, microstructure evolution, and properties; iii) UHS does not affect the hardness and the grain boundary electrochemical properties of the sintered bodies. Whereas similarities can be pointed out between UHS and flash-related techniques in terms of accelerated densification and microstructure, the final properties are rather different with UHS YSZ being more similar to conventional sintering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined spatial and temporal thermal performance and energy consumption. The temperature distribution in the running period was monitored in test rooms with integrated electric- and hot water-heated floors. The short- and long-term energy consumption of the two heating systems were recorded and compared. The results indicated that the integrated electric heating system generated higher temperatures for indoor air and on the exterior surface of the wooden floor than the hot water heating system; meanwhile, the difference in the mean temperatures of the exterior and rear surfaces of the electric-heated floor was 2.44 °C, while that of the hot water-heated test room was 13.25 °C. The efficient structure of the integrated electric heating system saved 22.97% energy compared to the hot water system after short-term (7 h) charging and reaching a dynamic balance, and it efficiently increased the energy utilization rate to 11.81%. After long-term charging, the daily energy consumption of the integrated electric heating system consumed much less energy than the hot water system every month. The integrated electric heating system saved 62.55% and 34.30% of energy in May and January, respectively, and consumed less than half of the energy the hot water system consumed in the less cold months. Therefore, a high-efficiency and energy-saving integrated electric-heated floor could be a potential indoor heating solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind power generation has increased in China to achieve the target of decreasing CO2 emissions by 2050, but there are high levels of wind curtailment due to the mismatch between electricity supply and demand. This paper proposes a single-stage air source heat pump coupled with thermal storage for building heating purposes. The main objective is to find the proper system designs and operating strategy, which can help to avoid peak demand periods while obtaining minimized running costs and reduced wind energy curtailment. Dynamic simulations were performed using TRNSYS to investigate its use in a typical office building based on an actual electricity tariff, wind power, and meteorological data. The proper system designs, including the tank size and thermal storage temperature, were determined to maximize the system's performance. It was found that a proper combination of the two parameters exists for a specific application. Further, results showed that the use of auxiliary electric heating is necessary for single-stage air source heat pumps to participate in a wind curtailment reduction. The operating strategy of the system was also studied. Results indicate that by implementing a proper operating strategy, non-renewable power consumption can be reduced by 11% for the studied building, with a total wind power utilization of 3348 kWh during the heating season while still satisfying the heating demands of users. These findings can contribute to the green and low-carbon development of the building industry and further enhance the grid's accommodation capacity for renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Keeping Warm: The History of Heating in the Twentieth Century" by Renan Viguie explores the evolution of heating methods and fuels in France from 1900 to the turn of the century. The book delves into the significance of heating as a marker of comfort, precariousness, and misery, highlighting the changing trends in heating technologies and consumer choices over the decades. Viguie's work sheds light on the societal, economic, and environmental implications of heating practices, offering valuable insights into the everyday lives of individuals and families throughout the twentieth century. [Extracted from the article]

This research focuses on the design of heat dissipation system for lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles, and adopts artificial intelligence optimization algorithm to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the system. By integrating genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization, the research goal is to optimize key design parameters of the cooling system to improve temperature control and extend battery life. In the process of algorithm implementation, genetic algorithm improves the diversity of population through crossover and mutation operations, thus enhancing the global search ability. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) improves local search accuracy and convergence speed by dynamically adjusting inertia weight and learning factor. The effects of different design schemes on heat dissipation performance were systematically evaluated by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The experimental results show that the efficiency of the cooling system is significantly improved after the application of the optimization algorithm, especially in the aspects of temperature distribution uniformity and maximum temperature reduction. The optimization algorithm also successfully shortens the thermal response time of the system and improves the adaptability and stability of the system under different working conditions. The computational complexity and execution time of these algorithms are also analyzed, which proves the efficiency and feasibility of these algorithms in practical applications. This study demonstrates the practicability and effectiveness of artificial intelligence optimization algorithm in the design of heat dissipation system of lithium-ion battery pack for electric vehicles, and provides valuable reference and practical guidance for the progress of heat dissipation technology of electric vehicles in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the modeling and analysis of a high-voltage layer heater (HVLH) designed for environmentally friendly vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), through multiphysics simulations that cover electrical, thermal, and fluid dynamics aspects. Due to the significant expenses and extensive time needed for producing and experimentally characterizing HVLHs, simulation and physical modeling methods are favored in the development stage. This research pioneers the separate modeling of thermal boundary conditions for the heating element (TFE) within the electrical domain, enabling the calculation of Joule heating and the analysis of transient conjugate heat transfer. Moreover, this research initiates the application of transfer function modeling for the HVLH component, expanding its use to the broader context of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The simulation results, which include calculations for Joule heating and temperature fields based on input voltage and flow conditions, closely follow experimental data. The derived transfer function, along with the regression parameters, precisely predicts the dynamic behavior of the system. The simulation-based modeling approach presented in this study significantly advances the design and control of environmentally friendly electric heating systems, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to improve the deicing performance and energy utilization of bridge pylon crossbeams with built-in carbon fiber electric heating (BPB–CFEH). Therefore, a three-dimensional thermal transfer model of BPB–CFEH with one arrangement is established. Two ice-melting regions and two ice-melting stages were set up according to the characteristics of the icing of the crossbeam. The effects of wind speed and ambient temperature on the paving power required to reach the complete melting of the icicles within 8 h were analyzed. The effects of the laying spacing and rated voltage of the carbon fiber heating cable on the melting ice sheet and the thermal exchange of the two regions of the icicle after heating for 8 h were compared. Additionally, its effect on energy utilization of the process from the ice sheet melting stage to the ice column melting stage was analyzed. Ice-melting experiments verified the applicability and reasonableness of the simulated ice-melting calculation formula. The results show that under ambient temperature of −10 °C and wind speed of 4.5–13.5 m/s, the proposed paving power is 817.5–2248.12 W/m2. Increasing the rated voltage and shortening the spacing increases the thermal exchange capacity of the two melting regions. The shortening of the spacing improves the energy utilization rate of the melting stage of the ice sheet to the melting stage of the icicle processes. The difference between the melting time obtained from the formula proposed by numerical simulation and the melting time obtained from indoor tests is about 10 min. This study provides a design basis for the electrothermal ice melting of bridge pylon crossbeams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of functional textiles combining conventional apparel with advanced technologies for personal health management (PHM) has garnered widespread attention. However, the current PHM textiles often achieve multifunctionality by stacking functional modules, leading to poor durability and scalability. Herein, a scalable and robust PHM textile is designed by integrating electrical, radiative, and solar heating, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and piezoresistive sensing performance onto cotton fabric. This is achieved through an uncomplicated screen‐printing process using silver paste. The conductivity of the PHM textile is ≈1.6 × 104 S m−1, ensuring an electric heating temperature of ≈134 °C with a low voltage of 1.7 V, as well as an EMI shielding effectiveness of ≈56 dB, and human motion monitoring performance. Surprisingly, the radiative/solar heating capability of the PHM textile surpasses that of traditional warm leather. Even after undergoing rigorous physical and chemical treatments, the PHM textile maintains terrific durability. Additionally, the PHM textile possesses maneuverable scalability and comfortable wearability. This innovative work opens up new avenues for the strategic design of PHM textiles and provides an advantageous guarantee of mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]