Name
Li CHEN

Email

Affiliation
Xi’an Jiaotong University

Title
Topology optimization of heat and mass transfer: models and applications

Abstract
Optimizing structures to enhance heat and mass transfer is a hot research topic. Compared with conventional structural optimization methods such as size, shape and bio-inspired optimization methods, the topology optimization method with highest design freedom can design structures that go beyond human intuition or existing natural structures. During the past 10 years, we have developed topology optimization method for heat and mass transfer based on the adjoint method and the theory of porous flow. We also have developed multi-scale topology optimization method by coupling pore-scale models and macroscopic models. The topology optimization method is then adopted to enhance heat and mass transfer related to chip cooling, fuel cells, energy storage, etc. Novel structures, which usually present the features of porous media, with lower flow and heat resistance are designed and validated.

Short Bio

Li Chen is a full Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) China. He obtained his PhD in Engineering Thermophysics at XJTU in 2013, followed by a Director’s Postdoc at Los Alamos National Lab from 2013 to 2016. He was the winner of Young Scientist Award of Asian Union of Thermal Science and Engineering. His research focuses on transport phenomena in porous media with background of fuel cells, flow battery, CO2 storage and hydrocarbon resource exploitation. Particularly, he has developed pore-scale models and multiscale models for coupled multiphase flow, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction, solid precipitation-dissolution (melting-solidification) processes in porous media. During the past ten years, his research particularly focuses on developing topology optimization method for heat and mass transfer, which can design novel structures beyond human intuition or existing natural structures. Up to now, he has published 146 SCI papers in a variety of top journals, including Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, Small, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Power Sources, Applied Energy, Electrochimica Acta, Energy, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Journal of Computational Physics, Physical Review E, Langmuir, Nano Energy, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Fuel, Water Resources Research, etc. Furthermore, his research has also resulted in over 40 conference presentations (including 32 keynote or invited talks), 16 patents and 8 software copyrights. He is in the editor board of two international journals, and is also in the young editor board of Advances in Applied Energy. He is in the academic committees of three international conferences.

Name
Simone MANCIN

Email

Affiliation
Università degli Studi di Padova

Title
Metal Foams for Heat Transfer Applications: Will it Remain Just a Good Idea?

Abstract
Metal foams are a class of cellular structured materials with open cells randomly oriented and mostly homogeneous in size and shape. These materials are among the most promising enhanced surfaces by virtue of their intrinsic multifunctional features: high heat transfer area to volume ratio, good stiffness and strength, and enhanced flow mixing capability. Open-cell foams have been proposed as enhanced surfaces in compact heat exchangers for airborne equipment, air-cooled condensers for air conditioning and refrigeration systems, and compact heat sinks for power electronics. At present, the application of metal foams as enhanced heat transfer surfaces remains limited to a few niche aerospace programs and other expensive and high-tech solutions. Further research is necessary to characterize the heat transfer and fluid flow properties of these cellular structured materials such that heat exchange components can be appropriately designed to take advantage of their favorable inherent characteristics at reasonable cost. The speaker will present the research programs on this topic undertaken at the Thermal Energy Innovation Research lab (TEI) at the University of Padova.
The talk will briefly review the current research activities of the TEI Lab, then focus attention on the heat transfer and fluid flow behavior of metal foams. The speaker will describe the heat transfer and pressure measurements carried out during air forced convection through a comprehensive set of aluminum and copper foam samples with different geometrical and structural characteristics. This work permits understanding of how each geometrical parameter affects the heat transfer and fluid flow phenomena. Then, the talk will present the semi-empirical models developed to estimate the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop, which allow optimization of the metal foam layer for any given application.

Short Bio
Simone Mancin is a Professor of Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer at the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Padova, Italy. He is the Director of the Thermal Energy Innovation (TEI) research group, where research activities focus on advanced solutions for single- and two-phase heat transfer using Additive Manufacturing (AM), Topology Optimisation (TO), and AI. The TEI group also investigates innovative heat transfer solutions for Thermal Energy Storage systems using both Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and Thermochemical Materials (TCMs). He is the author or co-author of approximately 250 papers, most of which are published in international scientific journals. He serves as Associate Editor of HEDH, the Journal of Energy Storage, Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, and Heat Transfer Research, and is a member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Thermofluids and Energies.

Name
Christos N. Markides

Email
c.markides@imperial.ac.uk

Affiliation
Imperial College London

Title
Detailed multiphysics measurements in confined flows with phase-change and reaction

Abstract
Multiphase flows present the experimentalist with a unique set of challenges, such as restricted (often sub-mm) fluid domains with moving and complex interfaces, across which phases have large refractive index changes, leading to optical distortions. Experimental techniques based on optical measurement principles can be applied, but further development is necessary for reliable data to be obtained. Once developed, these techniques can provide information with high spatiotemporal resolution on important scalar (e.g., temperature, concentration, phase) and vector (e.g., velocity) fields in relevant flows, as well as on interfacial characteristics and dynamics.
In this talk, we will present and discuss recent efforts to develop and apply a range of laser-based, infrared and other optical diagnostic techniques to confined two-phase flows with phase change and reaction. We will cover the deployment of simultaneous techniques for the generation of multiphysics and multiscale information, and discuss the specific challenges faced when attempting to perform such measurements. This information is enabling an increasingly complete fundamental understanding of related phenomena, and the improved design of relevant devices, technologies and systems.

Short Bio
Christos Markides is Professor of Clean Energy Technologies, Head of the Clean Energy Processes Laboratory, and leads the Experimental Multiphase Flow Laboratory, which is the largest experimental space of its kind at Imperial College London. He is also, amongst other, Editor-in-Chief of journal Applied Thermal Engineering and founding Editor-in-Chief of new journal AI Thermal Fluids. He specialises in applied thermodynamics, fluid flow and heat/mass transfer processes in high-performance devices, technologies and systems for thermal-energy recovery, utilisation, conversion or storage. He has authored >440 journal and >350 conference articles on topics related to this talk. He has won multiple awards, including IMechE’s ‘Donald J. Groen’ outstanding paper prize in 2016, IChemE’s ‘Global Award for Best Research Project' in 2018, IChemE’s ‘Clean Energy Medal’ in 2025, and received Imperial College’s President Award for Research Excellence in 2017. He has an interest in technology transfer, innovation and commercialisation, most recently as a founding Director of Solar Flow.

Name
David Smeulders

Email
d.m.j.smeulders@tue.nl

Affiliation
Eindhoven University of Technology

Title
Heat storage on reactor scale: theory and experiments

Abstract
Thermochemical materials (TCM) store thermal energy through a reversible chemical reaction in which heat is required to release a previously absorbed sorbate, for example water. The reverse reaction then releases heat. The sorption and desorption takes place in a reactor filled with porous TCM tablets. Through the reactor either hot dry air (for charging the tablets) or cold humid air (for discharging the tablets and heating the air) is pumped. The heat and humidity transfer between the porous material and the air is modeled with conventional convection-diffusion equations. Neutron and CT tomography experiments were carried out to visualize flow patterns and tablet deformations. Considerable volume changes of the tablets occurred during cyclic water hydration and dehydration. The swelling behaviour was subsequently incorporated in the theoretical model. The reactor was also equipped with eight temperature sensors. It was found that the propagating reaction front was well predicted by the model but that there was only limited use for CT measurements to assess the water absorption of the TCM tablets. However, CT measurements were perfectly able to reveal crack formation in the tablets which both affects water absorption and tablet integrity.

Short Bio
Professor David Smeulders holds a MSc from Delft University of Technology in Aerospace engineering and a PhD in Physics from Eindhoven University of Technology. Between 1992 and 2010 he worked at the Civil Engineering and Geosciences Department at Delft University of Technology, where he was also scientific director of the Geotechnology Laboratory. In 2010 he was appointed full professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department at Eindhoven University of Technology, where he currently chairs the Energy Technology group. He is (co)-author of more than 200 scientific publications and member of the Dutch national ‘topsector’ board TKI New Gas, Scientific Director of 4TU.Energy and member of the NWO DeepNL research program committee. He was member of the sounding board to the Dutch parliamentary enquiry of the Groningen gas field.

Name
Jan Taler

Email
jan.taler@pk.edu.pl

Affiliation
Cracow University of Technology

Title
CFD-Based Determination of Air-Side Heat Transfer Coefficients in Plate-Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchangers: A Three-Method Comparison with Row-Wise Experimental Validation

Abstract
In compact plate-fin-tube heat exchangers (PFTHEs), the air-side heat transfer coefficient is often described using exchanger-averaged correlations, even though the flow field varies across the tube rows. This can mask inter-row differences in local convection and reduce the accuracy of 0D/1D performance models. We present a row-wise method for obtaining the air-side heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number from CFD, using the NTU model with fin efficiency. Three CFD thermal modeling strategies are compared. They differ in the thermal boundary conditions applied to the tube-fin system and in the representation of the fluid-side resistance and the thermal resistance at the tube-fin interface. We evaluate sensitivity to these assumptions, including mesh-independence tests for the most demanding cases. CFD-based row coefficients are evaluated using measurements from a wind tunnel designed for row-by-row identification, with independent measurements of water-side flow and temperature for each row, energy balance corrections for the air-side, and uncertainty estimates provided as confidence intervals. The results identify trends between rows and support the interpretation of increased heat transfer in the last row for selected Reynolds number ranges. Finally, correlations, Nu(Re, Pr), are presented, along with guidance on selecting a CFD extraction method for prediction or use in engineering models.

Short Bio
Jan Taler is a full Professor at the Cracow University of Technology. His main fields of activity are mechanical engineering and thermal power engineering. He is the Head of the Energy Department at the Faculty of Environmental and Energy Engineering. He has held many elected positions, among others, a Member of the Polish Academy of Sciences since 2020, a Member of the Council for Scientific Excellence (Poland) in the cadence 2019-2023, and a Member of the Scientific Council of the International Centre for Heat and Mass Transfer, Ankara/Turkey, since 2018.
His researches in the field of heat transfer engineering and thermal power engineering encompass inverse heat conduction problems, measurement of heat flux and heat transfer coefficient, ash fouling and slagging in steam boilers, boiler dynamics of large steam boilers, numerical modelling of heat exchangers, including superheaters working under steady-state and unsteady conditions, thermal stresses, structural analysis of power plant equipment by the Finite Element Analysis (FEM), monitoring of power boilers, remnant life of pressure elements of boilers working under creep conditions, CFD modelling of heat exchangers, and determination of heat transfer correlations based on the CFD modelling of heat exchangers.
Professor Jan Taler's scientific output includes over 450 publications, 160 indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. He has an Hirsch index of 33, according to the Scopus database. The number of citations of his papers in the Scopus database is 4,200. He is the author or co-author of 12 books, including J. Taler, P. Duda, Solving Direct and Inverse Heat Conduction Problems, Springer, Berlin, 2006; J. Taler et al., Monitoring of Thermal Stresses and Heating Optimization Including Industrial Applications, Nova Science, New York 2016; R. Venkata Rao, J. Taler (Editors), Advanced Engineering Optimization Through Intelligent Techniques, Springer, Berlin 2019, 857 pages and Berlin 2023, 724 pages. A significant scientific achievement of Professor Taler is 11 chapters of about 200 pages in the 11-volume Encyclopedia of Thermal Stresses, Springer, Berlin 2014, edited by Professor Richard Hetnarski.

Name
Changying Zhao

Email
changying.zhao@sjtu.edu.cn

Affiliation
Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Title
Multiscale Heat and Mass Transfer in Porous Media

Abstract
Heat and mass transfer in porous media is ubiquitous in energy systems. However, elucidating its mechanisms is hindered by complex cross-scale interactions, primarily involving liquid-vapor interfacial dynamics and fluid-solid interactions. Phase-change heat transfer in porous media is investigated from the macroscale to the microscale. For liquid film boiling, synergistic micro-nano effects on capillary resupply and nucleation density are identified, an optimal wick thickness is determined, and LBM simulations demonstrate that TPMS wicks outperform micropillar arrays with superior dryout resistance at high heat fluxes due to their 3D-connected saddle-surface topology that balances capillary and evaporation limits. Furthermore, regarding reactive heat and mass transfer, multiscale challenges in energy storage are addressed. By bridging macroscopic multiphysics and mesoscale dynamic pore evolution, effective transport capabilities are dynamically predicted. Microscopically, lattices are defined as "nanoscale porous media," where nanoscale defects enhance reactivity and solar absorption but critically intensify phonon scattering, impeding intrinsic thermal conduction. In solid-state hydrogen storage, microscopic atomic jumps are linked to macroscopic behaviors by combining transition state theory with Deep Potential Molecular Dynamics to derive diffusion coefficients.

Short Bio
Prof. Changying Zhao is the Chair Professor and the Director of the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Prof. Zhao is the Principal Investigator for quite a few major research projects sponsored by Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Prof. Zhao's research interests mainly cover micro/nano scale thermal radiation and metamaterial energy devices, advanced thermal energy storage and hydrogen storage, and phase heat transfer in porous media. He has published over 300 papers in peer-reviewed high quality journals like Nature Materials, Physical Review Letters, Nano Letters, IJHMT, Annual Review of Heat Transfer, Energy and Environmental Science, etc., which are cited more than 25000 times in total. Prof. Zhao has also been elected as one of the Most Cited Chinese Researchers by EIsevier every year since 2014. He was awarded the Wiliam Begell Medal in 2023 for Excellence in Thermal Science and Engineering, the “Prominent Research Award” in 2024, the Shanghai Natural Science Award (First Class) by Shanghai Municipal Government in 2020, and the Best Paper Award of the ASME Micro/Nanoscale Heat and Mass Transfer International Conference for twice, in 2013 and 2019, respectively. Prof. Zhao is the Founding Fellow and Executive Board Member of Asian Union of Thermal Science and Engineering (AUTSE), Vice-Director of the Heat and Mass Transfer Society of China. He is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of Carbon Neutrality (IF:12.5), Associate Editor of Thermal Science and Engineering Progress (IF:5.6), as well as Editorial Board Members of several other international journals.