Advancements in Thermal Energy Systems: Bridging Traditional and Emerging Technologies

Thermal energy systems are a cornerstone of energy technology, playing a vital role in the conversion of heat energy into work and transferring heat between different mediums. This expansive field encompasses various sub-disciplines, including waste heat recovery, advanced thermodynamic cycles, and the development of renewable power and fuels. The urgency of addressing climate change and achieving carbon neutrality has intensified the focus on creating efficient, sustainable, and clean thermal energy systems.

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of innovative technologies such as enhanced heat transfer mechanisms and the optimization of heat and power cogeneration systems. Despite these advancements, there remains a pressing need to further integrate thermal energy systems with renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal energy, which could revolutionize the energy landscape by merging traditional and emerging energy paradigms. The field continues to evolve, underscoring its critical role in fulfilling the global demand for efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.

This Research Topic aims to explore recent advances and future perspectives in thermal energy systems. The primary objective is to gather insights from experts across multidisciplinary fields to reflect on past achievements, highlight novel developments, and discuss future directions. By addressing key questions and testing hypotheses related to the integration and optimization of thermal energy systems, this Research Topic seeks to stimulate discussion and foster collaborations that will drive innovation in the field.

We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Thermal energy systems analysis
• Applications of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science in thermal energy systems
• Experimental and numerical analysis of renewable thermal energy systems
• Environmental protection through the development of clean thermal energy systems
• Integration of renewable energy sources into thermal energy systems
• Process integration and optimization of thermal cycles and processes
• Computer-aided process modeling and simulation for thermal systems
• Process design of thermal devices and equipment
• Process control and dynamics of thermal energy systems
• Planning and management of thermal energy systems.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Thermal Energy Systems, Thermal Technologies, Process Design, Optimization, Modeling, Simulation, System Development, Thermal Cycles, Life Cycle Assessment, Energy Systems Analysis, Energy Measurement, Heat and Mass Transfer, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.