- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Prof. Dr. Isam Janajreh. Khalifa University UAE
- Medium: Online
- ISSN: 1923-7316
- Country: Canada
The International Journal of Thermal and Environmental Engineering (IJTEE) is a high-quality scientific journal devoted to fields of Thermal and Environmental Engineering It aims to provide a highly readable and valuable addition to the literature which will serve as an indispensable reference tool for years to come. The coverage of the journal includes all new theoretical and experimental findings in the fields of Thermal and Environmental Engineering or closely related fields. The journal also encourages the submission of critical review articles covering advances in recent research of such fields as well as technical notes.
INTRODUCTION
The Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board are very committed to build the Journal as one of the leading international journals in Thermal and Environmental Engineering in the next few years. With the support of the International Association for Sharing Knowledge and Sustainability (IASKS), it is expected that a heavy resource to be channeled into the Journal to establish its international reputation. The Journal’s reputation will be enhanced from arrangements with several organizers of international conferences in publishing selected best papers of the conference proceedings. The journal is planning to publish 4 issues per year.
AIMS AND SCOPE
The International Journal of Thermal and Environmental Engineering (IJTEE) is a refereed international journal to be of interest and use to all those concerned with research in various fields of, or closely related to Thermal and Environmental Engineering disciplines. The International Journal of Thermal and Environmental Engineering (IJTEE) aims to provide a highly readable and valuable addition to the literature which will serve as an indispensable reference tool for years to come. The coverage of the journal includes all new theoretical and experimental findings in the fields of Thermal and Environmental Engineering or closely related fields. The journal also encourages the submission of critical review articles covering advances in recent research of such fields as well as technical notes.
Latest Articles of IJTEE
Numerical and Experimental Sensitivity Study of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
IJTEE, Volume-21 , Issue 1 (2024), PP 47 - 54
Published: 09 Oct 2024
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.21.01.006
by Haseeb Bin Yahya, Areeba Muhammad Imran, Yaser Al Swailmeen from Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
Abstract: This study investigates the sensitivity of open-circuit voltage (OCV) in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) stack to variations in methanol flow rate, concentration, and operating temperature both experimentally and numerically. A fourcell DMFC stack with a crossflow inlet configuration was tested using methanol solutions of 0.5–2.0 M under ambient (23 °C) and elevated (80 °C) temperatures. The methanol flow rate was varied from 8 mL/min to 32 mL/min. Results showed that at 1.0 M concentration and 16 mL/min flow rate, the OCV peaked at 3.41 V under ambient conditions. The highest OCV observed overall was 3.48 V at 8 mL/min and 80 °C. However, OCV declined at higher concentrations and flow rates due to intensified methanol crossover. Numerical modeling using MATLAB produced polarization curves based on concentration-dependent exchange currents and limiting current densities. The model matched experimental trends but overestimated performance due to idealized assumptions. The theoretical maximum stack voltage calculated using the Nernst equation was 4.852 V. The corresponding 2nd law efficiency based on Gibbs free energy analysis reached a maximum of 71.7%. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing methanol delivery and thermal conditions to mitigate crossover losses and improve DMFC efficiency. The integrated experimental–numerical framework provides a low-cost method for evaluating practical DMFC performance limitations. read more... read less...
Keywords: Fuel Cell, DMFC, Sensitivity Study, PEM, Methanol Crossover, Open Circuit Voltage
Techno-Economic Assessment of Utility-Scale Wind Power Deployment in the UAE
IJTEE, Volume-21 , Issue 1 (2024), PP 39 - 46
Published: 09 Oct 2024
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.21.01.005
by Areeba Imran and Isam Janajreh from Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
Abstract: Accurate wind resource assessment and turbine selection are essential for the successful integration of large-scale wind energy, particularly in island and coastal regions. This study investigates the techno-economic feasibility of deploying approximately 100 MW wind power installations at three strategically selected sites in the UAE: Masdar City, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Fujairah. Wind speed data collected at multiple elevations in Masdar were analyzed, and Weibull distributions were used to model site-specific wind regimes. Three turbines were evaluated: the 200kW Falkenberg 200 kW vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT), the Vestas V44 600 kW, and the Bonus B54/1000 horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT). Performance was evaluated using key metrics such as capacity factors (CF), annual output, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR). Fujairah showed the highest wind potential, with a mean wind speed of 9.17 m/s and a maximum CF of 45.4% using the 1 MW Bonus turbine. Sir Bani Yas demonstrates moderate wind potential with a CF of 32.7%, while Masdar City exhibits limited feasibility for large-scale wind projects with a CF of 25.1%. Economic analysis indicated that only the Vestas V44 turbine was financially viable at Sir Baniyas and Fujairah, with positive NPV and IRR. An optimized configuration of 173 Vestas V44 turbines at Sir Bani Yas and Fujairah (excluding Masdar) could generate over 270 GWh/year with an annual net cash flow of $7.3 million. This study highlights the importance of detailed site assessment and turbine matching to maximize cost-effective wind energy deployment and supports the UAE’s renewable energy goals. read more... read less...
Keywords: Wind energy, Sustainable development goals (SDG), Wind resource assessment, Techno-economic analysis
Investigating the Feasibility of Using Nuclear-Based PWR through Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production
IJTEE, Volume-21 , Issue 1 (2024), PP 27 - 37
Published: 09 Oct 2024
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.21.01.004
by Mohamed AL Shehhi, Salem Al Shehhi from Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
Abstract: The world is currently grappling with the intensifying effects of climate change from harmful emissions of greenhouse gases. Additionally, there is a dire need to seek alternative fuel solutions due to the rapidly diminishing natural resources. Hydrogen emerges as an economically and environmentally viable and sustainable alternative fuel solution. This paper presents the outcomes of a project that investigated the feasibility of using nuclear-based Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) through the electrolysis technique for hydrogen production. The primary focus of the project is on the Advanced Pressurized Reactor rated 1400 Mwe (APR1400 type) due to the ready availability of hydrogen production facilities, which promise capacity for enhanced energy efficiency coupled with low-carbon emissions. The project thus examined two electrolysis technologies: low-temperature and high-temperature electrolysis, specifically evaluating their environmental and economic implications, as well as their scalability potential. Based on preliminary results, a combination of a nuclear plant’s waste heat and high-temperature electrolysis provides a considerable improvement in hydrogen production efficiency at significantly reduced operational costs. With 0.0324% of APR1400’s thermal capacity, the proposed nuclear plan can produce over 237 million kg of hydrogen annually. The plant’s LCOH of $1.44 involved CAPEX of $0.85 (59%), O&M of $0.45 (31%), and decommissioning of $0.14 (10%). The project thus comprehensively analyzed the economic and technological viability of the proposed nuclear-powered hydrogen production project, fundamentally contributing to and indicating the possibility of a possible shift towards a more sustainable energy solution. read more... read less...
Keywords: Nuclear energy, Hydrogen Production, Electrolysis, Economic analysis, LCOH, KPI analysis
Performance Analysis of a Wind Tower Design for Greenhouse Application: A Case Study in UAE and KSA
IJTEE, Volume-21 , Issue 1 (2024), PP 15 - 24
Published: 09 Oct 2024
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.21.01.003
by Hanna Yousef , Batool Khalaf from Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE
Abstract: This study investigates the performance of a passive evaporative cooling wind tower system for greenhouse applications in hot, arid climates. A simplified analytical model, based on Bahadori's framework, was employed to analyse airflow dynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer within the tower. Climatic conditions from Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Riyadh (KSA) were considered, focusing on the effects of tower height, wind velocity, and ambient humidity. Results indicate that evaporative cooling is the dominant mechanism for temperature reduction, with tower height playing a critical role in performance. In Abu Dhabi, air reaches saturation at 10 m, limiting further cooling, while Riyadh's drier conditions allow continued evaporative cooling up to 15 m. Crop suitability was evaluated by mapping the resulting microclimates to agricultural requirements, providing design recommendations for optimal tower heights. These findings support the use of passive wind towers as sustainable climate control solutions in protected agriculture, tailored to specific regional conditions and align with the UAE and KSA's national sustainability agendas. The study highlights the potential of simple, low-energy cooling strategies to enhance agricultural productivity while reducing reliance on conventional, energy-intensive systems. read more... read less...
Keywords: Wind tower, Evaporative Cooling, Sustainability, Cooling effectiveness, Height optimization, Greenhouse climate
Dynamic Modeling, Simulation and Control of a Methanol Steam Reformer for Hydrogen Production
IJTEE, Volume-21 , Issue 1 (2024), PP 07 - 13
Published: 09 Oct 2024
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.21.01.002
by Dimitris Ipsakis, Symeon Savvopoulos, Panagiotis Karageorgos, Dimitris Trigkas, Panos Seferlise , Simira Papadopoulou, and Spyros Voutetakis from School of Production Engineering & Management, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece - Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, Thermi-Thessaloniki, Greece - Center for Membrane and Advanced Water Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Department of Industrial Engineering & Management, International Hellenic University, Sindos-Thessaloniki, Greece e Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Abstract: In this study a control-oriented mathematical model for a catalytic reactor suited for the steam reforming of methanol towards rich hydrogen production is presented. The model consists of partial differential equations that capture the concentration (or equivalently mass) and temperature time variation, by including a validated reaction kinetics scheme from a previous work. Based on this model, sensitivity analysis is performed with an aim to elucidate the effect of key process variables on the reformer’s temperature and hydrogen production. As will be shown, the feed ratios of steam/methanol and oxygen/methanol affect significantly the reformer’s temperature and hydrogen production and are selected as manipulated variables in our control analysis. The latter, is developed on the basis of comparing two PID controllers versus a model predictive controller (MPC) that is used to regulate simultaneously the operating temperature and hydrogen production (set-point tracking and disturbance rejection). Overall, this study can be used in control-oriented advanced schemes that can lead to the efficient production of energy carriers via cost friendly feedstock. read more... read less...
Keywords: dynamic modeling, model predictive control (MPC), PID control, hydrogen, autothermal steam reforming
Experimental and Computational Investigation of Jet Impingement Cooling for Gas Turbine Blades
IJTEE, Volume-21 , Issue 1 (2024), PP 01 - 05
Published: 09 Oct 2024
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.21.01.001
by Mohammed Aldhaheri, Khamis Humaid, Abdulraman Al-Ali , Adel Sumjatha from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abstract: Gas turbines are widely used in power generation and aviation industries due to their high efficiency and reliability. However, their performance is significantly affected by thermal loads, making effective cooling strategies essential for maintaining operational integrity. This study explores state-of-the-art cooling techniques for gas turbine components, focusing on impingement jet cooling. Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as well as experiments were performed to test the effect of mass flow rate, inlet jet width and its position on the cooling performance. Three key parameters were examined: average cavity wall temperature, outlet temperature, and the average Nusselt number. The model was exposed to a continuous heat flux and the cavity temperature measurements were recorded. Results indicated that the lowest average cavity wall temperature was achieved at the smallest inlet width and highest mass flow rate, with mass flow rate as the most significant factor. read more... read less...
Keywords: Gas turbines, Jet impingement Cooling, Turbine efficiency, CFD, Heat transfer enhancement
Analysis and Sensitivity Studies on Thermoacoustic Engine Stack Temperature Profile Development
IJTEE, Volume-20 , Issue 1 (2023), PP 35 - 39
Published: 12 Oct 2023
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.20.01.006
by Timileyin Aworinde, Alfiya Simran, Isam Janajreh from Mechanical Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abstract: Thermoacoustic engines are devices that convert thermal energy to acoustic energy using the Stirling cycle principle. They have wide importance in refrigeration and power generation, therefore there has been intensified research in this area. High focus has particularly been on exploring ways to improve the efficiency of the thermoacoustic engine, the non- linearity of the temperature profile developed across the stack of the engine poses a hindrance to the efficiency of the engine because the thermal gradient across the stack greatly affects the performance of the engine. This work therefore investigates possible pathways for improving the linearity of the temperature gradient across the stack. Two methods of heating the engines are investigated, namely top heating and side heating. For the former the heat is supplied externally at the top of the resonator while in the latter is done internally at the sides of the stack. Different stack materials and fluid medium are also varied to observe their influence on the temperature gradient across the stack. The results of the conducted analysis show that the internal heating condition has a higher tendency to produce a linear temperature gradient across the stack compared to the top heating. The variation of stack materials shows that the linearity of the temperature gradient of the stack increases with the thermal conductivity of the stack materials as materials with very high thermal conductivities (e.g., diamond) produced a perfectly linear temperature gradient across the stack. For the fluid medium, it is also seen that the linearity of the temperature gradient across the stack improves with increase in specific heat and thermal conductivity of the fluid medium with helium giving the most linear gradient of all the medium investigated. read more... read less...
Keywords: Thermoacoustic engine, thermoacoustic refrigerator, stack heating, stack materials, CFD
Thermal Catalysis Effects of Ca(NO₃)₂, Mg(NO₃) ₂, KNO₃, and Fe(NO₃)₃ on Olive Mill Solid Waste
IJTEE, Volume-20 , Issue 1 (2023), PP 29 - 33
Published: 12 Oct 2023
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.20.01.005
by Islam Alkahder and Reyad A. Shawabkeh from Chemical Engineering Department, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
Abstract: Thermogravimetric Analysis - Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA-DSC) was employed in this study to investigate the thermal characteristics of olive mill solid waste (OMSW) both alone and in conjunction with six different compositions of Ca(NO₃)₂, Mg(NO₃)₂, KNO₃, and Fe(NO₃)₃. Emphasis was placed on assessing the impact of these compositions on the thermal behavior and heat flow. The analyses of TGA–DSC for the seven samples, conducted at a 10 K/min heating rate, revealed that the thermal decomposition of the OMSW occurred in three stages corresponding to the removal of water, devolatilization, and the formation of bio-char. Particularly noteworthy was the observation of complete combustion events between approximately 155°C and 240°C for four samples with distinct compositions during TGA testing. These findings underscore the significant influence of nitrate salt compositions on the thermal behavior of OMSW. The insights derived from this study contribute to the optimization of waste-to-energy processes and the refinement of thermal treatment protocols for sustainable OMSW management. read more... read less...
Keywords: Thermogravimetric Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Olive mill solid waste, Thermal behavior
Optimizing Gas Turbine Performance: Influence of Angle of Attack and Mist Cooling
IJTEE, Volume-20 , Issue 1 (2023), PP 21 - 28
Published: 12 Oct 2023
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.20.01.004
by Omar Nasro, Said ELTurk, Isam Janajreh from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abstract: This work presents a comparative study of the flow over a gas turbine blade aimed at enhancing turbine performance. The study focuses on determining the optimal angle of attack of the fluid and implementing internal turbine blade cooling. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was employed under varying parameters, including fixed and rotating turbine blade conditions. Precise analysis of temperature and pressure coefficient distributions, as well as torque, enthalpy, thermodynamic power, flow velocity, and mass flow rate were conducted for each setup. Results indicate that the optimal flow attack angle is 60°. Subsequently, mist cooling was simulated as an internal cooling method at the optimum attack angle to examine its effect on blade temperature distribution. Simulation outcomes suggest that implementing mist cooling enhances temperature distribution over the blade and improves turbine performance. read more... read less...
Keywords: Turbine Blades, Turbine Cooling, Gas Turbine, Internal Cooling, Mist Cooling, CFD
Single plate analysis of thermoacoustic refrigerator
IJTEE, Volume-20 , Issue 1 (2023), PP 13 - 19
Published: 07 Feb 2023
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.20.01.003
by Omar Al-Mufti and Isam Janajreh from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abstract: Thermoacoustic refrigerator (TAR) or heat pump is a device that uses acoustic sound to pump heat from a lower temperature reservoir. The most distinct feature of thermoacoustic systems is that they do not have moving parts, which makes them reliable with no to low maintenance. TAR can be driven using thermoacoustic engine (TAE) in which the later can be sustainably operated utilizing waste heat or concentrated solar. Also, in contrary to conventional refrigeration methods, TARs do not use environmentally harmful gasses. In this work, a high-fidelity localized model is developed to simulate the flow in a standing wave (straight tabular) thermoacoustic refrigerator. In this localized analysis a subsection domain that runs through two stack halves and stretches nearly 1.5 stack length at each side is considered. The acoustic waves were simulated using oscillating walls at the two domain limits at a given resonance frequency. The model compared favorably to previous experimental and numerical findings. The analysis was done for drive ratios in range of 0.28% to 2%. A 3.2 oC temperature difference is produced at the 2% drive ratio compared to 0.5 oC at the 0.28% ratio. Higher difference can be achieved at higher drive ratio and also larger stack length. read more... read less...
Keywords: Numerical modeling, Thermoacoustic, Refrigerator, Drive ratio, CFD
Thermal Comfort Analysis of Wind Tower Greenhouse Integration System using Ansys
IJTEE, Volume-20 , Issue 1 (2023), PP 07 - 12
Published: 07 Feb 2023
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.20.01.002
by Sameer Khan, Ruqiya Abdullah Farah, Isam Janajreh from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abstract: Increasing urbanization, a shortage of arable land, and climate change-related weather extremes are some of the challenges facing the production of global food and agriculture due to the estimated global population of 9.6 billion by 2050. As a result, improvements in greenhouse technology and modifications pushed science-based solutions for optimal plant production in all seasons worldwide by adjusting internal climate growing factors. By using passive technology coupled with evaporation cooling from wind towers, significant amounts of energy can be saved, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. In this study, the effect of wind tower greenhouse integration on the micro-climatic conditions inside the greenhouse is modeled and simulated. The model is governed by the non-isothermal Navier-Stokes flow in heat, viscous and turbulent flow regimes. The effect of various parameters such as airflow velocity, relative humidity, and temperature in the greenhouse is studied as well as the effect of mist flow rate, and the position of the injector in the wind tower. The results show the optimal design of the greenhouse wind tower integrated system based on the desired temperature and relative humidity within the greenhouse. The final model selected was the flat slope geometry greenhouse with a temperature value of 29.839792°C and relative humidity of 68.34%. read more... read less...
Keywords: Ansys, Evaporative Cooling, Greenhouse, Wind tower
Experimental Study on the Effect of Water as a Working Fluid in Aluminium Heat Pipes
IJTEE, Volume-20 , Issue 1 (2023), PP 01 - 05
Published: 07 Feb 2023
DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.20.01.001
by Salman Hemayet Uddin, Md. Islam, Firas Jarrar, Isam Janajreh from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abstract: Thermal management of machines and electronic devices is a matter of high importance. Cooling of electronics becomes much more sensitive in applications related to space because of the difficult constraints and environment. The weight and size are very important parameters as well as the efficiency of the cooling method and heat pipes are considered a very suitable option because of its passive operation and light weight. Different working fluids can be used in a heat pipe but the compatibility of the casing material with the working fluid is a very important parameter. Water aluminum heat pipes are not a common option because they react at temperatures starting from 294 K. In this research the effect of water in the degradation of the performance of aluminum heat pipes is studied. A suitable operation range for the heat load is considered. It is found that at higher loads, the performance of the heat pipe decreased but with the addition of nano particles the performance was compensated by a large measure. read more... read less...
Keywords: Aluminum water heat pipe, Grooved Heat pipe, Hydrogen formation in heat pipe, Nanoparticles