Jie Zhu

Bio: Jie Zhu is an academic researcher from University of Nottingham. The author has contributed to research in topics: Heat transfer & Evaporative cooler. The author has an hindex of 22, co-authored 60 publications receiving 1589 citations. Previous affiliations of Jie Zhu include Loughborough University & University of Science and Technology Beijing.

A comprehensive review of thermoelectric technology: materials, applications, modelling and performance improvement

Abstract: Thermoelectric (TE) technology is regarded as alternative and environmentally friendly technology for harvesting and recovering heat which is directly converted into electrical energy using thermoelectric generators (TEG). Conversely, Peltier coolers and heaters are utilized to convert electrical energy into heat energy for cooling and heating purposes The main challenge lying behind the TE technology is the low efficiency of these devices mainly due to low figure of merit (ZT) of the materials used in making them as well as improper setting of the TE systems. The objective of this work is to carry out a comprehensive review of TE technology encompassing the materials, applications, modelling techniques and performance improvement. The paper has covered a wide range of topics related to TE technology subject area including the output power conditioning techniques. The review reveals some important critical aspects regarding TE device application and performance improvement. It is observed that the intensified research into TE technology has led to an outstanding increase in ZT, rendering the use TE devices in diversified application a reality. Not only does the TE material research and TE device geometrical adjustment contributed to TE device performance improvement, but also the use of advanced TE mathematical models which have facilitated appropriate segmentation TE modules using different materials and design of integrated TE devices. TE devices are observed to have booming applications in cooling, heating, electric power generation as well as hybrid applications. With the generation of electric energy using TEG, not only does the waste heat provide heat source but also other energy sources like solar, geothermal, biomass, infra-red radiation have gained increased utilization in TE based systems. However, the main challenge remains in striking the balance between the conflicting parameters; ZT and power factor, when designing and optimizing advanced TE materials. Hence more research is necessary to overcome this and other challenge so that the performance TE device can be improved further.

Review of passive solar heating and cooling technologies

Abstract: Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) are parts of the major energy consumption in a building. Conventional heating and cooling systems are having an impact on carbon dioxide emissions, as well as on security of energy supply. In this regard, one of the attempts taken by researchers is the development of solar heating and cooling technologies. The objective of this paper is to review the passive solar technologies for space heating and cooling. The reviews were discussed according to the working mechanisms, i.e. buoyancy and evaporative effects. The advantages, limitations and challenges of the technologies have been highlighted and the future research needs in these areas have also been suggested.

A comprehensive review on 2D and 3D models of vertical ground heat exchangers

Abstract: The ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) have been extensively applied to commercial and residential buildings owing to their high-energy efficiencies and low running costs. The key component of the GSHP is a ground heat exchanger (GHE). The state-of-the-art two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) heat transfer models for borehole heat exchanger (BHE) and energy pile (EP) systems are reviewed in this paper. The physical procedures of heat transfer and the derivation of energy conservation within different channels of BHE (e.g., U-, W-, helical-shaped or coaxial-shaped) are summarized, in addition to the primary merits and demerits of each model. The main influencing factors on 2D and 3D model solutions including axial heat transfer, friction heat, spacing shack, thermal resistance, thermal short-circuiting between the inlet-pipe and outlet-pipe, are analysed and compared. Furthermore, various applications of these 2D and 3D models are elaborated. Finally, the recommendations, standpoints and potential future research on BHE heat transfer model are highlighted. It is believed that the work presented will contribute to the record of information and experiences necessary to develop BHEs for GSHP systems.

Convection Heat Transfer

Abstract: Geometry: shape, size, aspect ratio and orientation Flow Type: forced, natural, laminar, turbulent, internal, external Boundary: isothermal (Tw = constant) or isoflux (q̇w = constant) Fluid Type: viscous oil, water, gases or liquid metals Properties: all properties determined at film temperature Tf = (Tw + T∞)/2 Note: ρ and ν ∝ 1/Patm ⇒ see Q12-40 density: ρ ((kg/m) specific heat: Cp (J/kg ·K) dynamic viscosity: μ, (N · s/m) kinematic viscosity: ν ≡ μ/ρ (m/s) thermal conductivity: k, (W/m ·K) thermal diffusivity: α, ≡ k/(ρ · Cp) (m/s) Prandtl number: Pr, ≡ ν/α (−−) volumetric compressibility: β, (1/K)