Thermal Energy Applications in Mechanical Engineering: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

This comprehensive study examines the recent advances and applications of thermal energy systems in mechanical engineering. It systematically analyzes breakthrough developments in thermal management, energy conversion systems, and sustainable heat transfer technologies. Through systematic literature analysis of several recent publications, this study identifies key application areas including latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES), waste heat recovery systems, pumped thermal energy storage (PTES), and advanced thermal management solutions. Key findings highlight significant improvements in system efficiency with LHTES systems achieving energy efficiency of 38.5%, PTES systems reaching round-trip efficiency of 58.97%, and mobile thermochemical energy storage systems demonstrating 53% average round-trip efficiency. Critical research gaps including system integration, scalability of phase change materials (PCMs), durability of thermochemical storage materials, and techno-economic viability were discussed, while proposing future directions for thermal energy applications in Industry 4.0 environments, renewable energy integration, and sustainable manufacturing processes.