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Analytical and experimental study of an innovative multiple-throughout-flowing micro-channel-panels-array for a solar-powered rural house space heating system (2019)
Journal Article
Fan, Y., Zhao, X., Li, G., Cheng, Y., Zhou, J., Yu, M., Du, Z., Ji, J., Zhu, Z., Diallo, T., & Ma, X. (2019). Analytical and experimental study of an innovative multiple-throughout-flowing micro-channel-panels-array for a solar-powered rural house space heating system. Energy, 171, 566-580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.049

This paper presents a combined analytical and experimental study of an innovative multiple-throughout-flowing micro-channel-panels-array applicable to a solar-powered rural house space heating system. This array, compared to the traditional one-to-on... Read More about Analytical and experimental study of an innovative multiple-throughout-flowing micro-channel-panels-array for a solar-powered rural house space heating system.

Experimental and analytic study of a hybrid solar/biomass rural heating system (2019)
Journal Article
Zhang, X., Yang, J., Fan, Y., Zhao, X., Yan, R., Zhao, J., & Myers, S. (2019). Experimental and analytic study of a hybrid solar/biomass rural heating system. Energy, 116392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.116392

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd This paper presents a dedicated analytic and experimental study of a hybrid solar/biomass space heating system incorporating a micro-channel solar thermal panels-array, a biomass boiler and a dedicated control algorithm. This syst... Read More about Experimental and analytic study of a hybrid solar/biomass rural heating system.

Energy performance analysis of a novel solar PVT loop heat pipe employing a microchannel heat pipe evaporator and a PCM triple heat exchanger (2018)
Journal Article
Diallo, T. M., Yu, M., Zhou, J., Zhao, X., Shittu, S., Li, G., Ji, J., & Hardy, D. (2019). Energy performance analysis of a novel solar PVT loop heat pipe employing a microchannel heat pipe evaporator and a PCM triple heat exchanger. Energy, 167, 866-888. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.10.192

This study presents a numerical analysis of the energy efficiency for a novel solar PVT Loop Heat Pipe (PVT-LHP) employing a novel Micro-channel evaporator and a novel PCM heat storage exchanger. It presents a description of the different sub-models... Read More about Energy performance analysis of a novel solar PVT loop heat pipe employing a microchannel heat pipe evaporator and a PCM triple heat exchanger.

Thermal performance enhancement of a cross-flow-type maisotsenko heat and mass exchanger using various nanofluids (2018)
Journal Article
Tariq, R., Zhan, C., Sheikh, N. A., & Zhao, X. (2018). Thermal performance enhancement of a cross-flow-type maisotsenko heat and mass exchanger using various nanofluids. Energies, 11(10), 2656. https://doi.org/10.3390/en11102656

© 2018 by the authors. The incorporation of a Maisotsenko (M) Cycle into an indirect evaporative cooler has led to the achievement of sub-wet bulb temperature without any humidification, thus making it a possible green and sustainable alternative for... Read More about Thermal performance enhancement of a cross-flow-type maisotsenko heat and mass exchanger using various nanofluids.

Series of detail comparison and optimization of thermoelectric element geometry considering the PV effect (2018)
Journal Article
Shittu, S., Li, G., Zhao, X., & Ma, X. (2019). Series of detail comparison and optimization of thermoelectric element geometry considering the PV effect. Renewable energy, 130, 930-942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.07.002

This study investigates the optimum geometry for maximum efficiency of a hybrid PV-TE uni-couple using Finite Element Method. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to solve the 3-Dimensional heat transfer equations considering thermoelectric materials with tem... Read More about Series of detail comparison and optimization of thermoelectric element geometry considering the PV effect.

Performance analysis and discussion on the thermoelectric element footprint for PV–TE maximum power generation (2018)
Journal Article
Li, G., Zhao, X., Jin, Y., Chen, X., Ji, J., & Shittu, S. (2018). Performance analysis and discussion on the thermoelectric element footprint for PV–TE maximum power generation. Journal of electronic materials, 47(9), 5344-5351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-018-6421-4

Geometrical optimisation is a valuable way to improve the efficiency of a thermoelectric element (TE). In a hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric (PV-TE) system, the photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) components have a relatively complex relation... Read More about Performance analysis and discussion on the thermoelectric element footprint for PV–TE maximum power generation.

Numerical study of a regenerative counter flow evaporative cooler using alumina nanoparticles in wet channel (2018)
Journal Article
Sheikh, N. A., Tariq, R., Zhan, C., Zhao, X., & Sheikh, N. A. (2018). Numerical study of a regenerative counter flow evaporative cooler using alumina nanoparticles in wet channel. Energy and Buildings, 169, 430-443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2018.03.086

The use of Maisotsenko Cycle (M-Cycle) has enhanced the domain of evaporative cooling technologies to sub-wet bulb temperature cooling while ensuring moisture control. Several studies have demonstrated the use of cross-flow heat & mass exchanger (HMX... Read More about Numerical study of a regenerative counter flow evaporative cooler using alumina nanoparticles in wet channel.

Inconsistent phenomenon of thermoelectric load resistance for photovoltaic–thermoelectric module (2018)
Journal Article
Li, G., Zhou, K., Song, Z., Zhao, X., & Ji, J. (2018). Inconsistent phenomenon of thermoelectric load resistance for photovoltaic–thermoelectric module. Energy Conversion and Management, 161, 155-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.01.079

Combing PV with Thermoelectric (TE) would be dominant because it can employ the solar fully spectrum to produce electricity. But the TE efficiency is significantly lower than PV efficiency and the coupling effect between them will limit the performan... Read More about Inconsistent phenomenon of thermoelectric load resistance for photovoltaic–thermoelectric module.

Analytical investigation of the heat-transfer limits of a novel solar loop-heat pipe employing a mini-channel evaporator (2018)
Journal Article
Diallo, T. M., Yu, M., Zhou, J., Zhao, X., Ji, J., & Hardy, D. (2018). Analytical investigation of the heat-transfer limits of a novel solar loop-heat pipe employing a mini-channel evaporator. Energies, 11(1), Article 148. https://doi.org/10.3390/en11010148

© 2018 by the authors. This paper presents an analytical investigation of heat-transfer limits of a novel solar loop-heat pipe developed for space heating and domestic hot water use. In the loop-heat pipe, the condensate liquid returns to the evapora... Read More about Analytical investigation of the heat-transfer limits of a novel solar loop-heat pipe employing a mini-channel evaporator.

Performance study of a novel solar solid dehumidification/regeneration bed for use in buildings air conditioning systems (2017)
Journal Article
Yang, W., Wang, W., Ding, Z., Wang, Z., Zhao, X., & He, S. (2017). Performance study of a novel solar solid dehumidification/regeneration bed for use in buildings air conditioning systems. Energies, 10(9), 1335. https://doi.org/10.3390/en10091335

In this paper, a novel solar solid dehumidification/regeneration bed has been proposed, and its three regeneration methods, i.e., simulated solar radiation regeneration, microwave regeneration, and combined regeneration of the microwave and simulated... Read More about Performance study of a novel solar solid dehumidification/regeneration bed for use in buildings air conditioning systems.

Energy saving potential of a counter-flow regenerative evaporative cooler for various climates of China: Experiment-based evaluation (2017)
Journal Article
Duan, Z., Zhao, X., Zhan, C., Dong, X., & Chen, H. (2017). Energy saving potential of a counter-flow regenerative evaporative cooler for various climates of China: Experiment-based evaluation. Energy and Buildings, 148, 199-210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.04.012

© 2017 Recently there has been growing interest in regenerative evaporative coolers (REC), which can reduce the temperature of the supply air to below the wet-bulb of intake air and approach its dew-point. In this paper, we designed, fabricated and e... Read More about Energy saving potential of a counter-flow regenerative evaporative cooler for various climates of China: Experiment-based evaluation.

Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a compact regenerative evaporative cooler: towards low energy cooling for buildings (2017)
Journal Article
Duan, Z., Zhao, X., & Li, J. (2017). Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a compact regenerative evaporative cooler: towards low energy cooling for buildings. Energy, 140(1), 506-519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.08.110

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd The urges of reducing energy use and carbon footprint in buildings have prompted the developments of regenerative evaporative coolers (RECs). However, the physical dimensions of RECs have to be designed enormous in order to delive... Read More about Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a compact regenerative evaporative cooler: towards low energy cooling for buildings.

Numerical investigation of the energy performance of an Opaque Ventilated Façade system employing a smart modular heat recovery unit and a latent heat thermal energy system (2017)
Journal Article
Diallo, T., Zhao, X., Dugué, A., Bonnamy, P., Miguel, F., Martinez, A., Theodosiou, T., Liu, J.-S., & Brown, N. (2017). Numerical investigation of the energy performance of an Opaque Ventilated Façade system employing a smart modular heat recovery unit and a latent heat thermal energy system. Applied energy, 205, 130-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.07.042

The building sector is responsible for more than 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption. To reduce the energy consumption in buildings and to achieve the EU’s fossil fuel saving targets for 2020 and beyond 2050, the energy efficient retrofitting st... Read More about Numerical investigation of the energy performance of an Opaque Ventilated Façade system employing a smart modular heat recovery unit and a latent heat thermal energy system.

Experimental investigation of a super performance dew point air cooler (2017)
Journal Article
Xu, P., Ma, X., Zhao, X., & Fancey, K. (2017). Experimental investigation of a super performance dew point air cooler. Applied energy, 203, 761-777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.06.095

This paper presents an experimental investigation of a super performance dew point air cooler which, by employing a super performance wet material layer, innovative heat and mass exchanger and intermittent water supply scheme, has achieved a signific... Read More about Experimental investigation of a super performance dew point air cooler.

Investigation of the energy performance of a novel modular solar building envelope (2017)
Journal Article
Ren, G., Zhao, X., Zhan, C., Jin, H., & Zhou, A. (2017). Investigation of the energy performance of a novel modular solar building envelope. Energies, 10(12), 880. https://doi.org/10.3390/en10070880

The major challenges for the integration of solar collecting devices into a building envelope are related to the poor aesthetic view of the appearance of buildings in addition to the low efficiency in collection, transportation, and utilization of th... Read More about Investigation of the energy performance of a novel modular solar building envelope.

Clear-days operational performance of a hybrid experimental space heating system employing the novel mini-channel solar thermal & PV/T panels and a heat pump (2017)
Journal Article
Zhou, J., Zhao, X., Ma, X., Du, Z., Fan, Y., Cheng, Y., & Zhang, X. (2017). Clear-days operational performance of a hybrid experimental space heating system employing the novel mini-channel solar thermal & PV/T panels and a heat pump. Solar Energy, 155, 464-477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2017.06.056

The paper investigated a hybrid experimental space heating system that comprises the novel mini-channel solar thermal and PV/T panels, as well as a heat pump. The major advantage of the system lies in the multiple functions of providing energy for sp... Read More about Clear-days operational performance of a hybrid experimental space heating system employing the novel mini-channel solar thermal & PV/T panels and a heat pump.

Micro-encapsulated phase change material (MPCM) slurries: characterization and building applications (2017)
Journal Article
Qiu, Z., Ma, X., Li, P., Zhao, X., & Wright, A. (2017). Micro-encapsulated phase change material (MPCM) slurries: characterization and building applications. Renewable & sustainable energy reviews, 77, 246-262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.04.001

© 2017 Micro-encapsulated Phase Change Material (MPCM) slurries, acting as the heat transfer fluids or thermal storage mediums, have gained applications in various building thermal energy systems, significantly enhancing their energy efficiency and o... Read More about Micro-encapsulated phase change material (MPCM) slurries: characterization and building applications.

Experimental investigation on performance of fabrics for indirect evaporative cooling applications (2016)
Journal Article
Xu, P., Ma, X., Zhao, X., & Fancey, K. S. (2016). Experimental investigation on performance of fabrics for indirect evaporative cooling applications. Building and Environment, 110, 104-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2016.10.003

© 2016 Indirect evaporative cooling, by using water evaporation to absorb heat to lower the air temperature without adding moisture, is an extremely low energy and environmentally friendly cooling principle. The properties of the wet channel surface... Read More about Experimental investigation on performance of fabrics for indirect evaporative cooling applications.

Conceptual development of a novel photovoltaic-thermoelectric system and preliminary economic analysis (2016)
Journal Article
Li, G., Zhao, X., & Ji, J. (2016). Conceptual development of a novel photovoltaic-thermoelectric system and preliminary economic analysis. Energy Conversion and Management, 126, 935-943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2016.08.074

© 2016 Elsevier Ltd Photovoltaic-thermoelectric (PV-TE) hybrid system is one typical electrical production based on the solar wide-band spectral absorption. However the PV-TE system appears to be economically unfeasible owing to the significantly hig... Read More about Conceptual development of a novel photovoltaic-thermoelectric system and preliminary economic analysis.

Experimental investigation of the performance of the novel HP-BIPV/T system for use in residential buildings (2016)
Journal Article
Zhao, X., Wang, Z., Wang, Z., Yang, W., & Zhang, J. (2016). Experimental investigation of the performance of the novel HP-BIPV/T system for use in residential buildings. Energy and Buildings, 130, 295-308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.08.060

In this paper, the novel heat pipe building integrated photovoltaic/thermal system (HP-BIPV/T), designed for use in residential buildings in China, has been proposed with the composite of metal wires and phase change material (PCM) filling into the s... Read More about Experimental investigation of the performance of the novel HP-BIPV/T system for use in residential buildings.