Research Article
Phase-change Material-based Thermal Management for Energy-efficient and Sustainable Food Preservation Systems
Ali Mansoor Pasha*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-7
Received:
13 December 2025
Accepted:
23 December 2025
Published:
26 January 2026
Abstract: Domestic refrigeration units contribute significantly to household energy consumption. Despite advances in compressor efficiency and insulation, energy demand remains high due to temperature fluctuations and compressor cycling. This paper proposes an innovative PCM-assisted cooling system to stabilize internal temperatures, reduce compressor workload, and lower energy consumption. The integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) in domestic refrigerators represents a transformative approach to thermal management, leveraging latent heat storage to mitigate the inefficiencies inherent in conventional vapor compression cycles. By embedding PCM panels with phase transition temperatures around 0-5°C, the system can absorb excess heat during door openings or off-cycles, thereby minimizing temperature swings that trigger unnecessary compressor activations. Experimental validations from recent studies demonstrate potential energy savings of 25-40%, aligning with global sustainability goals under frameworks like the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, this technology extends to off-grid food preservation, where PCM-based pods maintain sub-ambient temperatures without electricity, addressing food waste in developing regions. A comparative analysis of organic PCMs, such as paraffin wax, and inorganic options like salt hydrates reveals trade-offs in thermal conductivity and cost, with encapsulated hybrids offering optimal performance. Thermodynamic modeling, including exergy analysis, underscores reduced entropy generation and enhanced coefficient of performance (COP). Challenges such as material encapsulation and scalability are discussed, alongside future directions involving nano-enhanced PCMs for superior heat transfer. This work not only quantifies benefits through CFD simulations but also proposes adaptive control algorithms integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for real-time optimization. Ultimately, PCM-assisted systems pave the way for energy-efficient, resilient food preservation, potentially cutting global refrigeration-related CO2 emissions by 15% by 2030.
Abstract: Domestic refrigeration units contribute significantly to household energy consumption. Despite advances in compressor efficiency and insulation, energy demand remains high due to temperature fluctuations and compressor cycling. This paper proposes an innovative PCM-assisted cooling system to stabilize internal temperatures, reduce compressor worklo...
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Research Article
Optimization of Welding Parameters for Controlled Heat Input Using Response Surface Methodology: A Multivariate Analysis of Current, Voltage, and Speed Interactions
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
8-17
Received:
4 November 2025
Accepted:
17 November 2025
Published:
14 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajmme.20261001.12
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Abstract: Controlling heat input (HI) in welding is critical for ensuring joint quality and preventing defects, yet existing models often fail to account for the complex interactions between current, voltage, and welding speed. This study addresses this gap by developing a predictive model to optimize HI, focusing on gas metal arc welding (GMAW) of low-carbon steel. The aim was to establish precise parameter combinations that balance thermal input with weld integrity, particularly for industrial applications requiring controlled heat management. A central composite design (CCD) within Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed, systematically varying current (180–240 A), voltage (18–24 V), and welding speed (70–100 mm/min). Heat input was calculated using the standard HI formula, and a quadratic regression model was developed and validated through ANOVA, lack-of-fit tests, and diagnostic metrics. The model's robustness was confirmed with R² = 0.9933 and Adeq. Precision = 46.561, ensuring reliability for industrial use. The results identified voltage as the most influential parameter (p < 0.0001), with optimal conditions (200 A, 21.07 V, 70 mm/min) achieving HI = 1.24 kJ/mm and 87.5% desirability. The study demonstrates that controlled voltage-speed interactions are key to minimizing HI while maintaining joint quality. These findings provide actionable insights for welding optimization, recommending future expansion to high-alloy materials and real-time HI monitoring for broader industrial adoption.
Abstract: Controlling heat input (HI) in welding is critical for ensuring joint quality and preventing defects, yet existing models often fail to account for the complex interactions between current, voltage, and welding speed. This study addresses this gap by developing a predictive model to optimize HI, focusing on gas metal arc welding (GMAW) of low-carbo...
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Review Article
Advances in Solid-State Boriding of AISI 304, 316, and 316L Stainless Steels: Progress and Challenges
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
18-33
Received:
22 December 2025
Accepted:
12 January 2026
Published:
20 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajmme.20261001.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Boriding, or boronizing, is a thermochemical surface treatment that enhances the hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion properties of austenitic stainless steels such as AISI 304, 316, and 316L, which are widely used in biomedical, nuclear, and chemical applications despite their inherent limitations in tribological performance. This review synthesizes over 60 peer-reviewed articles to examine recent advances in solid-state boriding technologies, specifically powder-pack and paste boriding methods, highlighting their mechanisms, process parameters, and impacts on tribological integrity, mechanical properties, and corrosion mitigation. Key classifications of boriding operations are discussed, including physical and chemical processes, with emphasis on overcoming diffusion barriers posed by high Cr and Ni content in these steels. The review details the compositions of boriding agents, schematic configurations for practical implementation, and comparative advantages of paste boriding over powder-pack methods, such as selective application and energy efficiency. Challenges, including oxidation risks, inconsistent layer formation, and process optimization, are critically analyzed alongside progress in achieving boride layers (FeB and Fe2B) with superior hardness exceeding 2000 HV. The findings underscore boriding's potential to extend component service life in demanding environments, while identifying gaps for future research to enhance industrial scalability and environmental sustainability.
Abstract: Boriding, or boronizing, is a thermochemical surface treatment that enhances the hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion properties of austenitic stainless steels such as AISI 304, 316, and 316L, which are widely used in biomedical, nuclear, and chemical applications despite their inherent limitations in tribological performance. This review synth...
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