Thermal system design is central to energy efficiency and sustainability in chemical engineering. Current research and industrial practice focus on heat integration, waste heat recovery, and advanced heat exchanger design. Pinch analysis and process integration methods are widely used to minimize energy consumption in plants.
Emerging areas include thermal energy storage, phase-change materials, and hybrid thermal–membrane systems, particularly in desalination and industrial heating. Engineers are also using simulation tools and digital twins to analyze transient thermal behavior and optimize system performance.
Recent projects emphasize energy optimization and hybrid designs that reduce the high energy demand traditionally associated with ZLD. Innovations include better heat integration, improved brine concentration methods, and advanced control strategies.
Strong understanding of heat transfer mechanisms, thermodynamics, and system-level design remains essential for addressing energy and climate challenges.