Current research activities in the field of transport phenomena and energy focus on zero-emission energy, transportation, and buildings. A key aspect is replacing fossil fuels in maritime and aviation transport, which accounts for more than 12% of global energy consumption for transportation and cannot be effectively electrified with current technology levels. A promising solution being studied is the power-to-gas and power-to-liquid approach, where surplus electricity from renewable sources is used to produce gaseous or liquid fuels with significantly higher energy density than batteries can offer. The most energy-efficient options are the production of H2 and NH3, the latter having a crucial advantage over H2 due to its higher energy density and more efficient storability. Both alternative fuels can already be blended with existing fuels to reduce CO2 emissions. This approach requires the development of new injection devices for effective mixing of the two fuels and research into the combustion process. Additionally, capturing and storing produced CO2 (CCS) in processes where alternative emission reduction methods do not exist, such as concrete production, which contributes 9% to global CO2 emissions, is also crucial.
The development of digital and physical models of transport phenomena in inhaled particle research is progressing in several directions. A highly promising trend is patient-tailored medicine, which, for example, better targets the delivery of active substances to specific parts of the human respiratory tract. This reduces the occurrence of side effects and the size of the required dose. Another major topic is the replacement of harmful propellants in the nebulization of therapeutic and industrial aerosols. Applied research trends in thermal management and indoor environment control systems combine the use of climate chambers, thermal mannequins, and thermophysiological models of the human body. An example is the evaluation of thermal comfort and the optimization of air distribution in passenger vehicle cabins. The adoption of EVs requires detailed thermal management of the cabin, batteries, and other components. A development trend involves sophisticated energy and heat distribution systems in vehicles aimed at achieving energy efficiency and robust operational parameters, regardless of the vehicle's climatic operating zone. Technological trends in indoor air quality focus on monitoring the aerosol microclimate in the cabin under normal operating conditions to improve the separation of fine particles from ventilation air supplied by the HVAC unit.
