Yu Wang

Engineering education benefits from computational cases that connect system assumptions, computational analysis, and engineering judgment in authentic contexts. This study documents the design of a Python-based engineering education case that recasts a data-center backup-power comparison between vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) and diesel generators (DGs) into a structured computational activity. Guided by backward alignment, the case combines sizing and life-cycle-cost equations, parameter sensitivity, and supply–demand power-ratio analysis under three dispatch modes. In the 4 h benchmark, the VRFB configuration reduced modeled life-cycle cost by USD 1.09–1.84 million across reliability tiers, while payback ranged from 10.3 to 11.5 years. In the separate dispatch-mode demonstration, supply–demand power ratios were 0.55–0.88 for constant-power operation, 0.92–1.00 for electrical-led operation, and 0.92–1.07 for rectangular electrical-led operation. The case is designed as an 8-contact-hour activity within a 48-contact-hour undergraduate engineering course, using a supplied Python template and fixed parameter set. By documenting an adaptable design framework, proposed implementation conditions, and methodological boundaries, this work may inform the development of sustainability-oriented engineering education cases in other energy, thermal-management, infrastructure, and process-system contexts.

In order to design suitable heat-dissipating clothing for people engaged in high-temperature conditions, the vapor-dominated moisture transfer and heat dissipation properties of polyester fabric (Coolmax) with irregular cross-section in sweat-wicking protective clothing were analyzed by establishing a three-dimensional thermal–moisture coupled numerical model. In this study, moisture transport was mainly considered as water vapor transport within the porous fabric domain under a prescribed vapor-input boundary condition, rather than as a complete liquid-sweat-wicking, condensation, and re-evaporation process. The effects of convective heat transfer coefficient, ambient temperature, fabric thickness, and porosity on the thermal and moisture regulation behavior of the fabric were analyzed. The results show that Coolmax fabric can realize more efficient vapor transfer and heat diffusion under different ambient conditions due to its irregular grooved fiber structure, and its skin-side temperature is lower, and the relative-humidity distribution is more uniform than that of cotton material. Through the comparative analysis of temperature and relative humidity under different parameter combinations, the reasonable structural parameter range considering heat dissipation efficiency and perspiration ability is determined as follows: a fabric thickness of 0.8–1.2 mm and a porosity of 0.70–0.80, which can effectively improve the heat and moisture regulation performance of fabrics. This study provides a theoretical basis and numerical simulation reference for material selection and structure design of sweat-protective clothing and functional sportswear, which is helpful to improve wearing comfort and reduce thermal stress.

This study addresses the thermal management challenges of energy storage batteries in amphibious unmanned surface vehicles under high power conditions through an innovative cross-flow micro-channel cold plate. The design incorporates dual inlets and outlets that create two independent, staggered fluid channels. Combined with a manifold-inspired distribution structure, this configuration significantly improves flow uniformity and cooling performance. An orthogonal experimental design was employed to examine the effects of coolant type, inlet temperature, and flow velocity on the thermal-hydraulic performance. The CFD simulations verified that the optimal parameter combination, which uses liquid water at 26°C and a flow velocity of 0.5 m/s, allows the cold plate to maintain the surface temperature of a 1200 W heat source at 27.88℃, with a pressure drop of only 3.76 kPa. This design achieves an effective balance between high heat dissipation and low pumping power consumption, demonstrating its strong potential for thermal management in high energy density battery systems.