arXiv subjects

Zhennan Ru

Publications and source records attributed to Zhennan Ru.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Induction-heated resonant reactors for electrified thermochemistry

We present induction-heated resonant reactors, a new concept in electrified thermochemistry in which the reactor itself serves as a volumetric electromagnetic resonator heated through resonant wireless power transfer. We use the Swiss roll resonator as a model system and show that it can be designed to support uniform volumetric heating profiles and enhanced heat transfer characteristics, creating opportunities for process intensification in scaled systems. Compared to conventional (i.e., non-resonant) induction heating systems, resonant reactors can achieve exceptionally high system efficiencies through the combination of near-unity power-to-heat efficiencies and low thermal losses, both enabled by the utilization of resonant energy transfer. These concepts demonstrate how the integration of electromagnetic power transduction with thermochemical reaction engineering enables new opportunities for utilizing green electricity in sustainable chemical conversion.

eess.SY↗

arXiv2025

Scale Up Analysis of Inductively Heated Metamaterial Reactors

Inductively heated metamaterial reactors, which utilize an open cell lattice baffle structure as a heating susceptor for magnetic induction, are promising candidates for scaled electrified thermochemical reactor operation due to their ability to support volumetric heating profiles and enhanced heat transfer properties. In this work, we present a systematic scale up analysis of inductive metamaterial reactors where we utilize a combination of analytic modeling, numerical simulations, and experiments to project the capabilities and performance of scaled reactors. We use reverse water gas shift as a model reaction system and show that for reactor configurations featuring a uniform metamaterial susceptor, the total system efficiency increases with scale. However, the throughput of these scaled reactors is limited by radial temperature gradients. We further show this bottleneck can be overcome by tailoring the radial effective conductivity profile of the susceptor, which can enable scaled reactors with nearly ideal plug flow-like capabilities. These concepts provide a pathway towards scaled electrified thermochemical reactors with optimal chemical conversion capabilities.

eess.SY↗

arXiv2025

Hydrogel-to-Aerogel Transitions in Polymer-Particle Hydrogels Expand the Wildfire Defense Window

The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires caused widespread urban destruction and displacement, and severe economic losses, highlighting the urgent need for better fire retardants. Current fire suppression strategies rely heavily on water, chemical fire retardants, and water-enhancing gels, which use superabsorbent polymers to retain water and adhere to substrates, offering extended fire protection compared to water alone. However, their effectiveness is limited by evaporation and degradation under extreme heat and wind conditions. This study investigates the thermal properties, evaporation dynamics, and fire retardancy mechanisms of a novel polymer-particle (PP) hydrogel with aerogel-forming capabilities. The boiling-induced water vapor expansion and bubble nucleation drive the transformation of the hydrogel into a highly porous, foam-like fire-retardant coating upon rapid heat desiccation, enhancing thermal insulation. By evaluating the retardancy window across different evaporation stages under high heat and wind conditions, this study aims to determine the duration, effectiveness, and governing physical mechanisms of this unique retardant system. These findings provide a framework for designing the next generation of fire retardants with optimized thermal stability and extended protection for wildfire mitigation.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗