THERMINAROR at THERMAG XI 2026 – Advancing thermal energy modeling & conversion
We are pleased to share that THERMINATOR partners actively contributed to the scientific program of the IIR THERMAG XI Conference 2026, held in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The conference is a leading international forum dedicated to solid-state cooling, heating, and energy conversion technologies.
THERMINATOR researchers presented multiple contributions spanning thermoacoustics, electrocalorics, and advanced optimisation methodologies, highlighting recent progress in modelling, validation, and surrogate-assisted design within the TCCBuilder ecosystem.
Conference Contributions
Modeling of Thermoacoustic Systems in TCCBuilder
Izak Oberčkal Pluško (University of Ljubljana) presented the paper “Modeling of thermoacoustic generator in TCCBuilder”.
Co-authors: Harini Nivetha Raja, Grega Belšak, Jingyuan Xu, Katja Vozel, Andrej Kitanovski, Katja Klinar.
This work focuses on the development and implementation of a thermoacoustic generator model within the TCCBuilder framework, supporting improved simulation capabilities for thermoacoustic energy conversion systems.
Active Electrocaloric Regenerator Modelling and Validation
Grega Belšak (University of Ljubljana) presented the paper “Implementation and validation of an active electrocaloric regenerator component in TCCBuilder”.
Co-authors: Izak Oberčkal Pluško, Katja Vozel, Markys Cain, Urban Tomc, Andrej Kitanovski, Katja Klinar.
The study presents the implementation and experimental validation of an active electrocaloric regenerator model, contributing to the advancement of solid-state cooling technologies and their numerical representation.
SCOUT: Surrogate-Guided Optimisation for Thermal Energy Conversion
Ahmed Teyeb (Brunel Innovation Centre) presented the paper “SCOUT: Surrogate-guided Coupled Optimisation Unit for Thermal Energy Conversion. A Bayesian Optimisation Framework for Waste Heat Recovery Systems”.
Co-authors: Abiodun Ayodeji, Mohammad Ali Asgar Abbas, Nagu Sathappan, Makis Livadas, Evelyne El Masri.
This contribution introduces SCOUT, a surrogate-based Bayesian optimisation framework designed to enhance the performance and design efficiency of waste heat recovery systems.
Advancing Computational Tools for Thermal Energy Systems
These contributions reflect THERMINATOR’s ongoing commitment to the development of advanced computational tools and physics-based modelling approaches for next-generation thermal energy systems. By bridging fundamental research with applied engineering design, our work supports the transition toward more efficient and sustainable energy conversion technologies.
Acknowledgements
We sincerely thank the organisers of THERMAG XI 2026 for hosting an excellent scientific forum and fostering collaboration across the international caloric and thermal science community.
