Phase change energy storage materials have been recognized as potential energy-saving materials for balancing cooling and heating demands in buildings. However, individual phase change materials (PCM) with single phase change temperature cannot be adapted to different temperature requirements. To this end, the concept of fabricating different kinds of microencapsulated PCM (MEPCM) and combing them to form a multiphase change material (MPCM) for multi-seasonal applications in buildings has been proposed. To prove the feasibility of this idea, three kinds of MEPCMs were fabricated and used for the development of three different composite MPCMs, classified as MPCM-1, MPCM-2, and MPCM-3. Analysis of the results shows that each MPCM sample was able to release latent heat at two different temperatures thus making them suitable for multi-temperature thermal energy storage applications. The phase change temperatures of the MPCMs were however found to be slightly reduced by 0.09–0.31 °C as compared with the MEPCMs samples. The measured energy storage capacities for the MPCMs were also reduced in the range of 6.3–11.4% as compared with the theoretical values but they displayed relatively good thermal stability behaviour of up to 197.8–218.8 °C. It was further identified that the phase change temperatures and latent heat of the MPCM was attributed to the weight percentages of individual components, as the theoretical values for the three MPCM samples were all in good accordance with the measured values. Therefore, optimizing the weight ratios of the MEPCM in MPCM samples and their corresponding thermophysical properties based on specific climatic conditions would be a necessary step to take in future investigations. Thermal performance enhancement of the MPCM is also being recommended as an essential part of further research.

Cyclone separators are highly efficient gas-solid separation that operate on the centrifugal force and play an indispensable role in industries such as chemical engineering, environmental protection, and power generation. They exhibit excellent reliability, particularly under demanding conditions such as high temperatures and elevated particle concentrations. However, a persistent trade-off between separation efficiency and pressure drop has limited further performance improvements. To address this, optimization of cyclone separators has become a major research focus. This article systematically reviews recent advances, first by examining the mechanisms through which key structural parameters, such as inlet geometry, exhaust pipe diameter, and cone angle, influence performance across different industrial applications. Furthermore, the review introduces an integrated optimization framework based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, surrogate modelling, and intelligent optimization algorithms to enhance design performance. It critically compares the applicability and limitations of various high-dimensional optimization methods and their integration strategies. The article underscores a paradigm shift from optimizing instantaneous performance toward establishing a lifecycle optimization (LCO) framework that incorporates long-term metrics such as wear and maintenance costs. Evidence shows that coupling CFD with intelligent algorithms enables efficient exploration of multi-objective parameter spaces. Finally, the article discusses current limitations in optimization research and outlines future directions, including multi-physics coupling involving flow, heat, and particle transport, lifecycle optimization, and intelligent decision support systems. In summary, this review establishes a theoretical foundation and provides technical guidance for the energy-efficient, high-performance design and industrial implementation of cyclone separators.

International accreditation has become a pivotal mechanism through which universities outside Europe seek legitimacy and alignment with global quality regimes, particularly regarding sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study investigates how non-EU universities adapt to ASIIN accreditation, focusing on its role in developing a sustainable quality culture that supports long-term educational excellence and social responsibility. Drawing on new institutionalism, the analysis views accreditation as a process of institutional change under isomorphic pressures necessary for the sustainability of quality assurance (QA). Data were derived from a triangulated dataset, including 78 publicly available final accreditation reports via the DEQAR database and expert on-site observations across multiple non-EU universities. The analysis identifies systemic challenges, such as ‘facade conformity’ in learning outcomes and fragmented QA loops, which reveal an ‘adaptive lag’ impeding the sustainable implementation of quality standards. The study concludes by proposing an “Expert-Facilitated, Institutionally-Embedded Evidence Loop” framework to bridge external compliance and internal quality enhancement, thereby ensuring the long-term viability and global relevance of engineering education in alignment with SDGs.

Against the backdrop of globalization, the mutual recognition of engineering qualifications and the cross-border mobility of talent have emerged as pivotal issues in higher education reform. As global leaders in manufacturing, China and Germany share a profound strategic synergy in engineering talent cultivation. However, graduates from Chinese undergraduate mechanical engineering programs frequently encounter significant hurdles regarding “curricular alignment” when applying for Master’s degrees at Germany’s elite research universities (specifically the TU9 Alliance). These challenges often result in high rejection rates or severe academic maladjustment post-admission. Adopting a comparative higher education perspective, this study critically analyses the Master’s admission mechanisms and undergraduate core curriculum systems of TU9 institutions, including RWTH Aachen, TUM, KIT, and the University of Stuttgart. Through a micro-level comparative analysis of syllabi, credit structures (ECTS conversion), and assessment paradigms in key modules—such as mathematics, engineering mechanics, and thermal-fluid sciences—this paper reveals structural discrepancies in “theoretical depth,” “scientific orientation,” and “process-oriented assessment” within Chinese engineering education. The findings indicate that the difficulty in achieving substantive equivalence stems fundamentally from the crowding out of professional hours by general education courses, the fragmentation of knowledge in core foundational modules, and a misalignment between Chinese credit calculations and European standards. Consequently, this paper proposes a reform scheme for mechanical engineering curricula aimed at international alignment. This includes modular curriculum reconstruction, learning-outcome-based syllabus design, and the establishment of a hybrid assessment system, providing theoretical support and practical pathways for Sino-German cooperative education and the internationalization of engineering education.