Energy efficiency analysis of heated tobacco products using coupled numerical models of heating device and cigarette

The widespread application of heated tobacco products (HTPs) faces numerous challenges: low thermal energy utilization, limited device runtime, and localized surface overheating. Addressing these issues requires a systematic understanding of energy dynamics across the entire heating tobacco system. To address this gap, this study introduces a comprehensive modeling framework that integrates heat and mass transfer processes across both the heating device and the cigarette. The model is validated through complementary experimental techniques: thermo-gravimetric analysis to characterize tobacco pyrolysis kinetics, thermocouple-based temperature profiling and infrared thermography to map surface heat distribution. Based on this model, we propose a novel method for evaluating system energy efficiency. Numerical simulations reveal energy distribution dynamics during operation, elucidating the correlation between energy efficiency and puffing frequency, as well as quantifying the temporal evolution of heat losses across key components. The findings reveal the internal thermal characteristics of the coupled system and provide practical guidance for the design and optimization of next-generation products.