Flexible intelligent thermal management systems: Sensing devices, signals, and applications

In an era where the efficient and smart management of heat is increasingly crucial for human life, equipment operation, and the ecological environment, the need for convenient and efficient thermal management is more pressing than ever. Recent advances in the integration of flexible temperature sensors with signal transmission and feedback systems into flexible intelligent thermal management systems (FITMS) have facilitated continuous and highly accurate real-time monitoring of various physiological signals. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research advances in FITMS, constituent materials, fabrication methods, signal transmission and feedback systems, and their applications. Firstly, the interaction between flexible substrates and innovative temperature sensing materials, which enhances system performance and adaptability, is examined. Then, critical signal transmission and feedback mechanisms are explored, detailing how these systems process temperature data and ensure responsive thermal regulation. Subsequently, the application of these systems is then discussed in three main areas: human temperature management for medical purposes, equipment temperature management for operational stability, and environmental temperature management for ecological balance. Finally, the challenges, prospects, and unprecedented opportunities for flexible intelligent thermal management systems across various fields are discussed.