Sustainable propulsion and energy systems
The macro-area focusses on the development of experimental, analytical, and modelling techniques to enhance the state of the art of sustainable propulsion, power and energy systems, studying the thermodynamic, fluid dynamics, technological and sustainability problems of the components and the systems in which they are inserted. Particular attention is paid to the solutions and technologies for their decarbonization and environmental impact reduction. The research topics range from the design and control of innovative internal combustion engines to the energy management of advanced hybrid and electric powertrains, also covering fluid-power, turbomachinery, cogeneration, and energy saving in industrial energy systems, as well as the study and modeling of the value chains of renewable fuels for transport, and the analysis of the related energy policies.
Industrial energy systems, technologies and materials for the energy transition
Our main goal is to drive advancements in energy production, conversion, storage and management at disparate levels from advanced materials to integrated and intelligent systems to support decarbonization strategies and promote integration of renewable sources both in the industrial and civil sectors. In our research, we privilege a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach capable of tackling the complexities of such process. To this end, we focus on advanced systems for the storage of energy under different forms, as well as the enhancement in reliability and scalability of energy conversion processes. Through innovative materials, design strategies, computational modeling and advanced algorithms we aim at identifying and developing new solutions to maximize energy efficiency of processes while minimizing environmental impact. Thermal engineering plays a special role in our studies, hence the enhancement of thermal energy systems by leveraging new materials, manufacturing processes, analysis tools and strategies lies at the core of our research.
Building physics and energy systems in future buildings and communities
In the pursuit of sustainable and efficient urban development, the role of science and technology for the built environment in future building communities has become increasingly crucial in addressing the pressing global challenges of decarbonization and environmental quality improvement. Building physics focuses on understanding the interactions between buildings and their environment in response to various factors such as climate, envelope technologies, materials, and user wellbeing. By employing advanced technologies and design strategies, future building communities aim to optimize energy performance and the quality of the built environment - in terms of thermal, acoustic, lighting and air quality domains - while reducing GHG emissions. Energy systems are at the core of this vision, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy integration, energy storage , smart grid interaction, energy-efficient appliances and materials for energy efficiency and IEQ.
Sustainable Nuclear Energy
The need for emission mitigation to fight climate changes and the current geopolitical situation is keeping the interest in the nuclear power, with the focus on the development of a new generation of intrinsically safe fission reactors and of fusion machines. The main focus of this macro-area of the Energetics PhD Program is on modelling and development of numerical methods and tools, as well as experimental activities, to contribute to the analysis and design of fission and fusion machines. The research topics span from the study of particle and radiation transport to multi-physics phenomena, from reactor design to its safety and risk analysis, with applications to existing and next-generation nuclear systems.