Research
My research activities aim at developing innovative thermal energy systems and improve the energy performance of existing systems. This research is at the intersection of thermal sciences and applied thermodynamics.
The improvement of the performance of thermal energy systems is made possible by:
An optimal design of the system and its sub-components
The best integration of the system into other energy system (for instance, the best use of heat sources and heat sinks)
An optimal control of the system (for instance to maximize part load performance)
My research methodology is based on both numerical and experimental methods.
Thermal systems I’m investigating cover four overlapping energy sectors:
Energy performance of buildings (EPB):
Development of simulation tools for the energy audit of buildings and HVAC systems
Control of HVAC systems integrated into buildings
Integration of buildings into smart energy grids: coupling to District Heating Networks, Demand Side Management with thermal energy storage
Heating and cooling techniques:
Vapor compression refrigeration machines
Positive displacement compressors
Heat pump systems, including geothermal heat pumps
Thermal storages
Enthalpy heat exchangers
Natural refrigerants
Absorption/adsorption machines
Ericsson cycle
Thermal energy management in vehicles:
Mobile air-conditioning (cabin and batteries)
Waste heat recovery by means of Rankine cycles and Thermoelectric generators (TEG)
Distributed power production:
Small-scale Rankine cycles
Positive displacement expanders
Organic Rankine cycle systems (ORC)
Carnot batteries
Heat recovery in Industry
Micro-CHP
Ericsson heat engine (Joule-Brayton cycle)