Innovative Energy Systems and Hydrogen Technologies

Research activities in the field of Innovative Energy Systems and Hydrogen Technologies primarily focus on the simulation and testing of innovative systems for energy production and hydrogen production/conversion, such as fuel cells. Unique simulation tools enable design and off-design analysis, as well as the study of optimal dynamics and control strategies. Applications range from multi-generation power plants to stationary power generation, and even transportation, particularly in the aeronautical and naval sectors.

The main topics studied include:

  • Flexibility and optimization of gas turbine and combined-cycle power plants;
  • Energy storage systems based on hydrogen and its carriers, such as ammonia;
  • Flexibility of existing technologies through the use of alternative fuels
  • Integrated fuel cell systems (PEMFC) and hybrid high-temperature fuel cell systems (SOFC);
  • Innovative closed cycles, including high-temperature heat pumps and supercritical CO₂ cycles;
  • Systems for CO₂ separation and recovery;
  • Development of cyberphysical systems for hardware-in-the-loop emulation of complex power plants (hybrid fuel cell systems, combined cycles);
  • Energy harvesting solutions based on unconventional turbines, such as Tesla turbines;
  • Thermal storage technologies (sensible heat, phase change materials) and Carnot batteries;
  • Devices for the conversion of marine energy, particularly wave energy (Seaspoon technology).
  • Innovative digital systems for identifying malfunctions in turbomachinery and systems, such as compressor pumping (Compressor Doctor technology)

Original software resources developed in the department include:

  • TRANSEO: Matlab platform for the dynamic simulation and control of energy systems;
  • HELM (Helper for Energy Layouts in Maritime Applications): tool for the comparative analysis of naval energy configurations;
  • WTEMP (Web ThermoEconomic Modular Program): modular web environment for thermoeconomic analysis and the design of innovative systems.

Laboratories
The laboratories involved in the activities described above are those belonging to the Thermochemical Power Group (TPG) (https://tpg.unige.eu/) and listed below:

  • Innovative Energy Systems (IES) - u.o. Innovative Closed Cycles - Pump Heat (RADRL Prof. Alberto Traverso)
  • Innovative Energy Systems (IES) - u.o. Bio Hypp e RR-SOFC (RADRL Prof. Mario Luigi Ferrari)
  • Innovative Energy Systems (IES) - u.o. Envision (RADRL Prof.ssa Loredana Magistri)
  • Innovative Energy Systems (IES) - u.o. HI-SEA, Idrogeno e Fuel Cells (RADRL Prof.ssa Loredana Magistri)
  • Thermochemical Power Group and Rolls-Royce UTC laboratory (RADRL Prof.ssa Loredana Magistri)
     

Publications

  • Clean energy production by PEM fuel cells on tourist ships: A time-dependent analysis Rivarolo, M., Rattazzi, D., Lamberti, T., Magistri, L. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2020, 45(47), pp. 25747–25757
  • Investigation of an Ammonia-Fueled SOFC-mGT Hybrid System: Performances Analysis and Comparison With Natural Gas-Based System Anfosso, C., Crosa, S., Iester, F., Bellotti, D., Magistri, L. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 2025, 147(5), 051002
  • Dynamics and control of a turbocharged solid oxide fuel cell system Mantelli, L., Ferrari, M.L., Traverso, A. Applied Thermal Ingineering, 2021, 191, 116862
  • Dynamics and control implementation of a supercritical CO2 recuperated cycle Maccarini, S., Tucker, S., Mantelli, L., Barberis, S., Traverso, A. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2025, 263, 125237
  • Integration of a flue gas condensing heat pump within a combined cycle: Thermodynamic, environmental and market assessment
    Vannoni, A., Giugno, A., Sorce, A. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2021, 184, 116276
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