Thermochemical Power Group and Rolls-Royce UTC laboratory

The TPG is an interdepartmental research group with more than 25 years of experience, comprising researchers from the fields of mechanical, chemical, civil, and naval engineering at the University of Genoa, Italy. The group currently consists of six permanent employees and approximately 25 temporary staff (PhD students and postdocs).
The TPG has an average annual budget of over €2 million from research contracts, approximately 30% of which comes directly from industry.
Professor Loredana Magistri coordinates research activities on fuel cells and hydrogen technologies, both for stationary power generation and propulsion. She also coordinates activities related to power-to-energy energy storage systems and energy harvesting solutions for low-enthalpy solar energy sources.
Professor Alberto Traverso coordinates research activities on innovative and sustainable energy systems, including advanced methodologies (Thermoeconomics, Dynamics and Controls, Robust Design) and new technologies (closed CO2 cycles, flexible combined cycles, bladeless turbomachinery, energy storage).
The TPG has been home to the Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems University Technology Centre since 2004, and to the FINCANTIERI HI-SEA joint laboratory for hydrogen propulsion since 2018.
Rolls-Royce has created a global network of university technology research centers to collaborate on a wide range of engineering topics. Each University Technology Centre (UTC) focuses on a specific topic, from aerodynamics to fuel systems and manufacturing technologies. In 2004, the TPG became the world's first Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre on Fuel Cell Systems (FCS UTC), beginning a close relationship with Rolls-Royce that continues today.
The primary focus of the UTC FCS has always been the study of hybrid fuel cell systems, particularly the integration of micro gas turbines (MGTs) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Over the years, this collaboration has led to the creation of the world's second cyber-physical emulation facility for hybrid SOFC systems, located on the Savona campus. More recently, the UTC has begun studying the potential of polymer electrolyte membrane turbocharged fuel cell (PEMFC) systems.
Being part of the Rolls-Royce UTC network also offers significant career growth opportunities for students and postdocs. In 2007, a four-year knowledge exchange program with Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems Limited was launched as part of the ENSOFC Marie-Curie ToK-IAP project. In 2015, TPG hosted the "Meet Rolls-Royce" event, showcasing the career opportunities available to Master's and PhD students from around the world in engineering. Since 2021, our PhD students have been regularly invited to present their research at the Rolls-Royce Doctorate Network Conference.

Location 

  • Università degli Studi di Genova – DIME, via Montallegro 1, 16145 Genova, Italia

Researchers 

  • Prof. Loredana Magistri (RADRL)
  • Prof. Alberto Traverso
  • Prof. Mario L. Ferrari
  • Prof. Luca Mantelli
  • Dr. Matteo Pascenti
  • Dr. Silvia Crosa

Research Themes 

  • SOFC Fuel Cells
  • PEMFC Fuel Cells
  • Microturbine Fuel Cell Hybrid Systems
  • Dynamics and Control of Hybrid Systems

 

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