Thermal Energy Systems

The 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)

The research methodology is based on both numerical and experimental methods.

Thermal systems the team is 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
• Efficient ventilation systems

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)
• Heat recovery in Industry
• Micro-CHP
• Ericsson heat engine (Joule-Brayton cycle)