Thermal Energy & Storage

Intensification of thermal processes via development of novel energy efficient power systems, engines, reactors and processes is the subject of this research line. Renewable methods and transition to the future technologies are of prime interest.

Our research on energy conversion and storage is mainly focused on the development of innovative solutions for the energy transition, including thermal storage and heat pumps.
We work on three main pillars:
1. Developments necessary to improve performance of storage materials.
2. Development of conversion and storage systems for both domestic and industrial applications that incorporate new technologies.
3. Developments necessary to reduce costs, increase stability and lifetime of existing technologies.

In the research theme Energy System Integration we explore and analyze ways to integrate renewable energy in our present energy infrastructure.

Welcome to the Smart Thermal Energy Materials (SMARTTEM) Research Group, where we're redefining how materials interact with energy to create a more sustainable and efficient world. As the leader of this dynamic team, I’m excited to share our journey into groundbreaking research that combines innovation with real-world impact.

HiTEC group focuses on the investigation of high-temperature thermochemical processes for fuel and chemical generation, heat upgrade, industrial process heat, heat storage, and carbon capture.
We utilize heat from the concentrated solar thermal, renewable electricity, and industrial waste heat to carry out the thermochemical processes. The primary focus is on the development and testing of reactors for different applications. To achieve this goal, we perform experimental investigations and computational studies to understand and optimize the thermodynamic and heat transfer characteristics of the system.

Our research on thermal conversion processes is focused on the conversion of
biomass into high-value fuels and on the valorization of waste streams into both fuels and raw materials.

SuperHP research group advances next-generation heat pump technologies for sustainable and efficient heating and cooling. Our work focuses on the thermodynamics and performance of natural refrigerant–based zeotropic mixtures, aiming to accelerate their application from fundamental understanding to practical implementation. We also explores the integration of heat pumps with renewable and low-carbon energy systems, and studies heat transfer and frost formation to enhance efficiency, reliability, and system performance.