The development of novel energy technologies calls for accurate models capable of predicting their performance and operational issues, as well as effective optimisation tools to determine the most advantageous design and operating solutions. Since the early 90’s, the GECOS group has developed and validated detailed models of advanced energy systems (cooled expanders, fuel cells, membranes, etc) in collaboration with leading energy companies and research institutes. These models are integrated with state-of-the-art numerical methods with the final aim of determining the optimal process design, heat integration/recovery, planning/scheduling and operation.
Energy Systems Modelling
Accurate design and/or operation models and simulation codes of advanced energy technologies
Cooled turbines
Fuel cells
CO2 capture processes
Gasifcation
Chemical looping
Biogas upgrading processes


Process Optimisation
Ad-hoc algorithms and codes for the optimisation of novel energy systems:
Polygeneration plants
Oxy-combustion power plants
SCO2 cycles
ORCs
…and CO2 capture and storage processes:
Absorption
Adsorption
Membranes
Heat integration and recovery
Systematic process heat integration methods:
Pinch Analysis
Energy targeting
Heat exchanger network synthesis
…and optimisation of heat recovery cycles:
Heat pumps
Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs)
Heat Recovery Steam Cycles (HRSCs)

For further information, contact Prof. Emanuele Martelli at emanuele.martelli@polimi.it
Related Projects
Recent publications
2019 |
Moretti, L; Astolfi, M; Vergara, C; Macchi, E; Pérez-Arriaga, J I; Manzolini, G A design and dispatch optimization algorithm based on mixed integer linear programming for rural electrification Journal Article Applied Energy, 233-234 , pp. 1104–1121, 2019. @article{Moretti2019,
title = {A design and dispatch optimization algorithm based on mixed integer linear programming for rural electrification}, author = {L Moretti and M Astolfi and C Vergara and E Macchi and J I Pérez-Arriaga and G Manzolini}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85056392574&doi=10.1016%2Fj.apenergy.2018.09.194&partnerID=40&md5=ca5b95830d382aaa6680e1d48b1dd9fb}, doi = {10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.09.194}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Applied Energy}, volume = {233-234}, pages = {1104–1121}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Prina, M G; Lionetti, M; Manzolini, G; Sparber, W; Moser, D Transition pathways optimization methodology through EnergyPLAN software for long-term energy planning Journal Article Applied Energy, pp. 356–368, 2019. @article{Prina2019,
title = {Transition pathways optimization methodology through EnergyPLAN software for long-term energy planning}, author = {M G Prina and M Lionetti and G Manzolini and W Sparber and D Moser}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85056154590&doi=10.1016%2Fj.apenergy.2018.10.099&partnerID=40&md5=55f8a10c3c566ff14aa0acc67d57e43f}, doi = {10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.10.099}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-01}, journal = {Applied Energy}, pages = {356–368}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
2018 |
Simonetti, R; Molinaroli, L; Manzolini, G Development and validation of a comprehensive dynamic mathematical model for hybrid PV/T solar collectors Journal Article Applied Thermal Engineering, 133 , pp. 543–554, 2018. @article{Simonetti2018,
title = {Development and validation of a comprehensive dynamic mathematical model for hybrid PV/T solar collectors}, author = {R Simonetti and L Molinaroli and G Manzolini}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041395749&doi=10.1016%2Fj.applthermaleng.2018.01.093&partnerID=40&md5=fd06f005f61221638eaed215deb9cf00}, doi = {10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2018.01.093}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Applied Thermal Engineering}, volume = {133}, pages = {543–554}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Vialetto, Giulio; Noro, Marco; Colbertaldo, Paolo; Rokni, Masoud Enhancement of energy generation efficiency in industrial facilities by SOFC – SOEC systems with additional hydrogen production Journal Article International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 44 (19), pp. 9608–9620, 2018, ISSN: 03603199. @article{Vialetto2018,
title = {Enhancement of energy generation efficiency in industrial facilities by SOFC – SOEC systems with additional hydrogen production}, author = {Giulio Vialetto and Marco Noro and Paolo Colbertaldo and Masoud Rokni}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.08.145}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.08.145}, issn = {03603199}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {44}, number = {19}, pages = {9608–9620}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, abstract = {Industry is one of the highest energy consumption sector: some facilities like steelworks, foundries, or paper mills are highly energy-intensive activities. Many countries have already implemented subsidies on energy efficiency in generation and utilisation, with the aim of decreasing overall consumption and energy intensity of gross domestic product. Meanwhile, researchers have increased interest into alternative energy systems to decrease pollution and use of fossil fuels. Hydrogen, in particular, is proposed as a clean alternative energy vector, as it can be used as energy storage mean or to replace fossil fuels, e.g. for transport. This work analyses the re-vamping of the energy generation system of a paper mill by means of reversible solid oxide cells (RSOCs). The aim is not only to increase efficiency on energy generation, but also to create a polygeneration system where hydrogen is produced. Application on a real industrial facility, based in Italy with a production capacity of 60000 t/y of paper, is analysed. First, the current energy system is studied. Then, a novel system based on RSOC is proposed. Each component of the systems (both existing and novel) is defined using operational data, technical datasheet, or models defined with thermodynamic tools. Then, the interaction between them is studied. Primary energy analysis on the novel system is performed, and saving with respect to the current configuration is evaluated. Even if the complexity of the system increases, results show that saving occurs between 2 and 6%. Hydrogen generation is assessed, comparing the RSOC integrated system with proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, in terms of both primary energy and economics. Results exhibit significant primary energy and good economic performance on hydrogen production with the novel system proposed (hydrogen cost decreases from 10 €/kg to at least 8 €/kg).}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Industry is one of the highest energy consumption sector: some facilities like steelworks, foundries, or paper mills are highly energy-intensive activities. Many countries have already implemented subsidies on energy efficiency in generation and utilisation, with the aim of decreasing overall consumption and energy intensity of gross domestic product. Meanwhile, researchers have increased interest into alternative energy systems to decrease pollution and use of fossil fuels. Hydrogen, in particular, is proposed as a clean alternative energy vector, as it can be used as energy storage mean or to replace fossil fuels, e.g. for transport. This work analyses the re-vamping of the energy generation system of a paper mill by means of reversible solid oxide cells (RSOCs). The aim is not only to increase efficiency on energy generation, but also to create a polygeneration system where hydrogen is produced. Application on a real industrial facility, based in Italy with a production capacity of 60000 t/y of paper, is analysed. First, the current energy system is studied. Then, a novel system based on RSOC is proposed. Each component of the systems (both existing and novel) is defined using operational data, technical datasheet, or models defined with thermodynamic tools. Then, the interaction between them is studied. Primary energy analysis on the novel system is performed, and saving with respect to the current configuration is evaluated. Even if the complexity of the system increases, results show that saving occurs between 2 and 6%. Hydrogen generation is assessed, comparing the RSOC integrated system with proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, in terms of both primary energy and economics. Results exhibit significant primary energy and good economic performance on hydrogen production with the novel system proposed (hydrogen cost decreases from 10 €/kg to at least 8 €/kg).
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Bischi, A; Taccari, L; Martelli, E; Amaldi, E; Manzolini, G; Silva, P; Campanari, S; Macchi, E A rolling-horizon optimization algorithm for the long term operational scheduling of cogeneration systems Journal Article Energy, 2018. @article{Bischi2018,
title = {A rolling-horizon optimization algorithm for the long term operational scheduling of cogeneration systems}, author = {A Bischi and L Taccari and E Martelli and E Amaldi and G Manzolini and P Silva and S Campanari and E Macchi}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85042304353&doi=10.1016%2Fj.energy.2017.12.022&partnerID=40&md5=eb41d74c817192bdb2d87b8a8186800d}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2017.12.022}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Energy}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Gabrielli, P; Gazzani, M; Martelli, E; Mazzotti, M Corrigendum to “Optimal design of multi-energy systems with seasonal storage” [Appl. Energy (2017)] Journal Article Applied Energy, 212 , pp. 720, 2018. @article{Gabrielli2018720,
title = {Corrigendum to “Optimal design of multi-energy systems with seasonal storage” [Appl. Energy (2017)]}, author = {P Gabrielli and M Gazzani and E Martelli and M Mazzotti}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85038806652&doi=10.1016%2Fj.apenergy.2017.12.070&partnerID=40&md5=84c7388d61a2039ae43d947c987d9c42}, doi = {10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.12.070}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Applied Energy}, volume = {212}, pages = {720}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Prina, M G; Cozzini, M; Garegnani, G; Manzolini, G; Moser, D; Filippi Oberegger, U; Pernetti, R; Vaccaro, R; Sparber, W Multi-objective optimization algorithm coupled to EnergyPLAN software: The EPLANopt model Journal Article Energy, 149 , pp. 213–221, 2018. @article{Prina2018a,
title = {Multi-objective optimization algorithm coupled to EnergyPLAN software: The EPLANopt model}, author = {M G Prina and M Cozzini and G Garegnani and G Manzolini and D Moser and U {Filippi Oberegger} and R Pernetti and R Vaccaro and W Sparber}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85042179234&doi=10.1016%2Fj.energy.2018.02.050&partnerID=40&md5=bae2936cadef1bdb05c8c0abf3cbfdd9}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2018.02.050}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Energy}, volume = {149}, pages = {213–221}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Prina, M G; Fanali, L; Manzolini, G; Moser, D; Sparber, W Incorporating combined cycle gas turbine flexibility constraints and additional costs into the EPLANopt model: The Italian case study Journal Article Energy, 160 , pp. 33–43, 2018. @article{Prina2018b,
title = {Incorporating combined cycle gas turbine flexibility constraints and additional costs into the EPLANopt model: The Italian case study}, author = {M G Prina and L Fanali and G Manzolini and D Moser and W Sparber}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85050120473&doi=10.1016%2Fj.energy.2018.07.007&partnerID=40&md5=b610c39db3c2f578f61038503587d955}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2018.07.007}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, journal = {Energy}, volume = {160}, pages = {33–43}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
2017 |
Gómez Aláez, S L; Brizzi, V; Alfani, D; Silva, P; Giostri, A; Astolfi, M Off-design study of a waste heat recovery ORC module in gas pipelines recompression station Inproceedings Energy Procedia, pp. 567–574, 2017. @inproceedings{Gómez-Aláez2017567,
title = {Off-design study of a waste heat recovery ORC module in gas pipelines recompression station}, author = {S L {Gómez Aláez} and V Brizzi and D Alfani and P Silva and A Giostri and M Astolfi}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85029745253&doi=10.1016%2Fj.egypro.2017.09.205&partnerID=40&md5=07c2e96dbff082f84cd07fb0868c1caf}, doi = {10.1016/j.egypro.2017.09.205}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, booktitle = {Energy Procedia}, volume = {129}, pages = {567–574}, abstract = {This study investigates the use of an ORC as heat recovery unit in a natural gas pipeline compression station powered by a gas turbine with the aim of increasing the process energy efficiency. A flexible Matlabtextregistered suite, able to investigate both subcritical and supercritical cycle, has been developed for the plant sizing and for the part-load simulation. The methodology to compute the system energetic performance is discussed. The ORC configuration that guarantees the maximum power output (7.22 MWe) is identified. The yearly electricity yield (42615.9 MWh) reveals good perspectives of implementing ORC with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of gas compression stations.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {inproceedings} } This study investigates the use of an ORC as heat recovery unit in a natural gas pipeline compression station powered by a gas turbine with the aim of increasing the process energy efficiency. A flexible Matlabtextregistered suite, able to investigate both subcritical and supercritical cycle, has been developed for the plant sizing and for the part-load simulation. The methodology to compute the system energetic performance is discussed. The ORC configuration that guarantees the maximum power output (7.22 MWe) is identified. The yearly electricity yield (42615.9 MWh) reveals good perspectives of implementing ORC with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of gas compression stations.
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De Pasquale, A M; Giostri, A; Romano, M C; Chiesa, P; Demeco, T; Tani, S District heating by drinking water heat pump: Modelling and energy analysis of a case study in the city of Milan Journal Article Energy, 118 , pp. 246–263, 2017. @article{DePasquale2017246,
title = {District heating by drinking water heat pump: Modelling and energy analysis of a case study in the city of Milan}, author = {A M {De Pasquale} and A Giostri and M C Romano and P Chiesa and T Demeco and S Tani}, url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85006513066&doi=10.1016%2Fj.energy.2016.12.014&partnerID=40&md5=d76d569b595aa4ccc172daaf98cb7f65}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2016.12.014}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Energy}, volume = {118}, pages = {246–263}, abstract = {This paper investigates the integration of a district heating heat pump for the production of about 4.65 MWth with the drinking water network–playing the role of low temperature heat source -as an alternative to conventional fossil fuel heating. The heat recovery reduces water temperature from 15 °C to 12 °C, thus requiring partial reheating by the drinking water end-user that needs to be estimated to evaluate the energetic convenience of this solution. Heat transfer between water mains and surrounding soil is considered by a proper thermal model computing the temperature vs. time profile at nodes. The developed model, which exploits Epanet to simulate the water network, compares the primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions of the studied system with a conventional district heating solution. Each component, which constitute the overall system, (i.e. heat pump, water network, heating by water end-user etc.) is analyzed and modelled. Assuming a fossil fuel based scenario, the investigated heat pump system reduces the overall primary energy consumption and CO2 emission by about 3%. This value boosts to 41% in case all the electricity generation relies on renewables, thus proving this solution is a promising alternative to conventional district heating in future energy scenarios dominated by renewables. textcopyright 2016 Elsevier Ltd}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This paper investigates the integration of a district heating heat pump for the production of about 4.65 MWth with the drinking water network–playing the role of low temperature heat source -as an alternative to conventional fossil fuel heating. The heat recovery reduces water temperature from 15 °C to 12 °C, thus requiring partial reheating by the drinking water end-user that needs to be estimated to evaluate the energetic convenience of this solution. Heat transfer between water mains and surrounding soil is considered by a proper thermal model computing the temperature vs. time profile at nodes. The developed model, which exploits Epanet to simulate the water network, compares the primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions of the studied system with a conventional district heating solution. Each component, which constitute the overall system, (i.e. heat pump, water network, heating by water end-user etc.) is analyzed and modelled. Assuming a fossil fuel based scenario, the investigated heat pump system reduces the overall primary energy consumption and CO2 emission by about 3%. This value boosts to 41% in case all the electricity generation relies on renewables, thus proving this solution is a promising alternative to conventional district heating in future energy scenarios dominated by renewables. textcopyright 2016 Elsevier Ltd
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