Doctoral projects
Project title:
Development of an Advanced Site-Insensitive Compressed Air Energy Storage Technology
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Ahmad Arabkoohsar, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
Co-supervisor:
Assoc. Prof. Janne Dragsted, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
Project description:
This project focuses on developing a novel oil-gas-based compressed air energy storage (CAES) technology capable of overcoming geographical limitations of conventional CAES systems. The doctoral candidate will develop dynamic models, optimization frameworks, and techno-economic assessment tools to improve storage density, round-trip efficiency, flexibility, and multi-generation capabilities for future renewable energy systems.
Project title:
Design and Optimization of Advanced Liquid Air Energy Storage for Industrial Sites
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Ahmad Arabkoohsar, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
Reto Michael Hummelshøj (nonacademic supervisor), COWI, Denmark
Co-supervisor:
Assoc. Prof. Mehdi Mehrali, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
Project description:
This project aims to develop an innovative liquid air energy storage (LAES) technology tailored for industrial decarbonization. The research will integrate thermodynamic modelling, dynamic simulation, optimization, and techno-economic assessment to provide simultaneous electricity, heating, and cooling services for industrial facilities while maximizing system efficiency and sustainability.
Project title:
Development and Dynamic Modeling of a Breakthrough
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisors:
Prof. Ahmad Arabkoohsar, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
Co-supervisor:
Assoc. Prof. Lasse Røngaard Clausen, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
Project description:
The project will develop a next-generation Carnot Battery integrating thermochemical heat storage and heat upgrading technologies. The doctoral candidate will investigate reactor designs, heat exchanger systems, dynamic operation, and system optimization to improve round-trip efficiency and create highly flexible energy storage solutions for future integrated energy systems.
Project title:
PCM Additives to Concrete Storage for High-Temperature Heat Storage
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Soteris Kalogirou, Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), Cyprus
Co-supervisor:
Ass. Prof. Melita Menelaou, Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), Cyprus
Project description:
This project focuses on developing low-cost concrete-based sensible heat storage materials capable of operating at temperatures beyond current limitations. Experimental investigations, material characterization, and durability testing will be conducted to develop safe, sustainable, and highly cyclable thermal energy storage materials.
Project title:
Novel PCM-based heat storage tank for TM-GSES & PtX applications
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Pozarlik & Dimitrina Lang, University of Lleida (UDL), Spain
Co-supervisor:
Assis. Prof. Abhishek Kumar Sing, University of Twente (UT), Netherlands
Project description:
The doctoral candidate will develop novel high-temperature phase change materials and storage concepts for thermal energy storage applications. The project aims to improve thermal stability, storage density, cycling performance, and heat transfer characteristics for future large-scale energy storage systems.
Project title:
A high-temperature thermochemical heat storage system for heat and power applications
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Luisa F. Cabeza, University of Lleida (UDL), Spain
Co-supervisors:
Dr. Emiliano Borri, University of Lleida (UDL), Spain
Dr. Cristina Prieto, University of Lleida (UDL), Spain
Project description:
This project investigates innovative metal-oxide-based thermochemical heat storage and heat upgrading concepts. The doctoral candidate will develop new materials, reactor designs, and operating strategies capable of delivering high-temperature thermal energy with enhanced efficiency, flexibility, and long-term stability.
Project title:
Development of a grid integration model for TM-GSES technologies
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Dr. Cristina Prieto, Build to Zero (B2Z), Spain
Co-supervisor:
Prof. Luisa F. Cabeza, University of Lleida (UDL), Spain
Project description:
The project aims to develop advanced modelling frameworks for assessing the integration of large-scale energy storage technologies into future European energy systems. The research will evaluate impacts on grid stability, emissions reduction, operational costs, and renewable energy penetration.
Project title:
Advanced Operation Strategy Planning Algorithms for TM-GSES
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Ahmad Arabkoohsar, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark.
Co-supervisor:
Assoc. Prof. Janne Dragsted, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark.
Project description:
This project develops artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for predictive operation planning of energy storage systems. The doctoral candidate will create self-learning models capable of maximizing profitability, improving flexibility, and enhancing the operational performance of energy storage assets.
Project title:
Developing Generative Models for Intelligent Maintenance of TM-GSES systems
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Enrico Zio, Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi), Italy
Co-supervisor:
Prof. Piero Baraldi, Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi), Italy
Project description:
The project focuses on developing advanced predictive maintenance methodologies using artificial intelligence and generative models. The objective is to improve reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and increase the operational lifetime of future grid-scale energy storage technologies.
Project title:
Optimal Reliability-Testing of New Energy Storage Technologies
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisors:
Prof. Enrico Zio, Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi), Italy
Dr. Michele Compare, 3rdPLace (AMX), Italy
Co-supervisor:
Prof. Francesco Di Maio, Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi), Italy
Project description:
This project investigates reliability engineering approaches for large-scale energy storage systems. The doctoral candidate will develop models for reliability assessment, risk evaluation, and resilience enhancement under variable operating conditions and extreme events.
Project title:
Cyber-Physical Security of TM-GSES Systems
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Emil Lupu, Imperial College London (ICL), England
Co-supervisor:
Prof. Chris Hankin, Imperial College London (ICL), England
Project description:
The project addresses emerging physical and cyber threats affecting future energy storage infrastructures. Research activities include attack-path analysis, vulnerability assessment, resilience modelling, and the development of security frameworks for cyber-physical energy systems.
Project title:
PPhysi-based anomaly detection, and diagnostics and AI safety in GSES systems
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Emil Lupu, Imperial College London (ICL), England
Co-supervisor:
Prof. Chris Hankin, Imperial College London (ICL), England
Project description:
This project develops next-generation anomaly detection methodologies using physics-informed artificial intelligence. The research aims to improve early fault detection, operational safety, and resilience against adversarial cyber-attacks in complex energy storage infrastructures.
Project title:
Quantitative Socioeconomic-Sustainability Assessment of TM-GSES Systems
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Valerio Cozzani, University of Bologna (UniBO), Italy
Co-supervisor:
Prof. Alessandro Dal Pozzo, University of Bologna (UniBO), Italy
Project description:
The doctoral candidate will develop innovative sustainability assessment frameworks for future energy storage technologies. The research combines environmental, technical, and socioeconomic indicators to support sustainable decision-making and technology deployment.
Project title:
Ex-Ante LCA tools for the environmental impact assessment of TM-GSES systems
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Valerio Cozzani, University of Bologna (UniBO), Italy
Co-supervisor:
Prof. Alessandro Dal Pozzo, University of Bologna (UniBO), Italy
Project description:
This project develops advanced ex-ante life cycle assessment methodologies for emerging energy storage technologies. The objective is to evaluate environmental impacts, uncertainties, and long-term sustainability throughout the entire technology life cycle.
Project title:
The role, value, and enabling mechanisms of TM-GSES in future high variable renewable electricity markets using open-source energy systems modeling
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Adam Hawkes, Imperial College London (ICL), England
Co-supervisor:
Dr. Iain Staffell, Imperial College London (ICL), England
Project description:
The project investigates the economic value of energy storage technologies in future integrated energy systems. The doctoral candidate will analyze market mechanisms, flexibility services, revenue streams, and business models supporting large-scale deployment.
Project title:
Analysing technology characteristics and innovation patterns of GSES
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Tobias Schmidt, ETH Zurich (ETH), Switzerland
Co-supervisor:
Ass. Prof. Bjarne Steffen, ETH Zurich (ETH), Switzerland
Project description:
This project explores policy frameworks, innovation mechanisms, and regulatory instruments required for large-scale deployment of energy storage technologies. The research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Project title:
Analysing material and manufacturing supply chains of GSES
Doctoral candidate:
To be recruited
Main supervisor:
Prof. Tobias Schmidt, ETH Zurich (ETH), Switzerland
Co-supervisor:
Ass. Prof. Bjarne Steffen, ETH Zurich (ETH), Switzerland
Project description:
The project investigates supply chains, resource dependencies, industrial opportunities, and geopolitical implications associated with emerging energy storage technologies. The objective is to identify strategic pathways that strengthen European competitiveness and energy security.