Evaluation and study of thermal energy storage systems

• Characterization and development of materials
• Evaluation and improvement of heat exchangers
• Experimentation at laboratory and pilot plant scale
• Modelling of components and systems using different tools

Energy optimization of buildings and industrial processes

• Experimental and numerical evaluation of passive technologies in buildings
• Experimental and numerical evaluation of active technologies in buildings
• Experimental and numerical evaluation of thermal energy storage tanks

Study of applications of solar energy and other renewable energies

Sustainable Construction

• Green facades
• Structures
• Sustainable materials

Social aspects of technology

• Social acceptance
• Analysis of the social impact in the life cycle of products and processes

Artificial intelligence

• Obtaining numerical simulation metamodels using deep learning
• Derivative and non-derivative optimization techniques
• Real-time intelligent control algorithms
• Artificial intelligence explainability
• Use of AI for the optimization of systems (energy, chemical, )
• Use of AI for the design of components and processes

Chemical Engineering

• Innovation in industrial processes, including tanning, agro-industrial and synthesis processes
• Sustainability studies, including circularity in materials and life cycle analysis
• Development of new materials and products for industrial processes
• Use of waste and by-products in industry

Energy Affordability and Social Impacts

• Evaluation of energy poverty indicators and household vulnerability
• Assessment of policies aimed at improving energy affordability (e.g., social tariffs, efficiency measures)
• Analysis of the socioeconomic impacts of extreme weather on energy consumption and prices
• Geospatial and temporal analysis of affordability and vulnerability patterns

Electricity Markets and Regulatory Design

• Analysis of electricity markets, market integration and regulatory frameworks
• Study of locational pricing, congestion patterns and grid cost allocation
• Evaluation of investment incentives, network expansion needs and flexibility options (including storage)
• Economic analysis of demand response, smart metering and digitalisation of energy systems

Renewable Integration and Energy Transition Policy

• Examination of policy instruments for renewable integration (auctions, incentives, grid access rules)
• Techno-economic assessment of renewable deployment and associated land-use trade-offs
• Evaluation of regulatory and economic frameworks for emerging energy vectors (hydrogen, renewable gases, smart grids)
• Scenario analysis and policy simulations to support a fair and efficient energy transition