Andrea Zelaschi
PhD thesis title: Development and Optimization of Decarbonized Combined Heat and Power Plants
Academic Tutor: Paolo Chiesa
Academic Supervisor: Emanuele Martelli
PhD cycle: 38° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Thesis abstract
The industry sector is one of the most challenging to decarbonize, with major industrial processes heavily relying on high-temperature pressurized steam. My PhD thesis is aims at designing and optimizing different combined heat power cycles with carbon capture and storage capabilities. These CHP power plants will generate electric power efficiently, while simultaneously ensuring the consistent supply of steam or heat to the users. The study will compare in terms of efficiency, operational flexibility and cost various cycles, including post-combustion NGCC, the Allam cycle, the semi-closed oxy-combustion combined cycle, and the SOS-CO2 cycle.
Personal interest in my research theme
I chose this research topic because I see carbon capture and storage as an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions in the short and medium term, supporting the transition to net-zero. Using CCS in combined heat and power applications can significantly boost efficiency and economic viability, which are key for the adoption of low-carbon technologies. In this direction, I strongly believe that integrating technical design with optimization is crucial to further improve the quality of these solutions.
