Luca Coita
PhD thesis title: Analysis and optimization of power conversion systems for advanced modular reactors
Academic Tutor: Marco Enrico Ricotti
Academic Supervisor: Stefano Lorenzi
Industrial Supervisor: Michele Frignani and Roberto Ponciroli
Affiliate external company or research group: Ansaldo Nucleare, Argonne National Laboratory
PhD cycle: 39° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Physics engineering, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Argonne National Laboratory (9700 S. Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439), from May 2025 to Septemeber 2025. Main Topic: Identification and optimization of mitigation strategies including process control and real time monitoring for power conversion systems coupled with advanced nuclear reactors.
Thesis abstract
My PhD study focuses on defining methodologies for analyzing and optimizing power conversion system design, control, and mitigation strategies for advanced nuclear power plants in both conventional and cogeneration applications. The implementation of a set of tools capable of adapting power conversion systems to both advanced reactor requirements, such as lead, sodium, and gas-cooled reactors, as well as innovative energy use integrations, is expected. The latter include coupling with hydrogen production plants, thermal storages, and heat networks that supply high-quality steam to hard-to-abate industrial sectors. At the same time I am developing numerical models to perform dynamic simulations and define appropriate control and mitigation measures for the advanced and integrated setups described above.
Personal interest in my research theme
I am particularly interested in thermodynamic cycle design and optimization (both performance and affordability related), control strategies definition and cogenerating applications (industrial heat, hydrogen production, thermal storages) for advanced nuclear power plant. My objective is to ensure that my research remains consistently connected to practical aspects, which is why I always aim to orient my work toward tangible applications and current uses.
