Research Focus:
This PhD project focuses on developing advanced digitalization solutions to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of transcritical CO₂ supermarket refrigeration systems. Central to the research is the development and validation of a dynamic digital twin representing a generalized supermarket energy system. The digital twin enables real-time simulation and analysis of refrigeration behavior, integrating heat recovery units, cold thermal energy storage, and renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) panels. The project also develops optimal control structures and advanced optimization algorithms for real-time set-point optimization, allowing supermarkets to operate at peak energy efficiency throughout the year. In addition, the research investigates waste heat recovery from supermarkets for district heating networks, reducing reliance on natural gas. Real-time monitoring, fault detection, and diagnostic techniques are key components of the study.
Key Technologies:
- Digital twins and real-time system simulation
- Transcritical CO₂ refrigeration systems
- Energy optimization and advanced control
- Waste heat recovery and district heating integration
Research Group: Smart Cooling and Heating
Supervisors:
- Principal Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Paride Gullo
- Co-Supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Hossein Ramezani, Prof. Roozbeh Izadi-Zamanabadi
Duration: August 2024 – July 2027