Thermo Group
Research
HDH Desalination and evaporation of non pure-water
The topic, quite recent in the Group's research activities (since 2020), focuses on the process of evaporation of non-pure water in an air flow. In particular, it looks at the innovative bio-mimetic technology of Humidification- Dehumidification (HDH) desalination of seawater, although similar treatments can be applied to other types of non-pure water. The topic is developed on two fronts:
- Theorisation, modelling and numerical simulation of innovative HDH schemes, implementing devices derived from other application (refrigeration, air conditioning, waste heat recovery), to improve the evaporative capacities of non-pure water and to increase the recovery of pure water.
- Development and numerical simulation of physical models representing the process of evaporation of non-pure water in air streams.
Some scientific publications:
- Rocchetti A, Socci L*. Study of a novel Humidification-Dehumidification Desalination system hybridised with Indirect Evaporative Cooling and Vapour Compression Refrigeration. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress. Elsevier. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2025.103513
- Rocchetti A, Socci L*. Theoretical and numerical assessment of an enhanced Humidification-Dehumidification desalination system based on Indirect Evaporative Cooling and Vapour Compression Refrigeration . Applied Thermal Engineering. Elsevier. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.118194
Efficiency of HVAC equipment-Building systems
The topic focuses on the energy efficiency of the HVAC equipment-Building systems, both in industrial and civil contexts. In particular, the following aspects are investigated:
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- Advanced energy analysis of buildings, in the framework of the realisation of Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) and Zero Emission Buildings (ZEB).
- Optimisation of cooling systems through the implementation of dehumidifying sections based on advanced desiccant materials.
- Optimisation of cooling systems using free cooling and biomimetic technologies such as evaporative cooling (traditional version or Maisotsenko thermodynamic cycle).
- Design of energy-efficient data centres cooling systems.
- Design of heating/cooling systems based on local renewable sources, such as groundwater heat pumps.
- Environmental sustainability of HVAC systems
For the design of the systems, in addition to commercial software developed by the manufacturers of specific devices, Matlab is widely used. Energy simulations of buildings are conducted with appropriate modelling software based on dynamic calculations (Design Builder, EdilClima EC700).
Some publications:
- Santesi F, Socci L*, Rocchetti A, Arrighi C. Application of the Water-Energy Nexus approach to assess the sustainability of air conditioning systems. Applied Energy. Elsevier. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.127336
- Savelli F, Socci L*, Lippi M, Rocchetti A, Talluri L. Modelling of a desiccant-coated heat and mass exchanger for airflow dehumidification in HVAC systems. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments. Elsevier. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2025.104484
- Socci L*, Rocchetti A, Lippi M, Savelli F, Verzino A, Zini A, Talluri L, Manfrida G, Ciappi L. Desiccant thermally controlled dehumidification in HVAC systems: energy and exergy analysis, evaluation of different materials. Journal of Building Engineering. Elsevier. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.111804
- Rocchetti, Lippi, Socci, Gullo, Khorshidi, Talluri; Metal-Organic Framework Adsorbent Materials in HVAC Systems: General Survey and Theoretical Assessment; Energies, MDPI; 2022. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/23/8908
- Socci, Zuffi, Aiello, Rocchetti, Fiaschi; Utilisation of groundwater heat pumps for the decarbonisation of heating and cooling sector: the analysis of an Italian case study; ECOS 2023 (Las Palmas, Spain);2023;https://www.proceedings.com/content/069/069564-0262open.pdf
- Rocchetti, Socci, Pierazzuoli; Solutions for efficient and environmental friendly cooling of data centers; IBPSA Building Simulation Conference 2021 (Bruges, Belgium); 2021. https://publications.ibpsa.org/conference/paper/?id=bs2021_30930
Indoor air quality and air disinfection
The topic focuses on methodologies to ensure the quality of air in indoor environments, with particular regard to the prevention of contagions due to airborne pathogens (among them, the Sars-Cov-2 virus responsible for Covid 19). The following points are then developed:
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- Study and optimization of techniques for air disinfection (UV-C lamps).
- Modeling of contagion phenomena in indoor environments.
- Optimisation of the distribution of airflows in indoor environments.
The Research Group is working on the development of simulation codes (software Matlab) able to respond to these needs, also with the support of CFD analysis (software Open Foam).
Some publications:
- Rocchetti, Socci, Andreini, Vaccaro, Milazzo, Talluri, Santi, Bucaioni; Development of a code for the evaluation of air sanitation efficiency of UV-C linear lamps in ventilation systems; IUVA Americas Conference (Cincinnati, USA), 2022. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364738787_Development_of_a_code_for_the_evaluation_of_air_sanitation_efficiency_of_UV-C_linear_lamps_in_ventilation_systems
Advanced refrigeration
Some publications:
- Vaccaro, Milazzo, Talluri; A proposal for a non-flammable, fluorine-free, CO2-based mixture as a low TEWI refrigerant; International Journal of Refrigeration, Elsevier; 2023; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2023.11.022
Heat transfer analysis
UNDER CONSTRUCTION !!!