The Department offers multidisciplinary support through its experts, fostering excellence partnerships in innovation, consulting, training and tailored technical-scientific collaborations.

The value of applied research

The Department of Energy at Politecnico di Milano conducts research in close collaboration with companies, organisations and institutions. Many research topics involve national and international companies, with several research projects commissioned by the companies themselves.

Companies improve efficiency and competitiveness by refining systems and production processes, while our professors apply their expertise to address the current and genuine needs of the industrial world. This also offers students and PhD candidates involved in the projects an initial exposure to the professional environment. These shared benefits foster a high level of mutual trust, leading to long-term collaborations.

Expertise

The scientific interests and technical skills within the Department cover the entire spectrum of the fundamental disciplines upon which energy engineering is based, namely:

What we offer

The Department of Energy positions itself as a strategic partner for research, development, innovation and consulting, offering both  theoretical analyses and experimental testing.
Politecnico di Milano also provides additional services to enhance research, including industrial or commercial patents.
From a training perspective, the department designs tailor-made courses to meet the needs of the industrial sector, as well as joint events on energy-related issues, both for educational and informational purposes.

Let’s discuss it

Together we can evaluate your preferred form of collaboration. For further clarification or to arrange an appointment, you can contact:
Department Management

Strategic Partnerships (JRC)

The Joint Research Platform (JRP) is a medium- to long-term strategic partnership between a company and the Politecnico on research, innovation and development topics of common interest.
The Department is active in 24 Joint Research Platforms at Politecnico di Milano, which represent a privileged space where continuous and structured engagement with the Italian business and industrial sectors takes place. This is further reinforced by the participation of our professors in boards of directors and/or industrial advisory boards.

Commissioned research and consultancy

The Department of Energy provides expertise and infrastructure for studies, analyses and experimental tests. Companies can also approach the Department to solve specific problems through commissioned research projects.

Areas:
• Long-term strategic collaborations
• Research contracts with innovative and scientific objectives 
• Joint participation in competitive funding calls

Technology transfer

The Department of Energy actively promotes innovation and technology transfer, serving as a bridge between academic research and society’s needs. We collaborate with companies, institutions and other entities to enhance scientific discoveries and turn them into concrete solutions for the market and community.

Areas:
• Patents 
• Spin-offs 
• Participation in research valorisation networks

Scholarships & tailored courses

Tailored courses and scholarships offer business managers the opportunity to enhance their skills in specific areas, promoting collaboration between our Department and companies. These initiatives are designed to meet the needs of the industrial world, providing targeted and up-to-date training to address sector challenges.

Formats:
• Internal staff training with university Master’s programmes and advanced courses 
• PhD scholarships 

Joint events

Companies can collaborate with the Department in the design and organisation of joint events related to research and innovation topics.

Formats:
• Round tables 
• Workshops 
• Informational and networking events 

Testing and calibrations conducted in our laboratories

Tests

The Department of Energy offers a wide range of specialised tests and assessments – performed in accredited laboratories – to support the performance evaluation and validation of components and systems in the energy sector.

Some available services:
• Evaluative tests in dosimetry and radon (Radiation Metrology Lab)
• Performance testing of thermoelectric power plants and waste-to-energy plants (LTT Lab)
• Testing of safety valves in water (max 70 l/s, 10 bar) and air (max 7 kg/s, 40 bar) (Valve Testing Lab)
• Testing of pneumatic system components (regulators, overflows, etc.) (Valve Testing Lab)
• Issuing test reports for radiators and convectors (EN 442 standard) (MRT Lab)
• Catalyst testing for chemical and energy processes and reactor modelling (LCCP Lab)
• Material characterisation: SEM/EDX, Raman spectroscopy (NanoLab)
• Heat exchanger characterisation and thermophysical property measurements (ThermALab)

Calibrations

The Department of Energy offers a wide range of specialised tests and assessments – performed in accredited laboratories – to support the performance evaluation and validation of components and systems in the energy sector.

Some available services:
• Calibrations in ionising radiation and radon (Radiation Metrology Lab)
• Calibration of sound level meters according to CEI 29-30 / 1997-09 (Acoustics Lab)
• Calibration of thermostatic chambers according to EN 442-2:2014 (MRT Lab)
• Calibration of thermocouples, resistance thermometers and liquid thermometers in the range -80°C to +1100°C (LTT Lab)
• Calibration of flow meters for liquids (cold water meters) (LTT Lab)
• Calibration of incinerator thermometric chains and determination of T2s (EU Directive 2010/75/EU) (LTT Lab)
• Calibration of velocity meters (Darcy, Pitot, etc.) in a controlled speed tunnel (0-25 m/s) (MTF Lab)
• Calibration of miniature aerodynamic probes at high frequency (70 kHz) (LFM Lab)

Tests

The Department of Energy offers a wide range of specialised tests and assessments – performed in accredited laboratories – to support the performance evaluation and validation of components and systems in the energy sector.

Some available services:
• Evaluative tests in dosimetry and radon (Radiation Metrology Lab)
• Performance testing of thermoelectric power plants and waste-to-energy plants (LTT Lab)
• Testing of safety valves in water (max 70 l/s, 10 bar) and air (max 7 kg/s, 40 bar) (Valve Testing Lab)
• Testing of pneumatic system components (regulators, overflows, etc.) (Valve Testing Lab)
• Issuing test reports for radiators and convectors (EN 442 standard) (MRT Lab)
• Catalyst testing for chemical and energy processes and reactor modelling (LCCP Lab)
• Material characterisation: SEM/EDX, Raman spectroscopy (NanoLab)
• Heat exchanger characterisation and thermophysical property measurements (ThermALab)

Continua
Calibrations

The Department of Energy offers a wide range of specialised tests and assessments – performed in accredited laboratories – to support the performance evaluation and validation of components and systems in the energy sector.

Some available services:
• Calibrations in ionising radiation and radon (Radiation Metrology Lab)
• Calibration of sound level meters according to CEI 29-30 / 1997-09 (Acoustics Lab)
• Calibration of thermostatic chambers according to EN 442-2:2014 (MRT Lab)
• Calibration of thermocouples, resistance thermometers and liquid thermometers in the range -80°C to +1100°C (LTT Lab)
• Calibration of flow meters for liquids (cold water meters) (LTT Lab)
• Calibration of incinerator thermometric chains and determination of T2s (EU Directive 2010/75/EU) (LTT Lab)
• Calibration of velocity meters (Darcy, Pitot, etc.) in a controlled speed tunnel (0-25 m/s) (MTF Lab)
• Calibration of miniature aerodynamic probes at high frequency (70 kHz) (LFM Lab)

Continua

Services offered by our laboratories

Research Laboratory for Sustainable Energy Transition (R-SET LAB)
  • Analysis and development of lighting devices for ATEX environments
  • Study, development and verification of low-voltage electronic devices aimed at improving voltage waveform quality and reducing current disturbances
  • Study and development of magnetic systems for anchoring ferrous materials

Contact: Prof. Roberto Faranda
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Numerical Calculation Laboratory for Electrical Systems in Energy (EPS lab)
Research and consulting activities related to modelling and simulation of electrical systems and associated technologies, focusing on network calculations and technical-economic analysis.

Contact: Prof. Davide Falabretti
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Power Electronics, Mobility, and Electrical Safety Laboratory (PEEMS)
  • Analysis, testing and development of power electronic converters
  • Analysis, testing and development of systems for electric vehicle charging
  • Testing and operation cycles of storage systems for stationary and on-board applications
  • Analysis and verification of electrical safety systems

Contacts: Prof. Morris Brenna, Prof. Alberto Dolara
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Solar Technologies Laboratory (STL)
Technical consulting in the field of photovoltaic, photovoltaic-thermal and concentration systems as well as helium-assisted heat pumps.

Contacts: Prof. Sonia Leva, Prof. Giampaolo Manzolini
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Microgrid Laboratory with Multiple Benefits (MG2Lab)
  • Development of innovative energy management systems
  • Implementation of artificial intelligence tools in microgrid management (MG)
  • Load and renewable energy resource forecasting (RES)
  • Integration of electric vehicles with bidirectional power flows (from the grid to the vehicle and vice versa) in MG management.
Contacts: Prof. Sonia Leva, Prof. Giampaolo Manzolini
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Laboratory of Analysis of Systems for the Assessment of Reliability Risk and Resilience (LASAR³)
Innovative solutions for reliability, risk and resilience analysis; monitoring, diagnostics and prognosis of faults; maintenance and optimisation of industrial systems and critical infrastructures. Training courses are also offered.

Contact: Prof. Enrico Zio
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Nuclear Measurements and Electronics Laboratory (NML)
The laboratory offers neutron metrology services, including fast neutron fields based on an Americium-Beryllium source (average energy in flux 4.2 MeV) for calibration using the shadow cone method (ISO 8529-1:2021). It also offers thermal neutron fields for instrument and sample characterisation.

Contacts: Prof. Stefano Agosteo, Prof. Andrea Pola
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Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Laboratory (RadChem)
Consulting and service activities on:
  • Chemical and radiochemical analysis for the characterisation of contaminated environmental and industrial matrices
  • Elemental analysis in XRF, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS (trace and ultra-trace, including radioactive waste)
  • Isotopic ratio analysis in ICP-MS
  • Qualification tests (leaching and radiation resistance) on containment matrices for waste
  • Development and scale-up (lab → pilot plant) of processes for the treatment and conditioning of radioactive and industrial waste (including NORM and TENORM)
  • Chemical dosimetry for industrial and medical applications
Contact: Prof. Mario Mariani
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Radioprotection Laboratory
Consulting activities and radiometric measurements in the field of radioprotection, both for activities falling within the scope of Legislative Decree 101/2020 and conventional work activities that might involve radioactive materials and radioprotection.

Contacts: Prof. Fabrizio Campi, Prof. Alessandro Porta
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Radiation Metrology Laboratory
Provides services in the field of radiation protection, with a focus on photon radiation, radon and surface contamination metrology:
  • Accredited calibration of personal and environmental monitors and radon detectors
  • Accredited evaluation tests for personal and environmental dosimetry
  • Accredited evaluation tests for radon concentration/exposure in air
  • Surface contamination: calibration of instruments, smear test measurements
  • Development of evaluation test schemes in the field of radiation protection.

Contacts: Prof. Marco Caresana, Dr. Luisella Garlati
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Contaminant Migration and Nuclear Safeguarding Laboratory
  • Experimental measurements and modelling of the processes governing the migration of contaminants in soil, water, and air
  • Static and dynamic tests (batch and column tests)
  • Study of contaminant partitioning processes in aqueous solutions and solids
  • Leaching measurements of matrices for containing fission products
  • Development of deterministic and stochastic models for contaminant transport in porous natural and artificial media.

Contact: Prof. Francesca Giacobbo
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Acoustics Laboratory
  • Sound power measurements with an anechoic and semi-anechoic chamber
  • Noise mapping and psychoacoustic tests
  • Environmental and architectural acoustics measurements (RASTI index evaluation)

Contact: Prof. Livio Mazzarella
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Building Thermophysics Laboratory
  • Thermal conductivity and diffusivity measurements of materials using dynamic regime technique (Transient Plane Source) (ISO 22007-2:2022)
  • Thermal resistance measurements of innovative building components using a dual thermostatic chamber and thermofluximetric method
  • Indoor and outdoor thermal comfort measurements

Contacts: Prof. Adriana Angelotti, Dr. Alessandro Dama
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Renewable heating and cooling lab (RELAB)
Offers a wide range of services aimed at evaluating performance and labelling products according to the latest European standards and regulations (Ecodesign, Ecolabel, ErP Directive).

Contact: Prof. Motta Mario Gualtiero F.
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Laboratory for Urban Research on Architectural and Energy Systems (CRANES Lab)
  • Energy simulation of cities, neighbourhoods and buildings
  • Development and study of decarbonisation scenarios for cities, neighbourhoods and buildings based on the LCA methodology
  • Technical support for the development of energy policies for cities, neighbourhoods and buildings
  • Experimental measurements of thermal comfort
  • Study and modelling of ecosystem services of urban greenery.

Contact: Prof. Francesco Causone
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Fire Resistance Testing Laboratory (FIRE Lab)
  • Fire reaction tests with SBI (Single Burner Item) on building materials according to UNI EN 13823
  • Ignitability tests with a small flame according to UNI EN ISO 11925-2
  • CFD models of combustion processes
  • Fire and evacuation simulations

Technical Contact: Dr. Pasqualino Gramazio
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Thermal Measurement and Research Laboratory (MRT)
  • Issuance of test reports for radiators and convectors according to EN 442 standard
  • Calibration (verification of repeatability and reproducibility) of a test installation (thermostatic chamber) in compliance with EN 442-2:2014.

Contact: Prof. Fabio Rinaldi
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Thermometric Calibration Laboratory (LTT)
  • Calibration by comparison in the laboratory of thermocouples, resistance thermometers, thermometric chains and glass liquid thermometers in the temperature range -80°C to +1100°C
  • Performance testing of thermoelectric plants and municipal solid waste incinerators
  • Calibration of thermometric chains in waste incinerators and determination of T2s (European Directive 2010/75/EU)
  • Thermohydraulic tests including calibration of liquid flow meters (particularly cold water meters).

Contact: Prof. Fabio Rinaldi
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Fluid Dynamics of Machines Laboratory (LFM)
Dedicated to the experimental study and characteriszation of the fluid dynamic performance of turbomachines and wind generators.
  • Detailed characterisation of stationary and/or time-varying flow fields in rotating turbomachines and planar or annular rows
  • Experimental and theoretical analysis of turbomachine components operating with high-temperature organic fluids, even under supercritical conditions
  • Directional aerodynamic probes operating with gases with frequency response up to 100kHz
  • Application and development of proprietary codes for the design, optimisation and flow analysis in turbomachines, including in two-phase flows and/or with complex thermodynamic descriptions

Contact: Prof. Vincenzo Dossena
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Safety Valve Testing Laboratory
  • Tests on safety and regulation valves in both water (max 70 l/s, 10 bar) and air (max 7 kg/s, 40 bar)
  • Tests on other pneumatic system components (regulators, overflow valves, etc.).

Contact: Prof. Vincenzo Dossena
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Catalysis and Catalytic Processes Laboratory (LCCP)
Development, characterisation and testing of catalysts for chemical and energy processes; mathematical modelling of chemical reactors.

Contact: Prof. Enrico Tronconi
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Micro and Nanostructured Materials Laboratory (Nano Lab)
Fee-based measurements for material characterisation: scanning electron microscopy and elemental composition mapping (SEM/EDX); Raman spectroscopy.

Contact: Prof. Andrea Li Bassi
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Laboratorio di ingegneria dei materiali per batterie (BMEL)
Electrochemical measurements, use of glove boxes and furnaces, synthesis of custom electrodes and development of single cells.

Contact: Prof. Benedetto Bozzini
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