In my recent role, I held the position of Research Associate at the Technology Platform of Hydraulic Machines at EPFL, Switzerland. I specialized in analytical and numerical modeling for hydropower plant operations, focusing on hydraulic short-circuit analysis for pumped-storage plants partecipating in the modern energy markets. Previously, as an Energy Engineer, Industrial Collaborator & Consultant at ULB, Belgium, I was engaged in multiple applied energy projects focusing on optimization, flexibility and sustainability. I hold a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, an M.Sc. degree in Science of Management, and an M.Sc. degree in Energy Engineering.

Work experience

2021 - 2024: Research Associate and Project Manager

Technology Platform of Hydraulic Machines at EPFL, Swizterland

• Developed analytical and numerical models to support feasibility analyses for hydropower plant operations, collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams. Monitored operational parameters and constraints, identifying potential risks to ensure efficient plant performance.
• Conducted methodological analysis and implementation of hydraulic short-circuit (HSC) systems for pumped-storage power plants participating in the ancillary service market, focusing on a 210 MW hydropower plant.
• Partnered with a Machine Learning research team to predict fatigue phenomena in hydro-mechanical components during start-up sequences.
• Lead complex 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses to simulate and understand intricate water-flow conditions and assess system performances.
• Developed and led research portfolios, demonstrating expertise in strategic planning and execution of experimental and numerical investigations.
• Authored technical reports, published scientific papers, and contributed to funding applications.

2014 - 2021: Energy Engineer, Industrial Collaborator & Consultant

Aero-Thermo-Mechanics at ULB, Belgium

• Succeed in the geometrical optimization of the pump cutwater for reverse operation, leading to a new design and 3.9% gain in hydraulic efficiency
• Managed technical-economic calculations to define the required investments for prosumers and examine new business cases to support the energy transition: the Belgian case – EPOC 2030-2050 prj
• Conducted performance and flexibility analysis to facilitate engagement in the electric grid balance of drinking water distributors. Evaluated Belgian potential and orchestrated technical implementation - FlexWATTer prj
• Pioneered the design and implementation of a groundbreaking micro-pumped hydro energy storage installation seamlessly integrated into a SmartGrid - Smart-Water prj
• Executed life-cycle assessment and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) estimation for alternative hydropower solutions utilizing underground cavities - Smart-Water prj
• Assessed energy load and consumption for an indoor ski resort equipped with PV and reversible pump, including design and energy-flux estimation - (MontiSki prj)
• Engaged in the analysis and thermodynamics modeling of Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems and thermal storage – (CAES-CET prj)
• Conducted fluid-dynamic analysis of air-intake systems for a light helicopter – ESPOSA prj

2016 Design Engineer Intern

Ensival-Moret pump, Belgium

• Crafted a specialized numerical model tailored to facilitate an informed selection of commercial centrifugal pumps optimized for generating mode. Integrated economic and technical factors for comprehensive analysis.

Education

• Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences and Technology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
  Thesis: Experimental and numerical analysis of a Pump as Turbine in micro Pumped Hydro Energy Storage
• M.Sc. in Science of Management, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
  Thesis: Business Model For Energy Management Enterprises
• M.Sc. in Energy Engineering - Power Generation, Politecnico di Milano, Italy.
  Thesis: Design method and optimization of Deriaz pump turbine for hydraulic energy storage
• B.S. in Energy Engineering - Industrial Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Additional certified courses

• Deeply Practical Project Management, IFPPM, Online
• Sustainability and Corporate ESG: Practical Implementation, Prof. Eng. M.Oliveira, UFPR, Online
• Multi-objective Optimization problems and algorithms, Udemy, Online
• Centrifugal and Axial Pumps Design, Performance and Problem Solving, NREC- concept, Germany
• Deepening in renewable energy technologies, ULPGC, Spain