Research laboratories

ThESI Lab

Thermal Energy Storage Innovation Laboratory

Overview

ThESI Lab – Thermal Energy Storage Innovation Laboratory is the applied research laboratory of Politecnico di Milano, based at the Piacenza Campus, dedicated to the study of thermal energy storage, heat conversion and technologies for energy efficiency. The laboratory was established to develop and characterise materials, prototypes and systems capable of storing heat or cold, reducing energy waste and making thermal energy available when needed.

The activities of ThESI Lab focus on medium- and low-temperature thermal sources, such as waste heat, solar thermal energy, geothermal energy and heat pumps, with applications in the building, industrial and energy sectors, as well as in temperature-controlled logistics. The laboratory promotes an integrated approach combining experimental research, modelling, teaching activities and collaboration with the local area.

Scientific mission

The laboratory studies technologies and processes aimed at improving thermal energy storage and management, with particular attention to Phase Change Materials – PCM, materials capable of absorbing and releasing energy while maintaining an almost constant temperature. These materials can work as a “thermal battery”, helping to stabilise temperature, reduce demand peaks and increase the efficiency of the systems in which they are integrated.

The main research lines include:

thermal energy storage and cold storage;
thermophysical characterisation of innovative materials;
heat transfer under steady-state and transient conditions;
integration of PCM in buildings, photovoltaic systems, batteries, electronics and data centres;
applications for the cold chain, food transport and pharmaceutical logistics;
modelling and experimental validation of components and prototypes.

The experimental core of the laboratory is the ThEST Chamber.