PEOPLEMarco Cozzini

de en it

Marco Cozzini

Research Group Leader
Institute for Renewable Energy

T +39 0471 055 675

marco.cozzini@eurac.edu

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2773-5771

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About

Reseacrh topics

Renewable heating and cooling systems
Monitoring systems
Thermal energy networks (district heating and cooling, factory utilities)

Short bio

Working at EURAC since 2014, I am involved in various European research projects about sustainable heating and cooling applications, especially in the district heating sector (LIFE4HeatRecovery, REWARDHeat, LocalRES, Hypergryd and others). Notable past projects also include energy efficiency in industry (REEMAIN project) and solar thermal energy (INSUN project). Other research interests include the coupling between electric and thermal energy sectors, energy scenario design and optimization, energy transitions. Previous working experience: researcher at FBK (Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Italy). I hold a PhD in theoretical physics.

Scientific Publications

Conference proceedings article2026

Achieving efficient district heating targets in a Croatian network: heat source mapping and techno-economic scenarios analysis

Anania D, Miskic J, Puksec T, Cozzini M

Marco Cozzini, Daniele Anania

This study presents a replicable methodological framework for supporting the decarbonization of district heating (DH) systems, addressing both technical and economic aspects. The approach integrates spatial mapping of renewable energy sources (RES) and waste heat (WH), pre-screening of individual technologies through parametric analyses, and hourly aggregated simulation of decarbonization scenarios. The pre-screening step helps identify promising technologies early on and reduces the number of scenario simulations needed. The aggregated model accounts for temperature-dependent heat losses and dispatch priorities, and is calibrated using real operational data to ensure accurate performance representation. The methodology combines source mapping, technology economic evaluation, and scenario simulation in a structured workflow designed to support early-stage planning and local decision-making in line with the desired decarbonization targets. The methodology is applied to the DH network of Vukovar in Croatia, which is currently reliant on natural gas and features a 3% solar thermal contribution. In 2023, the total heat production of the network amounted to 12.7 GWh. RES and WH options—such as river water, air-source and shallow geothermal heat pumps, supermarket waste heat, and solar thermal—are assessed based on local availability and expected performance. Among the scenarios investigated, the one combining an extension of the solar field size up to 3000 m2, a 1.25 MW river-source heat pump, and a 5 MWh thermal storage unit emerged as the most cost-effective solution capable of achieving the target of a 50% RES + WH share—aligned with the 2035 European definition of Efficient District Heating and Cooling. This scenario also proves to be economically competitive, with a Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH) below the current district heating tariff.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-09844-3_12

Journal article2025

Rapid Open-Source-Based Simulation Approach for Coaxial Medium-Deep and Deep Borehole Heat Exchanger Systems

Romanov D, Becker-Grupe I, Jodeiri AM, Cozzini M, Holler S

Marco Cozzini

Compared to shallow geothermal systems, coaxial medium-deep and deep borehole heat exchangers (MDBHE and DBHE) offer higher temperatures and heat extraction rates while requiring less surface area, making them attractive options for sustainable heat supply in combination with ground-source heat pumps (GSHP). However, existing simulation tools for such systems are often limited in computational efficiency or open-source availability. To address this gap, we propose a rapid modeling approach using the open-source Python package “pygfunction” (v2.3.0). Its workflow was adjusted to accept the fluid inlet temperature as input. The effective undisturbed ground temperature and ground thermophysical properties were weight-averaged considering stratified ground layers. Validation of the approach was conducted by comparing simulation results with 12 references, including established models and experimental data. The proposed method enables fast estimation of fluid temperatures and heat extraction rates for single boreholes and small-scale bore fields in both homogeneous and heterogeneous geological conditions at depths of 700–3000 m, thus supporting rapid assessments of the coefficient of performance (COP) of GSHP. The approach systematically underestimates fluid outlet temperatures by up to 2–3 °C, resulting in a maximum underestimation of COP of 4%. Under significant groundwater flow or extreme geothermal gradients, these errors may increase to 4 °C and 6%, respectively. Based on the available data, these discrepancies may result in errors in GSHP electric power estimation of approximately ±10%. The method offers practical value for GSHP performance evaluation, geothermal potential mapping, and district heating network planning, supporting geologists, engineers, planners, and decision-makers.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.3390/en18184921

Journal article2025

Thermal-hydraulic modelling of a flexible substation layout for low-temperature waste heat recovery into district heating

Anania D, Russo G, Palombo A, Orizio F, Fedrizzi R, Cozzini M

Marco Cozzini, Daniele Anania

Progetto: EU LIFE - LIFE4HeatRecovery - Calore di scarto a bassa temperatura nelle reti di teleriscaldamento e di raffreddamento come fonte pulita di energia termica

This study investigates a thermal substation designed for low-temperature waste heat recovery in district heating networks, where the served user has both heating and cooling demands. The proposed bidirectional substation, equipped with heat pumps and thermal storage units, enables the recovery of excess waste heat in the district heating network and compensates local heating needs when waste heat availability is insufficient. A flexible and detailed TRNSYS-based model is developed to simulate various hydraulic configurations of the substation, tailored for both low- and high-temperature district heating networks, ensuring adaptability to different temperature requirements in diverse applications. The model is applied to a demonstration site in Ospitaletto, Italy, where waste heat is recovered from a steel mill and used to replace gas boilers for space heating and hot water in the factory's canteen and showers. The model's accuracy is validated through a comparison with monitored data, ensuring reliable performance predictions. Performance estimation error is under 5%, demonstrating the model's high reliability. The simulation results show that the system can achieve up to 75% reduction in non-renewable primary energy consumption and carbon emissions, while also allowing the recovery of about 90% of unused waste heat for supply to other connected users.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136386

Journal article2024

A New Method for the Techno-Economic Analysis and the Identification of Expansion Strategies of Neutral-Temperature District Heating and Cooling Systems

Calixto S, Cozzini M, Fedrizzi R, Manzolini G

Marco Cozzini

Progetto: EU LIFE - LIFE4HeatRecovery - Calore di scarto a bassa temperatura nelle reti di teleriscaldamento e di raffreddamento come fonte pulita di energia termica

Neutral-temperature district heating and cooling (NT-DHC) is a recent concept in the district heating sector. The current literature does not directly address the ability to create comprehensive master plans for NT-DHC systems and reliably model their performance. This research presents a new approach for the evaluation and planning of NT-DHC systems. The methodology involves the use of a knapsack optimization algorithm to perform a comprehensive analysis of the conditions that make the NT-DHC solution competitive against individual heating and cooling technologies. The algorithm determines the optimal combination of potential extensions that maximizes overall economic value. The results of a case study, which was conducted in Italy, show that NT-DHC is more suitable in dense urban areas, while air-to-water heat pumps are better suited for low heat density zones. This methodology aims to reduce the risks associated with energy demand and provide more certainty about which areas a network can expand into to be competitive. It is targeted at energy planners, utilities experts, energy engineers, and district heating experts who require assistance and guidance in the planning and early stages of designing a NT-DHC system. This method might enable pre-feasibility studies and preliminary design to determine the opportunities and limitations of a system of this kind from an economic and technological perspective.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.3390/en17092159

Journal article2024

Numerical and experimental investigation of stratified water storage tanks: An enhanced adaptive-grid model

Jodeiri AM, Soppelsa A, Turrin F, Pipiciello M, Cozzini M, Fedrizzi R

Anton Soppelsa, Mauro Pipiciello, Francesco Turrin, Marco Cozzini

Progetto: EU H2020 REWARDHeat - Recupero di calore rinnovabile e di scarto in reti di teleriscaldamento e raffreddamento

Stratified water storage tanks are key in thermal energy systems, effectively balancing energy supply with heat demand, thus facilitating operational flexibility. Accurately modeling both energy balance and thermocline evolution with minimal computational effort is essential for models implementation in real-time control applications. One-dimensional, static-grid models are favored for their easy implementation; however, they require dense grids in order to minimize numerical diffusion and to represent mixing effect correctly, resulting in rather expensive computational effort. This study introduces an adaptive-grid model that comprehensively represents the water storage tank’s geometrical features, including inlet and outlet duct heights and dead volume sizes. It also details the spatially discretized heat diffusion and characterizes the inflow region’s mixing using an empirical equation. Implemented in both TRaNsient SYstem Simulation (TRNSYS) and Modelica environments, the model is validated through laboratory experiments with a hot water storage tank operating under various mass flow and temperature conditions, representative of heat pump-driven heating systems. The results indicate improvements in computational efficiency compared to static-grid models, specifically a 55% reduction in simulation duration with the same level of uncertainty.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.123113

Journal article2022

Role of sustainable heat sources in transition towards fourth generation district heating: a review

Jodeiri AM, Goldsworthy MJ, Buffa S, Cozzini M

Marco Cozzini

Progetto: EU H2020 REWARDHeat - Recupero di calore rinnovabile e di scarto in reti di teleriscaldamento e raffreddamento

As an integrated part of future sustainable energy systems, district heating has been widely established as a convenient solution to provide energy-efficient space heating and sanitary hot water. In the pathway towards decarbonization of district heating, its 4th generation enables integration of high shares of renewable energy sources and waste heat. This article reviews the challenges confronted by such integration, investigating the technical and non-technical difficulties associated with the exploitation of solar thermal, waste heat, geothermal, and biomass energy sources into district heating systems. The study reveals that although solar thermal district heating is a mature technology, optimization of solar field size, location and collector type is still an active research field. In application of waste heat, distance between heat sources and users is often a barrier. Moreover, low-temperature waste heat and low-enthalpy geothermal sources require application of heat pumps. As regards biomass, its theoretical dispatchability is in practice limited by logistical challenges and low flexibility of biomass boilers, mostly relegating it to cover base load only. Thus, biomass does not appear to be a long-term solution for heating purposes, also considering its competing use to produce biofuels (needed for sectors more difficult to decarbonize). Lastly, application of seasonal storage coupled with heat pumps is expected to play a crucial role in maximizing renewable energy use, but its sizing and integration requires dynamic analysis of heat demand as well as of charging and discharging temperatures.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112156

Journal article2021

Experimental characterization of a prototype of bidirectional substation for district heating with thermal prosumers

Pipiciello M, Caldera M, Cozzini M, Ancona MA, Melino F, Di Pietra B

Mauro Pipiciello, Marco Cozzini

The prosumer, already widespread in the electrical sector, is still uncommon in the district heating (DH) sector. Nevertheless, this figure can potentially provide a relevant contribution to increase the renewable fraction of heat and to decrease the fossil fuel consumption, hence enhancing sustainable and efficient district heating. Moreover, prosumers are more informed and responsible towards energy production and energy savings. In order to enable the two-way heat exchange, the thermal substation at the interface between the prosumer and the DH network must be properly upgraded.

The present paper aims at providing a comprehensive contribution to the design and testing of an innovative bidirectional substation for active district heating, focusing on the hydraulic configuration and on the control strategies. The realized substation primarily fulfils the prosumer’s heat demand and supplies the excess heat to the DH network only if it is available at the temperature contractually defined with the DH operator, while it uses the network as a source if the local production is not sufficient to cover the user’s heat demand. The prototype, with a technology readiness level TRL 4, can be connected to a generic micro-generation system, e.g. solar thermal or heat recovery units. An extensive test campaign has been carried out in order to evaluate its dynamic behavior both from energetic and hydraulic points of view. Test confirmed the reliable operation of the substation, which is able to handle simultaneous heat exchanges with the user’s heating system and the DH network at pressure loss lower than 0.2 bar and at temperatures within ±0.6 °C of the prescribed setpoint after transients shorter than 5 min, even with ±10 °C step changes in the inlet fluid temperatures.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.120036

Journal article2021

Modelling of an Existing Neutral Temperature District Heating Network: Detailed and Approximate Approaches

Calixto S, Cozzini M, Manzolini G

Marco Cozzini

Progetto: EU LIFE - LIFE4HeatRecovery - Calore di scarto a bassa temperatura nelle reti di teleriscaldamento e di raffreddamento come fonte pulita di energia termica

This paper deals with the modelling of an existing neutral-temperature district heating network, meaning that the distribution temperature is close to the ambient temperature, with decentralised heat pumps. The considered case is located in Ospitaletto, Italy. Heat sources are given by industrial waste heat at about 25 °C and aquifer wells at about 15 °C. Two models are used to analyse the network: a detailed model able to calculate local values of operating parameters and an approximate model focused on energy balances aggregating all users with a lumped demand. Both models include the behaviour of heat pumps, a feature not available in other district heating modelling tools. An entire year of operation is considered, with an hourly time resolution. Load profiles are provided as inputs, while the main outputs consist of energy balances and primary energy consumptions. The corresponding results are compared, showing a reasonable agreement, where the approximate model underestimates the overall electricity consumptions by about 15% with respect to the detailed model. On the other hand, the different information levels and execution times (the detailed model requires about 30 min to solve the considered network for a full year with hourly time steps, while the approximate model is almost immediate) make the two models suitable for different purposes, like the simulation of control solutions for the detailed one and scenario analysis for the other.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.3390/en14020379

Journal article2021

Monitoring and aggregate modelling of an existing neutral temperature district heating network

Calixto S, Köseoğlu C, Cozzini M, Manzolini G

Marco Cozzini

Progetto: EU LIFE - LIFE4HeatRecovery - Calore di scarto a bassa temperatura nelle reti di teleriscaldamento e di raffreddamento come fonte pulita di energia termica

This contribution provides preliminary modelling results and data analysis of an existing neutral-temperature district heating (NTDH) network. The word ”neutral” in this context refers to the fact that the distribution temperature is close to the ambient temperature (e.g., 15–20 °C). This type of network is coupled with decentralized heat pumps (HP), for both heating and cooling. They offer the advantage of being reversible and the possibility of integrating low-temperature waste heat. The considered case is located in Ospitaletto, Italy. The network includes two sources (industrial waste heat at about 25 °C and ground source heat from aquifer wells at about 15 °C), it is mainly built with non-insulated pipes and has a length of approximately 2 km. Decentralized HPs installed at user substations provide the proper temperature for space heating and sanitary hot water production.

An approximate model was applied to analyse the network operation. This model is focused on energy balances aggregating all users as a lumped demand and explicitly includes the behaviour of HPs substations, a component not available in other district heating analysis tools. The simulation of an entire year of operation is considered, with an hourly resolution. Thermal load profiles are known and used as input to the model, while the outputs are compared with real data -a combination of weekly and hourly measurements at the users substations-which include annual heat supply, electricity consumptions, thermal losses, and seasonal performance factor (SPF). The results yield an overall deviation of 15% in the main indicators when using pre-defined data. In conclusion, even though the measured SPF is slightly lower than expected, the model reaches a reasonable agreement.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2021.08.162

Journal article2019

5th generation district heating and cooling systems: A review of existing cases in Europe

Buffa S, Cozzini M, D´Antoni M, Baratieri M, Fedrizi R

Marco Cozzini

This article investigates 40 thermal networks in operation in Europe that are able to cover both the heating and cooling demands of buildings by means of distributed heat pumps installed at the customer substations. The technology of thermal networks that work at a temperature close to the ground, can strongly contribute to the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sector and furthermore exploit a multitude of low temperature heat sources. Nevertheless, the nomenclature used in literature shows that misinterpretations could easily result when comparing the different concepts of thermal networks that operate at a temperature level lower than traditional district heating. The scope of this work is to revise the definitions encountered and to introduce an unambiguous definition of Fifth-Generation District Heating and Cooling networks. A drawback-benefit analysis is presented to identify the pros and cons of such technology. The survey on the current networks shows that on average three Fifth-Generation District Heating and Cooling systems per year have entered the heating and cooling market in the last decade. Pioneer countries in such technology are Germany and Switzerland. For some networks, the assessed Linear Heating Power Demand Density results are lower than the feasibility threshold adopted in traditional district heating. High performances and low non-renewable primary energy factors are achieved in systems that exploit a very high share of renewable or urban excess heat sources. With respect to traditional district heating, the surveyed pumping energy consumptions result one order of magnitude higher, whereas the implemented control strategies can be completely different, leading the network temperature to float freely.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.12.059

Journal article2018

Multi-objective optimization algorithm coupled to EnergyPLAN software: The EPLANopt model

Prina MG, Cozzini M, Garegnani G, Manzolini G, Moser D, Filippi Oberegger U, Pernetti R, Vaccaro R,

Ulrich Filippi Oberegger, Matteo Prina, Wolfram Sparber, Marco Cozzini

Progetto: Regional Energy Modelling

The planning of energy systems with high penetration of renewables is becoming more and more important due to environmental and security issues. On the other hand, high shares of renewables require proper grid integration strategies. In order to overcome these obstacles, the diversification of renewable energy technologies, programmable or not, coupled with different types of storage, daily and seasonal, is recommended. The optimization of the different energy sources is a multi-objective optimization problem because it concerns economical, technical and environmental aspects. The aim of this study is to present the model EPLANopt, developed by Eurac Research, which couples the deterministic simulation model EnergyPLAN developed by Aalborg University with a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm built on the Python library DEAP. The test case is the energy system of South Tyrol, for which results obtained through this methodology are presented. Particular attention is devoted to the analysis of energy efficiency in buildings. A curve representing the marginal costs of the different energy efficiency strategies versus the annual energy saving is applied to the model through an external Python script. This curve describes the energy efficiency costs for different types of buildings depending on construction period and location.

DOI

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.02.050

Journal article2016

Large Scale Solar Process Heat Systems - Planning, Realization and System Operation

Pietruschka D, Ben Hassine I, Cotrado M, Fedrizzi R, Cozzini M

Marco Cozzini

Within the FP7-InSun project three different solar process heat systems have been installed and integrated in two different industrial processes. A 1067 m² advanced flat plate collector field and a 130 m² parabolic trough system have been installed at a ham and sausage production in Austria to preheat the feed water of a steam boiler and to prepare hot water for cleaning and drying processes. A 2640 m² Fresnel collector field installed at a brick fabrication in Italy produces steam at 180 °C and 12 bars to heat air for a brick drying process. In this paper the experiences made during planning, installation, commissioning and regular system operation will be described and discussed together with measured performance data. Furthermore, system costs and cost improvements reached by optimization in the collector production and standardization of system integration devices are shown and discussed together with future application potentials on the basis of detailed simulation studies carried out during the project.

DOI

DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2016.06.223

Technical
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Journal article2021

Monitoring and aggregate modelling of an existing neutral temperature district heating network

Calixto S, Köseoğlu C, Cozzini M, Manzolini G

Marco Cozzini

Progetto: EU LIFE - LIFE4HeatRecovery - Calore di scarto a bassa temperatura nelle reti di teleriscaldamento e di raffreddamento come fonte pulita di energia termica

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2021.08.162

Marco Cozzini

About

Scientific Publications

Achieving efficient district heating targets in a Croatian network: heat source mapping and techno-economic scenarios analysis

Rapid Open-Source-Based Simulation Approach for Coaxial Medium-Deep and Deep Borehole Heat Exchanger Systems

Thermal-hydraulic modelling of a flexible substation layout for low-temperature waste heat recovery into district heating

A New Method for the Techno-Economic Analysis and the Identification of Expansion Strategies of Neutral-Temperature District Heating and Cooling Systems

Numerical and experimental investigation of stratified water storage tanks: An enhanced adaptive-grid model

Role of sustainable heat sources in transition towards fourth generation district heating: a review

Experimental characterization of a prototype of bidirectional substation for district heating with thermal prosumers

Modelling of an Existing Neutral Temperature District Heating Network: Detailed and Approximate Approaches

Monitoring and aggregate modelling of an existing neutral temperature district heating network

5th generation district heating and cooling systems: A review of existing cases in Europe

Multi-objective optimization algorithm coupled to EnergyPLAN software: The EPLANopt model

Large Scale Solar Process Heat Systems - Planning, Realization and System Operation

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Scientific Publications

Achieving efficient district heating targets in a Croatian network: heat source mapping and techno-economic scenarios analysis

Rapid Open-Source-Based Simulation Approach for Coaxial Medium-Deep and Deep Borehole Heat Exchanger Systems

Thermal-hydraulic modelling of a flexible substation layout for low-temperature waste heat recovery into district heating

A New Method for the Techno-Economic Analysis and the Identification of Expansion Strategies of Neutral-Temperature District Heating and Cooling Systems

Numerical and experimental investigation of stratified water storage tanks: An enhanced adaptive-grid model

Role of sustainable heat sources in transition towards fourth generation district heating: a review

Experimental characterization of a prototype of bidirectional substation for district heating with thermal prosumers

Modelling of an Existing Neutral Temperature District Heating Network: Detailed and Approximate Approaches

Monitoring and aggregate modelling of an existing neutral temperature district heating network

5th generation district heating and cooling systems: A review of existing cases in Europe

Multi-objective optimization algorithm coupled to EnergyPLAN software: The EPLANopt model

Large Scale Solar Process Heat Systems - Planning, Realization and System Operation