November 2022-present (Expected Completion: March 2026)
PhD in Nanoscience for Medicine and the Environment
University of Bologna, Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”
Supervisor: Prof. Francesca Soavi
The doctoral research focuses on the study and experimentation of various energy storage systems, particularly Redox Flow Batteries and Supercapacitors. These systems are investigated both independently and in combination to develop hybrid systems. Laboratory testing is conducted to evaluate these hybrids, and their performance is compared with mathematical models created using MATLAB Simulink and Simscape. A significant portion of this research is carried out under the European project Hyflow, which aims to explore innovative hybrid energy storage solutions.
November 2014 - November 2018
Master’s Degree in Ingegneria dei Veicoli
University of Pisa, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Industriale
Final mark: 102/110
Supervisors: Prof. Francesco Bucchi, Prof. Giovanni Lutzemberger
Thesis: Structural Optimization of a Frame for a Towing Tractor
This thesis, a collaboration between the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering at the University of Pisa and Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing Italy Spa, explores structural optimization for industrial towing tractors. These electric vehicles, used for towing loads between 1.5 and 50 tons, benefit from optimization techniques to improve performance and reduce costs. The study utilizes Ansys Workbench to apply topological and parametric optimization methods, resulting in a frame with simpler geometries and lower production costs. Additionally, it evaluates the potential benefits of replacing the lead-acid battery with a lithium battery, comparing both options in terms of mass, cost, and volume.
September 2009 - October 2013
Bachelor’s Degree in Ingegneria Energetica
University of Pisa, DESTEC Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Energia, dei Sistemi, del Territorio e delle Costruzioni
Final mark: 93/110
Thesis: Inverse Brayton Joule Cycle Analysis, Application, and State of the Art
This thesis reviews the Inverse Brayton-Joule Cycle, focusing on its operation and applications. The study covers its use in advanced cooling systems, aerospace, and industrial processes, highlighting recent technological advancements and future research directions.
Research Experience
November 2022 – February 2024
PhD candidate Researcher
Hyflow - European Project on Hybrid Energy Storage Systems
(project site: [https://hyflow-h2020.eu/])
Worked on integrating Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs) with supercapacitors (SCs) to improve energy and power performance.
Presented findings at various project meetings:
- →6th project meeting: Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT), Germany, March 24, 2023
- →7th project meeting: Online, August 2, 2023
- →8th project meeting: Holiday Inn, Lisbon, Portugal, October 25-27, 2023
- →10th project meeting: CRAEM, Marina di Ravenna, Ravenna, Italy, February 12-12, 2024
Publications
Conference Presentations and Posters
Oral Presentations
- 6th ISE Satellite Student Regional Symposium on Electrochemistry, Kyiv, Ukraine (Online).
Date: May 22, 2024
Title: “Empowering Redox Flow Batteries Using Supercapacitors”
Authors: Monica Giovannucci, Alessandro Brilloni, Elisabetta Petri, Francesca Soavi
- Giornate dell’Elettrochimica Italiana 2023 (GEI 23), Cefalù, Italy.
Date: September 17-21, 2023
Title: “Exploitation of Green Supercapacitors to Boost RFB Performance”
Authors: Monica Giovannucci, Elisabetta Petri, Francesca Soavi
- Materials Research Society 2023 (MRS Spring 23), San Francisco, USA.
Date: April 10-14, 2023
Title: “Supercapacitor for Improved RFBs Performance in Hybrid Systems”
Authors: Monica Giovannucci, Elisabetta Petri, Federico Poli, Alessandro Brilloni, Francesca Soavi
Poster Presentations
- 2nd StoRIES Summer School 2024, Rome, Italy.
Date: June 3-6, 2024
Title:“Hybrid Energy Storage System at Cell Level: Vanadium Redox Flow Cell + Supercapacitor”
Authors: Monica Giovannucci, Alessandro Brilloni, Elisabetta Petri, Francesca Soavi
Contributed Presentations
- Nanoinnovation 2024, Rome, Italy
Date: September 9-13, 2024
Title: “LIB Cathode Production Processes Designed for 'Direct Recycling’”
Authors: Francesca Soavi, Antunes Staffolani, Monica Giovannucci, Elisabetta Petri, Federico Mascetti, Francesco Capodarca, Shoayb Mojtahedi, Salan Xierzati, Alessandro Gregucci
- 6th ISE Satellite Student Regional Symposium on Electrochemistry, Kyiv, Ukraine (Online)
Date: May 22, 2024
Title: “Lignin-Derived Activated Carbon for Sustainable High Performance Electrical Double-Layer Capacitors”
Authors: Elisabetta Petri, Monica Giovannucci, Alessandro Brilloni, Francesca Soavi
- Zero Emission Mediterranean 2023, Rome, Italy
Date: October 10-11, 2023
Title: “Strategies to Improve RFB Power and Energy Performance”
Authors: Francesca Soavi, Antunes Staffolani, Monica Giovannucci, Elisabetta Petri, Federico Mascetti, Francesco Capodarca, Shoayb Mojtahedi, Salan Xierzati, Alessandro Gregucci
- 74th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE 2023), Lyon, France
Date: September 3-8, 2023
Title: “Strategies to Increase the Specific Energy of Green Supercapacitors”
Authors: Elisabetta Petri, Monica Giovannucci, Alessandro Brilloni, Francesca Soavi
- Supercap & Energy Storage Workshop 2023 at E-TECH, Bologna, Italy
Date: April 19-20, 2023
Title: “Green Supercapacitors: From Hybrid Energy Storage to Autonomous Energy Devices”
Authors: Elisabetta Petri, Monica Giovannucci, Alessandro Brilloni, Francesca Soavi
Type: Invited Oral
- Materials Research Society 2023 (MRS Spring 23), San Francisco, USA
Date: April 10-14, 2023
Title: “Lignin Activated Carbon and Green Electrolyte as Sustainable Components for EDLCs Devices”
Authors: Elisabetta Petri, Monica Giovannucci, Federico Poli, Alessandro Brilloni, Francesca Soavi
Contributed Posters
- 37th Topical Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, Stresa, Italy.
Date: June 9-12, 2024
Title: “Designing Sustainable Processes for Lithium-ion Battery Recycling”
Authors: A. Staffolani, A. Trebbi, A. Ashir, F. Mascetti, M. Giovannucci, E. Petri, C. Samorì, A. G. Rombolà, M. Giorgetti, N. Manyala, F. Soavi
- Italian Workshop on Energy Storage 2023 (IWES 23), Bressanone, Italy.
Date: January 25-27, 2023
Title: “Improved RFBs Performance by Hybrid Systems and Semisolid Components”
Authors: Federico Poli, Elisabetta Petri, Alessandro Brilloni, Monica Giovannucci, Francesca Soavi
Grant and awards
- EARLY-STAGE RESEARCHER BEST POSTER PRESENTATION AWARD 2nd PLACE
EERA JP ENERGY STORAGE AWARD for the poster
“Hybrid Energy Storage System at Cell Level: Vanadium Redox Flow Cell + Supercapacitor” presented at the 2nd StoRIES Summer School 2024, Rome, Italy. June 3-6, 2024
Schools participation
- 2nd StoRIES Summer School 2024, June 3-6, 2024, Rome, Italy
Trainings and workshops
- Master Alta Formazione - E-Mobility & Electric Powertrain, Experis Academy, January 2020- April 2021, online
- AcES - Competenze di Inglese Accademico, January 2024- April 2024, online
- PhD Information Literacy Workshop, January 19,25, February 8, online
- BattValue- Spent Battery Management Training, Marina di Ravenna (Ravenna), Italy, 17-18th June 2024, Organized by Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna within "BattValue: Skilled learners for battery value chain in Europe" EIT Raw, Materials KAVA8 (2022-2024)"
- Automotive Revamping: la transizione verso la nuova mobilità in Emilia-Romagna, Fondazione Golinelli, November 21, 2022
- Supercap & Energy Storage Workshop 2023 at E-TECH, April 19-20, 2023, Bologna, Italy
- DICO - Disegno della Conoscenza (4° edition), online
Outreaching
- Navile Day, May 30, 2024, Bologna, Italy
- Notte europea dei ricercatori, September 29, 2023, Bologna, Italy
- Navile Day, May 25, 2023, Bologna, Italy
Professional Experience
December 2019 - November 2022
Advanced Technology and Test Professional
Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing Italy Spa, Bologna
The role includes serving as a CAE Team Leader, overseeing test acquisitions and FEM comparison, performing FEM analysis and submodeling using Ansys Workbench, and developing rigid body dynamics models with Recurdyn. Responsibilities also encompass acting as a Scrum Master, with training in Agile working methodologies. In addition, the role involves co-supervising three interns' theses, planning prototypes tests, and managing acquisitions of accelerometers and strain gauges, as well as conducting signal analysis.
December 2018 - December 2019
Mechanical Design Engineer
Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing Italy Spa, Bologna
Involved in FEM Analysis using Ansys, prototypes engineering and 3D design with Catia V5, and the analysis and design of hybrid vehicle systems.
June 2018 - December 2018
Internship
Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing Italy Spa, Bologna
Intern supervisors: Ing. Piazza, Tommaso, Ing. Bonelli, Giovanni Paolo
Conducted research on structural optimization for towing tractors, focusing on using topological and parametric optimization methods with Ansys Workbench.
October 2015 - October 2016
Manager of Public Relations, Socials and Media
E-Team Squadra Corse, University of Pisa
Managed a team of 5 people, overseeing social media, website, and sponsor relations. Produced the E-Team Presentation Video in 2016. https://youtu.be/s5VrWVPmU8U?si=3SwymGj84_tjhQBL
October 2014 - October 2015
Chassis Designer
E-Team Squadra Corse, University of Pisa
Designed the steering system and gearbox/clutch actuation system for the Formula Student car “Kerub.”
November 2016 - May 2017
Salesperson
Bottega Verde, Pisa
Languages
- Italian: Native
- English: B2
Autorizzo il trattamento dei miei dati personali ai sensi del GDPR e del Decreto Legislativo 30 giugno 2003, n. 196 “Codice in materia di protezione dei dati personali” ai fini di attività di Ricerca e Selezione del Personale e contatti lavorativi.
