The research group focuses on the development and optimisation of hybrid energy systems for mobile, stationary, and marine applications. Its activities encompass the modelling, monitoring, diagnostics, and optimisation of systems integrating internal combustion engines, batteries, fuel cells, renewable energy sources, and alternative fuels. Particular emphasis is placed on developing advanced technologies for system monitoring, emissions reduction, and energy efficiency improvement, as well as on the development of digital twins and innovative energy supply concepts. Through experimental and computational research, the group contributes to the transition towards sustainable, low-emission, and highly efficient energy systems.

• Monitoring, diagnostics, and optimisation of hybrid energy systems
• Modelling of hybrid energy systems:
• Mobile systems: internal combustion engines, batteries, fuel cells
• Stationary systems: internal combustion engines, wind energy, solar energy, batteries, fuel cells
• Marine systems: internal combustion engines, fuel cells, batteries, alternative fuels, and renewable energy sources
• Advanced technologies for monitoring, optimisation, and emissions reduction in stationary and mobile hybrid energy systems
• Innovative concepts for energy supply based on hybrid energy systems
• Analysis of complex energy systems
• Development of digital twins for energy systems

Laboratories

• Thermal Machinery Laboratory

Equipment

• CFD computing server, 3D printer, CNC milling machine, and laser cutter for rapid prototyping and development of hybrid-system components, including fuel cell components
• Hybrid powertrain test bench with internal combustion engine
• Emissions analyser
• In-cylinder pressure measurement and combustion analysis systems
• Fluid flow measurement equipment
• Temperature sensing and monitoring systems
• Remote monitoring systems for energy-system operational parameters (Patent no.:D20250110A)
• Fuel cell test station
• Ten engineering workstations equipped with AVL software licences (BOOST, CRUISE M, and FIRE CFD) for modelling, simulation, and virtual testing of complex energy systems

• Development of a Water Curtain System for Preventing Seawater Intrusion, Strategic Partnerships for Innovation in Industrial Transition Programme (IP.1.1.03.0113), Principal Investigator at FESB: G. Radica (2024-2027)
• Micro Fuel Cells as an Alternative Power Source for Mobile Devices (MFC2GO), EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (NPOO), Project No. C3.2.R3-I1.01.0232, Principal Investigator: Ž. Penga (2024-2025)
• Advanced Technologies for Autonomous Systems (ATASYS), University of Split Institutional Research Project (IP-UNIST-06), funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026, Principal Investigator: Ž. Penga
• HRZZ IP-2025-02-1981 – HyRefuelStat, Research Team Member: G. Radica (2025-2028)
• HRZZ IP-2024-05-6299 – Coordinated Hydrogen and Electricity Systems and Markets, Research Team Member: Ž. Penga (2024-2027)

The research group welcomes collaboration with industry, public-sector organisations, and academic partners in the development and deployment of advanced hybrid energy systems for mobile, stationary, and marine applications. Collaboration opportunities include joint research and development projects, industrial testing and technology validation, feasibility studies, and optimisation of existing systems aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

 

Particular interest is devoted to the integration of internal combustion engines, battery systems, fuel cells, renewable energy sources, and alternative fuels. The group offers expertise in modelling, monitoring, diagnostics, and optimisation of complex energy systems, as well as in the development of digital twins for predictive control and operational optimisation. Potential forms of cooperation include joint R&D and innovation projects, technology transfer and commercialisation, development of innovative energy supply concepts, participation in national and European funding programmes, professional training and capacity building, technical consultancy and support for implementing advanced energy solutions. Special emphasis is placed on solutions aligned with regulatory requirements, sustainability objectives, and decarbonisation strategies.