Concordare per e-mail (luca.socci@unifi.it) i ricevimenti, sia inerenti gli insegnamenti che le tesi.
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Schedule with the teacher, by e-mail (luca.socci@unifi.it), the meetings, both relating to the teachings and the theses.
Luca Socci è nato a Firenze (Italia) il 24/03/1994. È laureato in Ingegneria Ambientale e attualmente è Ricercatore a Tempo Determinato categoria A nel Gruppo di Ricerca di Termodinamica e Scambio Termico.Ha conseguito: il diploma di maturità scientifica (voto 100/100) nel 2008 presso il Liceo Scientifico N.Rodolico - Firenze, la laurea triennale in Ingegneria Ambientale nel 2017 presso l'Università di Firenze con la tesi “Calibrazione di strumenti per misure di temperatura in un prototipo di ciclo frigorifero ad eiezione” (supervisore Prof. Andrea Rocchetti, voto 110 e lode / 110), la Laurea Magistrale in Ingegneria Ambientale nel 2020 presso l'Università di Firenze con la tesi “Progettazione e confronto di soluzioni per il raffreddamento efficiente dei data center” (supervisore Prof. Andrea Rocchetti, voto 110 e lode / 110), il Dottorato di Ricerca in Ingegneria Industriale nel 2025 presso l'Università di Firenze con la tesi “Indirect evaporation-based solutions for humidification-dehumidification desalination processes” (supervisore Prof. Andrea Rocchetti).Dal 2020 svolge attività di ricerca e insegnamento presso il Gruppo di Ricerca Termodinamica e Scambio Termico - Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale - Università degli Studi di Firenze. Dall'ottobre 2025 ricopre la carica di RTD A.Le sue attività di ricerca comprendono principalmente l'analisi dei processi di trasferimento di calore e massa applicati all'accumulo di energia, alla deumidificazione delle portate d'aria, al raffreddamento evaporativo, alla dissalazione HDH e l'analisi dei sistemi edificio-impianto HVAC.La sua attività didattica è legata ai corsi appartenenti al settore scientifico della Fisica Tecnica Industriale. Attualmente è docente di Laboratorio di Energie Rinnovabili - Modulo II per la Laurea in Ingegneria Ambientale.
È coinvolto in progetti di ricerca internazionali e nazionali e in collaborazioni industriali.
È autore/coautore di 11 articoli pubblicati su riviste scientifiche (indicizzati in Scopus e SCIE) e di 17 articoli pubblicati in atti di convegni.
LUCA SOCCI
Born on 24/03/1994
in Florence (Italy)
+39 339 6274909
luca.socci@unifi.it
Researcher in Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer (RTD A, IIND-07/A: Fisica Tecnica Industriale)
PROFILE AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Environmental engineer, Funded Researcher at the Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer Research Group of the University of Florence. During his studies, he focused on issues related to efficient cooling and refrigeration, energy resource management and environmental impacts of energy systems. He is currently involved in the following research activities:
- Analysis of heat and mass transfer processes applied to energy storage, air flow dehumidification (desiccant device), evaporative cooling, HDH desalination
- Analysis of Building-HVAC systems
- Disinfection of airflows in HVAC systems
- Data centre cooling
- Environmental impacts of energy systems (Water-Energy Nexus)
EDUCATION
University of Florence – School of Engineering
Firenze (Italy)
Doctorate (Doctor Europaeus): Industrial Engineering (outstanding)
11/2021 – 04/2025
Thesis: Indirect evaporation-based solutions for humidification-dehumidification desalination processes
Master Degree: Environmental Engineering (110 with honours / 110)
10/2017 – 07/2020
Thesis: Design and comparison of solutions for efficient cooling of data centres
Bachelor Degree: Environmental Engineering (110 with honours / 110)
09/2013 – 10/2017
Thesis: Calibration of the instruments for monitoring the temperature in an ejector refrigeration cycle prototype
High School N. Rodolico
Scientific high school certificate (100/100)
09/2008 – 07/2013
EXPERIENCE
Thermo Group – DIEF – University of Florence
Funded Researcher (Borsista, 2020-2021), PhD student (2021-2024), Funded Researcher (Assegnista, 2024-30/09/2025), Researcher (RTD/A, 01/10/2025-)
09/2020 – ongoing
Research activities:
Educational activities:
- Teacher of "Application of Renewable Energies" (Laboratorio di Energie Rinnovabili - Modulo II)
- Support teacher (Coadiutore, Cultore della Materia or other profiles) for the courses of “Applied Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer” (Fisica Tecnica), “Energy efficiency of Buildings” (Energetica del Sistema Edificio-Impianto), “Industrial and Civil HVAC Systems” (Impianti Tecnici Civili e Industriali), “Sustainable HVAC systems”
- Co-supervisor of Bachelor and Master Degree theses in Mechanical, Energy, Management, Environmental and Building Engineering. Total co-supervised theses: 45
GEUMA Group – School of Engineering – University of Malaga
Malaga (Italy)
PhD visiting period
01/2024 – 04/2024
Research activities: utilisation of ceramic semi-indirect evaporative coolers for HVAC systems decarbonisation
Internship for Master Degree Thesis
04/2020 – 06/2020
Analysis of solutions for data centre efficient cooling
Internship for Bachelor Degree Thesis
04/2017 – 06/2020
Calibration of instruments for temperature measurements in an ejector refrigeration cycle prototype
University of Florence
Educational tutor
12/2020 – 12/2021
Support to the students for the courses of “Applied Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer” (Fisica Tecnica) and “Renewable Energies” (Energie Rinnovabili)
PROJECTS AND COLLABORATIONS
International Projects
National Projects
Industrial Collaborations
Public Institutions Collaborations
OTHER SCIENTIFIC AND ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Speaker invitations
Online
The THUNDER experience: heat pumps and energy storage for data centre waste heat valorisation
10/2024
Evaporative cooling solutions for HVAC applications
05/2025, 05/2024
Utilisation of sorbent materials for HVAC dehumidification and thermal energy storage
05/2024
Utilisation of MOFs as desiccant in HVAC systems
Malaga (Spain)
Desalination: a technology applied to a well-known mixture
04/2024
Peer review activities
Conference sessions chairing activities
Training schools participations
Reykjavik (Iceland)
Advanced technologies for superhot geothermal energy
05/2025
Awards
Best poster awards – DIEF section (in collaboration Andreini N, Giunti L, Vaccaro G)
Memberships
ongoing
LANGUAGES
Italian: mother tongue
English: good knowledge (level B2)
IT SKILLS
Office, AutoCAD, Matlab, Design Builder, Comsol Multiphysics
OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION
COMPLETE LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS
1
Savelli F, Socci L*, Lippi M, Rocchetti A, Talluri L.
Modelling of a desiccant-coated heat and mass exchanger for airflow dehumidification in HVAC systems. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments. Elsevier. 2025.
2
Andreini N, Socci L, Naqvi S B, Talluri L. Literature review of R744 mixtures for heating and cooling application and future prospective for their CFD multiphase modelling. Applied Energy. Elsevier. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126516
3
Rocchetti A, Socci L*. Study of a novel Humidification-Dehumidification Desalination system hybridised with Indirect Evaporative Cooling and Vapour Compression Refrigeration. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress. Elsevier. 2025.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2025.103513
4
Socci L1*, Rocchetti A, Lippi M, Savelli F, Verzino A, Zini A, Talluri L, Manfrida G, Ciappi L. Desiccant thermally controlled dehumidification in HVAC systems: energy and exergy analysis, evaluation of different materials.
Journal of Building Engineering. Elsevier. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.111804
5
Socci L1*, Rocchetti A, Verzino A, Zini A, Talluri L. Enhancing third-generation district heating networks with data centre waste heat recovery: analysis of a case study in Italy. Energy. Elsevier. 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.134013
6
Socci L1*, Rey-Hernandez J, Rocchetti A, Rey-Hernandez A, Rey-Martinez F.
Ceramic Air-to-Air Recuperator for energy recovery in HVAC systems: CFD analysis and comparison with experimental tests.
Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments. Elsevier .2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2024.104082
7
Ciappi L, Socci L, Calabrese M, Di Francesco C, Savelli F, Manfrida G, Rocchetti A, Talluri L, Fiaschi D.
Exploiting the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology for green hydrogen production and storage: exergo-economic analysis. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. Elsevier. 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.10.290
8
Socci L1*, Rey-Hernandez J, Rocchetti A, Dominguez-Munoz F, Rey-Hernandez A, Rey-Martinez F.
Use of Semi-Indirect Evaporative Cooling in HVAC systems: experimental study.
Journal of Building Engineering. Elsevier. 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110158
9
Zini A, Socci L, Vaccaro G, Rocchetti A, Talluri L. Working Fluid Selection for High-Temperature Heat Pumps: A Comprehensive Evaluation. Energies. MDPI. 2024. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071556
10
Rocchetti A, Lippi M, Socci L, Gullo P, Khorshidi V, Talluri L. Metal-Organic Framework Adsorbent Materials in HVAC Systems: General Survey and Theoretical Assessment.
https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238908
11
Rocchetti A, Socci L*. Theoretical and numerical assessment of an enhanced Humidification-Dehumidification desalination system based on Indirect Evaporative Cooling and Vapour Compression Refrigeration.
Applied Thermal Engineering. Elsevier. 2022.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.118194
All scientific journals are indexed in Scopus and SCIE databases
1: First Author - *: Corresponding Author
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Exergy and exergo-economic analysis of HDH desalination systems
ECOS 2025
Linari A, Milazzo A, Socci L
Heat and mass transfer models for the energy efficient management of defrosting operations in supermarkets refrigerated cabinets. UIT 2025. Firenze (Italy). June 2025.
Zini A, Rocchetti A, Savelli F, Verzino A, Socci L, Talluri L
Data centre waste heat recovery through thermochemical energy storage and high temperature heat pump: preliminary analysis. UIT 2025. Firenze (Italy). June 2025.
Savelli F, Socci L, Niknam P H, Rocchetti A, Talluri L.
Numerical multiphysics simulation of a thermochemical energy storage device. UIT 2025. Firenze (Italy). June 2025.
Andreini N, Socci L * ^, Rocchetti A
Numerical study of the heat transfer correlations in dew point evaporative cooling devices. UIT 2025. Firenze (Italy). June 2025.
Socci L1 * ^, Savelli F, Rocchetti A, Lippi M, Talluri L, Rey-Hernandez J
Use of solid desiccant materials in HVAC dehumidification: analysis of a case study. CLIMA 2025. Milano (Italy). June 2025.
Rocchetti A, Socci L* °, Poli M, Sodi F, Talluri L. Analysis of a humidification-dehumidification desalination system based on indirect evaporative cooling driven by waste heat recovery.
SDEWES 2024. Roma (Italy). September 2024.
Savelli F, Socci L^, Rocchetti A, Lippi M, Talluri L.
Modelling of a desiccant-coated heat and mass exchanger for airflow dehumidification.
Socci L 1 * ^, Rocchetti A. Theoretical study of a hybrid Humidification-Dehumidification desalination / Cooling system.
UIT International Conference 2024. Napoli (Italy). June 2024.
Malevolti G, Rocchetti A, Socci L.
Scenarios for the energy renovation of a residential building.
AiCARR International Conference 2024. Milano (Italy). March 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202452301005
Socci L 1 * ^, Zuffi C, Aiello I, Rocchetti A, Fiaschi D.
Utilisation of Groundwater Heat Pumps for the Decarbonisation of Heating and Cooling Sector: The Analysis of an Italian Case Study.
ECOS 2023. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain). June 2023.
http://dx.doi.org/10.52202/069564-0262
12
Zuffi C, Socci L, Rocchetti A, Fiaschi D, Manfrida G.
Evaluation and Possible Direct Utilization of Low- To Medium-Enthalpy Geothermal Resources for the Sustainable Development of the African Continent.
http://dx.doi.org/10.52202/069564-0148
13
Andreini N, Vaccaro G, Socci L, Milazzo A. Numerical Multiphase Assessment of Geometric Key Parameters in Venturi-Type Reactor for Process Intensification.
http://dx.doi.org/10.52202/069564-0043
14
Rocchetti A, Socci L * ^, Andreini N, Vaccaro G, Milazzo A, Talluri L, Santi G, Bucaioni P.
Development of a code for the evaluation of air sanitation efficiency of UV-C linear lamps in ventilation systems.
IUVA Americas Conference. Cincinnati (USA). September 2022.
15
Vaccaro G, Milazzo A, Socci L, Talluri L.
Thermodynamic analysis of a steam ejector chiller with ice storage.
IIR-Gustav Lorentzen conference. Trondheim (Norway). June 2022.
http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.gl2022.0084
16
Rocchetti A, Socci L * °
Impiego di tecnologie di raffrescamento per dissalazione a umidificazione-deumidificazione.
Ecomondo 2021. Rimini (Italy). October 2021.
17
Rocchetti A, Socci L, Pierazzuoli G.
Solutions for efficient and environmental friendly cooling of data centers.
International Building Simulation Conference. Bruges (Belgium). September 2021. https://doi.org/10.26868/25222708.2021.30930
1: First Author - *: Corresponding Author - ^: Presenting Author of Oral Presentation - °: Presenting Author of Poster Presentation
DOCTORAL THESIS
Socci L Indirect evaporation-based solutions for humidification-dehumidification desalination processes
Legenda
Luca Socci was born in Florence (Italy) on 24/03/1994. He is graduated in Environmental Engineering and he is currently a Researcher of the Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer Research Group.
He obtained: the Scientific high school certificate (mark 100/100) in 2008 at Liceo Scientifico N.Rodolico - Florence, the Bachelor Degree in Environmental Engineering in 2017 at University of Florence with the thesis “Calibration of the instruments for monitoring the temperature in an ejector refrigeration cycle prototype” (supervisor Prof. Andrea Rocchetti, mark 110 with honours / 110), the Master Degree in Environmental Engineering in 2020 at University of Florence with the thesis “Design and comparison of solutions for efficient cooling of data centres” (supervisor Prof. Andrea Rocchetti, mark 110 with honours / 110), the PhD in Industrial Engineering in 2025 at University of Florence with the thesis “Indirect evaporation-based solutions for humidification-dehumidification desalination processes” (supervisor Prof. Andrea Rocchetti, mark “outstanding”).
Since 2020, he has been carrying out research and teaching activities at the Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer Research Group - Department of Industrial Engineering - University of Florence. Since October 2025, he has held the position of Researcher (RTD A, Ricercatore a Tempo Determinato categoria A, for Italian regulation).
His research activities mainly include the analysis of heat and mass transfer processes applied to energy storage, air flow dehumidification (desiccant device), evaporative cooling, HDH desalination and the analysis of Building-HVAC systems.
His teaching activities is related to the courses belonging to the scientific sector of "Thermal Engineering" (Fisica Tecnica Industriale). He is currently the teacher of "Application of Renewable Energies" (Laboratorio di Energie Rinnovabili - Modulo II) for the Bachelor Degree in Environmental Engineering.
He is involved in international and national research projects and in industrial collaborations.
He is author/co-author of 11 papers published in scientific journal (indexed in Scopus and SCIE) and 17 papers published in conference proceedings.