Research & Innovation

My research focuses on energy efficiency, energy transition, smart energy systems, and applied solutions for buildings, communities, and industry. Through international collaborations and EU-funded projects, I contribute to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Energy Efficiency Energy Transition Smart Energy Systems Decarbonization

International Collaboration Network

Research partnerships across Europe

European Collaboration Network Map

Publications

Complete Publication List

Access my complete list of publications, including journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports.

Download PDF

International funded projects

EU-funded research through Horizon, LIFE and Interreg programmes

Horizon Europe | 2024-2026
PERSIST – Positive EneRgy diStrIctS driven by ciTizens
Citizen participation and empowerment for Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), including participation models, business models, impact monitoring framework, and multiple benefits assessment.
Project Page
LIFE21-CET-AUDITS | €1.8M | 2022-2025
EnTRAINER – Energy Transition Audits towards Decarbonization
Paradigm shift from conventional energy audits to holistic Energy Transition Audits (ETA) with comprehensive decarbonization action plans. Upskilling program for energy auditors and managers to increase implementation of efficiency measures.
Project Page Project Website
Interreg Danube DRP0200401 | €2.2M
Building Local Partnerships for Reducing the Fossil Energy Demand of District Heating Systems in the Eastern Danube Region
Reducing fossil energy demand in district heating systems through increased renewable energy integration, waste heat recovery, and local partnerships across the Danube region.
Project Page
Interreg Danube | €2.5M | 2024-2026
Danube GeoHeCo – Fostering Shallow Geothermal Hybrid Heating and Cooling Systems
Promoting shallow geothermal energy utilization through transnational cooperation, IT decision support tools, digital marketplace platform, and transnational action plans.
Project Page
2022/346660 | €200K | 2023-2024
ENERGEIA – Empowering Energy Efficiency Awareness through a Holistic Educational Approach
Raising awareness and providing training for renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, covering economic, social, and educational dimensions through materials, campaigns, and training activities for companies and the public.
Project Page
H2020-LC-SC3-EE-2019 | 894356 | 2020-2023
GEAR at SME – Generate Energy Efficient Acting and Results at Small & Medium Enterprises
Supporting SMEs in implementing energy efficiency measures through capacity building, technical assistance, and practical tools for energy management.
Project Page
H2020-LC-SC3-EE-2018 | 847132 | 2019-2022
SMEmPower Efficiency – A Holistic Framework for Empowering SMEs' Capacity to Increase Energy Efficiency
Comprehensive framework addressing socio-economic and policy barriers, certification schemes, training methodologies, best practices, and financing mechanisms for SME energy efficiency.
Project Page
H2020-LC-SC3-2018-RES | 815301 | 2019-2022
RE-COGNITION – Renewable Cogeneration and Storage Technologies Integration for Energy Autonomous Buildings
Integration of renewable cogeneration and storage technologies to achieve energy autonomous buildings, demonstrating innovative solutions for self-sufficient energy systems.
Project Page
€542K | Coordinator: UTCN | 2022-2023
DOITSMARTER – Energy Efficiency Management and Control System for Residential & Educational Buildings
Development of EMCS algorithms and tools (Monitoring & Targeting, Measurement & Verification) for consumption optimization in buildings. Demonstrators in Romania & Norway with cost-effective power-to-heat solutions for district heating systems.
Project Page
European University Alliance Initiative
EuT+ – European University of Technology
Strategic alliance of European universities focused on technology and innovation, promoting collaborative education, research excellence, and student mobility across member institutions.
Website
EIT HEI Initiative
InnoEUT+ – Innovate European University of Technology
Innovation-focused initiative within the European University of Technology alliance, fostering entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and innovation ecosystems across partner institutions.
H2020-TWINN-2015 (Twinning CSA) | 2016-2018
ESPESA – Strengthening the Research Potential of CAREESD for Sustainable Applications
Twinning project strengthening research capacity and excellence in sustainable energy applications, knowledge transfer, and collaboration between research institutions.

Explore More: Visit the EnTReC website for a complete list of international funded projects and detailed information.

National projects

Implementation team member in Romanian-funded research and education projects

ROSE, SGNU | 2017-2022
EDCONS_FIE – Education and Career Counseling to Reduce Dropout Rates at Faculty of Electrical Engineering (Cluj-Napoca)
Comprehensive program addressing student retention through educational support and career counseling services at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, UTCN.
POCU/626/6/13/130354 | 2020-2022
PAVING – Advanced Practice for Success in Engineering Career
Professional development program enhancing engineering students' practical skills and career readiness through advanced training and industry partnerships.
FDI | 2018, 2019, 2020
SALT – UTCN Students: Entrepreneurs in the Digital World
Entrepreneurship program preparing students for digital economy through innovation training, business development skills, and startup mentorship.
ROSE, SGNU, I/PV/07 | 2017-2019
ELECTROSUMMER – Summer School to Increase Access to Tertiary Education in Electrical Engineering
Educational initiative promoting electrical engineering through intensive summer programs, increasing student enrollment and awareness of engineering careers.
ROSE, SGNU, I/PV/07 | 2019
CeSTI – UTCN Center for Studies and Learning
Establishment of comprehensive learning center providing academic support services, study resources, and educational development programs for UTCN students.
P_40_333 | Operational Programme Competitiveness 2014-2020
URBIVEL – Advanced Technologies for Smart Urban Electric Vehicles
Research and development of innovative technologies for electric vehicles in urban environments, focusing on smart mobility solutions and sustainable transportation.
P_40_391 | Operational Programme Competitiveness 2014-2020
MICROINV – High Power Density and High Efficiency Micro-inverters for Renewable Sources
Development of advanced micro-inverter technology for renewable energy systems, optimizing power conversion efficiency and integration with solar and other renewable sources.

Key research areas

Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Advanced strategies for reducing energy consumption in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings through smart systems, renewable integration, and behavioral approaches.

District Energy Systems

Decarbonization of district heating and cooling systems through renewable energy sources, waste heat recovery, and efficient distribution networks.

Smart Grid Integration

Demand response, energy flexibility, and grid-interactive buildings enabling optimal integration of renewable energy and enhanced grid stability.

Energy Transition Methodologies

Development of holistic audit methodologies, decarbonization action plans, and multi-benefit assessment frameworks for industrial and commercial sectors.