Mauro Bonfanti

Mauro Bonfanti is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS) at Politecnico di Torino, Italy. His academic work focuses on wave energy conversion systems, mechatronics, and applied mechanics within the field of industrial and information engineering.

Dr. Bonfanti's primary research interests include wave energy conversion systems, system identification, optimal control, mechatronics, and renewable energy systems. His work centers on developing advanced control strategies for wave energy converters, with particular emphasis on improving energy extraction efficiency through innovative mechanical designs and control algorithms. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of wave-structure interactions, hydrodynamic modeling of floating bodies, and optimization of wave energy converter systems under various sea conditions. His research bridges theoretical modeling with practical implementation, often involving high-fidelity numerical simulations validated through experimental testing.

His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on advancing wave energy conversion technology, with particular emphasis on control systems, hydrodynamic modeling, and optimization techniques. The research shows progression from fundamental modeling approaches to increasingly sophisticated control strategies and system integration. Recent work has expanded to include hybrid renewable energy systems that combine wave and wind energy technologies.

Dr. Bonfanti serves as a Scientific Responsible for several research projects including OCEANGLIDE, AQUALEV, and WISE, which focus on innovative wave energy conversion technologies. He holds multiple patents related to wave energy conversion systems, including the WISE (Water-air Injectable Swath Elevator) and AQUALEV magnetic support systems.

He actively supervises PhD students including Alessandro Brusasco, Matteo Mastorakis, Francesco Balestrieri, and Domenico Edoardo Sfasciamuro, guiding research in sustainable materials, mechanical engineering, and wave energy conversion systems. His teaching responsibilities include courses on System Identification and Optimal Control of Wave Energy Conversion Systems, as well as Mechatronics across multiple academic years.

Dr. Bonfanti is a member of the Mechatronics and Servosystems research group at DIMEAS, where he collaborates on projects related to marine renewable energy systems and advanced control technologies.