Eng. Tomás Riera
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Professor of Propulsion, Alternative Energies, and Hybrids; Coordinator of Energy Performance and Vibrations
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Diesel/gas plants, waterjets, alternative fuels (methanol, ammonia, LNG), hybrid architectures (PTO/PTI, DC-grid), Li-ion/LFP batteries and BMS, IMO EEXI/CII regulations, vibration analysis (ISO 10816/20816, torsional), sea trials, and performance verification.
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft (HSC), and service vessels, combining performance, decarbonization, and operational safety. Integrates state-of-the-art diesel/gas engines with waterjets and CPP/FPP propellers, and designs hybrid solutions in DC-grid (PTO/PTI, bidirectional converters, “silent” and “harbor green” modes).
In alternative fuels, it works with methanol, ammonia, and LNG under the IGF Code, designing tanks, ventilation, ESD philosophies, and safe bunkering procedures in marinas and shipyards.
Its performance approach combines SFOC metrics, propulsion curves, ISO 19030 (hull/propeller condition) and mission modeling, achieving savings programs with verifiable impact on EEXI/CII and OPEX. In vibrations, it applies ISO 10816/20816, torsional analysis (TVA), and NVH (noise/vibration/harshness) control, mitigating resonances and fatigue.
It conducts KPI-based sea trials and generates solid acceptance dossiers for shipowners and classification societies.
Skills Key
Propulsion and plant: engine selection (ISO rating), CPP/FPP, waterjets (nozzle/impeller matching), gearboxes, alignment, and support.
Hybrid architectures: parallel/series, PTO/PTI, DC-link, energy-hotel load balance, peak shaving, “silent/green” strategies.
Storage and BMS: Li-ion/LFP, sizing, ventilation/inerting, protections, integration with converters and EMS.
IGF Code: tanks and double containment, forced ventilation, ESD, gas detection, segregation, safe bunkering.
EEXI/CII: EEXI calculation, CII plan, EPL/ShaPoLi, hull-propeller optimization, and operational measures.
Performance: SFOC, propulsion curves, ISO 19030, sea data, FAT/SAT acceptance.
Vibrations/NVH: ISO 10816/20816, TVA, whirling, insulation, shaft layout, support, and structural rigidity.
Tools: loggers, FFT, EEXI/CII sheets, propulsion selection software, simplified energy twins.
Find out more
Current teaching
- Marine Propulsion: Engine-Propeller Selection and Matching — 6 ECTS, blended learning, T1
RA: dimensions the plant, validates thermomechanical matching and operability.
Evidence: technical report + curves + test plan. - Hybrids and Batteries for Yachts and Service Vessels — 4 ECTS, online + lab, T2
RA: designs DC grid with PTO/PTI and BMS; defines “silent/harbor green” modes.
Evidence: functional diagram + control logic + risk sheet. - IGF Code Applied (Methanol/Ammonia/LNG) — 40-hour certificate, T2
RA: produces basic HAZID, ESD interlocks, and safe layout. - Performance and Vibrations (ISO 10816/20816/ISO 19030) — 3 ECTS, T3
RA: performs FFT measurements, correlates with consumption/performance, and proposes mitigations.
Programmes in which they participate
- Master’s Degree in Marine Propulsion and Energy Efficiency (45–60 ECTS) — Full professor.
- Master’s Degree in Shipbuilding & Refit (60 ECTS) — Associate professor (IGF conversions, hybrids, waterjets in refit, NVH control).
- Master’s Degree in Marina Management & Operations (30–45 ECTS) — Guest lecturer (IGF bunkering, hybrid/shore power support).
- Diploma in Predictive Maintenance and Survey — Head of the performance/vibrations block.
- CPD: EEXI/CII for shipowners; Waterjets; Safe methanol/ammonia.
Accreditations and certifications
- DC-grid bank with bidirectional converters and PTO/PTI emulator.
- BMS modules with thermal/gas event simulation and ESD interlocks.
- Educational waterjet (thrust, control curve).
- Recorders, FFT analyzers, ISO 19030 instruments (roughness/propeller).
- Template package: EEXI/CII calculation, FAT/SAT protocols, bunkering checklist.
Key experience
- 55 m yacht (hybrid refit): silent mode 6 h, charter fuel savings −14%, noise reduction at anchor −5 dB(A).
- HSC patrol boat with waterjets: +8% speed at constant power; cabin NVH −2 dB(A).
- Conversion to methanol (30 m): ESD and detection, safe bunkering, CII +1 letter in 12 months.
- Port service fleet: ISO 19030 program + coatings; power required −6–9% at operating speed.
Publications / applied research
- “EEXI/CII without loss of mission: EPL + propeller optimization.”
- “Waterjets for high speed: matching and control.”
- “Methanol/ammonia in yachts: compact layouts and safety (IGF).”
- “Torsional TVR: when and how to apply it in refit.”
Projects / consultancy
- EEXI/CII without loss of mission: EPL/propulsion combinations + operational measures.
- Waterjets: matching/control in rough seas; thrust stability vs. cavitation.
- Methanol/ammonia: leak patterns, early detection and response; compact layouts.
- From vibration to fatigue: transition 10816→TVA and support redesign decisions.
- Results: technical guides, white papers, anonymized sea datasets, acceptance protocols.
Methodology and assessment
- Participation 10% (technical seminars).
- Practical work 30% (DC-grid/BMS bank; FFT measurements).
- Project 40% (hybrid plant/IGF dossier with risks and test plan).
- Exam 20% (integrated case with calculations and justified decisions).
- Criteria: regulatory compliance (IGF/EEXI/CII), consistency of calculations, safety and operability, evidence (graphs, sea data).
Teaching outcomes/KPIs
- 90% of students submit a defensible CII plan with trajectories and KPIs.
- 85% of teams achieve functional “silent” mode on the bench with BMS criteria.
- Average teaching satisfaction 4.7/5 (last 3 cohorts).
- Placement in technical roles (propulsion/hybrids/IGF): >70% within 6–9 months.
Languages
- Spanish (C2)
- English (C1)
Availability
- Valencia campus and online.
- Internships at shipyards/boatyards.
- Sea trials scheduled.
Contact
- Email: tomas.riera@navalisinstitute.co.uk
- LinkedIn: (añadir URL)