PhD Thesis in Thermal energy storage using solid-gas media

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PhD Thesis in Thermal energy storage using solid-gas media

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Offer DescriptionGeneral contextThis PhD thesis proposal is part of a project portfolio (EFES for Enhanced Flexibility in Energy Systems) related to energy storage and conversion technologies. It involves the University of Mons, MATERIA NOVA and INISMa as partners.Scientific contextThe solid-gas reaction heat storage technique is widely studied but mainly in the field of low temperatures and for building heating applications. Various materials have been identified for these applications. These are essentially hygroscopic salts that are impregnated in a porous matrix that stabilizes them. The long-term stability of these materials, especially for high-frequency storage and discharge applications, is not validated in the scientific literature. On the other hand, high-temperature thermal energy storage by solid-gas reaction is only poorly studied (e.g. CaO hydration) and here again, stability problems are reported.ObjectivesThe objective of this PhD Thesis is to develop (synthesis, characterization and micro-prototype testing) new solids for heat storage applications through solid-gas reactions.An intermediate objective is to understand the complex physicochemical phenomena inherent in heat storage processes and affecting the long-term stability of the materials. In terms of development of new materials, the focus will be on the possibility of storing energy by microwaves and on very high temperature applications for industrial applications.Scientific innovation will lie in the development of solid reactive materials for heat storage with increased stability. For materials that are already known and operate at low temperatures, it will be necessary to adapt the existing formulations based on a better understanding of instability sources. For the high temperature applications, it will be a question of ensuring the material stability via different pathways (e.g. ceramic matrix).Research ProgramThe Research program is organized in three main steps:

• S1: Proposals for improved materials, development of synthesis techniques and synthesis of samples.
• Q2: Structural characterization and determination of energy performance, stability tests.

Q3: Micro-prototype tests.Your mission * Carry on research towards the above-mentioned objectives.

• Scientific communication.

Participate to meetings and events in the context of the project.Our offer * A high-level scientific environment involving the University of Mons (Thermodynamic Dpt-Research Institute for Energy) and two R&D Centers specialized in the field of Materials (MATERIA NOVA and INISMa).

• A motivating research project (EFES project):

• combining fundamental Research and Applications.;
• integrated in a large project portfolio (13 PhD theses) involving 20partners (Universities and R&D Centers) as well as industries.
• 4 years of PhD salary (Bruto around 3950 EUR/month; Netto around 2500 EUR/month depending on your status)
• Starting date : Fall 2024.

Where to apply E-mailMarc.FRERE@umons.ac.beRequirementsResearch Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Chemistry » Applied chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/QualificationsYou hold a Master in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science or Material EngineeringSpecific Requirements

• Ability to work both autonomously as well as in a team.
• Pro-activity and independence.
• Able to adapt and learn new skills quickly.
• Good oral and written communication skills (English and/or French)
• Expertise in using/developing software in the field of process simulation and physicochemistry.
• Expertise in experimental techniques for structural and chemical characterization.

Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentAdditional InformationAdditional commentsAdditional InformationAbout the EFES project portfolioThe EFES (Enhanced Flexibility in Energy Systems) project aims to address the major challenges related to the increasing electrification of our energy systems, namely: storage, conversion and flexibility management technologies. To this end, the EFES project addresses different scientific challenges related to different subtopics (each related to a joint doctoral thesis):

• Materials that allow high and stable energy densities for heat storage in high-temperature industrial processes.
• New catalysts for directly converting CO2 into synthetic fuels.
• Optimization of e-fuel production by coupling plasmacatalysis and catalytic reaction.
• Accounting the potential of the subsoil to improve geothermal infrastructure performance.
• Optimization of iron reduction for Energy storage and conversion.
• Multi-energy Carnot batteries to meet industrial needs.
• Valorization of waste heat using high-temperature heat pumps.
• Energy systems coupling engines, gas turbines, heat networks and seasonal heat storage.
• Stable regulatory framework in line with the electrification of mobility and heating for renewable energy communities (RECs).
• Management of Electricity Network with distributed energy resources, inverters and technical constraints.
• Integrating complex technological component models into optimal driving and dimensioning algorithms.
• Development of a relevant tool for energy communities, taking into account their specificities and establishing a dialogue between the validation and planning tools of the energy transition.

About BelgiumAbout the University of MonsThe University of Mons, abbreviated to “UMONS”, is a French-speaking university in the province of Hainaut, Belgium, near the French-Belgian border. It is approximately 50 kilometers from Brussels, the capital of Europe.UMONS has around 100 different degree programs on offer at Bachelor, Master and PhD level in fields as diverse as Law, Psychology, Social Sciences, Biomedical Science, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Management, Material Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Urban Planning, Computer Science, Architecture, Interpretation, Linguistics, Physics, Speech Therapy, Mathematics, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Translation, Education, Biology, Geology, Medicine, and many more.With more than 900 researchers, research objectives in UMONS are pursued both regionally and internationally. The common goal of all UMONS researchers is to develop expertise on a large scale, subsequently benefiting society, particularly the region.The expertise of the University’s researchers is internationally recognized. Three Researchers from the chemistry and materials domains have been acknowledged and classified among the Top 100 Global Researchers who have been most influential in their disciplines over the last decade, on account of their publications (classified by the Thomas-Reuter Agency for 2001-2010). UMONS also holds the European label for “Research in Excellence”.Through its research and close links with industry, UMONS is also actively involved in regional development. It maintains close links with scientific research centers, as well as university spin-off and start-up companies.Work Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute UMONS Country Belgium City Mons Postal Code 7000 Street Bd DolezContact CityMONS WebsiteStreetBd Dolez 31 Postal Code7000 E-MailMarc.FRERE@umons.ac.beSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

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Location

Mons, Hainaut

Job date

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:44:13 GMT

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