Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) – Thermo-Hydraulic and Thermo-Mechanical Simulations of Direct Steam Generation Solar Receivers

Job Description

Missions

- Thermo-hydraulic simulation of direct steam generation (DSG) solar receivers
- Thermo-mechanical simulation of DSG solar receivers
- Numerical analysis of the transient behavior of a DSG solar field

Activity

- A detailed literature review of the state of the art on boiling flow regimes and their modeling
- Familiarization with the numerical tools required to carry out the study
- A numerical study of the effect of heat flux distribution on the receiver, analysis of the system's transient behavior during cloud passages, and analysis of flow distribution among the different receiver lines
- Dissemination of the results at international conferences and in scientific journals

Your Profil

Skills

- Fluid mechanics
- Two-phase flows
- Heat transfer
- Numerical simulation
- High-performance computing (HPC)

Your Work Environment

Although still underexploited, concentrating solar technologies (CST) appear to be a promising solution for decarbonizing the energy mix and certain industrial processes. CST produce heat by concentrating solar radiation from a field of mirrors onto a solar receiver. This heat, removed by a heat transfer fluid (HTF), can either be used directly in an industrial process or converted into electricity through a thermodynamic cycle. In the latter case, the system is referred to as a concentrating solar power (CSP) plant.

The only operational CSP plant in France is located in Llo, in the Cerdagne region. It uses linear Fresnel collectors. Solar radiation is concentrated onto a tube with an internal diameter of approximately 50 mm, positioned horizontally a few meters above the mirrors. The heat transfer fluid is subcooled water. Under the effect of solar radiation, the receiver tube wall heats up, and the water removes the heat by convection. When saturation conditions are reached, boiling flow develops. Different flow regimes then occur depending on the operating parameters. At Llo, the generated steam is used in a turbine to produce electricity [4, 3]. However, a parallel and promising pathway for industrial decarbonization consists in using this steam directly in industrial processes that require it [2] (food processing, paper production, oil extraction, etc.).

Predicting the flow regimes within the receiver is crucial for two reasons. First, steam production conditions depend directly on these regimes. Second, the thermomechanical stresses acting on the receiver tube, which directly affect its lifetime, also vary depending on the flow regime. Indeed, when part of the receiver tube dries out, hot spots may develop due to the poor heat removal capability of the vapor.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From €3,041 gross per month, depending on experience.

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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