research engineer for modelling ans assessing environnemtal footprint of power modules M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The thesis topic is part of the PEPR GREENPOWER project, which aims to develop more sustainable power modules and explore how to structure a more circular supply chain around these typical energy conversion products. The project consortium includes university researchers (LGP (Tarbes), ICGM (Montpellier), PIM (Lyon) and G2Elab (Grenoble)) and researchers from CEA Leti.
The PhD thesis is a joint project between the LGP (Tarbes) and G2Elab (Grenoble). It is supervised by JC. CREBIER (CNRS-G2Elab Research Director) and co-supervised by G. VINE (Associate Professor, LGP). The first 18 months of the thesis will be conducted in Grenoble, followed by the final 18 months in Tarbes. Funding is provided by CNRS-G2Elab, and registration is with the EEATS doctoral school at UGA..
Power electronics is a key technology in the energy transition, actively deployed to ensure the decarbonization of our societies. This transition relies on an unprecedented increase in the production of devices and, at the end of their life cycle, the production of large amounts of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Among these products, power electronics exhibits strong specific characteristics, with complex systems that are highly heterogeneous in terms of materials, components, topologies, etc., and are very integrated (with strong mechanical connections). This context makes power electronics poorly suited to product circularity, regardless of the scenario (reuse, repair, refurbishment, recycling). Consequently, this research aims to study the conditions under which circularity can be strengthened in power electronics, and more specifically at the level of power modules. Power modules are specific objects, and a multitude of variants exist. Some variants are based on a form of standardization in terms of dimensions, shapes, types of interconnection and cooling, but with diversity in terms of materials, topologies, etc.
Power modules are now designed and produced according to dominant performance, cost, and reliability criteria. This pushes most designs towards greater integration, heterogeneity, and customization. This leads to the identification of several challenges that form the basis of the research project.
The emerging state of the art in this field allows us to identify, for related applications, tools and methods designed to support the critical examination of design and optimization practices for modules throughout their entire lifecycle. The most striking finding of this state of the art is the difficulty in collecting data to feed the various indicators and tools currently under development. Given that this thesis project is situated within the power module ecosystem, access to data could be more readily available. The presence of a research engineer at the beginning of the project to support the collection and analysis of inventory data will be invaluable.
Consequently, several research avenues are proposed:
Identify and improve a circularity/repairability indicator and a remaining lifespan indicator, which are two key indicators. Identify how to collect the necessary data to populate this indicator, based on current best practices. If necessary, the development of diagnostic tools to be used with the indicators will be required. Combined with economic and market parameters, the creation of a price guide for power modules is a major prospect for supporting end-of-life decision-making.
The other research area that should support eco-design and circularity choices concerns the development of scenarios and associated inventories for end-of-life management. This involves identifying relevant options, inventorying and integrating circularity scenarios into the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) tool for environmental impact assessment developed by the G2Elab-CEAleti research unit, and then integrating and utilizing the tool within the methodology (interpreting impact categories, assigning a single score, contextualizing the application, etc.). This could potentially involve contextualizing LCA at the product/application level, rather than just the electronic system level. The collaborative LCA tool, simplifying LCA, and currently more focused on the environmental impact assessment, could thus become the integration of circularity into LCA.
To guide the choices to be made, an survey carried out at international level will be conducted to understand people's perceptions regarding the opportunities offered by the "R principle" (gathering input from key stakeholders, materials experts, their potential, uses, supply chains, recyclers, and, when possible, circularity operators specifically for the module). This will encompass an ecosystemic network, technological opportunities, and a vision/projection of the power module sector. This should lead us to a synthesis of scenarios, immersing us in the project and beyond. For example, 20 surveys will be conducted.
Activities
The first major task is to develop a comprehensive, parameterized inventory model of power modules throughout their entire life cycle to support decision-making in the design process and, if possible, from the research phase in the field of power modules. To carry out this work, an in-depth state-of-the-art review will be conducted, supplemented by several studies already carried out internally on this topic (G2Elab + CEA LETI). An original part of the work will involve developing a parameterized inventory model covering the entire life cycle for bio-based materials, which will be considered for development and use in the project. Interactions with partner laboratories is expected. Knowledge of green chemistry would be appreciated. Scaling up from laboratory data may be implemented. The level of aggregation and format of the relevant inventory model data will need to be defined, ensuring that it is accurate, shareable, configurable, and that the confidentiality of certain data is maintained.

Particular attention is expected to be paid to the choice of parameters for inventory models throughout the life cycle. This part of the mission aims to produce models that will feed life cycle analyses. This work may be the subject of one or more scientific publications.

The second major objective will be to use parameterized inventory models to produce LCAs and support environmental impact assessments and decision-making.

The working environment envisaged here is the Python language and the Brightway toolbox. The open source tool should facilitate access to LCA for consortium members. A particular effort will be required to support the use of the LCA tool by non-experts in LCA.

The final major task will be to use of the tool to conduct comparative analyses and support the assessment of environmental impacts based on a theoretical design plan, technological and material choices, and conditions of use and end of life. This work may be the subject of one or more publications.

In addition, thePhd doctorant will be required to interact with consortium members to collect data, share practices, and present results. In particular, he or she will interact with the doctoral students and permanents staff of laboratories involved in the project to help them with the work done and continue using it after his or her departure. This work will serve as the basis for applying an eco-design approach.

He or she will contribute to the drafting of scientific publications in English and reports related to the project. He or she will be required to present his or her work at follow-up meetings and conferences.

Required skills
Required:
1- Knowledge of electrical engineering, electronics, power electronics, packaging, processes, and materials (one or more of these areas).
2- Knowledge of LCA implementation, inventory development, and parameterized modeling
3- Practical experience with LCA tools, ideally open source tools such as Open LCA and/or Brightway. Knowledge and skill in open source LCA tools such as Open LCA and/or Brightway and ideally, mastery of these tools.
4- Fluency in English
5- Motivation for environmental issues
Appreciated skills:
1- Expertise in power packaging
2- Knowledge of polymer materials chemistry, especially bio-based materials.
3- Knowledge of Python programming
Soft skills:
Independent, organized, rigorous, team player, good communication and writing skills

Your Work Environment

The G2elab Grenoble Electrical Engineering Laboratory is a joint research unit (UMR 5269) of Grenoble INP - UGA, Grenoble Alpes University and CNRS, in the field of Electrical Engineering Research.
It covers a scientific spectrum ranging from materials and components to the design and control of electrical energy systems. Its activities can be summed up in the following key words: electrical energy, materials, innovative processes and systems, modelling and design.
With more than a hundred permanent staff, around a hundred doctoral students and 70 other members of staff such as masters, post-docs and visiting professors, G2Elab is a major national and international player in these fields, at the heart of the energy efficiency of components and systems.
The research engineer is also supervised by a researcher team from CEA LETI and strong interaction is expected. The employee may also work punctually at CEA LETI, located nearby G2Elab.
CEA-LETI (Laboratory of Electronics and Information Technology) is a CEA technological research institute that develops new technologies, particularly in the fields of micro and nanotechnologies. LETI has a strong expertise in clean room chip manufacturing and chip interconnections. CEA-LETI (Laboratory of Electronics and Information Technology) is a CEA technological research institute that develops new technologies, particularly in the fields of micro and nanotechnologies. LETI has a strong expertise in clean room chip manufacturing and chip interconnections. It will develop LCI (Life Cycle Inventories) of these parts. The G2ELab Phd student will work in conjunction with LETI to integrate these data into its model of the environmental impacts of the entire module.

Constraints and risks

Nothing

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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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