PhD student - Tools and methods for eco-design and circularity applied to more sustainable 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.

Activities
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.

Skills :
Required :
1- Knowledge of electrical engineering, electronics, and power electronics.
2- Knowledge of semiconductor packaging, including design, processes, and materials.
3- Knowledge of conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and developing inventories and parametric models.
4- Proficiency in English.
Appreciated :
1- expertise in power packaging
2- practical experience with LCA tools, ideally open-source ones such as OpenLCA and/or Brightway
3- knowledge of conducting semi-structured surveys within a community of experts
4- motivation regarding environmental issues

Soft skills:
Autonomy, organizational skills, attention to detail, teamwork, strong communication and writing skills.
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.

Your Work Environment

The G2elab Electrical Engineering Laboratory in Grenoble is a joint research unit (UMR 5269) of Grenoble INP – UGA, the University of Grenoble Alpes and the CNRS, specialising in electrical engineering research.
It covers a scientific spectrum ranging from materials and components to the design and control of electrical energy systems. Its work can be summarised by the following key terms: electrical energy, materials, innovative processes and systems, modelling and design.
With over a hundred permanent staff, around a hundred PhD students and 70 other contributors such as Master's students, postdocs and visiting professors, G2Elab has established itself as a major player in these fields at both national and international level, at the heart of energy efficiency in components and systems.
The PhD student will also be supervised by a team of researchers from CEA leti, and close collaboration is planned. The student may also work on an ad hoc basis at CEA leti, which is located near G2Elab.
The UTTOP Production Engineering Laboratory is a multidisciplinary laboratory conducting research in materials, mechanics, automation, computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, and production sciences and technologies within the field of Systems Science and Engineering.
The electrical engineering research team, e-ACE2 – Efficiency of Electrical Energy Conversion Systems, carries out research into electrical energy conversion chains, from their design through to their control, diagnostics and implementation. This research aims to improve the efficiency of these systems, with a focus on performance and resilience.

Constraints and risks

None

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

The research professions