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M/F PhD Student specializing in Energy Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Computer Science, and Automation

This offer is available in the following languages:
- Français-- Anglais

Date Limite Candidature : mardi 5 août 2025 23:59:00 heure de Paris

Assurez-vous que votre profil candidat soit correctement renseigné avant de postuler

Informations générales

Intitulé de l'offre : M/F PhD Student specializing in Energy Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Computer Science, and Automation (H/F)
Référence : UMR6027-VALFAL-002
Nombre de Postes : 1
Lieu de travail : LORIENT
Date de publication : mardi 15 juillet 2025
Type de contrat : CDD Doctorant
Durée du contrat : 36 mois
Date de début de la thèse : 1 octobre 2025
Quotité de travail : Complet
Rémunération : 2200 gross monthly
Section(s) CN : 10 - Milieux fluides et réactifs : transports, transferts, procédés de transformation

Description du sujet de thèse

This project involves conducting a multi-scale evaluation of aluminum as an energy source and researching the best aluminum alloys to achieve optimal performance in associated fuel cells. Performance varies significantly depending on whether industrial aluminum, recycled aluminum, or "tailor-made" ultra-pure or alloyed aluminum is used. Starting from a primary energy density of 8 kWh/kg for aluminum, we expect to achieve 1.3 kWh/kg (3.5 kWh/L and 200 W/kg) with readily available aluminum (16% fuel cell efficiency). However, with highly controlled high-purity or alloyed aluminum, we anticipate reaching 4 kWh/kg (according to the work of startups like Phinergy in Israel and Lepty in France).

The project aims to define a prototype for an aluminum fuel cell, characterize and diagnose its performance, and study the evolution of these performances during aging.

Candidate Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for defining and implementing an experimental evaluation system for the performance of both complete fuel cells and half-cells. They will benefit from existing aging facilities in the laboratory to establish the evolution of these performances over time and with usage. They will also support the implementation of a simplified numerical model for fuel cell performance and aging.

Additional Considerations

The work and evaluation processes should also consider circularity, life cycle assessment (LCA), recycling, and the valorization of industrial aluminum waste. Furthermore, the project aims to demonstrate the gain in societal acceptability compared to other energy solutions and the sustainability of aluminum fuel cells for decarbonized mobility through electrification.

Contexte de travail

The IRDL, "Energy Processes and Systems" team, is looking for a PhD student for its project on Aluminum-Air fuel cells, which has been selected by the CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research) and the University of Sherbrooke (Canada).
The EvAlNRJ project ("Evaluating Aluminum as Energy: Performance and Circularity, from Electrons to the Aluminum-Air Fuel Cell") is defined by two theses: one in France (which this offer pertains to) and the other in Canada.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

The mission will be essentially experimental.

This position is located in a sector subject to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST). Therefore, in accordance with regulations, your arrival will require authorization from the competent authority of the MESR (Ministry of Higher Education and Research).