PhD Offer - Numerical analysis on the intensification of hydrogen production coupled with combu[...]

euraxess.ec.europa.eu - Jobboard; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in France is seeking a researcher for a project focused on the numerical analysis of hydrogen production via steam methane reforming (SMR). The candidate will work independently on innovative modeling approaches and perform experimental measurements. The role offers a challenging work environment with flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for professional travel and training, involving a collaborative atmosphere with international co-workers.

Prestations

Challenging environment

Work time flexibility

Professional travels and training

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently while considering team suggestions.
• Specific knowledge related to fluid mechanics and combustion.

Responsabilités

• Conduct numerical analysis on hydrogen production efficiency.
• Model the SMR reaction in a numerical analysis context.
• Perform experimental measurements on gas flow across porous media.

Connaissances

Fluid mechanics

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Combustion

Fire safety knowledge

Description du poste

Organisation / Company INSA Centre Val de Loire Department Bourges Laboratory PRISME Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? Yes

Numerical analysis on the intensification of hydrogen production coupled with combustion reaction

-=NO GRANT=-

No funding is provided. The applicants shall have their own proven funding resources. The research costs and high level expertise are provided by the research lab which is involved.

Research Proposal: The problematic of fossil fuels over-consumption has generated considerable interest within the scientific community in the last decade. Besides the harmful effects that could cause to the environment, and the constant increasing of energy demand in the world, alternative energy sources and carriers are presented as a solution to address such challenge. The hydrogen is one of the most promising energy vectors of the future. It is produced principally from the conversion of fossil fuels, in particular natural gas, or by decomposing water using electrolysis process. It is commonly known that the most amount of hydrogen produced in the word is obtained by cracking methane mixed to water vapor under certain pressure-temperature conditions; this reaction is named Steam Methane Reforming (SMR). However, since this reaction is endothermic, a heat amount is necessary for SMR to occur. Thus, the optimization of hydrogen production is mainly built on the heat energy management.

The objective of this topic consists principally of numerical analysis on the efficiency of hydrogen production means, such as steam methane reformer. The modelling is based on 2D approach of reactive transport in presence of inert porous medium. The computational domain is composed of catalytic plate channels, where the SMR reactor is placed in a constant-temperature furnace. The involved catalytic reaction is the SMR reaction. The existing computations need to reflect prevailing operational conditions more accurately. For that, experimental measurements on the gas flow crossing the porous medium need to be conducted. The investigations concern the effects of the porous media properties on the hydrogen production efficiency. Finally, a comparison of the new reactor with conventional steam reformer will be carried out to assess ways to improve the global efficiency. The obtained results are of practical importance for the design of SMR reactors.

She/He should be able to work independently by taking into account suggestion of the team in which she/he will be integrated. Specific knowledge related to fluid mechanics, CFD, combustion and fire are expected.

Other advantages: Challenging environment, enthusiastic co-workers, work time flexibility, autonomy, friendly atmosphere with co-workers from all over the world…, professional travels and training.