PhD position in "Study and optimisation of heat transfer in an isothermal liquid piston compres[...]

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

Résumé du poste

IMT Atlantique propose un poste de doctorant dans le cadre d'une recherche innovante sur le stockage d'énergie par air comprimé. Le candidat travaillera sur l'optimisation des échangeurs de chaleur et participera à des études expérimentales et théoriques, ce qui ouvre des perspectives de carrière dans la recherche avancée.

Prestations

Salaire mensuel compétitif de 2000€ net

Mobilité aidée

Formation de haute qualité

Qualifications

• Doit avoir un diplôme de master au moment de l'inscription.
• Doit être dans les 4 premières années de sa carrière de recherche.
• Doit démontrer une mobilité transnationale.

Responsabilités

• Optimiser le système de stockage d'énergie par air comprimé.
• Conduire des études expérimentales et numériques.
• Améliorer l'efficacité des systèmes et prolonger leur durée de vie.

Connaissances

mobilité transnationale

expérience en recherche

modélisation

transferts de chaleur

Formation

Master ou diplôme équivalent

Description du poste

Organisation/Company IMT Atlantique Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 10 Nov 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe – COFUND Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101126644 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The PhD position is offered under an industrial track (2 years at IMT Atlantique + 9 months at Segula Technologies, Saint Nazaire, France + 3 months at an international partner.

1.1. Domain and scientific/technical context

For several years, IMT Atlantique and SEGULA have been developing an isothermal compressed air energy storage system. Several research studies have been carried out to optimize of the heat exchange in a liquid piston compressor only in as-new condition. The objective is now to improve and optimize the system, focusing on the fluid and thermal behaviour in the compression chamber during the whole life of the system.

1.2. Scientific/technical challenges

The ongoing development of isothermal liquid piston compressors has led to the optimization of the internal heat exchange with complex and very thin regenerative heat exchangers in the compression chamber. In contact with moving water and atmospheric air, these exchangers are subject to many age-related physical changes (fouling, clogging, corrosion, physical deformation, erosion…). This thesis aims at optimizing the heat exchanger design for the whole life of the system considering these physical modifications.

1.3. Considered methods, targeted results and impacts

Based on both experimental and numerical studies, the work will focus on the heat transfer and fluid mechanics analysis. After the identification of the main age-dependant behaviours of the liquid and the exchanger, several experiments will be required with new and forced aging liquid piston air compressors.

To optimize the efficiency of the energy storage system considering the whole lifetime of the exchanger, piston design could be explored. Validation of the proposed solutions will be required through experiments.

The results and their analysis will also provide a pertinent database of behavioural effects to improve the diagnostic and preventive maintenance of existing liquid piston isothermal compressor. The aim is to reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of compressed air energy storage by extending the life span of liquid piston compressor and improving the conservation of efficiency over time.

1.4. Environment (partners, places, specific tools and hardware)

• LabCIS (joint lab between IMT and SEGULA) : mainly at IMT Nantes (DSEE lab) with existing joint test bench.

1.5. Interdisciplinarity aspects

The proposed thesis subject is in the field of process engineering sciences. Different approaches could be developed in modelling and experiments, fluid mechanic and heat transfer.

The PhD student will stay 2 years at Prof. Subrenat's lab.

Industrial partner: Dr. Thibault NEU, senior technical officer at SEGULA Technologies

The PhD student will stay nine months at Dr. Neu's lab.

• International academic partner: The student will stay 3 months at international partners of the PIs.

2.2. Hosting organizations

IMT Atlantique , internationally recognized for the quality of its research, is a leading French technological university under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Digital Technology. IMT Atlantique maintains privileged relationships with major national and international industrial partners, as well as with a dense network of SMEs, start-ups, and innovation networks. With 290 permanent staff, 2,200 students, including 300 doctoral students, IMT Atlantique produces 1,000 publications each year and raises 18€ million in research funds.

2.2.2. SEGULA Technologies

SEGULA Technologies is a group engaged in the business of providing engineering services to companies in various industrial sectors. SEGULA is particularly committed to develop innovative solutions in different thematics including Environment, Energy, Bioengineering, Industry 4.0. The group is currently involved in more than 20 PhD thesis.

The proposed thesis subject is in the field of process engineering sciences. Different approaches could be developed in modelling and experiments, fluid mechanic and heat transfer.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Engineering

Additional Information

APhD programme of high quality training : 4 reasons to apply

• SEED is a programme of excellence that is aware of its responsibilities: to provide a programme of high quality training to develop conscientious researchers, including training in responsible research and ethics.
• SEED’s unique approach of providing interdisciplinary, international and cross-sector experience is tailored to work in a career-focused manner to enhance employability and market integration.
• SEED offers a competitive funding scheme, aiming for an average monthly salary of EUR 2,000 net per ESR, topped by additional mobility allowances as well as optional family allowances.
• SEED is a forward-looking programme that actively engages with current issues and challenges, providing research opportunities addressing industrial and academic relevant themes.

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility criteria. In accordance with MSCA rules, SEED will open to applicants without any conditions of nationality nor age criteria. SEED applies the MSCA mobility standards and necessary background. Eligible candidates must fulfil the following criteria

• Mobility rule: Candidates must show transnational mobility by having not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the deadline of the co-funded program's call (November 10th, 2024 for Call#2). Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.
• Early-stage researchers (ESR): Candidates must have a master’s degree or an equivalent diploma at the time of their enrolment and must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research career. Moreover, they must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
  
  Extensions may be granted (under certain conditions) for maternity leave, paternity leave, as well as long-term illness or national service.