PhD Position in Fluid Mechanics and Numerics for Thermochemical Heat Storage

About the Georges Friedel Laboratory (LGF):

The Georges Friedel Laboratory (LGF) stands as a distinguished research entity, serving as a Joint Research Unit of the CNRS (UMR 5307) and affiliated with the Institute of Engineering and Systems Sciences (INSIS). Located at the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne, the laboratory benefits from the collaborative support of both Mines de Saint-Étienne and CNRS, consolidating expertise in crucial areas such as materials, mechanics, and processes. LGF excels as an academic research hub with a strong commitment to strategic partnerships with the industry. It addresses complex challenges related to the sustainability and energy efficiency of industrial components and installations, while exploring various stages from grain to factory. The study of powder technologies to contribute to both the industry decarbonation and the fight against global warming has become one of the main activities of LGF.

Context - Thermochemical Heat Storage and Rotary Kilns: Amidst the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, Mines Saint-Étienne/LGF is spearheading the MULTITHERMO project, a cutting-edge initiative focused on advancing Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies, financed by the French National Research Agency (ANR). Thermochemical heat storage, a pivotal aspect of this project, involves storing thermal energy through endothermic and exothermic solid-gas reactions. Rotary kilns involving powders emerge as key players in this endeavour due to their potential for efficient energy storage. Thermochemical heat storage consists of storing thermal energy through an endothermic reaction that can then be reused at another time through the reverse exothermic reaction. Gas-solid reactions, particularly those in rotary kilns involving the chemical transformation of powders, are particularly interesting due to their much greater energy storage density, limitless storage duration as chemical bonds without heat losses, and simple product separation. Despite their potential, a satisfactory physical-chemical modelling that comprehensively incorporates the intricate interactions between fluid physics, granular flow, heat transfers and, chemical kinetics within rotary kilns has never been successfully carried out until now. The successful candidate will contribute to bridging this critical gap, paving the way for advancements in sustainable energy solutions.

Position Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled PhD student to contribute to the MULTITHERMO project. The overarching goal is to develop trustworthy predictive physico-chemical models of electrical and solar rotary kilns for energy storage. The successful candidate will embark on a series of steps, starting with modelling and simulating granular flow in a rotary drum, followed by extending the results to an electrical rotary kiln, and ultimately to a solar rotary kiln.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Modeling and Simulation of Rotary Drum: Develop and implement a comprehensive CFD-DEM model for granular flow in a

rotary drum involving thermochemically interesting powders at low temperatures in the absence of chemical reaction. Validate simulations using experimental results conducted by others at SPIN/LGF.

2. Modeling and Simulation of Electrical Rotary Kiln (ERK): Extend the validated model to simulate granular flow in an ERK with

thermochemical storage reactions going on by adding a chemical kinetic module. Compare simulations with experiments conducted at SPIN/LGF.

3. Extension to Solar Rotary Kiln (SRK): Extend findings from ERK simulations to model granular flow in a Solar Rotary Kiln developed at PROMES, a research partner of LGF. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and contribute to the overall objectives of the MULTITHERMO project.

Requirements:

1) Master's degree in a relevant field (fluid mechanics, numerical modelling, etc.).

2) Strong background in fluid mechanics and numerics.

3) Demonstrated research aptitude.

4) Excellent communication skills.

5) Basic knowledge of French would be a great asset for communications with the technicians.

6) Knowledge of chemical kinetics would be an asset.

Contact Persons:

For further information and inquiries, please send your application to ALL these persons:

1. Sylvain Martin (Assistant Professor) - sylvain.m [email protected]

2. Marc Fischer (Assistant Professor) - [email protected]

3. Loïc Favergeon (Professor) - [email protected]

Application Deadline: 1 July 2024

Apply by sending your CV, cover letter, and at least two recommandation letters.

Note: Practical advantages include the scenic location of Saint-Étienne at the beginning of the Central Massif (medium-sized mountains) with numerous trails for outdoor activities.