Negative carbon systems based on solar conversion of biomass/Procédé solaire de conversion de la biomasse à bilan carbone négatif

The PROMES laboratory is looking for a motivated candidate to apply for a scholarship via the University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) on the subject: Negative carbon systems based on solar conversion of biomass.

In order to ensure the ambitious objectives of reducing CO2 emissions, it appears necessary to implement processes with a negative carbon footprint. Solar conversion of biomass by pyrolysis transforms part of the biomass into solid carbon. This carbon having been absorbed in the form of CO2 for plant growth, the system thus makes it possible to convert atmospheric CO2 into solid carbon, which can be valorized or sequestered. The subject will focus on the conversion of biomass by concentrated solar energy. The pyrogasification process will be explored numerically thanks to CFD simulations (ANSYS FLUENT) and models will be validated experimentally in different types of reactors (tubular or rotary) available in the lab. A techno-economic analysis at the scale of the process will be proposed based on dynamic simulation results. LCA skills would be a plus to determine the overall impact of the system.

The thesis will be based in Odeillo.

The candidate will receive feedback on the funding at the end of June 2025.

The application must consist of a CV + cover letter + report card for the last 3 years.

PROMES est une Unité Propre du CNRS (UPR 8521) rattachée à l’Institut des Sciences de l’Ingénierie et des Systèmes (INSIS) conventionnée avec l’université de Perpignan via Domitia (UPVD). Le laboratoire est localisé sur trois sites : Odeillo-Font Romeu (Four solaire de 1 MW du CNRS), Targasonne (Thémis, centrale à tour de 5 MW, site du Conseil général des PO) et Perpignan, Tecnosud. Le CNRS et l’UPVD ont créé l’UMS IN’SOL (innovations solaires) adossée à PROMES sur le site de Tecnosud qui développe le Centre d'essais solaires de Perpignan (CESP). PROMES anime le laboratoire d’excellence (Labex) SOLSTICE (SOLaire : Sciences, Technologies, Innovations pour la Conversion d’Energie)

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