Masters

To reach the Carbon neutrality target in 2050 as announced Europe in its Green Deal, the electricity demand will be strongly increased for energy, transport and heating/cooling systems. For that, most countries consider clean and renewable energy resources (as wind and solar) as the main energy resources for the future. However, due to their intermittency and the need to keep a secure electricity supply, the energy storage will be an integral part of the modern electricity smart grid. One solution to store the renewable energy excess is what is commonly named ‘electro-fuels’. Hydrogen is often considered as the best candidate but suffers up to now from some drawbacks such as its storage capacity and safety. Another alternative is Ammonia (NH3), which can be considered as a ‘mere’ hydrogen (H2) carrier. Even if these carbon-free fuels are attractive, there are still lot of difficulties to overcome.

Both e-fuels are very attractive in marine transportation, engines and gas turbines applications. Besides their physical chemistry restrictions (such as the low ignition temperature of NH₃, or the low density for H₂…), the question concerning their pollutant emissions (nitric oxides and N₂O) requires still careful attention. To improve the knowledge, pilot laboratory experiments are needed. At the PC2A lab, we are performing species measurements in premixed stabilized flames. The species profiles obtained on a wide range of flame conditions provide an indispensable database for the development of chemical mechanisms representative of NOx formation in flames.

The work program of this Master internship will consist in measuring the species involved in the NH₃/H₂ blend oxidation in premixed flames. Species will be detected and quantified using spectroscopic laser-based diagnostics (Laser-Induced Fluorescence and absorption), and InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR). Experimental results will be compared to simulated ones using kinetic modeling tools (ChemkinPro or CANTERA).

Laboratory:

PC2A, pc2a.univ-lille.fr

Supervisors: Nathalie Lamoureux, Pascale Desgroux

Contact e-mail: nathalie.lamoureux[chez]univ-lille[point].fr, pascale.desgroux[chez]univ-lille[point].fr