Modeling of a ‘Heat-to-Power’ energy system for buildings and district heating networks

Organisation/Company Centre d'Energétique et de Thermique de Lyon Research Field Technology » Energy technology Computer science » Digital systems Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 23 Apr 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Study context:

To encourage decarbonization and promote renewable energy sources across all industrial sectors, the development of efficient energy storage systems is essential. In this context, INSA Lyon aims to develop a reference experimental platform—GRID4MOBILITY—bringing together various renewable energy systems, energy storage solutions, electricity generation technologies, and even electric mobility.

Among large-scale electricity storage technologies, Carnot batteries are of great interest. Their operating principle is based on storing electricity in the form of thermal energy. The charging phase is carried out using a heat pump cycle (conversion of electricity into heat), while the discharging phase is achieved using a heat engine (for example, a Rankine cycle, which converts heat into electricity).

Carnot batteries represent a viable solution for storing electricity generated by intermittent renewable energy sources on the grid. In addition, the heat—and even cold—storage units associated with them can be used for various applications, such as district heating networks or data center cooling. The long-term objective is therefore to develop an experimental prototype of a Carnot battery. However, preliminary modeling work is required before implementing such a system; this work constitutes the subject of this PhD thesis.

Planned work:

First, the PhD candidate will carry out a literature review on energy storage systems. Particular focus will be placed on Carnot batteries and electrochemical batteries, the latter serving as a reference system.

Second, the PhD candidate will develop 0D and 1D models of the overall system involving all components: heat pump, thermochemical heat storage, and organic Rankine cycle (ORC). A sensitivity analysis will then be conducted to better understand the impact of various thermodynamic parameters on the overall efficiency of the process.

Finally, the targeted building application will be defined. This will also be based on the GRID4MOBILITY project, which includes a building equipped with various experimental platforms. This framework will be used to size the Carnot battery derived from the numerical model developed in the previous phase. The sizing will be carried out in particular through a 4E analysis: Energetic, Exergetic, Environmental, and Economic. The electrochemical battery will serve as the reference point for this analysis.

Funding category: Contrat doctoral

Not yet obtained. An oral defense of the research Master’s thesis is planned

PHD title: MECHANICS, ENERGY, CIVIL ENGINEERING, ACOUSTICS

PHD Country: France

The candidate, holding a Master’s degreemust have strong knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, and a strong interest in modeling. Prior research experience will be an asset.

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Centre d'Energétique et de Thermique de Lyon Country France City Villeurbanne