Internship in modelling of dispersion of electrolyser production water in the water column (F/M/X)
- Reference : FEM-SAS-2024-430
- Position type: Internship
- Duration: 6 month
- Localisation: Brest (29) - France Energies Marines
- Download the offer
Job Description
While the first industrial projects for the production of hydrogen (H2) coupled with offshore wind power have been announced in the North Sea, France’s ambitions in this area remain to be defined. Planning for offshore energies therefore requires addressing different research themes, whether based on technological or environmental considerations. In this respect, anticipating the various environmental issues associated with the deployment of this type of industrial project is central to the desire for good environmental integration. Thus, one of the main objectives of the collaborative R&D program OPHARM2 is to anticipate and evaluate the potential environmental impacts related to the production of H2 coupled with offshore wind power. This H2 production will be carried out via water electrolysis. It will be necessary to massively desalinate seawater on site in order to obtain the fresh water required for electrolysis. To date, the main risk identified for the ecosystem in the vicinity of offshore H2 production would be the chronic discharge of produced water (PW) with a temperature higher than that of the receiving environment and including brine (supersaline water) as well as chemical water treatment residues.
Missions
The internship will be devoted to the characterization of environmental risks in the water column related to the discharge of produced water into an offshore wind farm. To do this, the intern will study the mixing behaviour and diffusion of PW discharges via 3D numerical modelling work. The modelling work will be broken down as follows:
- Literature review to characterize the mixing and diffusion behaviour of PW discharges in an offshore wind farm (OWF)
- Literature review to characterize the hydrodynamics of the study area
- Far-field modelling: assessment of the potential change in physico-chemical parameters in the water column due to produced water, inside and outside the OWF
- Implementation:
- Two study sites: Gulf of Lion and Normandy
- Two approaches: unfavourable (constant discharges of produced water) and realistic
- Two modes of H2 production: centralized and decentralized
Required Skills
Initial training
Master 2 students or engineering students in marine sciences, ocean data science, or numerical modelling
Specific knowledge
Required:
• Taste and first experience in numerical modelling & data analysis
• Knowledge in coastal hydrodynamic flows
• Theoretical knowledge in marine science
Wished:
• Previous experience with the modelling tool CROCO (Coastal and Regional Ocean Community)
• Knowledge of the marine renewable energy sector
Professional skills
• Scientific writing
• Fluency in English (reading) essential
• Scientific rigour
• Initiative
• Interest in applied research
Remuneration in accordance with the conditions provided for by the French law + lunch vouchers and reimbursement of 50% of the transport subscription, sustainable mobility package
In accordance with the regulations, with equal skills, priority will be given to people with disabilities.
WARNING: If you are unable to submit your application via our website, please send it by e-mail to contactrh@france-energies-marines.org, specifying the job reference in the subject field.
Job : Internship in modelling of dispersion of electrolyser production water in the water column (F/M/X)
Reference : FEM-SAS-2024-430
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