Context
The energy transition is central to Quebec’s environmental and economic development. The integration of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) into power grids represents a major opportunity in the context of this energy transition. Because of their efficiency, flexibility and versatility in fuels, they can promote decarbonization by replacing more polluting assets. However, their large-scale deployment raises technical issues, such as controlling the power they generate and predicting their performance based on the green fuels used.
Overall description of the project
In response to these issues, this research project aims first to study the impacts of different green fuel reformats (methanol, methane, ammonia, etc.) on the power generated by SOFCs. We will start by developing numerical models of unit cells and validating the simulation results with highly instrumented SOFCs.
In this context, we are looking for a postdoctoral fellow at the UMR INRS-UQTR (main supervisor Prof. Allard and co-supervision Prof. Agbossou), a master’s student in electrical engineering (main supervisor Prof. Agbossou and co-supervision Prof. Allard), and a PhD student in electrochemical simulation (main supervision Prof. Allard).
List of projects:
(i)Development of electrochemical models of solid oxide fuel cells, from the unit cell to the cell stack; Validate the performance of models with measurements (PhD student at INRS, UMR INRS-UQTR)
(ii)Develop thermal models and calculate energy balances for a multi-fuel test rig; Validate the results with the thermal measurements taken inside the partner’s SOFCs (postdoctoral fellow at INRS, UMR INRS-UQTR)
Design of a dynamic and rapid model based on data from the multifuel test bench and the results of electrochemical-electrical simulations (master’s degree in electrical engineering at UQTR, UMR INRS-UQTR)
Required Qualification:
In order to build the R&D team of the project, we recruit motivated, dynamic and talented candidates with a background in chemical/mechanical engineering, materials, electrochemistry or chemistry or electrical/mechanical engineering for the master’s project.
Start of the project:
January 2026 (as soon as possible)
Condition
Scholarship or salary offered
Place
UMR INRS-UQTR sur les matériaux et les technologies pour la transition énergétique, Institut de recherche sur l’hydrogène, Pavillon Tapan-K.-Bose, 3351, Boul. des Forges C.P.500, Trois-Rivières (Québec) G9A 5H7, Canada
To apply, please contact Prof. François Allard directly (francois.allard@inrs.ca) or apply using the INRS website (please send your complete file with letter, CV and transcripts).
For more information
https://inrs.ca/la-recherche/professeurs/francois-allard/
UMR INRS-UQTR: www.inrs.ca/umr-inrs-uqtr