Transformation, Conversion, Storage, Transportation of thermal energy by thermochemical processes and thermo-hydraulic processes
The research presented aims to meet the major challenges of sustainable management and rational use of energy (transport and storage of heat energy), to develop thermodynamic analysis tools and propose appropriate solutions for minimizing environmental impacts resulting from the transformation or conversion of thermal energy. The different developed themes are based on three axes. The first part concerns the development of thermodynamic analysis tools for the assessment, design and optimization of thermodynamic process transformation/conversion of thermal energy. The second part is specifically related to thermochemical transformers based on reversible solid / gas reactions, by taking into account the various scales of the process according to application objectives : choice and implementation of solid reactant, optimal configuration of S / G reactor and dynamic management of the thermochemical cycle. This approach is illustrated through various applications : pseudo-continuous production of heat and / or cold, heat or cold production with high thermal power, solar cooling for buildings, solar deep freezing, solar heat storage with high energy density and transportation of heat or cold over long distances. The last part of this work concerns the development of new thermo-hydraulic processes more specifically adapted to the thermal energy conversion into work and whose potential seems promising for applications in power generation from solar energy or ocean thermal energy, or efficient production of cold in motor vehicles.