General information

Reference

2023-2264  

Position description

Category

F13 Hydrogeology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Shallow Geothermal Energy in Unsaturated Soil

Contract

Thesis

Contractual hours

Full-time

Context and contributions of the position

Shallow geothermal heat exchangers (-10 m) are currently sized based on different mathematical models, which are all purely conductive. The presence of water in the subsoil is not taken into account during the study, and is generally seen as a potential beneficial factor (bonus).

The conductive dimensioning is therefore a conservative dimensioning, which sometimes leads to installations whose investment could have been greatly reduced if the influence of the pres-ence of water had been correctly taken into account.

The unsaturated region or vadose zone in the near subsoil has not been investigated in terms of its influ-ence on the energy performance of geothermal heat exchangers. However, this zone connecting the soil and the aquifer is the place of intense heat and mass transfers with sometimes bio-geo-chemical processes that can affect these transfers and the flow of fluids (air, water). It is also in this area that horizontal or compact geothermal exchangers (baskets, walls, etc.) are generally installed.

Job description

Joining the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) means joining the benchmark public establishment in Earth sciences bringing together 1,000 expert and passionate people, spread over 29 entities located in mainland France and overseas.

BRGM's activity aims to provide geological knowledge and understanding of phenomena related to the soil and subsoil, with one challenge: responding to the challenges of environmental change through innovative projects with societal challenges.

The thesis candidate will investigate the complex interactions occurring in the vadose zone between the temperature field, the displacement of the pore water and the saturation rate, as well as the bio-geochemistry of the environment.

The thesis objective is to use this new knowledge to improve the precision of the dimensioning of closed-loop geothermal heat exchangers positioned in the vadose zone and subjected to cyclic thermal stresses. The thesis will be based on in-situ measurements, and on modeling of the heat and fluid transfer through the non-saturated column connecting the ground to the aquifer.

The experi-mental part will be carried out on the Observatoire de la Zone Non-Saturée "O-ZNS" installed in Villamblain, France, and on the geothermal energy test facility of the BRGM in Orléans, France. The final objective is to link and synergize the respective knowledge of hydrogeologists and geochemists specializing in the unsaturated zone, and energy specialists specializing in shallow geothermal energy.

Profile

The candidate must have the following skills :

- Hydrogeology / geochemistry
- Underground numerical modelling
- Inverse methods
- Written and oral communication, in French and in English
- Team work

Welcomed additional skills :

- Hydrogeology of the unsaturated zone
- Geophysical campaign supervision
- Shallow geothermal energy / Energetics

Please include in your application:
- A short motivation letter covering your research interest and relevant experience.
- Your resume (including a list of publications if applicable) and contact details for two references unless reference letters are attached.
- Copies of academic qualifications.

Working conditions

In an environment conducive to work/life balance, in particular thanks to telecommuting, the BRGM stands out for its climate of benevolence and friendliness.

Labeled HRS4R in 2021, our wish is to accompany you throughout your professional life within BRGM.

We provide you with many tools to develop your skills and expertise, with opportunities for development and geographical mobility.

At BRGM, you will benefit from several advantages such as remuneration based on 13 months, working days, a company restaurant, sports facilities, holiday and leisure services, etc.

The BRGM guarantees you a transparent recruitment procedure. To apply send us your application (updated CV and cover letter) until 31/05/2023.

Know that all our positions are open to everyone, at BRGM, we are committed to diversity!

We will study your recruitment file as soon as the planned distribution ends. If your application is accepted, we will contact you for recruitment interviews during which you will discuss with the recruiting department, the HR department and a cross-functional department.

Position location

Job location

France, Centre-Val de Loire, Loiret (45)

Location