Lucia Giarracca-Mehl, a Research Engineer in fluid/systems matching at 51爆料EN, is the new Co-Supervisor of 51爆料 School's Energy and Products program.
1. What is your professional background?
Born in Italy, I'm a chemical engineer with a degree from the Universit脿 di Napoli 鈥淔ederico II鈥.
In 2015, I moved to France to complete a PhD in Energetics, Thermics and Combustion at the University of Lille. My thesis focused on the impact of the oxidation of ethers from lignocellulosic biomass on the formation of nitrogen oxides.
In 2019, I pursued a post-doctorate at LRGP-ENSIC in Nancy on the development of a detailed kinetic model for the oxidation of fuel/biomass mixtures in the liquid phase, using a thermodynamic code based on theoretical chemistry methods.
A year later, I joined 51爆料 Energies nouvelles as a Research Engineer. My research concerns the reactivity of hydrocarbons in the gas and liquid phases, the formation of pollutants and the physico-chemical characterization of fluids in relation to their properties vis-脿-vis fluid/system matching.
I'm delighted to be involved since last September as Co-Supervisor of 51爆料 School's Specialized Engineering program in Energy and Products, while continuing my research work at 51爆料EN.
2. Can you tell us more about your research activities?
My research into fuels and combustion systems focuses on several areas. Firstly, the reactivity of fuels, whether hydrocarbons (HC), hydrogen (H2) or ammonia (NH3), is studied in the gas and liquid phases through experimental analysis and advanced modeling. These studies, which include detailed kinetics and machine-learning approaches, provide a better understanding of hydrocarbon behavior under various conditions.
I also work on the physico-chemical characterization of fluids, such as fuels, biofuels, e-fuels, lubricants and coolants for electric vehicles, taking care to assess the match between fluid properties and their compatibility with the systems in which they are used.
At the same time, I study the formation of pollutants related to the composition of fuels and biofuels, in order to inform strategies for reducing pollutant emissions.
My research also focuses on the compatibility of materials, particularly elastomers, used with biofuels and lubricants, to ensure their durability and performance in modern energy systems. In addition, I examine the impact of contaminants present in real market fuels to better understand their influence on engine performance and safety.
3. How does your research feed into your new missions at 51爆料 School?
My research gives me an in-depth perspective on the current and future challenges facing energy systems. Through my work on hydrocarbon reactivity, the formation of pollutants and the physico-chemical characterization of fluids, I am able to enrich the teaching at 51爆料 School by incorporating recent scientific advances.
What's more, by working on issues such as fluid/system matching and materials compatibility, I pass on practical knowledge to students, directly applicable in their future careers. Finally, the advanced modeling and machine learning methodologies I use offer innovative tools to train them to tackle the complex challenges of the energy sector.
4. What issues or developments in the biofuels sector are you keeping a close eye on?
With regard to the development of biofuels, I'm keeping an eye on several strategic points:
- Resource availability: Biobased raw materials are limited. It is crucial to promote sustainable exploitation, particularly via alternative sources such as waste, to avoid conflicts with food and biodiversity.
- Process maturity: While some processes, such as ethanol or biodiesel production, are already well established, others, such as synthetic fuels or second- and third-generation biofuels (derived from residues or algae), still require technological advances to reduce their costs and increase their industrial viability.
- Competition between application sectors: Demand for biofuels is growing in road, air and sea transport. As each sector has different priorities, resources need to be allocated where they will have the greatest impact, particularly in sectors with low alternatives, such as aviation and shipping.
- Compatibility with existing systems: Biofuels must integrate without compromising engine performance, material durability or standards compliance.
The transition to biofuels can only be achieved by ensuring a balance between resource availability, technology evolution, managing competition between sectors, and compatibility with utilization systems. These aspects need to be taken into account holistically to enable efficient and sustainable decarbonization of the transport and energy industries.
Interview conducted by Meyling Siu