Development of a controlled aeration and imaging system for oil cooling in electric motors

IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) est un acteur majeur de la recherche et de la formation dans les domaines de l’énergie, du transport et de l’environnement. De la recherche à l’industrie, l’innovation technologique est au cœur de son action, articulée autour de quatre priorités stratégiques : CLIMAT, ENVIRONNEMENT ET ÉCONOMIE CIRCULAIRE, ÉNERGIES RENOUVELABLES, MOBILITÉ DURABLE et HYDROCARBURES RESPONSABLES.

L’engagement d’IFPEN en faveur d’un mix énergétique durable se traduit par des actions visant :

• à gagner en efficacité énergétique ;
• à réduire les émissions de CO2 et de polluants ;
• à améliorer l’empreinte environnementale de l’industrie et des transports ;

tout en répondant à la demande mondiale en mobilité, en énergie et en produits pour la chimie.

Dans cet objectif, IFPEN développe des solutions permettant, d’une part, d’utiliser des sources d’énergie alternatives et, d’autre part, d’améliorer les technologies existantes liées à l’exploitation des énergies fossiles.

Development of a controlled aeration and imaging system for oil cooling in electric motors

There is increasing interest in using oil for cooling, particularly in systems where electrical current flows, such as electric motors, due to oil's low electrical conductivity. However, the movement of oil—whether from mechanical parts or fluid injection—leads to the formation of air bubbles. These bubbles affect the oil's flow and reduce the efficiency of the cooling process.

To better understand and control these phenomena, this internship will focus on the design and construction of a system that introduces controlled aeration into the oil flow and sets up an imaging system capable of measuring the microscopic size of air bubbles.

Objectives

• Build a test rig to introduce controlled aeration into a flowing oil system. This includes designing a mechanism to create and regulate the formation of air bubbles in a reproducible way.
• Set up an advanced imaging system (e.g., microscopic cameras) capable of capturing high-resolution images of air bubbles within the oil flow. The objective is to quantify bubble sizes and distribution accurately.
• Validate these measurements with additional sensors (if available) and refine the setup for accuracy.
• Perform various tests by adjusting parameters such as oil temperature, flow rate, type of oil, and the method of aeration introduction. Observe how these factors influence the formation and size of air bubbles.
• Analyze the captured images to characterize the aeration process and provide detailed data on bubble formation under different conditions.
• Prepare detailed reports on the results obtained from the tests. Propose recommendations for improving oil cooling efficiency based on findings.

Profile

Pursuing or completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

• Solid understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and hands-on experience with designing experimental setups.
• Familiarity with optical imaging systems and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python). Prior experience with microscopic imaging is a plus.
• Capable of designing, constructing, and optimizing a testing system. Strong analytical thinking for troubleshooting experimental setups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to document and present research results clearly. Comfortable working both independently and in a team.

Keywords: Research and Innovation, Aeration, Image Analysis, Microscopic Imaging, System Design, Cooling, Electric Motors

Location: Rueil-Malmaison

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