I am a committed young researcher with a strong foundation in thermal energy storage and phase change materials(PCMs), currently completing my doctoral studies. My PhD research represents a collaborative partnership between Oniris VetAgroBio (France) and Moulay Ismail University (Morocco), funded by the PHC Toubkal2022 fellowship program. My work focuses on enhancing cold room energy efficiency through the innovative development and integration of phase change materials (PCMs), with a clear focus on sustainable solutions.
Working at leading French institutions (GEPEA, Oniris, and IMT Atlantique), I developed valuable expertise in characterizing key thermophysical properties of materials using different techniques (DSC, Hot-wire, Pycnometer, T-history). A key aspect of my research involves valorizing glycerol –a biodiesel byproduct– and exploring its potential as an environmentally friendly phase change material for cold thermal energy storage applications.
Throughout my academic journey, I have built a broad skill in multiple disciplines: heat transfer, fluid dynamics, energy efficiency, sustainable energy solutions, refrigeration systems modeling, and computational modeling (including zonal and CFD approaches). This diverse and multidisciplinary background strengthens my commitment to advancing eco-friendly energy solutions and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Thesis Subject:
Integration of Phase Change Material in Cold Room Walls: Evaluation of Energy Consumption and Product Quality Impact.
(Intégration d'un matériau à changement de phase sur les parois d’une chambre froide : évaluation de l’impact sur la consommation d’énergie et la qualité des produits)
The PhD project is a collaboration between ONIRIS, France and University of Moulay Ismaïl, Morocco, which is financed by the Franco-Moroccan partnership Hubert Curien TOUBKAL 2022.
The research project titled “Improving the Energy Efficiency of Cold Rooms: Integration of PCMs” (N°: Toubkal/22/146 – Campus France: 47347RL) was launched in January 2022 and continued for three years until December 2024. This project focuses on developing innovative thermal energy storage solutions to enhance the performance and sustainability of cold storage systems. By integrating Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into the cooling process, the project aims to improve energy efficiency, optimize temperature stability, and contribute to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration technologies. The collaboration involves joint experimental research, modeling, and knowledge transfer between Moroccan and French research institutions, aligning with the strategic objectives of the PHC program.
Everyone knows that to keep food fresh for a long time,, the refrigeration systems (refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated warehouses etc) are the solution. However, few people know that these systems contribute to the global CO2 emission, as they generate 261 Mt of CO2eq*, 60% (156.6 Mt of CO2eq) is related to their electric consumption. Therefore, the idea of my topic is to minimize the energy consumption of these systems using Phase Change Materials (PCMs), and thus reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. What are Phase Change Materials?
PCMs are simply any material that undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the melting process and from liquid to solid during the solidification. This phase change is associated with the absorption (melting) and the release (solidification) of heat called latent heat. By that we use PCMs to store cold energy as latent heat and release it when needed. This technique has proved to be a good way to reduce the refrigeration system energy consumption, reduce the fluctuations of the air temperature within the case, and thus better preservation of the stored products.
The goal of my work is to valorize bio-based waste in Morocco, study it, and use it as a PCM for cold energy storage applications. This way, we can develop a sustainable PCM and reduce the refrigeration system’s emissions.
* Sarr, J., Dupont, J. L., & Guilpart, J. (2021). The carbon footprint of the cold chain, 7th Informatory Note on Refrigeration and Food. International Institute of Refrigeration: Paris, France, 31-32.
PHC TOUBKAL is the Franco-Moroccan Hubert Curien Partnership (PHC). It is implemented in France by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR), and in Morocco by the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), and funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation (MESRSI).