At IRDL, Lilian Rabillard has developed a hydrodynamic alkaline electrolyzer to optimize hydrogen production.
Lilian Rabillard, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2025 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences Pour l'Ingénieur (Lorient ; 2022-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Hydrogen is often presented as the fuel of the future, a promise of clean and renewable energy. However, its production remains a major challenge that requires innovations and in-depth research. Lilian Rabillard's thesis, which focuses on the prototyping of a hydrodynamic alkaline electrolyzer, provides concrete answers to this crucial issue. By setting up a test bench to evaluate the performance of electrolyzers, this research aims to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production from renewable energies, a key issue for the energy transition.
The production of hydrogen through water electrolysis is a mature process, recognized for its ability to convert electrical energy into hydrogen. However, it requires optimizations to be economically viable and competitive against other energy sources. Currently, it takes about 4 kWh of electrical energy to produce 1 kWh of hydrogen, a ratio that raises questions about the efficiency of electrolyzers. How can we reduce this ratio? Rabillard's research proposes an empirical method to model hydrogen production, integrating various technical parameters such as concentration, flow rate, and voltage.
The preliminary results of this research show that it is possible to optimize these parameters to improve the efficiency of electrolyzers. For example, adjustments in the concentration of the electrolyte or in the water flow rate can lead to significant gains in hydrogen production. Approximately 800,000 tons of hydrogen are used each year in France, mainly in sectors such as refining and fertilizer production. This underscores the importance of this research for the energy transition, as more efficient hydrogen production could reduce costs and increase the adoption of this technology.
The practical implications of this research are vast. By improving the efficiency of electrolyzers, we could not only make hydrogen more competitive compared to fossil fuels but also promote its use in various applications, ranging from transportation to industry. For example, hydrogen could become a key energy vector for hydrogen vehicles, thereby reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to the decarbonization of transport.
The strategic recommendations emerging from this research include promoting hydrogen as an energy vector in public policies. Decision-makers must invest in research to develop more efficient and cost-effective electrolysis technologies. This requires a strong commitment from public and private stakeholders, as well as collaboration between universities, research centers, and industry. In West Africa, for example, where renewable energy resources are abundant, the development of hydrogen could also contribute to the electrification of rural areas and the creation of jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Hydrogen has the potential to play a key role in the decarbonization of the economy, but this requires a strong commitment from public and private stakeholders. By investing in hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure, we could create a sustainable ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic growth.
In conclusion, Lilian Rabillard's thesis is not limited to a technological advancement. It raises fundamental questions about our ability to produce hydrogen sustainably and profitably. The challenges of energy and carbon sobriety involve the electrification and digitalization of uses, and hydrogen could well be at the heart of this transformation. By integrating the results of this research into a comprehensive energy transition strategy, we could pave the way for a future where hydrogen becomes an essential energy source, contributing to the fight against climate change and the preservation of our planet.
Données clés
- 800 000 tonnes : C'est la quantité d'hydrogène utilisée chaque année en France, principalement dans le raffinage et la production d'engrais.
- 4 kWh : C'est l'énergie électrique nécessaire pour produire 1 kWh d'hydrogène, soulignant l'importance d'améliorer l'efficacité des électrolyseurs.
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Sources et accès
Lilian Rabillard. Prototypage d'un électrolyseur alcalin hydrodynamique : mise en place d'un banc de test des électrolyseurs et modélisation empirique de la production d'hydrogène. Chimie. Université de Bretagne Sud, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025LORIS741⟩. ⟨tel-05514809⟩