Louis Decherf

Please tell us about your research project.
My project is focused on cooling fluids for superconductive cables. A superconductive cable is an electrical device using superconductive materials (MgBO₂ for instance) to transport electricity more efficiently and cost-effectively. These materials have working conditions below -200°C and therefore need to be cooled down during their use inside the cable. To do so, we inject cryogenic fluids, such as liquid nitrogen, to prevent them from going beyond their critical point. My research focuses on computational fluid dynamics to simulate possible problems happening in the cooling fluid, like phase change or pressure drop, and machine learning to predict in real-time default in the cable only knowing inlet parameters.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?
I am part of the EDF-University of Oxford scheme, allowing French engineering students in their final year to do a research project within Oxford's Department of Engineering. This research internship is mandatory as part of my studies in École polytechnique. I am in my 3rd year in Polytechnique, with a specialization in Energies for the XXIst century.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?
Oxford and the university are really unique! Both are undissociable from one another. With such a strong heritage that one can see through architecture, traditions, and the students, it truly feels like the ideal place to learn, experience, and debate. There are so many things to discover in and around the city! This city is an ode to culture and knowledge.