General information
Organisation
The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
Reference
SL-DRT-26-0626
Direction
DRT
Thesis topic details
Category
Engineering science
Thesis topics
Ultra-low frequency wireless power transmission for sensor node charging
Contract
Thèse
Job description
Wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies are rapidly expanding, particularly for wireless charging of everyday electronic devices and for powering wireless communicating sensor nodes. However, their transmission ranges remain limited, and the high operating frequencies typically used prevent energy transfer in the presence of, or through, conductive media (such as metallic barriers or seawater). This constraint significantly limits their adoption in complex environments (industrial, biomedical, etc.).The ultra-low-frequency technology investigated in our laboratory is based on an electromechanical receiver system comprising a coil and a magnet set into motion by a remotely generated magnetic field. The objective of this PhD project is to propose and develop novel ultra-low-frequency concepts to increase transmission range while maintaining sufficient power density for supplying sensor systems. The work will therefore involve studying, designing, optimizing, and experimentally validating the performance of new topologies (emitter field shaping, receiver geometries and materials, etc.). The candidate will develop analytical and numerical models to identify key system parameters and compare performance with the state of the art (range, power density, sensitivity to orientation). In addition, the candidate will propose, design, and experimentally evaluate innovative energy conversion electronics, on the transmitter and/or receiver side, to assess their impact on the overall system performance. A joint optimization of the electromechanical system and its associated power electronics will ultimately lead to the realization of a high-performance wireless power transfer system. A multidisciplinary profile with a strong orientation toward physics and mechatronics is sought for this PhD project. In addition to solid theoretical foundations, the PhD candidate must demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as a strong aptitude for experimental work. The PhD candidate will be integrated into the Systems Department of CEA-Leti, within a team of researchers with strong expertise in the development and optimization of electronic and mechatronic systems, combining innovative solutions for energy harvesting, wireless power transfer, low-power electronics, and sensor integration aimed at the development of autonomous systems.
University / doctoral school
Sciences et Ingénierie des Systèmes, de l’Environnement et des Organisations (SISEO)
Université Grenoble Alpes
Thesis topic location
Site
Grenoble
Requester
Position start date
01/09/2026
Person to be contacted by the applicant
GASNIER Pierre
pierre.gasnier@cea.fr
CEA
DRT/DSYS
CEA-Leti
MINATEC Campus
17 rue des martyrs
F-38054 Grenoble Cedex
+33438781995
Tutor / Responsible thesis director
BADEL Adrien
adrien.badel@univ-smb.fr
UNIVERSITE SAVOIE MONT-BLANC
SYMME
Laboratoire SYMME
Maison de la mécatronique - 7, chemin de bellevue
74940 Annecy-Le-Vieux
0450096517
En savoir plus
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GLjKg-UAAAAJ&hl=en
https://www.leti-cea.fr/cea-tech/leti
https://www.symme.univ-smb.fr/