Interview: ESSIAL newcomer Théo Etifier

Meet ESSIAL newcomers! Théo Etifier joined the project as a PhD JEUMONT/ ESIEE Amiens. Below, his interview in which he explains his background, role and expectations in 3 questions & answers.

What is your academic and professional background?

I graduated from the ESIEE Amiens engineering school in September 2019 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Sustainable Development. I started my professional life working for a service company specialised in engineering consulting. My first and only mission for this company took place in JEUMONT Electric where I could already grasp the scope and approach of the ESSIAL project. During this mission, I learned that the school where I had studied was looking for a research engineer to carry out a PhD related to the ESSIAL project. I have wanted to do research for a long time, so I tried my luck to join the project. Here I am today!

What role will you play in ESSIAL?

My role in ESSIAL is quite similar to the role of other members doing their PhD at ESIEE for the project. Indeed, the objective of my thesis is to characterise laser surface treatments in order to improve the magnetic performance of soft ferromagnetic steels for industrial applications, as JEUMONT Electric does for the design of high-power electric motors. However, instead of focusing on Iron-Silicon alloys, I carry out the same study and analysis but on special Iron-Nickel and Iron-Cobalt alloys, which are much less used (because of their high costs) but have superior magnetic performances.

What do you expect from the project?

As every member of the project, I want this research initiative to bear its fruits. In particular, I hope that the results will be relevant enough so that this process could become essential for reducing losses in electrical equipment in the future. My work focuses on special alloys, which use is somewhat limited due to their high costs: it would be rewarding to be able to provide the proof (if it exists!) that laser treatment improves the performance of these materials. Moreover, I’m very concerned about energy transition and I am convinced that improving the performance of our electrical equipment is an essential step toward the energy future. It is therefore a great source of pride to be able to participate in this European project!