François MaréchalPh D. in engineering Chemical process engineer
Researcher and lecturer in the field of computer aided process and energy systems engineering.
Lecturer in the mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and environmental sciences engineering in EPFL.
I'm responsible for the Minor in Energy of EPFL and I'm involved in 3 projects of the Competence Center in Energy and Mobility (2nd generation biofuel, Wood SOFC, and gas turbine development with CO2 mitigation) in which i'm contributing to the energy conversion system design and optimisation.
Short summary of my scientific carrer
After a graduation in chemical engineering from the University of Liège, I have obtained a Ph. D. from the University of Liège in the LASSC laboratory of Prof. Kalitventzeff (former president of the European working party on computer aided process engineering). This laboratory was one of the pioneering laboratory in the field of Computer Aided Process Engineering.
In the group of Professor Kalitventzeff, I have worked on the development and the applications of data reconciliation, process modelling and optimisation techniques in the chemical process industry, my experience ranges from nuclear power stations to chemical plants. In the LASSC, I have been responsible from the developments in the field of rational use of energy in the industry. My first research topic has been the methodological development of process integration techniques, combining the use of pinch based methods and of mathematical programming: e.g. for the design of multiperiod heat exchanger networks or Mixed integer non linear programming techniques for the optimal management of utility systems. Fronted with applications in the industry, my work then mainly concentrated on the optimal integration of utility systems considering not only the energy requirements but the cost of the energy requirements and the energy conversion systems. I developed methods for analysing and integrating the utility system, the steam networks, combustion (including waste fuel), gas turbines or other advanced energy conversion systems (cogeneration, refrigeration and heat). The techniques applied uses operation research tools like mixed integer linear programming and exergy analysis. In order to evaluate the results of the utility integration, a new graphical method for representing the integration of the utility systems has been developed. By the use of MILP techniques, the method developed for the utility integration has been extended to handled site scale problems, to incorporate environmental constraints and reduce the water usage. This method (the Effect Modelling and Optimisation method) has been successfully applied to the chemical plants industry, the pulp and paper industry and the power plant. Instead of focusing on academic problems, I mainly developed my research based on industrial applications that lead to valuable and applicable patented results. Recently the methods developed have been extended to realise the thermoeconomic optimisation of integrated systems like fuel cells. My present R&D work concerns the application of multi-objective optimisation strategies in the design of processes and integrated energy conversion systems.
Since 2001, Im working in the Industrial Energy Systems Laboratory (LENI) of Ecole Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) where Im leading the R&D activities in the field of Computer Aided Analysis and Design of Industrial Energy Systems with a major focus on sustainable energy conversion system development using thermo-economic optimisation methodologies. A part from the application and the development of process integration techniques, that remains my major field of expertise, the applications concern :
Rational use of water and energy in Industrial processes and industrial production sites : projects with NESTLE, EDF, VEOLIA and Borregaard (pulp and paper).Energy conversion and process design : biofuels from waste biomass (with GASNAT, EGO and PSI), water dessalination and waste water treatment plant (VEOLIA), power plant design (ALSTOM), Energy conversion from geothermal sources (BFE). Integrated energy systems in urban areas : together with SCANE and SIG (GE) and IEA annexe 42 for micro-cogeneration systems.
I as well contributed to the definition of the 2000 Watt society and to studies concerning the emergence of green technologies on the market in the frame of the Alliance for Global Sustainability.
Sergi Aguacil MorenoExpertise
- Architecture, energy, building physics and environment- Integration of innovation in buildings | Smart Living Lab- Managing complex projects- Linking research and practice | Research infrastructures- Integrating sustainability into architectural projects- Life cycle assessment and environmental impact studies- Integration of photovoltaic energy in buildings | Renovation and new construction projects | ActiveInterfaces- Multi-criteria studies and assessments
Education PhD in Architecture | A
Patricia GuaitaExpertise
pedagogy of makingdrawing as an actionmultidisciplinary projectsdesign methodologies in 1:1 fabricationexperiential learning processesknowledge transfer with the Global Southdiversity and care
Patricia Guaita is an architect, researcher, and educator with expertise in drawing as an action and social and sustainable research projects. Her work focus on design methodologies, which incorporate drawing by hand, 1:1 fabrication, spatial and tectonic analysis, and the development of construction protoco
Véronique Ivonne M. PatteeuwTeaching & PhD Courses Architecture in the age of acceleration AR-363 This course examines twelve theoretical positions for an architecture in the age of acceleration. By situating these positions in a recent history of architecture and placing them in a current context, this course aims to grasp their relevance for contemporary practice.
Luciano Nicolas AntoniettiExpertise
Architectural theoryType and typologySuburban territoryInterstitial landscapeRural and agricultural architecture
Co-founder - forme commune atelier d'architecture et paysageScientific Assistant - EAST EPFLResearcher - Rural and Agricultural Architecture Professionals experiences Co-founder - Architect 2023–2025 forme commune atelier d'architectureArchitect 2023–2024 Ville de Fribourg - Développement UrbainLead Architect 2021–2023 AFF ArchitectsArchitect 2019–2020 Capaul&Blumenthal Architects Ed
Andrew James SontaExpertise
Human-building interaction, building energy, occupant behavior, sustainable design and planning, walkability, network analysis, machine learning, urban informatics, social systems.
Andrew Sonta is a tenure track assistant professor of sustainable civil engineering at EPFL. He directs the ETHOS Lab: Engineering and Technology for Human Oriented Sustainability. ETHOS is an interdisciplinary research group focused on using data-driven and computational tools to create interventions in the built envir
Akuto Akpedze KonouExpertise
Ecological & Social Architecture; Sustainable urban planning; Urban agriculture and health-oriented spatial planning and design; Nature-Based Solutions; Circular Design and Construction.
Mission
Design and research healthier, more inclusive, climate-resilient environments through ecological architecture and health-oriented spatial planning.
Akuto Akpedze Konou, PhD, is an architect and urban planner affiliated with CEAT ENAC - IIE EPFL. Her work bridges architectural design and urban planning with
Kumar Varoon AgrawalExpertise
Prof. Kumar Varoon Agrawal leads research at EPFL on advanced membrane materials and processes for energy-efficient molecular separations. His work focuses on atomically thin porous graphene film, and two-dimensional zeolite & metal–organic framework membranes that enable selective transport of gases and ions, with applications in carbon capture, hydrogen purification, ammonia separation, and resource recovery. By combining materials chemistry, nanofluidics, transport phenomena, atomistic simulati
Jaïr Kees Evert Karel CampfensJair Kees Evert Karel Campfens is a doctoral assistant at the HERUS lab. He is an engineer by Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and holds a MSC in Sustainable Energy Technology. Moreover, he holds a double degree MSc in Public Policy & Human Development from Maastricht University and the United Nations University. Education Public Policy & Human Development | Master of Science 2021 – 2022 Maastricht University UNU-MERIT Sustainable Energy Technology | Master of Science
Jonas SchnidrigAs a dedicated researcher and lecturer in sustainable energy policy and planning, specializing in energy system modeling, optimization, and decision support for the energy transition, I focus on bridging research, industry, government, and society by developing strategies that balance ecological, social, and economic dimensions of energy transitions. I have and am contributing to major international projects such as the EnergyScope Community, Net Zero Valais, and am actively engaged in coordinating large re
Jeremy LuterbacherExpertise
Biomass conversion Heterogeneous catalysis
See: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lpdc/luterbacher/ Education Postdoc | Chemical Engineering 2014 – 2014 Univsersity of Wisconsin-Madison PhD | Chemical Engineering 2012 – 2012 Cornell University Master | Chemical Engineering 2010 – 2010 Cornell University Master | Chemical Engineering 2007 – 2007 �cole Polytechnique F�d�rale de Lausanne Bachelor | Chemistry and Ch Richard Edward BaldwinTeaching & PhD Courses Sustainability in the global context MGT-470 This course equips you with the tools needed to evaluate the economic, historical, and political dimensions of climate change from a global perspective. You will also learn about the international institutions and megatrends shaping and constraining the solutions.
Paolo PeronaExpertise
River mechanics and morphoydnamics, Erosion processes, Ecohydraulics, Plant roots biomechanics, Watershed and catchment hydrology, Water Resources Management, General hydraulics, Time Series Analysis, Dynamical Systems Theory, Stochastic Processes
Expertise
River mechanics and morphoydnamics, Erosion processes, Ecohydraulics, Plant roots biomechanics, Watershed and catchment hydrology, Water Resources Management, General hydraulics, Time Series Analysis, Dynamical Systems Theory, Stochastic Proces
Nino David Julian JordanExpertise
Environmental policy and governance, in particularly related to embodied environmental impacts.
Current Work
Nino is currently working on the "Sustainable and Resilient Energy for Switzerland" project.
Nino has been addressing environmental challenges since 2010, starting with the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy and later working with the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources.He earned degrees in political science and international relations from the University of Bremen.
Fränz ZeimetzTeaching & PhD Courses Water resources engineering and management CIVIL-466 The course focuses on designing and managing water systems to ensure sustainable use for both human and environmental needs. Engineering aspects:water quantity, quality, timing, distribution. Management: economic evaluation of water systems in the context of global changes and financial constraints.
Francisco Xavier Felix Martin Del CampoExpertise
Transdisciplinary researchSocio-metabolic researchMaterial flows and stocks analysisSustainabilityBuilt environmentInfrastructureClimate changeResource securityCircular economyWaste
Francisco has a Civil Engineering background specialized in Resources Management and has several years of professional experience in the construction and engineering sector. He received his Master's degree in Project Management for Environmental and Energy Engineering from IMT Atlantique, France, and his PhD in Sustain
Wendy Lee QueenTeaching & PhD PhD Students Pratap Narayan Soni, Pattaraphon Rodlamul, Matthieu Meoli, Olivier Thomas Smith, Sanjay Venkatachalam, Anne Faustine Sido Belin, Christopher William Gardner, Lorenzo Meneghin Past EPFL PhD Students Mehrdad Asgari, Daniel Teav Sun, Ilia Kochetygov, Vikram Vinayak Karve, Anita Justin, Till Marian Schertenleib, Jocelyn Richard Roth, Timo Markus Oskar Felder Courses Chemical engineering practice ChE-309 This course provides the students with practical experience wit
Paul Joseph DysonPaul Dyson joined the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering at the EPFL in 2002 where he heads the Laboratory of Organometallic and Medicinal Chemistry and between 2008 and 2016 chaired the Institute. He has won several prizes including the Werner Prize of the Swiss Chemical Society in 2004, the Award for Outstanding Achievements in Bioorganometallic Chemistry in 2010, the Centennial Luigi Sacconi Medal of the Italian Chemical Society in 2011, the Bioinorganic Chemistry Award of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2015, the European Sustainable Chemistry Award of the European Chemical Society in 2018 and the Green Chemistry Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2020. He is also a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher and has an H-index >110 (web of science and google scholar). He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2010, a Fellow of the European Academy of Science in 2019 and a life-long fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2020. Over the years he has held visiting professorships at the University of Bourgogne, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, University of Vienna, University of Rome Tor Vergara, Chimie Paristech and Shangai Jiao Tong University.Since 2016 he has been Member of the Council of the Division of Mathematics, Natural and Engineering Sciences at the Swiss National Science Foundation.Between 2016-2021 he has been Member of the Council of the Division of Mathematics, Natural and Engineering Sciences at the Swiss National Science Foundation. In 2021 he was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Basic Sciences.
Martin Peter BieriMission
PhD student and research assistant
Martin Bieri is a PhD student at the Laboratory of Hydraulic Constructions (LCH) of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. He obtained his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering at the same university in 2007. During his graduation he worked as trainee for different engineering companies in Switzerland. Beside his PhD topic in the field of hydrological-hydraulic modeling, he is involved in different applied research projects, physical model
