The LESTE laboratory conducts research that bridges fundamental and applied sciences, employing both disciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches with a strong emphasis on thermal and energy systems. Its core research themes include heat and mass transfer phenomena, energy transition, and energy efficiency, with a growing focus on innovation processes and sustainable development.

Research activities are anchored in the field of Energy Engineering, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. This foundation allows the laboratory to address complex physical challenges and develop advanced numerical methods for the design, modeling, and optimization of thermal and energy systems. Applications span several sectors, including energy, transportation, textiles, and process engineering, with a broader impact across the energy, water, environment, and building domains.

Since its creation, LESTE has played a leading role in research, development, and innovation, responding to strategic and industrial challenges at the national level. Its research activities are structured around four main thematic axes:

I. Heat and Fluid Flows

This axis builds on the laboratory’s strong expertise in fluid flow and heat/mass transfer. It encompasses the development of models in porous media, multi-scale modeling of heat pipes, microfluidics, and experimental fluid mechanics. Four research projects are conducted under this theme, combining numerical modeling and experimental investigations.

II. Energy Systems

Aligned with sustainable development objectives, this axis focuses on the design, numerical modeling, and optimization of high-performance, environmentally friendly energy systems. Key areas of application include desalination, air conditioning, renewable energy integration, and energy performance of manufactured products. It comprises three dedicated research projects.

III. Energy and Environment

This axis addresses environmental challenges related to energy. It includes research on the environmental impacts of road transportation, the valorization of waste materials in the building sector, and the recycling of textile industry waste. Three projects are currently being conducted within this thematic area.

IV. Hydrogen

This final axis focuses on hydrogen as a strategic energy vector. Research activities cover hydrogen production, storage, combustion, and its use in fuel cells, contributing to the broader context of the energy transition. Three research projects are currently underway in this area.