Postdoc in Modelling Fluid Dynamics for Hydrogen Liquefaction using Magnetocalorics - DTU Energy

Do you want to help develop innovative and environmentally friendly energy technologies based new cooling technologies to enable Power-to-X?

As part of a large EU funded project, we will develop a cryogenic cooler based on the magnetocaloric effect to liquify hydrogen for transportation purposes. The consortium of 14 partners from 9 different countries will develop magnetocaloric materials and apply them to a new prototype capable of liquifying hydrogen starting from liquid nitrogen temperature.

This postdoc position will focus on modelling the magnetocaloric liquefaction device using an existing model which has been used for over a decade for modelling magnetocaloric devices at DTU. The model considers fluid flow, heat transfer dynamics and magnetism and solves the partial differential equations governing the system as function of time. In the project we want to use to the model to e.g. screen the influence of material properties on the cooling performance, but also to develop a more detailed and computationally efficient model for heat transfer and to assess design concepts for the prototype magnetocaloric system. The results of the modelling will be crucial for the project partners, who will realize a liquefaction prototype, and you will get to collaborate with these partners.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The main task of this three year postdoc is to model the active magnetic regenerator, i.e. the interplay between fluid flow, heat transfer and magnetism, all applied to a cryogenic hydrogen liquefaction system. This will involve developing new modelling strategies, taking into account innovative aspects such as novel magnetocaloric materials and new system applications. The postdoc will work closely with other partners to implement material properties into the model and incorporate the prototype design into the system model.

Qualified applicants must have:

• PhD degree in engineering, physics or similar.
• Experience with heat and mass transfer or numerical modelling techniques.
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamic group.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Experience in the following is desirable but not necessary for applying:

• Experience with MATLAB or similar programming languages
• Experience with modelling heat transfer or fluid flow
• Experience with magnetocalorics or similar materials.
• Experience with cryogenics.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years.

The expected starting date is the summer of 2023 but the start date is flexible.

Please contact Professor Rasmus Bjørk, +45 4677 5895

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 April 2023 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and PhD diploma

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Energy is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity and thermoelectrics. Additional information about the department can be found on www.ecs.dtu.dk

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.