A 3-year Post-Doctoral position: Dynamic Modelling for Sustainable Energy Systems through Hydrogen Integration

The challenge

Increasing decentralized power production from wind and solar are putting a strain on the capacity electricity grid across Europe. Consequently, new projects face challenges in connecting to the grid, preventing growth of renewable energy production. Additionally, when power demand exceeds transport capacity, alternative electricity flows are needed to meet demand. Sustainable and green hydrogen production presents a viable solution to increase grid flexibility and minimize congestion.

About the project and your task

To enhance the efficiency of integrating electrolysers for hydrogen production, an innovative software-based toolbox is being developed as part of the project. This toolbox will enable companies along the green hydrogen production chain to digitally analyze, evaluate, and optimize use cases before real implementation. It will be freely configurable, allowing for easy exchange or adaptation of components to simulate and compare different situations, plant designs, or electrolysis processes (AEL, PEM, AEM).

In this 3-year project, you will develop a comprehensive dynamic model for green hydrogen production plants. This involves integrating subsystems and balance of plant components, particularly focusing on the utilization of low-temperature electrolyzers like PEM, AEL, and AEM technologies. Through detailed modeling, you will investigate the dynamic operation of these systems, ensuring seamless transitions between different operational states. You will analyze transient behaviors to identify the critical parameters affecting the dynamic performance of both the electrolyzers and the integrated systems. Additionally, you will conduct parametric analyses at multiple levels, including the stack, sub-system, and system levels, to determine necessary measures to achieve predefined targets. Throughout this process, you will consider all relevant aspects related to dynamic behavior and optimization, encompassing emerging technologies and various forms of energy flow, including heat and power, within the model.

The Consortium

The project is executed in close cooperation with FH Münster, Saxion Hogeschool and companies with different competences in the field of hydrogen-based technologies (Powerspex, HyGear, Pondera Consult, IHM engineering, BEN-Tec). The project is funded by the INTERREG.

You are welcome to contact Dr. ir. Yashar Hajimolana ([email protected], +31- 534898462) for any questions you might have.

Please upload your application, including your CV, motivation letter, BSc and MSc grade lists, PhD degree, documentation providing your English proficiency, and names of possible references via the ‘Apply now’ button.

The application deadline is March 31th, 2024. We will hold interviews on the week of April 8th and 15th. Since only three documents can be uploaded per application, please combine documents if needed.

The Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering at the University of Twente is currently looking for a 3-year Postdoc candidate in the field of hydrogen and energy systems integration. We are concerned with questions related to energy systems integration, energy conversion and storage technologies for a sustainable society. Through theoretical analysis, mathematical modellings, and experimental studies we develop fundamental knowledge with applications in industry, transportation and built environment. Priority is given to the efficient use of energy and the minimization of environmental impact of our future energy systems. Information about the involved research groups is available at This Website

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.