PhD position Intelligent Power and Energy Management System for DC Energy Distribution Systems of Methanol-Fuelled Ships

The MENENS project develops adaptable energy system solutions for ships with methanol as a fuel with a broad consortium across the Dutch maritime sector, from fleet owner to ship designer and from shipyard to (specialist) supplier. In this project, Delft University of Technology performs applied and fundamental research into methanol engine technology, methanol reforming for fuel cells, and integration of methanol engines, fuel cells and batteries in DC systems and in ships. The researchers, consisting of 7 PhD positions, and an experienced supervision team of Delft University and Technology and the Netherlands Defence Academy, develop models, methodologies, control algorithms and concept designs for methanol energy systems.

This research position will be responsible for the development, evaluation, and validation of power and energy management strategies for DC distribution systems with methanol engines, fuel cells and batteries. A comprehensive intelligent framework will be developed capable of prescribing robust control strategies that satisfy complex specifications to guarantee maximum energy efficiency while ensuring the maximum service life and minimum emissions and costs.

In the initial work, the power and energy management strategies can be developed using simulation models available at Delft University of Technology from previous projects and at a later stage the simulation models developed by the other researchers in MENENS can be used. In the later stages of the project, the algorithms and models that are developed can also use data from the zero emission lab at MARIN and the sailing fieldlabs of Fugro and Wagenborg. Finally, the power and energy managements strategies developed in the project can be evaluated and tested in the zero emission lab, and in the sailing field labs providing a unique opportunity for the researcher to fully test and validate the power and energy management strategies form this work.

The candidate will be working in the Marine Engineering group of the Ship Design, Production and Operation section at the Maritime and Transport Technology department. In addition, he/she will be working closely with other researchers working within MENENS and other related topics and projects at TU Delft partner institutions and companies.