PhD Position to Pioneer the Future of Sustainable Heating: Integrating Fuel Cell and Heat Pump

5 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Twente (UT)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

28 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The challenge

The key challenge we all privately face on our way to a sustainable future is the provision of domestic heating during winter and efficiently using the high solar energy gains received during the summer period.

In collaboration with industry partners and the Technical University of Darmstadt, we push forward the development of new heat exchanges that efficiently utilize the otherwise wasted thermal energy of fuel cells. The cogeneration of electricity and heat can make our homes independent from the electric grid, also solving grid constraint problems.

Your participation in this Ph.D. project is more than just an academic pursuit — it is a chance to contribute to a pivotal shift towards energy independence and sustainability, shaping the future of our society.

During your Ph.D. journey, you will, as a first step, work on a one-dimensional model for a domestic heating solution, including the combination of an air-source heat pump and a fuel cell. Therein, the focus lies on the efficient utilization of the fuel cell’s waste heat. In the second step, you will design and numerically evaluate the components that thermally connect the heat pump and fuel cell. In the last stage of your Ph.D. thesis, you will be working on a prototype system installed at the University of Twente.

You will work in close collaboration with international research institutions and companies, defining design requirements and working on a numerical model for flow path optimization. The goal is to develop a prototype demonstrating the potential for hot water production directly from the fuel cell above the typical temperature ranges, opening new avenues for decentralized power generation and heating systems. The knowledge and experience gained from this position will place you at the forefront of sustainable energy research and technology.

Your role

• Collaborate closely with esteemed international partners, defining design requirements and pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy solutions
• Pioneer the development of an avant-garde numerical model for flow path optimization, driving the transformation of fuel cell technology
• Embark on the thrilling challenge of creating a groundbreaking prototype that showcases the potential for hot water production directly from the fuel cell, surpassing typical temperature ranges
• Empower the world with decentralized power generation and heating systems, charting a path towards a more sustainable and self-reliant future.

If you are a talented and motivated individual looking to make a real difference in the world, then apply for this Ph.D. research position today and join our team. Together, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency in the built environment and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• You are highly ambitious and motivated with a Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field;
• You are passionate about sustainable energy systems, such as fuel cells and heat pumps, with a passion for heat transfer and fluid mechanics;
• You are proficient in numerical modeling and simulation software;
• You have visionary problem-solving skills, coupled with the ability to thrive both independently and as a collaborative team member;
• You have exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with a drive to communicate your discoveries to the world;
• You are eager to shape a greener and more sustainable future for generations.

Additional Information
Benefits

• A full-time, 4-year Ph.D. position;
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment with excellent facilities;
• A professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;
• A starting salary of € 2.770 in the first year and a salary of € 3.539 in the fourth year gross per month;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance;
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits;
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a lively green campus.

Additional comments

To apply for this Ph.D. research position, you can apply by March 28th, 2024, by clicking the ‘apply now’ button below. Please include:

• A cover letter of at most 1 page A4 explaining specific interests, the motivation for the application, and why you qualify for this position
• Your updated CV, including contact information for at least two academic references
• Copies of your academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
• Title and abstract of your Master’s project/thesis
• A one-page proposal outlining your approach to optimizing the cooling of a fuel cell electrode, including the foreseen methodology.
• Any additional supporting documents, such as publications or research experience

Note: The applications that do not include all required materials will not be considered.

Note: We reserve the right to close the application process early should we identify a suitable candidate before the deadline

Please ensure that your application is submitted by the deadline. The first round of interviews is scheduled between April 2nd and April 12th. A possible second round of interviews will be scheduled when needed.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/338584/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Twente

Country

Netherlands

City

Enschede

Postal Code

7522NB

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/338584/phd-position-to-pioneer-the-future-o…

Contact

City

Enschede

Website

http://www.universiteittwente.nl/

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Postal Code

7522 NB

STATUS: EXPIRED