PhD position for PEM fuel cell temperature management for high performance

We are looking for a PhD student that wants to combine research on system simulation and experimental validation. You will develop a system model for a heavy-duty hybrid fuel-cell electric vehicle with a detailed fuel-cell stack model with a focus on MEA efficiency and peak output. The work includes collaboration with industry partners to tailor the system-level design for the most relevant powertrain configuration and balance-of-plant hardware.

Fuelcell system research to accellerate the transition towards sustainable heavy duty transport solutions.
Within the Internal combustion engine and propulsion systems division we have a project designed to investigate PEMFC temperature management for high performance. Although the methods developed focus on heavy road transport the model framework should be adaptable for use also for shipping/rail and aviation applications. You will develop a system model that combines the mass flow and heat dissipation of an active cooling system to the temperature dependent behavior of the PEMFC electrochemistry and heat transfer within the physical stack model. There is a need to develop closer, faster heat control which can drive efficiency savings in some conditions, but also allow for better performance and wider performance envelope for a given PEMFC system. 

Experimental PEMFC stack test data will be obtained from scaled PEMFC stacks operated at the Chalmers hybrid test cell in the second stage of the project. The validated models will then be applied for optimization of active temperature controls to maximize system efficiency. You will carry out this project within the framework of the Tech for H2 research center, a new governmental, industry and Chalmers funded competence center with H2 related research acitivies cross Chalmers. Here you will tightly collaborate with other PhD students and post-doc researchers.

Information about the division
The position will be at the Division of combustion and propulsion systems , which is one of eight divisions at the department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences. We are working to contribute to a sustainable transport solution. Our ambition is to generate knowledge and methods that the society needs to be able to develop: highly efficient and ultra-clean propulsion systems, taking all emissions into account (exhaust and non-exhaust) and that use renewable/low or zero carbon fuels. Solutions that can be part of an electrified or hybridized propulsion system. Our mission is to educate top level engineers and scientists, conduct groundbreaking propulsion system research, strongly couple experiment and simulation and serve as a forum in which industry and academia can meet. We are working towards gender balance in the division and therefore we encourage female applicants.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. Your research will be supported and supervised by well-reputed senior researchers at the department.

The full-time position also includes teaching or other departmental duties, corresponding to 10-20 % of your working hours, and is time limited to up to 4.5-5 years, depending on the amount of teaching and departmental work you do during your doctoral project.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics. Knowledge in propulsion systems, thermodynamics, mechatronics and fluid mechanics is a requirement. If you have knowledge of system simulation and measuring methods it is meritorious.

We are looking for a team-player that work and communicate well with others. You are self propelled and you plan and think strategically. Analytic language ability is important and you feel comfortable with reading and writing academically. 

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English as well as an ability to plan and organize the work involved. If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to communicate in Swedish after some years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

The cover letter must also clearly describe the motivation for completing a PhD at Chalmers.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4.5 - 5 years. You will be employed by Chalmers and receive a salary according to current salary agreements.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg . For our employees to deliver outstanding performance, they must be able to combine their personal and professional lives. Chalmers support this wherever we can to make that possible. Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220351 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter:(Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: August 7, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Professor David Sedarsky, Division of combustion and propulsion systems
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +46(0)31 7721799

Professor and Head of division Lucien Koopmans, Division of combustion and propulsion systems
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +46 (0)31 7721387

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
 

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