STI – PhD in the field of Fuel cell innovations

IPESE lab description

The Industrial Process and Energy Systems Engineering (IPESE )  research group is working on the process and energy system engineering for efficient use and reuse of energy, efficient energy conversion, integration of renewables and complex system integration.

The IPESE lab provides a fun, collaborative research environment with state-of-the-art facilities at EPFL, one of the leading technical universities worldwide. EPFL Valais is located in Sion in a scenic setting with excellent transport connections.

Position description

The goal of the PhD will be to develop decision support methods for the design of innovative and advanced fuel cell systems for different applications. The project concerns both the tanks to power (fuel cell mode) and power to tanks (electrolysis) modes .The PhD project targets the inclusion of operation strategies (start-up, shut down, idling, part load operation, reversible operation) in the design of fuel cell systems. This implies on the one hand dynamic simulation for fuel cell and electrolysis modes and, on the other hand, an in depth modeling approach of the flow patterns in the perspective of lifetime expectation of the fuel cell stack.

Profile

Successful applicants need to be highly motivated, excellent students with a solid background in energy engineering, chemical engineering or related fields. Solid knowledge in mathematical programming, modeling of process and energy systems, simulation and  optimization is desirable, but can also be acquired during the PhD. Advanced coding and data science skills are a big plus.

The PhD candidate has strong communication skills and is able to work independently, as well as to collaborate with others. Strong sense of autonomy and independence are important.

What is offered

4-year fully funded PhD in the Energy Doctoral program, integrated into a dynamic group, and multiple possibilities of dissemination (conferences, seminars, etc).

Starting date

Continuous, until a suitable candidate is found.

How to apply

The interested candidate should send a CV (including list of publications), motivation letter, and transcript of records (bachelor and master) to CandidateIPESE@groupes.epfl.ch . Short-listed candidates will be interviewed. Candidates should also apply to the EDEY doctoral program (view more details ) and list Prof. François Maréchal  as a potential host for their PhD studies.