PhD Position Scale-up of Energy Storage via Sorption-Enhanced CO2 Conversion to Fuel/Chemicals

ppbAre you intrigued by how you can shape the energy transition by scale up of green electricity based large-scale energy storage via CO2 capture and dynamic conversion with hydrogen from electrolysis? /b The bPhD Position Scale-up of Energy Storage via Sorption-Enhanced CO2 Conversion to Fuel/Chemicals /b focuses on this challenge. /p h3Job description /h3 pThe research programme CO2URAGE, funded by the Dutch funding organisation NWO in the framework of the Perspectief Programme, targets the conversion of intermittent electricity to platform chemicals and fuels making use of dynamically operated processes. This is a promising route to alleviate net congestion and make more effective and economic use of renewable electricity without an unnecessary discarding of generated power. This four year’s PhD position is aimed at using captured CO2 from point sources and hydrogen from water electrolysis to generate carbon-based base chemicals and fuels. One reactor system that can be made use of is CO2 hydrogenation using bifunctional materials. On the one hand such materials catalyze the reaction but also capture water in-situ so that the inherent chemical equilibrium is shifted to completion. This is called sorption enhancement. The bifunctional material will be loaded with water and for continuous operation of the process this must be regenerated. For this purpose we envisage advanced electricity based methods. As the process is aimed to be operated at large scale, the reactor technology to be selected is to be scalable. /p pAt TU Delft within the department of Process Energy we have available unique laboratory facilities that enable such scale-up to TRL5 level with good support by technicians. You will be formulating and carrying out the experimental work in this context, making use of advanced in-situ measurement techniques like radar technology. A post-doc will assist the work as well. The experimental validation study is accompanied by reactor engineering modelling for conversion and sorbent regeneration, in conjunction with another PhD student in the department who will perform CFD modelling and other researchers performing process system modelling within the consortium. /p pYou will collaborate with experts from TUDELFT, TNO and several large and SME companies involved in the programme. Although there is significant progress related to chemical utilisation of CO2, the field of scalable and dynamic reactor development and operation has been lacking. As a PhD student, you will be responsible for achieving experimental proof of concept. /p h3Job requirements /h3 ul liAn MSc degree in Mechanical engineering, Chemical engineering, Applied physics, or related field is required. /li liKnowledge and proven experience with performing measurements and engineering reactor modeling and/or CFD. /li liA critical and inquisitive attitude with regard to obtained results is expected, which translates into formulating new research questions. /li liAbility to function both in a team and independently. /li liGood communication skills. Fluent in English, both spoken and written. Willing to learn the Dutch language. /li /ul h3TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) /h3 pWorking at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. /p pAt TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. /p h3Faculty Mechanical Engineering /h3 pFrom chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. /p pME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. /p h3Conditions of employment /h3 pDoctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. /p pSalary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. /p pAs a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. /p pWill you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. /p h3Additional information /h3 ul liHours per week: 36-40. /li /ul pDoing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. /p pAs part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr