Job Delft University of Technology - PhD: Biomass Pre-treatment Techniques

Increasing the biomass share in coal-fired power plants is an effective and short-term way to reduce CO2 and SO2 emissions. To increase the biomass share up to 50% thermal, the biomass particles must be economically milled down to sizes where high burnout values can be expected. Different biomass pre-treatment techniques to transform biomass into more coal-like matter should be investigated, such as torrefaction, pyrolysis, or hydrolysis, but with novel process intensification techniques enabling potentially higher overall efficiencies. In this project TU Delft is working with E.ON Benelux, Rotterdam. Besides gas fired power plants, E.ON also operates coal/biomass fired plants at Maasvlakte, where the work for this assessment will be implemented.

Your work will consist of:
1. Biomass pre-treatment study using different techniques, and selection of the most promising options for the Dutch energy supply.
2. Untreated and treated fuel characterisation using techniques like ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA) and a heated grid to obtain critical conversion data needed for CFD model input (pyrolysis sub-model improvement).
3. Full-scale CFD pf boiler modelling, including pre-treated biomass as feedstock for increased biomass shares.
4. Techno-economic and life-cycle studies for the advanced pre-treatment techniques selected.

Applicants should have the following qualifications:
- MSc degree in chemical engineering, technical physics, or mechanical engineering.
- Interest in both applied and more fundamental science and engineering.
- Excellent background in the following areas: physical transport phenomena (heat and mass transfer), chemistry and thermodynamics. Candidates with experience in the field of combustion and other high temperature processes are preferred.
- Demonstrable interest and skills in experimental research.
- Good communication skills and a team player attitude.
- Good spoken and written English. TU Delft is a bilingual organisation; a good command of the Dutch language is an advantage.

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Ir. W. de Jong, phone: +31 (0)15-2789476, e-mail: wiebren.dejong@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV, references and publication list along with a letter of application by 14 March 2011 to Annemarie Gerretsen, application-3mE@tudelft.nl. When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number 3ME10-21.
Internal candidates have preference in selection. TU Delft is an equal opportunity employer.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools. 

The Department of Process and Energy aims to conduct world-class education and research in the area of process and energy for sustainable development. We focus our research on the following areas: Energy Technology, Separation Technology, Fluid Mechanics, Engineering Thermodynamics and Process Equipment. We are situated in the Process and Energy lab, a modern and inspiring academic environment with unique experimental facilities. For more information, see: http://www.pe.tudelft.nl.


The Energy Technology section performs research into thermochemical conversion of biomass and coal and efficient utilisation of (low-grade) heat. The group has unique experimental facilities and develops diverse models for different conversion processes. In addition, thermodynamic system studies are carried out using codes developed in-house.

Dr. Ir. W. de Jong
+31 (0)15-2789476
wiebren.dejong@tudelft.nl
Technische Universiteit Delft