With renewable electricity from wind and solar becoming cheaper and higher in demand, storage of electrical energy is become more important. One of the cheapest yet highly energy efficient ways to store electricity on a large scale is with redox flow batteries. In a particularly promising type, hydrogen and bromine are created from water and hydrogen bromide during charging, and converted back during discharge. To improve performance, durability, and cost effectiveness, membrane-less designs have been proposed and successfully tested. Separation of reaction products can be effected by ensuring thin laminar boundary layers, see for example Braff et al., Nature Comm., 4, 2346 (2013) and Suss et al. RSC Adv., 6 (2016).

In this PhD project a comprehensive computational model will be developed to test and optimize several designs and innovations. The focus will be on the physics and understanding, rather than on programming or numerical mathematics. Therefore, use will be made of readily available solvers like COMSOL Multiphysics or, if needed, OpenFOAM. An important goal is to formulate guidelines for design, preferably in the form of mathematical formulas or engineering correlations.

The PhD position will be part of a larger European effort to improve and scale this technology up. Therefore, the insights gained from modelling will be immediately put to use in designing prototypes, and experimental data that can be used for validation and calibration will become available during the course of the project. At TU Delft, a PhD position (this one) and one 3-year postdoc position (see: https://www.academictransfer.com/en/287346/postdoc-3-years-on-membraneless-redox-flow-battery-development/).
In case a candidate is exceptionally motivated and successful, a combination with experimental research can be discussed. The ideal starting data will be somewhere early 2020.

We are looking for a highly self-motivated, independent, and assertive candidate (f/m) with a sharp mind for critical and creative thinking as well as good communication skills in English.  

An MSc in an applied science or an engineering discipline like applied physics or mathematics, mechanical-, aerospace-, or chemical engineering or equivalent is required as well as a proven affinity with and skill for mathematical and computational modelling.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit http://www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

TU Delft creates equal opportunities and encourages women to apply.

Technische Universiteit Delft

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.

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in ground-breaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Department of Process and Energy (P&E) focuses on process and energy technology in a mechanical engineering context, meaning that a process or energy conversion is part of an apparatus. We envision that in the coming decades a transition from fossil/conventional energy conversion towards full electrification will take place in society. Our objective is to develop processes supporting this transition by making existing processes more efficient and developing novel green technologies that use electricity as a primary energy source to produce heavy transportation fuels and bulk chemicals. Continuum fluids are the common denominator, either as a process material, carrier, or solvent, or as a medium through which a transport, separation, or chemical process is carried out.