We are looking for three PhD candidates to aid in the development of the Argon Power Cycle (APC), a revolutionary power generation cycle with ultra-high conversion efficiency, which enables enhanced hydrogen energy storage at low costs. By using argon as working fluid instead of air, the engine cycle efficiency can be increased reaching outstanding values close to 80%!

We will explore a new internal combustion cycle that circulates argon. Such a closed-loop power cycle would most conveniently burn hydrogen and oxygen, leading to an exhaust stream that is emissions-free and effectively contains only water and argon. Current concerns about climate change and growing amounts of intermittent renewable energy sources, make the application of APC in hydrogen energy storage of keen interest.

A major hurdle to take in the development of APC technology is controlling the combustion process, which occurs at conditions that have never been explored. Since both fuel and oxygen would have to be injected separately, new combustion strategies will have to be developed. Therefore, the aim of this project is to investigate this new combustion regime and to develop and validate a sophisticated computational model that will be used to find the efficient combustion strategy for the APC.

The research project encompasses a multi-scale approach that includes an exploration of the elementary processes in APC combustion by using high-fidelity numerical simulations and sophisticated laser measurements of dedicated laboratory setups and research engines. We are now looking for three PhD candidates for the following tasks:

1. PhD 1 will perform direct numerical simulations (DNS) of periodic and spatially developing jets using detailed and reduced chemistry. The results of these simulations will give insight in the reaction structures present in APC combustion and serve as a basis for the development of a new adaptive chemistry tabulation method for mixed-mode combustion.
2. PhD 2 will develop a large-eddy simulation (LES) model for the simulation of jet injections under APC conditions. This LES model will also be used to investigate different injection strategies and to select the most promising schemes for application in an engine.
3. PhD 3 will perform experiments on jet injection in a constant volume chamber. Starting with cold mixing experiments, the complexity is increased to autoigniting jets under multi-stream conditions. Advanced optical diagnostics, such as laser-induced fluorescence, Rayleigh scattering and spontaneous Raman scattering, will be applied to provide detailed information on jet properties and flame structure.

These PhD candidates will have to collaborate closely sharing data and knowledge for model development and validation. At a later stage, a fourth PhD candidate and a postdoc will be recruited to complete the team.

Qualification of applicant

We are looking for recently graduated, talented, enthusiastic candidates with excellent communication skills holding an MSc in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics or similar, with a solid background in thermo- and fluid dynamics. A strong interest in energy conversion methods in the energy transition is required, as well as strong numerical modelling or experimental skills, depending on the position you apply for. Experience with numerical modelling or optical diagnostic methods for reactive flows is a benefit.

We offer:

• An exciting job in a dynamic work environment at an ambitious university.
• Excellent computational and experimental facilities.
• The possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• An appointment for four years (start date as soon as possible).
• Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from
  € 2.325,-- per month initially, to € 2.972,-- in the fourth year.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits (including excellent work facilities, end of the year and holiday allowances and fantastic sport facilities at our campus).
• If necessary, the TU/e can help you to find housing.