Our society is transitioning to a low-carbon renewable energy system where solar and wind energy are becoming increasingly important. Because of the inherent intermittent nature of solar and wind energy and the difficulties to store vast amounts of electrical energy over a long time, suitable energy carriers are indispensable. An important energy storage solution is to convert electrical power into hydrogen through electrolysis. Current electrolysis suffers from a low efficiency, which is largely attributed to the flow and transport phenomena near electrode surfaces. This programme aims at unravelling the different phenomena and to give specific direction to enable a step change in efficiency rather than small evolutionary improvements. When successful, this should provide industrial end-users with means to make large scale operation feasible.

The research programme is divided into four interlinked sub-projects of which one project is advertised here. Experimental and numerical tools will be developed to study the key transport phenomena at different length scales, i.e. those of bubble nucleation, Marangoni flow phenomena between a hydrogen bubble and an electrode, and the interaction between multiple bubbles and its effect on the mass transfer.

In the current project we will focus on the numerical simulation of bubble interaction and the effects on the mass transfer limitations. We will use Direct Numerical Simulations to include the bubble deformations, due to bubble-bubble and bubble-wall interactions.

We are looking for an experienced candidate with a background in chemical, mechanical, thermal engineering, physics or a related field. The prospective researcher is expected to have experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics for fluids or fluid-structure interactions. An affinity with the process industry is preferred. In addition, experience in programming is preffered. The ideal candidate has good scientific skills as well as excellent soft skills related to verbal and written communication.

We offer a challenging job for four years in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will work with innovative analytic equipment and you will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world en part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven'; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!

The gross monthly salary in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), starts with   € 2.325,- ,- in the first year to € 2.972,- in the fourth year. Besides this the TU/e has holiday- and end-of the year allowances, an excellent package of attractive benefits for employees and a modern sports complex. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given. Especially for PhD students the TU/e also offers opportunities for personal development. We do this by offering every PhD student a series of courses that are part of the Proof program as an excellent addition to your scientific education.