TU Delft and OPRA gas turbines will be working together in the H2Flex project on the development of the next-generation hydrogen combustion technology to meet the future requirements of a cost-effective, ultra-low emission combustion system for the OPRA gas turbine that can operate on 100% natural gas and 100% hydrogen, and any mix thereof. Moving towards hydrogen gas turbines allows for zero carbon combustion processes. OPRA is further developing its Dry Low (NOx) Emissions (DLE) combustors.

The challenge is to achieve a fuel flexible combustor without compromising efficiency (e.g. flashback), startup times, engine reliability and emissions of NOx. This is being achieved by developing combustor designs with an increasing proportion of hydrogen blended with natural gas.

The Gas Turbine Chair at the Department of Process and Energy of Mechanical Engineering (3ME) at the TU Delft has a long history in delivering high-level education and world-class research in the field of gas turbines. The group has been executing research in hydrogen combustion in gas turbines for many years. This has resulted in detailed knowledge of flashback phenomena, embedded in an advanced and unique model for flashback prediction which will be specifically used in this project. In the H2Flex project, this model will be adapted and verified for swirl-stabilized combustors under real operating conditions.

The TU Delft is looking for a post doc who will execute the following tasks:

• Perform CFD calculations of the OPRA combustor to evaluate and optimize premixed combustor design strategies for fuels with high hydrogen contents.
• Adapt the existing flashback model of TU Delft for swirl stabilized burners. Validate the model with test results.
• Perform CFD simulations for critical parts of the gas turbine hot gas path with respect to heat transfer to be able to quantify the impact of different fuel composition on the life time of the gas turbine hot gas path components.

The project will be executed in close cooperation with OPRA turbines. The postdoc will be guided in the TU Delft by professors in the field of gas turbines, combustion, CFD and heat transfer.     

The successful candidate has the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics or similar
• High level of academic knowledge in the field of fluid mechanics, turbulence and heat transfer
• Proven experience with CFD simulations for complex geometries, preferably with OpenFOAM and/or Converge
• Experience with turbulent premixed combustion CFD simulations and/or complex heat transfer CFD simulations in a plus
• Capable to operate well in a dynamic environment in between academics and industry
• Good communicator
• Self starter, takes own role in project, independent worker

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 3.561 - € 4.490 per month). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.