Alkaline water electrolyzers, for green hydrogen production, have been used at a large scale for about a century. Presently, a large scale-up in the number and size of industrial electrolyzers and electrolyzer plants is taking place, using modern materials and construction techniques. Their larger size and higher current densities require a partial re-design in which numerical simulations can be of great assistance.

Removing the large amounts of gas produced in stacks consisting of many cells, while avoiding large shunt currents, requires careful consideration of the geometry and dimensions of the manifold and channels. Inside each cell, the membrane-electrode and electrode-bipolar plate distances, and the elastic element properties influence the gas distribution, pressure drop, and energy efficiency in a yet unknown way.

In this project, in collaboration with McPhy, multiphysics multiphase simulations will be used to answer some of the design questions associated with the scale-up of future water electrolyzers.

We seek a self-motivated conscientious researcher (f/m) with good communication and self-management skills. A PhD degree in physics, mathematics, engineering or applied science and experience with computational fluid dynamics will be required. Experience with COMSOL, multiphase flows, and knowledge of electrochemistry will be very beneficial.

Fixed-term contract: 24 months.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 3.703 - € 4.670 per month gross). 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.

This Postdoc position is a temporary assignment for two years.

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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.