Project Description

This PhD position focuses on the development and optimization of smart materials and their integration into innovative thermal energy storage (TES) systems, specifically designed for next-generation heat batteries. The aim is to engineer materials that efficiently store and release thermal energy with enhanced control mechanisms. This research aims to optimize heat release for flexible applications in both residential and industrial energy systems.

You will lead experimental efforts to develop and test new salt hydrate based composite materials that address key challenges related to the heat battery system, including phase separation, repeated cycle stability, and controlled energy release. Additionally, the project will emphasize advanced manufacturing techniques for heat transfer enhancement by designing smart and efficient heat exchangers. The role will involve close collaboration with industry and academic partners, using both experimental results and numerical modeling to drive the design of scalable, high-performance heat storage solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct experimental research on smart phase change materials (PCM) and their application in heat battery systems to optimize energy storage and release.
• Design and innovate composite materials for enhanced thermal storage, addressing challenges such as phase separation and cycle durability within the heat battery context.
• Utilize advanced manufacturing techniques to design and create smart, efficient heat exchangers that enhance heat transfer performance.
• Use experimental setups to evaluate thermal performance, energy density, and material durability under various operating conditions in heat battery applications.
• Collaborate with project partners to integrate materials into scalable TES systems and validate numerical models with experimental data, ensuring compatibility with heat battery designs.
• Explore potential applications of these materials and systems for both short-term and long-term energy storage solutions in practical systems

• MSc graduate in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on thermal energy storage or smart material development.
• Strong experimental research experience in material science, particularly phase change materials (PCM) or energy storage systems.
• Knowledge of smart materials, renewable energy systems, and thermal energy storage technologies is desirable.
• Experience with numerical modeling to complement experimental work is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently, and strong collaboration in a research environment.
• Strong communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English.

• As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.782,- (first year) to € 3.670,- (fourth year)
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Please submit your application before October 31, 2024, including:

• A cover letter (1-page A4) detailing your motivation and relevant experience.
• A full CV with contact details of at least two academic references.
• Transcripts from your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees.
• A one minute video explaining why you are the best fit for this position.

Note: Applications without any of the required documents will not be considered.
For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Mohammad Mehrali , Email: m.mehrali@utwente.nl

The (first) online interviews will take place in the weeks of November 11th and 18th.