Integration of renewable electric energy sources into the European grid has led to a need for storage on multiple timescales to balance electricity supply with demand.  Low head hydropower and  -storage at sea can provide dispatchable energy that further provides an opportunity for directly balancing onshore and offshore renewable power leading to an increased flexibility of the energy system.  The present PhD project is part of the European H2020 project ALPHEUS (Augmenting grid stability through Low-head Pumped Hydro Energy Utilization & Storage). The goal of ALPHEUS is to  improve reversible pump/turbine technology and adjacent civil structures needed to make pumped hydro storage economically viable in shallow seas and coastal environments with flat topography. This will contribute to a reliable renewable energy system with a minimum effect on climate change and opens up possibilities for large-scale energy storage in new regions.
In this PhD project,  you will develop an integrated model of a low head hydro power conversion and storage system for grid balancing.  Special focus will be given on the experimental characterisation of a model-scale machine set (turbine and power take-off) in collaboration with the hydraulic laboratory of Technische Universität Braunschweig, in Germany. The experimental programme includes measurements of the machine performance for both pump turbine and pump mode as well as switching time between operation modes.  The results will also be used to perform preliminary economic evaluations based on the calculation of the Levelized Cost of Storage of the proposed concepts.

The candidates should have a Master’s degree in an engineering area relevant to the subject, e.g. mechanical, hydraulic, offshore, maritime engineering, sustainable energy with a strong background and interest in renewable energy and storage. The candidate is expected to work on the boundary of several research domains and to collaborate closely with other research groups within the European Union. Proven experience with experimental research and scientific computing is advantageous for this position. A good command of the English language is required.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. Coming to Delft Service organizes diverse events for new international employees and their accompanying partners, like Partner Career Workshops and Dutch Culture Workshops. Located on campus are the International Children’s Centre and an international primary school which are subject to availability as well as several bilingual schools in the nearby surrounding. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Department of Maritime and Transport Technology (MTT) studies how to develop, design, build and operate marine, dredging and transport systems and their equipment. New generation transport and marine systems require the further development of the knowledge of the dynamics and the physical processes involved in transport, dredging and marine systems, the logistics of the systems and the interaction between the equipment and control systems. For more information on the research activities of M&TT department, please see: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me/departments/maritime-and-transport-technology/