This research project investigates an Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) triplet for nearly self-sufficient heating and cooling of buildings, i.e. heating and cooling without the input of energy from external electricity or gas. ATES systems normally use a heat demand-driven heat pump which uses a substantial amount of electricity. The proposed ATES triplet system consists of three wells as opposed to the typical two wells. The required heat and cooling capacity will all be captured from the environment when available and stored in the subsurface at the temperature level desired for later use. This reduces the primary energy use of an ATES triplet well system to about 5% of a conventional space heating and cooling system. In this project, four researchers cooperate to develop a prototype design for the coupled subsurface/building hydraulic flows and control system of an ATES triplet.

In this PhD project, your task is to optimise thermal energy recovery efficiency. You will assess the impact of design choices (such as well spacing, well design, well operation modes) and assess the interaction with the building system, e.g. control of the triplet wells, the interplay between the three wells and building system, and the combined control of wells and energy delivery to the building. In this technology higher temperature differences than in regular ATES systems are considered. A key task is to make a groundwater model for the triplet wells and connect it to the hydraulic model of the climate installation and the control environment (which are made by other researchers in this project). This model infrastructure is then used to assess how all components function together under various load conditions and control schemes, and how can their performance be optimized for the full system lifetime, i.e. 30 years.

Research method:

You will develop a subsurface model, where hydraulics, porous media flow and coupled thermodynamic processes are incorporated. The model will be developed so that pressure and buoyancy driven flows (flows caused by density differences due to different temperatures) are incorporated, as higher temperatures than regular ATES systems will increase these effects. Additionally, flexible inflow and outflow to wells will be incorporated so that various injection and production strategies can be investigated. The model will be embedded into a hybrid simulation environment produced in the project. This will link with the building and control system also developed within the project (by another researcher) to ensure that realistic usage of the wells is simulated. Development of triplet well groundwater-temperature simulations will investigate the relevance of simulating a 3rd well is to get insight in the interaction between the 3 different wells, how may they affect each other under various multiple year operational conditions. It is of key interest to apply control to the coupled building and subsurface model to optimise operation. Geochemical modelling will be undertaken in a separate model to investigate potential clogging and required water treatment.

The PhD candidate will be hosted at the Geo-Engineering and the Water Resources Sections in TU Delft, but will also work in close cooperation of the researchers in the same project at TU Eindhoven. The supervision committee at TU Delft will be made up of Associate Professor Phil Vardon (promotor), Assistant Professor Martin Bloemendal (Co-promotor) and dr. Niels Hartog (Co-promotor) from KWR (one of the industry partners in the project and the inventor of the triplet idea).

The PhD candidate will be able to take advantage of the ATES triplet project consortium. Which means he/she will work in close collaboration with researchers at TU Eindhoven and partners from industry involved in the project: KWR, Kropman, RHDHV and BodemenergieNL.

We are looking for an excellent candidate with the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

• A master degree in applied earth science, civil engineering. mechanical engineering or another degree with a substantial, fluid flow, thermodynamics and/or geophysics content.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, computational modelling and control is essential.
• A teamplayer who thrives working with people in different organisations with different skillsets.
• A curiosity inspired and creative researcher who is able to plan, execute, deliver and communicate research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. If your mother language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years are not accepted.

Fixed-term contract: 4 Years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts 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.

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.

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Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

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