Energy transition, smart manning, and survivability are three of the main challenges of the Navy and the rest of the maritime sector. The NWO project "Survivable DC Systems for Ships" investigates DC system technology that enables integration of energy from renewable sources, and makes it possible to continue operation after failures from wear, calamities such as fires and floods, or missile impact, by being fault tolerant. This project aims to answer the following research questions. First, how to design meshed DC system architectures, components, and protection for vessels in such a way that survivability is maximized? Secondly, how can reliability of the DC system and its components be modelled in such a way that performance can be guaranteed? Thirdly, how to design and control fault tolerant decentralized DC energy systems, and how to integrate them into the ship design? Fourthly, is it viable to replace a part of the DC system conductors by superconductors; what are the benefits of these superconductors and in which parts of the power system should they be applied? TUDelft, TUEindhoven and UTwente are collaborating in this project.

This vacancy focusses on the third research question: how to design and control a decentralized energy system both in normal operation and in the case of extreme events? How can energy sources and loads be distributed over the vessel to ensure safety, reliability, availability, and efficiency? And what are the implications of this DC system architecture for the ship design? Can we get rid of switchboards? Extreme events include electromagnetic guns or laser weapons requiring extremely high power for a very short time and consequences of missile impacts, such of compartment flooding or fire.

The candidate will be working in the Marine Engineering group of the Ship Design, Production and Operation section at the Maritime and Transport Technology department of Delft University of Technolgoy. In addition, he/she will be working closely with other researchers working within other projects at TUDelft dealing with energy transition in the maritime sector. Furthermore, this research will be carried out in close collaboration with a user committee with representatives from the Navy, industrial partners and other research institutes. #shipdrivemenens

We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic PhD candidate who has expertise and/or interest in modelling and design of (electric) power and propulsion systems. You have obtained an MSc or an equivalent degree or expect to obtain an MSc very soon related to these areas: electrical power engineering, marine engineering, control engineering. Good spoken and written English and the ability to work in a team are mandatory. 

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 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? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.