Zero emissions? Decarbonizing shipping? Ammonia is considered by many as an effective hydrogen carrier and sustainable e-fuel for sea-going vessels and other heavy-duty applications, mainly because of its promise of being a cost-effective, carbon-free and relatively energy-dense fuel. However, choosing ammonia as a sustainable shipping fuel does not yet solve the question of how the energy stored in ammonia can be converted into useful (mechanical or electric) power on board of mobile applications like ships. Ammonia-Drive, which is a good solution to this question, is a single-fuel, high-efficiency, zero-emission combined SOFC-ICE power plant that will fit on board of ships and other heavy-duty applications without sacrificing range and speed.

In this PhD project, that is part of AmmoniaDrive, you will investigate the performance of reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) fuelled by ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen-rich Anode-Off Gas from the SOFC by experimental and numerical analysis.

The following challenges have been defined for this PhD research:

• To conduct a literature review on NH3 combustion, NH3 ICE experiments, state-of-the-art developments in the marine industry regarding ammonia-fuelled ships, etc.
• To develop and conduct NH3-PFI + H2-PFI SI ICE experiments.
• To set up and calibrate 0-D & quasi-D models of NH3-PFI + H2-PFI SI engines based on the experimental results.
• To set up 0-D & quasi-D models of NH3-PFI + AOG-HPDI ICEs as support for a second set of engine experiments.
• To come up with and realise dual fuel approaches and advanced combustion concepts (RCCI, HCCI, TJI) for NH3-AOG fuelled ICEs (together with other ICE researchers, engineers and technicians in the AmmoniaDrive consortium).
• To integrate 0-D engine models in ship propulsion system and/or ship power plant models for voyage and/or offshore operation simulation as well as studies into different control strategies.

Depending on the availability of experimental facilities / technology, your own insight and progress and other factors, the content of the research may differ from the above-mentioned challenges. They are mentioned here only to give a good idea of the current research direction and objectives.

The main objective of the overarching AmmoniaDrive research project is to increase both the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Societal Readiness Level (SRL) of AmmoniaDrive power plants. The AmmoniaDrive Consortium will aim to achieve this with nine PhD researchers and a Post-Doctoral researcher. The PhD researcher sought for this vacancy is expected to collaborate with the fellow researchers in the Ammoniadrive project and the project partners (6 Dutch universities, 3 knowledge institutes and 15 companies). She/he will be located in Delft; engine experiments will take place in Helmond. Daily supervisor of the PhD researcher will be dr.ir. P. (Peter) de Vos.

More information on the AmmoniaDrive project:

The AmmoniaDrive Research Project

AmmoniaDrive Research Group LinkedIn

AmmoniaDrive.net

Candidates for this challenging project have an MSc degree and background in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering or similar. Good communication and writing skills in English and the ability to collaborate are important as well.

Need-to-have:

• A MSc diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering or similar.
• Good communication skills in English.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with Matlab, Simulink, GT-Power or similar relevant engineering software packages.
• Good communication skills in Dutch.

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.