This position is part of a project recently funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe program. Here, the University of Twente together with academic/research organizations and industrial partners from 6 European countries join the forces in the development of a renewable electricity-powered high-temperature thermochemical heat storage system.

Project description

This project introduces an innovative breakthrough approach towards thermal energy storage of surplus renewable energy via a hybrid thermochemical/sensible heat storage with the aid of porous media made of refractory redox metal oxides and electrically powered heating elements. The energy is stored in the form of sensible and chemical energy (enthalpy of a reversible redox reaction) which significantly increases the effective energy density. The proposed system will be developed and tested at a proof-of-concept scale. The target applications are steel making and recycling.

The goal of this Ph.D. is to develop a lab-scale high-temperature thermochemical heat storage system. For this purpose, various test rigs will be developed for the testing of reactive materials provided by our consortium partners. Innovative experimental solutions for material characterization at high temperatures will be developed. You will also provide support during the development and testing of storage components as well as proof-of-concept scale demonstration. This position may include a stay of a few months at other partner locations in Germany and/or Greece.

You will be part of a team consisting of postdocs and Ph.D. students. You are expected to work with experts from German Aerospace Centre- Germany, The Centre for Research & Technology - Greece, TATA Steel Netherlands, and other commercial partners.

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional, and ambitious colleague;
• You are an outstanding MS graduate in the field of Thermal Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Energy Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline with a proven affinity to multidisciplinary assignments;
• You have a strong and demonstrable background in experimental heat transfer in complex systems;
• You have the ambition and talent to accelerate in finding solutions for complex technological issues with a multidisciplinary character;
• You have strong analytical skills;
• You can work in a multidisciplinary team of researchers coming from various branches of science and industry;
• You have good communication skills and a sound project approach;
• You speak and write fluent English.

• A full-time 4-year PhD position;
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment with excellent facilities;
• A professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;
• A starting salary of € 2.541,- in the first year and a salary of € 3.247,- in the fourth year gross per month;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance;
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.