PhD position on Scaling up Natural Convection Circulation driven e-Methanol synthesis
Are you passionate about the energy transition?
We offer a challenging, all-round PhD position at the University of Twente in the Chemical Engineering Department
Contribute to the technology development and scaling up of a novel, natural convection driven reactor for producing e-Methanol from CO2 and H2. Heat transfer, natural convection, experiments and CFD and involvement in a unique 100 kg/h e-Methanol demonstration project are part of the scope.
Converting CO2 with H2 into e-Methanol is an attractive route to store renewable energy. Moreover the methanol produced is a renewable fuel and versatile platform molecule. The methanol synthesis starting from CO2 is an equilibrium reaction with low single pass conversion, requiring significant gas recycling. In the LOGIC-reactor concept developed at the UT, this gas recycling is done under natural convection circulation conditions, thus without recycle compressor.
The natural convection circulation concept is charmingly simple and attractive, but intrinsically complex. Heat integration is e.g. required for autothermal operation, but may affect gas circulation. Other complicating factors include the changing gas composition, heat losses and dynamic start-up/shut down behavior in view of intermittent available renewable energy. Moreover, the impact of the scale of operation is a crucial aspect for further optimization and deployment of the technology.
This project aims to arrive at developing (validated) models and scaling rules for e-Methanol production based on above reactor concept. The activities comprise CFD modelling, experimental work on (to be designed) lab units to study flow and heat transfer and data analysis based on the large scale demonstration unit. The latter is a novel and unique-, dynamic operated, e-Methanol process based on a 1 MWe electrolyser for green H2 production and is developed with project partners HyGear and HoSt.
Focus is on (i) predictability and stability of natural circulation flow rate; (ii) predictability of heat transfer under natural convection circulation conditions; (iii) thermal energy management (incl. heat losses to environment) under dynamic operation and (iv) system integration.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 19-07-2024, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
About the department
The Sustainable Process Technology (SPT) group is part of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Twente. We conduct experimental and theoretical research in the areas of biomass conversion, affinity separations, plastic recycling, water, and CO2 capture and conversion. We combine our expertise in different disciplines (process design, chemistry, catalysis, modelling, engineering) to contribute to the development of sustainable chemical- and energy related processes.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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