Project Description
This PhD position focuses on the development and optimization of smart materials and their integration into innovative thermal energy storage (TES) systems, specifically designed for next-generation heat batteries. The aim is to engineer materials that efficiently store and release thermal energy with enhanced control mechanisms. This research aims to optimize heat release for flexible applications in both residential and industrial energy systems.
You will lead experimental efforts to develop and test new salt hydrate based composite materials that address key challenges related to the heat battery system, including phase separation, repeated cycle stability, and controlled energy release. Additionally, the project will emphasize advanced manufacturing techniques for heat transfer enhancement by designing smart and efficient heat exchangers. The role will involve close collaboration with industry and academic partners, using both experimental results and numerical modeling to drive the design of scalable, high-performance heat storage solutions.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct experimental research on smart phase change materials (PCM) and their application in heat battery systems to optimize energy storage and release.
- Design and innovate composite materials for enhanced thermal storage, addressing challenges such as phase separation and cycle durability within the heat battery context.
- Utilize advanced manufacturing techniques to design and create smart, efficient heat exchangers that enhance heat transfer performance.
- Use experimental setups to evaluate thermal performance, energy density, and material durability under various operating conditions in heat battery applications.
- Collaborate with project partners to integrate materials into scalable TES systems and validate numerical models with experimental data, ensuring compatibility with heat battery designs.
- Explore potential applications of these materials and systems for both short-term and long-term energy storage solutions in practical systems
Information and application
Please submit your application before October 31, 2024, including:
- A cover letter (1-page A4) detailing your motivation and relevant experience.
- A full CV with contact details of at least two academic references.
- Transcripts from your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees.
- A one minute video explaining why you are the best fit for this position.
Note: Applications without any of the required documents will not be considered.
For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Mohammad Mehrali , Email: m.mehrali@utwente.nl
The (first) online interviews will take place in the weeks of November 11th and 18th.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
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