The project’s framework, financed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, concerns pressurised gasification of biomass-derived pyrolysis oil using pure oxygen. In this project TU Delft collaborates with BTG (Biomass Technology Group B.V.) in Enschede. Within the project a process simulation study is to be performed towards optimisation of the process integration of bio-oil gasification with energy storage, which means the integration with larger-scale water electrolysis producing hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. Furthermore,  the produced bio-oil of the partner will be characterised using the available pyroprobe setup for investigating the impact of heating rate on products formed. This study is aimed at improving models of the conversion of bio-oil in gasification, as the fast pyrolysis step forms the initiation of the chemical conversion and also –next other gasifier process parameters- determines the gasification characteristics. The research group of Large-Scale Energy storage (LSE) in Delft has practical experience using steam/oxygen as oxidizing agents for biomass gasification as well as gas cleaning and upgrading of produced synthesis gas to chemical and fuels. The laboratory of the department of Process & Energy is equipped with state-of-the-art thermo-chemical biomass conversion equipment and characterisation as well as analysis techniques (like TGA-FTIR, pyroprobe, HPLC/GC, ICP-OES, Karl-Fischer titration, SEM-EDX etc.) and has access to other equipment for elemental analysis and determining rheological properties of liquids.

It is expected that the post-doc candidate has experience in experimental work regarding (thermo-chemical) biomass/waste conversion as well as process system modeling.  Excellent background is expected in the following areas: thermo-chemistry, chemical kinetics,  thermodynamics,  and physical transport phenomena (heat and mass transfer). Moreover, the candidate is expected to have good communication skills and to be a team player in a multidisciplinary setting. Furthermore, good oral and written knowledge of English is expected. TU Delft is a bi-lingual organization; good knowledge of the Dutch language is considered to be a positive aspect of your application.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The ambition of the Department of Process & Energy is to perform world class education and research in the area of process and energy for a sustainable development. We focus our research on the following areas: Energy Technology, Engineering Thermodynamics, Large Scale Energy Storage, Intensified Reaction and Separation Technology, Fluid Mechanics, and Multiphase Flow. We are situated in the Process and Energy lab, a modern and inspriring academic environment with unique experimental facilities.
For more information, see: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me/departments/process-energy/ 

The section Large Scale Energy storage focuses its research on storage of electricity, on the scale of solar plants and wind farms and on process integration with thermo-chemical conversion of bioresources. It aims at bridging the gap between electricity load and demand, especially needed for highly intermittent energy sources like solar and wind. The main theme of the group is the conversion of power to preferably high energy density liquid fuels and chemicals where sustainably produced hydrogen is coupled to a (biobased) carbon source e.g. CO2, CO or C.