Project description

Established in February 2022, Dimeta is a joint venture between SHV Energy and UGI International, set up to advance the production and use of renewable and recycled carbon Dimethyl Ether (DME), a low-carbon sustainable liquid gas, to accelerate the LPG Industry’s transition to Net Zero. DME is an attractive blending fuel for the LPG industry as it can be efficiently produced from sustainable feedstocks (to give renewable DME - rDME) and can achieve low carbon intensity. Through blending with fossil LPG, immediate carbon reduction is achievable, also in the longer term a significant reduction may be achievable through blending with renewable LPG. Given the immediate requirement to decarbonize the LPG industry, and to support early adoption of DME by the industry, there is a need to fill the gap in knowledge and establish an optimum DME % blended with LPG as a drop in fuel.

Fundamental understanding of combustion characteristics of DME, either as blended or in its pure form as a standalone fuel is crucial for realizing the full potential of DME as a clean and sustainable fuel. More specifically, flame behavior under variable operating conditions, emission and clean burning features, and safety aspects in terms of flame stability and loss on ignition need to be fully investigated for DME/LPG and DME fuels in order for industry to realize the potential benefits of DME as a sustainable fuel.

In this collaborative position between Dimeta and the University of Twente, our objective is to work together with the application of cutting-edge technologies to tackle the abovementioned points and pave the way for the optimal utilization of DME as a clean and sustainable fuel.

This EngD assignment aims to systematically study the combustion properties of renewable and recycled carbon Dimethyl Ether (rDME) and rDME/LPG blends. The focus is on flame behavior, optimization of the combustion process, and identifying operating conditions that may lead to undesirable behavior. Experimental and computer modeling tools at the Group of Thermal Engineering at the University of Twente will be utilized. The study aims to recognize flame characteristics, determine the optimum blend ratio for safety and energy efficiency, and evaluate potential emission reductions compared to pure LPG. The study will provide valuable insights using both experimental and numerical approaches.

• You are an outstanding MSc graduated in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on combustion.
• Strong background and experience in combustion research, including experimental techniques and computer modeling (CFD).
• Proficiency in analyzing combustion characteristics, flame behavior, and combustion product analysis.
• Familiarity with renewable fuels, particularly Dimethyl Ether (DME) and LPG blends, is highly.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Strong communication skills to effectively present research findings and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Fluently in spoken and written English.

• We offer a very challenging position for two years in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment;
• A salary of € 2.089 gross per month;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• Solid pension scheme;
• Minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment;
• A tailor-made post-master design program that has an educational component (~50%) as well as a design project (~50%);
• On completing the program, you will receive a certified degree. You will be entitled to use the academic degree EngD and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).