The Challenge

In the Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering, we are committed to driving the transition to sustainable energy systems. As one of the most pressing issues of our time, we are dedicated to developing reliable, efficient, and low-emission power and heating solutions. Our focus lies in harnessing the potential of green solutions, such as hydrogen, and optimizing heat recovery in fuel cell systems. By doing so, we aim to contribute to a better and more sustainable future for future generations.

Are you passionate about sustainability and ready to make a significant impact in energy research? We are seeking a motivated and visionary EngD. The main objective of the TriWaSol project is to offer an innovative solution for the energy transition in the built environment, with a specific focus on making existing multi-family homes natural gas-free. We strive for renewable energy concepts that are technically and financially feasible, with attention to social aspects such as heat stress, acoustics and rainwater pollution.

What makes TriWaSol unique is its innovative approach to the smart use of retention roofs and an advanced combination of high-temperature water and air-source heat pumps. Rainwater is stored on a retention roof, where the collected water is heated by the sun and residual heat from the building. The combination with solar panels, high-temperature water-water and air-water heat pumps can supply the building with energy. This creates a sustainable renewable energy concept that responds to the limited physical space in urban environments and social integration, at lower renovation costs and lower energy costs for residents.

Your Role
The TriWaSol consortium is a collaboration between three SME companies, a housing association and the University of Twente. As an EngD student within the TriWaSol project, you play a crucial role in planning, demonstrating and testing the renovation concept at the company Boonstoppel Engineering. You will be involved in practice-oriented research, using your expertise in energy systems and thermodynamics. The goal is to plan, optimize, test and demonstrate this energy concept on a Wonion roof.

You will spend part of your time at the University of Twente, where you will take relevant courses and receive scientific support. The other part you work at Boonstoppel Engineering in Alblasserdam. During your two-year journey as an EngD student, you will first perform process simulations of the new heat pump system. With the acquired knowledge, you define the requirements for the experimental validation, including the specifications of the required sensors (temperature, heat, solar radiation, electricity consumption). In a final step you compare the simulation results with the results of the experimental study.

• You are highly ambitious and motivated with a Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field;
• You are passionate about sustainable energy systems, such as fuel cells and heat pumps, with a passion for heat transfer and fluid mechanics;
• You are proficient in numerical modeling and simulation software;
• You have visionary problem-solving skills, coupled with the ability to thrive both independently and as a collaborative team member;
• You have exceptional written and verbal communication skills in Dutch and English, with a drive to communicate your discoveries to the world;
• You are eager to shape a greener and more sustainable future for generations.

• A full-time, 2-year EngD. 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 salary of €2.618,- 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;
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits;
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a lively green campus.

To apply for this EngD. research position, you can apply by July 15th, 2024, by clicking the ‘apply now’ button below. Please include:

• A cover letter of at most 1 page A4 explaining specific interests, the motivation for the application, and why you qualify for this position
• Your updated CV, including contact information for at least two academic references
• Copies of your academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
• Title and abstract of your Master’s project/thesis
• A one-page proposal outlining your approach to smart use of retention roofs and an advanced combination of high-temperature water and air heat pumps.
• Any additional supporting documents, such as publications or research experience

Note: The applications that do not include all required materials will not be considered.

Please ensure that your application is submitted by the deadline. The first round of interviews is scheduled between July 22nd and July 25th. A possible second round of interviews will be scheduled when needed.

Note: We reserve the right to close the application process early should we identify a suitable candidate before the deadline.