PhD position in High-Temperature Fluidization for Iron Powder Energy Storage

Research group

At the Chemical Process Intensification group, we focus on making chemical processes smarter, smaller and more efficient. We work based on two main pillars; experiments and numerical modelling. The numerical models typically give us insight in the relevant physical phenomena, whereas experiments can serve for validation and verification of the models, as well as for concept demonstration purposes. We operate in various fields, e.g. Direct Air Capture, Bubbly Flows, Fluidized Bed Technology, Metal Fuels, Electrification, etc, with 10-15 researchers.

Background

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind. However, the intermittent nature of these renewable energy sources necessitates the development of efficient energy storage solutions. Iron powder presents a promising alternative for high-density energy storage, offering the ability to store energy and release it as heat on demand. A key challenge in making this process viable at an industrial scale is the carbon-neutral reduction of iron oxides back into iron using green hydrogen. In the CIRCL project, we aim to address this challenge by developing and scaling up a fluidized bed process that efficiently reduces iron oxides while maintaining the necessary powder properties.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our research team at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The candidate will contribute to advancing the understanding of high-temperature fluidization in the context of iron powder energy storage. Specifically, the research will focus on the hydrodynamics of fluidized beds operating at high temperatures and in the presence of hydrogen gas. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a unique experimental setup that allows for high-resolution optical access to a pseudo-2D fluidized bed, operating at temperatures up to 800 °C.
Additionally, we seek to develop a new theoretical framework to describe fluidization under these extreme conditions, considering factors such as inter-particle forces, van der Waals interactions, and electrostatic effects. For this purpose, CFD-DEM modelling (discrete particle modelling) will be used, based on a model that is already present in our group, but which requires expansion and validation for the purposes of this study.

This PhD position is a collaboration with other members of our research group as well as members of the Power and Flow group at the Mechanical Engineering faculty. Moreover, we closely work together with industrial users of the metal fuels  technology.

Researchers of our group participate in various courses related to their field of work, take part in national and international conferences and congresses, and report to the project user committee throughout the PhD contract. Besides the project described above, a small part of your time will be tasked with assisting with chemical engineering education duties.

We are looking for talented, motivated and enthusiastic MSc or engineer with a background in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or applied physics. A strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and/or particle technology is essential. The ideal candidate also has demonstrated proficiency in numerical modelling, particularly Discrete Element Models (DEM). You should be comfortable to work or learn to work with experimental setups and data analysis. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team are required. Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, are essential.

We offer a challenging job for four years in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together.

The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world and part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven'; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!

We offer you a meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.