PhD Position Properties of NH3-mixtures Combustion Research

PhD Position Properties of NH3-mixtures Combustion Research

AmmoniaDrive is a zero-emission, high-efficiency SOFC-ICE power plant for ships and other heavy-duty applications that includes a highly innovative NH3-H2 fuelled reciprocating ICE.

Position

PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Mechanical Engineering

FTE

1,0

Date off

12/03/2023

Reference number

V35.6324

Job description

Zero emissions? Decarbonizing shipping? Ammonia is considered by many as an effective hydrogen carrier and sustainable e-fuel for sea-going vessels and other heavy-duty applications, mainly because of its promise of being a cost- effective, carbon-free and relatively energy-dense fuel. However, choosing ammonia as a sustainable shipping fuel does not yet solve the question of how the energy stored in ammonia can be converted into useful (mechanical or electric) power on board of mobile applications like ships. Ammonia-Drive, which is a good solution to this question, is a single-fuel, high-efficiency, zero-emission combined SOFC-ICE power plant that will fit on board of ships and other heavy-duty applications without sacrificing range and speed.

In this PhD project, that is part of AmmoniaDrive, you will investigate the combustion properties of ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen-rich Anode-Off Gas compositions by experimental and numerical analysis.

The following challenges have been defined for this PhD research:

To conduct a literature evaluation and interaction with the other WP1 partners to determine the most relevant experimental conditions to be studied.

To upgrade the Rapid Compression Machine (RCM) at RUG to be capable to operate under determined experimental conditions in the previous point.

To measure auto-ignition delay times in RCM at RUG (incl. early kinetic analysis of combustion properties).

Setting up Heat Flux Burner equipment (HFB) for these relevant conditions at TU/e.

Measuring burning velocities at TU/e.

Kinetic analysis of the combustion properties of NH3/H2 mixtures.

Optimizing the chemical mechanism for NH3/H2 mixtures with sufficient predictable power to be used in tools which will be developed in the present project for engine design.

Depending on the availability of experimental facilities / technology, your own insight and progress and other factors, the content of the research may differ from the above-mentioned challenges. They are mentioned here only to give a good idea of the current research direction and objectives.

The main objective of the overarching AmmoniaDrive research project is to increase both the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Societal Readiness Level (SRL) of AmmoniaDrive power plants. The AmmoniaDrive Consortium will aim to achieve this with nine PhD researchers and a Post-Doctoral researcher. The PhD researcher sought for this vacancy is expected to collaborate with the fellow researchers in the Ammoniadrive project and the project partners (6 Dutch universities, 3 knowledge institutes and 15 companies). The research will be conducted both in Groningen (RUG) in Eindhoven (TU/e). Daily supervisors of the PhD researcher will be dr. A.V. Mokhov (RUG) and dr.ir. R.J.M. (Rob) Bastiaans (TU/e).

More information on the AmmoniaDrive project:

The AmmoniaDrive Research Project AmmoniaDrive Research Group LinkedIn AmmoniaDrive.net

Job requirements

Highly talented, enthusiastic candidates with excellent analytical skills and high grades are encouraged to apply. An MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline is required, as well as a strong background in continuum mechanics and computational methods and the implementation of these methods in advanced numerical frameworks. In particular, students with a specialization in micro-mechanics, thermo- mechanical materials modelling, and finite element techniques are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate has excellent scientific skills as well as outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

Conditions of employment

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.

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.

Information and application

TU Eindhoven (Eindhoven University of Technology)

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands- on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (W) has been a core part of the TU/e since it was founded in 1956. The department focuses on providing the industry with scientifically educated and application-driven engineers, is a breeding ground for leading international research, and collaborates closely with industry. It offers a Bachelor's program, four Master's programs, and consists of several research groups that focus on long-term, general, system- oriented research. The crux of the department is devoted to designing, analyzing, improving and manufacturing new products and processes, as well as the materials needed for this. The department is fully discipline-oriented and is structured along disciplines – such as mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, control, systems and design to name but a few. Application areas such as nano- and micro-scale technology and automotive technology are pursued in different discipline groups as a joint effort.

More information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact Rob Bastiaans, email: r.j.m.bastiaansattue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Advice ME, email HRAdvice.MEattue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

a motivation letter (stating personal goal and research interests connecting to one or more of the topics defined above),

a complete Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications),

transcripts of BSc, and MSc degrees,

contact information of two potential referees.

We look forward to receiving your application. Both national and international applications to this advertisement are appreciated. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Promising candidates will be contacted by email.

We do not respond to applications that are either incomplete or sent to us in a different way.