Doctoral student in Energy Sciences - AdTherM with focus on elextrolyser modeling - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The position is located at the Division of Heat Transfer at the Department of Energy Sciences. At the division, we conduct research and education on the energy generation, conversion, and utilization in different thermo-mechanical systems where the study of heat transfer, fluid mechanics as well as structural dynamics plays a central role. In particular, novel materials and manufacturing techniques as well as improved understanding of turbulent flows, reactive flows and multiphase flows is the key to improved heat transfer mechanisms and more efficient use of energy. Approximately 30 colleagues work at the division, including 20 PhD. On the international level we collaborate with universities and institutes in Europe, Asia, and North America. Our premises are in the newly renovated M-building on LTH's campus in Lund. 

More information about the Division of Heat Transfer(energy.lth.se) 

Subject description

The newly established Vinnova competence center AdTherM (Advanced Computing for Sustainable Thermal Management in Industry) targets analyses of thermal processes in industrial applications, including thermo- and electrochemical energy conversion activities are hiring 9 PhD students, 4 at Lund University, 3 at Luleå Technical University, and 2 at KTH – Royal Institute of Technology.

AdTherM's strategy is to bring together a spectrum of industrial technologies with key roles in the sustainability value chain, and to interdisciplinary bridge the gap between basic research and applications. The jointly identified key challenges will be studied by combining experiments, primarily in industry, with model development and simulation studies, primarily in academia. Validation will establish the modelling accuracy and then the models will be applied to industrially relevant problems to solve or analyse these. Most challenges for the industry in this area are generic and based on the same physical mechanisms. AdTherM, as a platform is centred around the models and methods used to evaluate, analyse, and develop thermal industrial systems. AdTherM's objective is to create, through theoretical and numerical models, a knowledge-based development and design process for next-generation technologies for sustainable energy conversion, heat management, and energy recovery. The goal is to build competence and knowledge through an internationally recognized centre. The results in the form of increased knowledge and improved models will be usable by the industry to improve its manufacturing processes and products facilitating increased innovation.

Project description

To better understand the two-phase flow between the plates in an electrolyzer cell (looking at flow, pressure and temperature), starting with alkaline cells, including the coupling between Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL’s) and channels/flow plates. To avoid dry areas on the membrane/diaphragm and to equalize the operating temperature.

• Models to be validated to industrial tests, which is currently being built at Alfa Laval Technologies AB in Lund.
• Note that minimizing the pressure fluctuations is important for safety (avoiding pressure spikes) and for avoiding dry areas as well as key to being able to design long stacks, e.g., with many plates.

To create electrolyzer plates that better distribute the fluids and can efficiently remove excess heat. Iterative approach with plate design, test and modelling.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The research contains:

• Modelling of thermal management in dynamic/variable operation when coupled to intermittent energy sources.
• System scale modelling of electrolyzer systems, e.g., where the electrolyzer is one component in a bigger industrial system.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Energy Sciences if the applicant has:

• at least 90 credits in the subject of the third cycle programme,  of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses of relevance to the subject and 30 credits from a second-cycle degree project of relevance to the subject
• a Master's degree of relevance to the field

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Good knowledge of electrochemistry, fuel cells and electrolyzer cells
• Knowledge of heat transfer and experience of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Ability to communicate with researchers in other research fields.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.  
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee.

Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!

We would also like to mention our other positions within the competence centre AdTherM.

Please note that you must submit your application to all the positions separately. You can find the links to the posts below:

Doctoral Student i Energy Sciences/AdTherM(Pa2024/1364)
Doctoral Student i Energy Sciences/AdTherM(PA2024/1366)
Doctoral Student in Energy Sciences/AdTherM(PA2024/1374)