PhD on NMR and CT imaging phase change materials in heat storages

Introduction

• Do you want to unravel the crystallization of phase change materials in heat storage devices?
• Do you like to work with advanced imaging techniques like CT and MRI?
• Do you want to understand the relation between crystallization processes and the power output of a heat storage?
• Are you inspired by thermal storage solutions to boost the energy transition?

Job Description

In your project, you will contribute to compact short term (daily) heat storage based phase change materials (PCM), by in-situ investigation of crystallization/melting processes in heat storage devices. Your research questions will be: Where does crystallization happens in a device and how does this impact power output? How can Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) be used to visualize and analyze in-situ processes (e.g. phase transitions, flow dynamics, stratification) inside thermal storages containing PCMs? How can we describe via validated multi-physics simulation models; heat transfer, flow behavior, and phase changes?

Your task is to investigate localized flow and crystallization processes of PCMs in devices under different conditions with advanced 3D imaging tools like CT and NMR imaging, and to couple this with performance characteristics of the device like power, cyclability, partial discharge/charge and stratification. You will make use of unique infrastructure at the DarcyLab at Eindhoven University of Technology, where advanced imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) enable in-situ visualization of flow and phase change processes. Your task will also be translating the experimental results in physical models describing the observed processes.

The PhD work embedded in the Topsector program Urban Energy and aims to contribute to local grid balancing, and increased efficiency of renewable energy generation.

Working location

The work will be performed in the group Transport in Permeable Media (TPM) in the Applied Physics department of the Eindhoven University of Technology.

Job Requirements

• Do you have a MSc degree in physics, and/or physical chemistry?
• Do you have experience with experimental work?
• Are you challenged by building (parts of) an experimental setups?
• Knowledge on fluid mechanics, physical transport phenomena and/or phase changes are considered an advantage.
• Knowledge on programming skills (Matlab, C) are considered an advantage.
• You are willing to learn MRI and X-ray CT imaging methods.
• Do you like to collaborate with industrial partners?
• Are you motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students?
• Do you fluently speak and write English (C1 level)?

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 assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• 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. € 3059,- max. € 3881,-).
• 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

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. ir. S.J.F. Erich, s.j.f.erich@tue.nl

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact hrservices.flux@tue.nl for other questions about the conditions of employment. 

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:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.