PhD: PtX Process Design & Techno-Economic Optimization

University of Southern Denmark - SDU; Odense; On-site; DKK 379,000 - 454,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at SDU invites applications for a 3-year PhD position focusing on process simulation, techno-economic assessment, and optimization of large-scale Power-to-X systems for renewable fuels and chemicals. The preferred start date is February 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will contribute to research on PtX technologies, renewable energy integration, and sector coupling, working with Aspen Plus and optimization methods at SDU LCE in Odense.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemical engineering required.
• Strong interest in process modelling, thermodynamic analysis, techno-economic assessment, and optimization of renewable energy conversion technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed process simulation models for large-scale PtX technologies.
• Perform thermodynamic analysis and mass/energy balances.
• Develop techno-economic models to estimate costs and levelized production costs.
• Apply optimization to investigate configurations, operating conditions, capacities, and economics.
• Evaluate impacts of electricity prices and feedstock on PtX design and operation.
• Identify energy efficiency and heat recovery improvements.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Complete 30 ECTS PhD courses and undertake a research stay abroad.
• Publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
• Prepare and defend the PhD thesis.

Skills

Process modelling

Techno-economic analysis

Optimization

Python

MATLAB

Renewable energy integration

Education

Master's degree in chemical engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Aspen HYSYS

Job description

The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at SDU invites applications for a 3-year PhD position focusing on process simulation, techno-economic assessment, and optimization of large-scale Power-to-X systems for renewable fuels and chemicals. The preferred start date is February 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will contribute to research on PtX technologies, renewable energy integration, and sector coupling, working with Aspen Plus and optimization methods at SDU LCE in Odense.