PhD: Modelling and experimental validation of thermal and mechanical energy storage

Cic-Energigune; Vitoria; Hybrid; EUR 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

On-site with telework option

Language courses and relocation help

Job summary

CIC energiGUNE in the Basque Country is recruiting for the Thermal Energy Storage and Conversion area to pursue a doctoral thesis on modelling and experimental validation of energy storage units within an EU COMPETENT project. The role involves developing CFD models, validating with experiments, and collaboration in an international consortium.

The position offers a 3-year predoc contract, strong development opportunities, and support for integration into the local environment, with on-site work

Qualifications

• Engineering background with thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
• Ability to communicate in English and work in an international research setting.
• Motivation to pursue PhD and to translate models into demonstrators.

Responsibilities

• Develop physics-based CFD models of thermal energy storage units.
• Model molecular-spring liquid-piston storage in hydrophobic materials.
• Validate models against lab- and prototype-scale data.
• Develop hybrid physics-based and AI/ML modelling approaches.
• Evaluate storage capacity, energy efficiency and operating windows.
• Collaborate on system modelling, scale-up and demonstrator activities.
• Document results in reports, publications and theses.

Skills

Engineering background

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

English communication

Research experience

Education

PhD enrolment eligibility

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

MATLAB

Python

Modelica

Dymola

Job description

CIC energiGUNE is a research center specialized in energy, electrochemical storage (batteries and supercapacitors), thermal energy solutions and hydrogen, a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance- BRTA, and, a strategic initiative of the Basque Government. CIC energiGUNE was created in 2011 to generate excellent knowledge and at the same time useful for the Basque business network, being a reference in knowledge transfer.

CIC energiGUNEhas a dynamic research team of more than 100 researchers and is extremely well equipped with a wide range of up-to-date facilities that are fully available for all its researchers. Also, the European Commission has recently awarded CIC energiGUNE with the ´HR Excellence in Research´ which reflects its commitment to achieving fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures and certifies the existence of a stimulating and favorable work environment for researchers in the institution.

CIC energiGUNE is recruiting for the Thermal Energy Storage and Conversion area PhD candidates to pursue a doctoral thesis on the modelling and experimental validation of thermal and mechanical energy storage units within a European COMPETENT project.

Working in an active international EU consortium, the researcher’s results will contribute to the development of a project demonstrator at a larger scale.

Main functions:

• Develop physics-based CFD models of thermal energy storage units, including heat transfer, fluid flow, and sensible or latent heat storage options.
• Model molecular-spring liquid-piston storage, coupling gas compression/expansion with water intrusion/extrusion in hydrophobic nanoporous materials, pressure-volume-temperature behaviour and hysteresis.
• Verify numerical models and calibrate and validate them against laboratory- and prototype-scale experimental data, working closely with experimental researchers and planning and executing experimental campaigns, where appropriate.
• Develop and investigate hybrid physics-based and AI/ML modelling approaches for thermal and mechanical energy-storage systems, with the aim of developing reduced-order predictive models, optimising operating conditions, and supporting AI-assisted energy-management and control strategies.
• Evaluate storage capacity, energy efficiency, thermal response and operating windows; optimise component designs and operating conditions.
• Develop reduced-order models where needed and collaborate with EU partners on system modelling, thermal integration, scale-up and demonstrator activities.
• Document and communicate results through project reports, publications, conferences and the doctoral thesis.

Area: Thermal Enery Storage and Conversion (TESC)

Groups: Interfacial phenomena, colloids and porous media & Phase Transitions and Critical behaviours

WHAT WE OFFER:

• We are offering a 3-year predoctoral contract and advantageous professional development opportunities with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• Professional and personal development: opportunity to attend seminars, international conferences, trainings, etc.
• Integrated, enthusiastic, international and multidisciplinary environment.

LIFE-BALANCE BENEFITS:

• Flexible workinghourspromoting work-life balance and self-organization.
• On-sitework model with the option totelework.
• A welcome program that offers help with finding accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment (such as free language courses, assistance with the administrative procedures, help with schools for children…).

The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.

CIC energiGUNE is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. Therefore, as part of our commitment to inclusion, we welcome applications regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age.

• Engineering background, preferably in mechanical or a related engineering discipline, with qualifications suitable for enrolment in a PhD programme.
• Sound foundations in thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics, and strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Clear motivation to undertake a PhD on mixed modelling-experimental work
• Ability to communicate scientific work in English and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.

The following knowledge will be highly valued:

• Initial experience with numerical modelling, particularly finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics or coupled multiphysics simulations, using ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools; experience with Dymola/Modelica would be advantageous.
• Experience with scientific programming, numerical methods, data analysis, model verification or validation against experimental data.
• Familiarity with thermal energy storage, phase-change materials, heat exchangers, gas compression, porous materials or interfacial phenomena.
• Research experience through a degree project, internship or laboratory work; interest in translating models into designs for demonstration at a larger scale.
• Knowledge or experience in reduced-order modelling, surrogate modelling, machine learning, data-driven modelling, or optimisation techniques, preferably applied to engineering or energy systems.
• Experience with control systems, digital twins, energy-management systems or model predictive control (MPC) would be advantageous.