The von Karman Institute Team is looking for a PhD student in the Environmental and Applied Fluid Dynamics Department who would perform numerical analysis of two-phase flows in water electrolysis cells.

Duration: 4 years

Deadline submission: 31^st of July 2024

About the Research topic: In the recent years, hydrogen gas became the focus of research as an alternative energy transport agent and as a possible replacement for natural gas in Europe. Hydrogen gas production through water electrolysis is appealing way to be coupled as a coproduction with renewable electric energy sources, such as wind and solar, as well as other low CO2 emissions energy sources, for example small modular nuclear reactors. The proposed PhD work would explore the lower temperature electrolysis cells which operate under conditions where two-phase flows can occur. The structure of the electrolysis cell contains porous media in which gas bubbles can grow. The bubbles can obstruct inflow of the electrolyte, which is necessary for the electrolysis process. This phenomenon lowers the efficiency of the electrolysis cell. The focus of this work is to explore the growth and transport of the gas bubbles, how it affects the efficiency of the electrolysis and search for possible improvements to the cell. For this purpose, high-fidelity numerical investigation of two-phase flow would be performed in simplified and real porous media. The proposed numerical investigation is coupled with separate, experimental investigation into bubble transport in the electrolysis cell, as well as a larger-scale numerical investigation of bubble transport and interaction.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in engineering, physics, chemical engineering, or appropriate field.
• General VKI eligibility criteria

Benefits:

• Employed by the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in one of the most attractive areas of central Europe in the neighborhood of Brussels.
• Work at the internationally renowned von Karman Institute in a key role advancing technologies for future energy systems.
• Work in close collaboration with Belgian universities as well as an industry network.
• Become part of the VKI network with global access to industry experts and academics in the field of fluid dynamics, aerospace, propulsion, and energy conversion.
• Experience the unique international workshop character of the VKI working environment.
• Access to specialized seminars and lecture series and to world-unique facilities

Eligibility Criteria

As the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone who meets the eligibility criteria below is encouraged to apply for this position.

1. meet the requirements for the duties concerned.
2. be a citizen of one of the VKI partner countries (see link): https://www.vki.ac.be/index.php/home-v16/eligibility

von Karman Site Location: Close to Brussels @ Rhode-Saint-Genèse (Flemish-Brabant)

Contact information: For further information, please contact Delphine Laboureur (delphine.laboureur@vki.ac.be) and Jure Oder (jure.oder@vki.ac.be).

How to apply

Applications must contain a CV, motivation letter, publication list, contact information of two referees, copy of the Degree and Master title. CV must clearly indicate the exact dates of (1) each position held in the past, and (2) countries of residence in the last 5 years.

Important: do NOT send your application by email but apply online.