For 65 years as an international center of excellence in fluid dynamics, the von Karman Institute (VKI) brings together young engineers and scientists from all over the world to study, improve their skills and perform their research.
“A scientist studies what is, whereas an engineer creates what never was “
Théodore von Kármán
Besides its mission of education, the von Karman Institute gathers the top-level scientists and engineers to work on very challenging projects as the next generation of engines, new propulsion concepts, the new green energy, the safety of industry, solutions for a cleaner space, the Mission to Mars and many other fields of research which can make the difference for the humankind. Those scientists have access to more than 50 wind tunnels and test rigs, some of them unique in the world to help them in their projects.
VKI is a team of people looking in the same direction, for a better future, not only scientists and engineers but also students, PhD candidates, PostDocs, IT, Human Resources, accountants, librarians, designers, and technicians and more....
Today, we are looking for a PhD student in the Environmental and Applied Fluid Dynamics Department who would develop a 3D model for multiphase flow in an electrolysis cell or stack.
Duration: 4 years
Deadline submission: 31st of July 2024
About the Research topic:
This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to explore fundamental aspects of multiphase phenomena that occur in electrolyzer cells and to develop numerical tools helping to analyze them and improve their performance. In an electrolyzer cell, multiphase flow occurs at different scales, from macroscales to nanoscales. The flow path in electrolyzers is in the cm range in the feeding lines, mm scale in the flow distributor section towards the channels, and in the channels. Above the channels, the transport layer is composed of microporous and occasionally nanoporous regions through which the flow arrives at the electrodes. A proper understanding of multiphase flow at each scale is essential for the optimization of the flow and bubbles generation in electrolyzer cells. Hence, the project aims to focus on macroscopic modelling, considering all relevant chemical and physical processes in the different cell regions, to model the coexisting of different flow regimes and the transition from isolate bubbles to regions of pure gas with very high bubble-phase volume fraction. While there are several methods to simulate the gas-liquid flows, the Euler-Euler approach and the population balance modelling coupled with CFD stands out as particularly robust and advantageous for large-scale industrial applications due to its computational efficiency and robustness to investigate bubbles evolution and dynamics in the electrolysis cell/stack more comprehensively needed for the optimization of the performance. The developed tool will be used to investigate the impact of various factors on the performance of the gas/liquid two-phase transport process and to propose novel designs to increase the efficiency.
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.
- meet the requirements for the duties concerned.
- 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 Silvania Lopes (silvania.lopes@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.
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