PhD Position Thermal Runaway of Batteries

This PhD project explores how to design and use battery systems on board ships in such a way that thermal runaway is avoided.

Job description

The project Thermal Runaway is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Defense and focuses on the safe and efficient use of batteries as energy storage systems on board naval vessels. The aim of the project is to avoid thermal runaway in these batteries, because thermal runaway could result in significant damage to the battery system, the ship, and its crew.

The main research question is: How to design safe battery energy storage system for naval vessels?

Important subquestions are:

• How can the thermal behavior, including runaway, of batteries be understood and modelled? This includes factors such as battery load cycles and possible mechanical damage due to missile impact.
• What can be done to minimize the risk of thermal runaway? This includes factors such as battery chemistry, containment, and cooling.
• In case thermal runaway happens, how can the damage be minimized?

The research will combine modelling, design, and experimental work, and includes understanding the ship’s onboard energy system, battery chemistry, cooling system, and mechanical construction and containment.

The research will be carried out in close cooperation with national academic and industrial partners, such as the Netherlands Defense Academy. The PhD researcher will collaborate with researchers working on the NWO-funded projects Maritime Batteries and SEANERGETIC. Industrial partners will provide access to use cases and recorded data from state-of-the-art zero-emission ships.

The candidate will be part of a team of PhD students working on different aspects of the energy transition in the maritime sector. The candidate will work at Delft University of Technology, in the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology, in the Group Sustainable Drive and Energy Systems under the supervision and guidance of Henk Polinder.

Job requirements

We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic PhD candidate with expertise and/or interest in modelling and design of battery systems, with an MSc degree related to one of the following areas:

• Electrical power engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Chemical engineering

Other characteristics of a suitable candidate:

• Proactive
• Independent
• Able to interact with different stakeholders
• Good communication skills in English

Working at TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research. You will have the opportunity to take initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, they create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It is a large and versatile faculty, enabling unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in its state-of-the-art education and its contribution to pioneering research, inspiring education, and national and international cooperation.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5-year contract includes an official go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff, and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related, and research skills.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to help prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by candidates, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in this context is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.