Internship | Mappin the behavior of phase change materials

Internship | Mapping the Behavior of Phase Change Materials

About this position

Come to the forefront of the energy transition by developing novel energy storage material! Accelerate the progress by advancing our understanding of phase change materials. The mismatch between (renewable) energy generation and demand could be resolved by introducing energy storage systems. Industrial waste heat could be revalorized by shifting the supply times to when it’s needed from when it is produced. To do so in a compact form, phase change materials (PCMs) based are being developed. These materials can store thermal energy in the latent heat: charging happens by melting and discharging by solidification. Most of the available PCMs have been developed for low temperature control (300 °C), leaving a gap where a lot of industrial heat is produced. Furthermore, the phase transition behavior of pure phase change materials is often well studied, however the knowledge on mixtures of materials is more limited. The aim of this project is to develop a platform that could predict the behavior of PCM mixtures based on the properties of the pure compounds.

What will be your role?

In this project the thermal properties of medium temperature PCMs and their composites will be investigated and compiled. The focus will be on developing a platform that would allow prediction of key properties of phase change materials (energy density, phase transition temperature, heat capacity) of composite material based on earlier published data or own measurements.

The project will consist of three parts:

1. First you will start with a literature study where you will map out the pre-existing knowledge on medium temperature PCM composites and theories that help describing them.
2. Second, based on that, you will develop a models or platform (Python, Matlab,…) that allows calculating and predicting properties of PCM composites. Different material families behave in their unique way. Furthermore, new materials are emerging giving possibility of new discoveries and deepening our understanding.
3. Third, you will validate the numerical models with data provided in the literature or with own measurements. Majority of the work conducted in this project will be theoretical and computational with the possibility of validation through some measurements.

Minimum project duration is 6 months, starting as soon as possible. A more detailed plan will be drafted together with the academic supervisor. At TNO, you will work in the Materials Solutions Department in Eindhoven.

What we expect from you

• You are in the final stage of your masters degree.
• A background in physics, chemistry, material science or chemical engineering, or other technical field.
• Good knowledge of programming languages such as Matlab or Python.
• Interest in the energy transition.
• High motivation, with a curious nature and a taste for problem-solving.
• Ability to work autonomously within a small team.
• Good communication skills in English.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

"Working at TNO has been a transformative experience. The collaborative environment and cutting-edge projects have allowed me to grow both professionally and personally." John Doe, Research Scientist