PhD High Speed Generator Design

How to design a high speed generator driven by a small modular nuclear reactor connected to ship board electric power system?

Job description

The MeGa-Drive project (Maritime Electrical Generator Atomic Drive) is focused on researching and developing a high speed generator system that converts mechanical power from the thermal cycle of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) into electric power for shipboard electric power systems. The project is funded by the subsidy schema maritime innovation projects (subsidieregeling maritieme innovatieprojecten) and led by Advanced Electromagnetics BV, in collaboration with Allseas, who are developing an SMR for maritime applications.

The aim of the project is to research and develop a high speed generator system that converts the mechanical power coming from the thermal cycle of a Small Modular Reactor into electric power for the electric power system. To make the thermal cycle compact, the thermal cycle that drives the turbine-generator combination uses supercritical CO2, resulting in a high speed, compact turbine-generator system.

The main challenges in high speed electrical machine design are a combination of:

• Electromagnetic design: designing the magnetic and electrical circuits that interact to convert mechanical power into electrical power.
• Thermal design: managing and dissipating the heat developed in the electric and magnetic circuits.
• Mechanical design: ensuring the rotor remains mechanically intact at high speeds.

The power electronics connecting the generator to the electric power system will likely be commercial off-the-shelf, but these electronics determine the current waveforms and therefore influence the electromagnetic design.

The expected electric power output of such an SMR will probably be in the order of 20 MW. Within the project, the partners are planning to build and test a demonstrator with a power level in the order of 1 MW.

The research will be carried out in close cooperation with national academic and industrial partners working on the NWO-funded project Survivable DC Systems for Ships. Industrial partners will provide access to use cases and recorded data of state-of-the-art zero-emission ships. The zero-emission laboratory of MARIN can be used for validation of the control strategies with real components.

The selected candidate will be part of a large team of PhD students working on different aspects of energy transition in the maritime sector. The position is based 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 who has expertise and/or interest in modelling and design of electrical machines and drives, with an MSc degree related to these areas: electrical power engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related area.

Other characteristics of a suitable candidate:

• Proactive and independent.
• Able to interact with different stakeholders.
• Good communication skills in English.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at TU Delft focuses on fundamental understanding, design, production, application, and product improvement of materials, processes, and (mechanical) systems. ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach, offering outstanding, state-of-the-art education and contributing to a sustainable society through pioneering research and cooperation. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to the development of prosperity and well-being.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, starting with an initial 1.5-year contract and an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from Promovendus gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft 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.

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

Teaching activities are part of your PhD trajectory and may include, for example: supervising workgroups or lab sessions, assisting in courses, or mentoring BSc and MSc students. While teaching will not be your main responsibility, it offers valuable experience that supports your development and prepares you for future academic or professional roles.

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact dr.ir. Henk Polinder, via h.polinder@tudelft.nl