Postdoc Battery System Modeling for Future Sustainable Aviation

Join us in developing zero-emission synthetic inertia with BESS to stabilize the future grid and shape the next generation of resilient, sustainable energy systems.

Job description

In support of the European Union’s ambition to achieve climate-neutral aviation by 2050 and to realise a significant reduction in GHG—targeted at 30% by 2035, the development of Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft equipped with hybrid-electric propulsion systems has emerged as a key technological priority in the regional aircraft sector. A fundamental enabler for this transformation is the availability of airworthy, high-performance Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), capable of meeting the stringent energy, safety, and integration requirements of aviation.

The main objective of the postdoctoral position is to develop a high-fidelity battery system model ready for future digital twin development. The tasks include, but are not limited to:

1. Battery cell and system level models for both mature off-the-shelf (NMC) and emerging new batteries (solid-state) via a physics-informed data-driven approach.
2. Accurate prediction of BESS’s electric and thermal behaviours.
3. Optimization of BESS design for high energy density, durability and safety.
4. Validation of models by benchmarking with cell and system level measurements.

The successful candidate will work as part of the MODABAT project funded by the Joint Undertaking of Clean Aviation. The postdoc is expected to take a leadership role in research integration and coordination within the project and contribute to joint publications, system modeling, and stakeholder engagement. The project is strongly supported by industry, with collaboration from: AVIONS DE TRANSPORT REGIONAL, COLLINS AEROSPACE, AXTER AEROSPACE, and SOLiTHOR. This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research at the next-generation design of BESS for aircraft and high-power demonstration of up to 300 kW.

About the department

The research in the ESE Department is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:

• DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
• Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
• Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
• High Voltage Technologies (HVT)

The ESE Department owns the ESP laboratory that is actively used for testing of batteries with equipment like power cycler, environment chamber, electric impedance spectroscopy, etc.

The DCE&S group is responsible for research and education in the fields of DC systems, energy storage, electronic power conversion (power electronics), electro-mechanics for electric mobility and recently electro-chemical conversion. DC systems is a multidisciplinary field of research, exploring the electronic power conversion of electrical energy for different applications. The group is currently active in applications such as Direct Current distribution grids and microgrids, electrification of mobility (charging of electric vehicles), and renewable generation of electrical energy (such as wind and solar energy) as well as sustainable production of chemicals and fuels through large-scale conversion of renewable electricity into molecular bonds.

Job requirements

Essential job requirements:

• Strong research record on battery modelling research.
• Completed a PhD degree in a highly quantitative and analytical discipline (electrical engineering).
• Very good command of English, in both writing and speaking.
• You enjoy performing research. You are independent, self-motivated, and eager to learn.
• You are keen to work with industry partners to link real-world challenges to fundamental research questions.

Desirables:

• Knowledge of battery digital twin.
• Knowledge of BESS thermal management design.
• Experience with artificial intelligence applications.

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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years (Temporary)
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

You will benefit from extensive training in technical and transferrable skills. You will be expected to assist in teaching activities (student supervision, labs) related to your subject area.

You will have access to excellent research facilities in ESP lab. We offer a pleasant working environment with a dynamic and highly knowledgeable team.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Wenli Shi, email: W.Shi-3@tudelft.nl

For information about the selection procedure, please contact Sharmila Rattansingh, Secretary, email: S.Rattansingh@tudelft.nl.