Postdoc Ammonia-fuelled SOFC-ICE Power, Propulsion and Energy System - Ship integration

The AmmoniaDrive project partners are looking for a post-doc that will bring the AmmoniaDrive concept closer to realisation by addressing ship integration aspects.

Postdoc Ammonia-fuelled SOFC-ICE Power, Propulsion and Energy System - Ship integration

Job description

Decarbonizing shipping? Ammonia is considered by many as an effective hydrogen carrier and sustainable e-fuel for sea-going vessels and other heavy-duty applications, mainly because of its promise of being a cost-effective, carbon-free and relatively energy-dense fuel. However, choosing ammonia as a sustainable shipping fuel does not yet solve the question of how the energy stored in ammonia can be converted into useful (mechanical or electric) power on board of ships. AmmoniaDrive offers a unique solution to this question: a single-fuel, high-efficiency, zero-emission SOFC-ICE power plant that will fit on board of ships without sacrificing range and speed.

In this postdoc project, part of the larger AmmoniaDrive project, you will investigate the performance of the NH3-fueled SOFC-ICE power, propulsion and energy system, when it is applied on board of a ship capable of transporting ammonia (a benchmark vessel, with an ideal size and operational profile for the project, is available). Ammonia carriers are expected to be vital for a florishing global hydrogen economy and as such are very good candidates to become early-adoptors of the AmmoniaDrive concept. You will investigate ship design and integration aspects, part-load operation (e.g. in port), off-design and transient loading performance, power and energy management strategies and compliance with safety regulations, to name a few of the unsolved challenges. As part of the AmmoniaDrive team you will have access to the latest insights, developments and modelling techniques as established by the nine PhD researchers within the research project as well as to the enthusiastic AmmoniaDrive partners (10+ maritime companies).

Topics in scope of this position include:

• Gather insights into AmmoniaDrive Power Plant fundamentals, working principles and operational limitations.
• Gather relevant design and engineering information from AmmoniaDrive partners (e.g. Anthony Veder, Bureau Veritas, C-Job Naval Architects) for a specific case study vessel (e.g. ammonia / chemical tanker).
• Investigate new modelling approaches and sub-model improvements to enable time-domain simulations of ship voyages and port operations together with MARIN's Zero Emission Laboratory to assess performance, emissions, transient loading capability and to test power&energy management strategies.
• Disseminate your findings to the scientific community and industrial partners.

Job requirements

Candidates for this challenging project have a PhD degree and background in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering or similar. Good communication and writing skills in English and the ability to collaborate are necessary as well.

Being a postdoctoral researcher at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well with colleagues and project partners.

Need-to-have:

• A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering or similar.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Experience with Matlab, Simulink, GT-Power or similar relevant engineering software packages.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

Research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year. Temporary.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary range: €3706 - €5760.
• FTE: 1,0.
• 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.