PhD position in Solid mechanical modelling of solid oxide electrolysis cell stacks

Electrolysis and power-to-X (P2X) will bekey energy technologies in the green transition, as they are essential in replacing fossil fuels. The solid oxide electrolysis technology is now being upscaled at a dramatic pace, because of the high efficiency and hereby lower operational cost. However, while the performance of solid oxide electrolysis cells is the most efficient of all electrolysis technologies, we have to ensure the robustness of the technology, which at its heart consists of ceramic cells that perform the electrolysis process.

The core of the solid oxide cell technology is the solid oxide cell stacks, which are operated at high temperature (600-850ºC). These stacks are made up of these ceramic cells, but also coated metal components, which are joined at high temperature using a glass-ceramic sealing material. With the flow of water vapor, air and hydrogen and electro-chemical reactions and currents, the temperature will vary inside the stack but also over time as the operational conditions are changed. Thus, the thermal stresses inside the stack varies in time and space with a risk of failure of the stack as a consequence of this.

Responsibilities and qualifications
This PhD study aims to minimize the risk of stack failure through development of multi-scale mechanical simulation methods for the technology. This model will build on an already developed multi-scale and multiphysics model of the SOEC stacks, describing flows, electro-chemistry etc.. The model uses so-called homogenization / localization to step between scales and it is unique, as it allows for fast computation of various physical fields available on the stack scale and hereby make transient modelling possible. The model framework is currently being used by many of the European SOEC manufacturers and your work can thus have a good impact on the development of the technology.

The current stack scale model will not reveal the local stresses, which are needed to investigate if any failures occur. The aim of the PhD project is to research and further develop the mechanical part of the multi-scale model, to map global (average) stresses from the stack scale model to local models, in order to investigate for failure.

The PhD project also contains an opportunity to work in the high temperature mechanical laboratory, if certain material parameters are needed, allowing you to develop your hands-on skills. Here, it is possible to conduct anything from simple strength characterization to creep and fracture mechanical investigations.

This PhD project will be carried out in a group with colleagues who are working with developing other parts of the model as well as with colleagues, who are more experimentally oriented and work with the characterization of the cells and stacks. The PhD project will be funded through a public project with an industrial partner (Topsoe) with which a strong collaboration exists.  

You should preferably:

• Have a strong background in solid mechanics, and preferably also fracture mechanics
• Have extensive experience with finite element modelling
• Have knowledge about multi-physics modelling
• Be a good team-worker – be happy to share thoughts and receive feedback from others
• Have a background in technical sciences or engineering, i.e. mechanical engineering, civil engineering, physics or other relevant background

You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education .

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Henrik Lund Frandsen, Peyman Khajavi and Rasmus Bjørk.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Starting time is as soon as possible according to mutual agreement. We expect project start before the end of the year.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from senior researcher Henrik Lund Frandsen, hlfr@dtu.dk or professor Rasmus Bjørk rabj@dtu.dk . You can read more about DTU Energy at www.energy.dtu.dk . 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 November 2022 (Danish time).

We will evaluate applications and call selected applicants for interview after deadline.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, electromechanical converters, sustainable synthetic fuels, and batteries. The Department, which has more than 200 employees, was founded in 2012. Additional information about the department can be found on www.energy.dtu.dk

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.