Today, we are looking for a PhD student in the Environmental and Applied Fluid Dynamics Department who would develop a 3D model for multiphase flow in an electrolysis cell or stack.

Duration: 4 years

Deadline submission: 31^st of July 2024

About the Research topic:

This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to explore fundamental aspects of multiphase phenomena that occur in electrolyzer cells and to develop numerical tools helping to analyze them and improve their performance. In an electrolyzer cell, multiphase flow occurs at different scales, from macroscales to nanoscales. The flow path in electrolyzers is in the cm range in the feeding lines, mm scale in the flow distributor section towards the channels, and in the channels. Above the channels, the transport layer is composed of microporous and occasionally nanoporous regions through which the flow arrives at the electrodes. A proper understanding of multiphase flow at each scale is essential for the optimization of the flow and bubbles generation in electrolyzer cells. Hence, the project aims to focus on macroscopic modelling, considering all relevant chemical and physical processes in the different cell regions, to model the coexisting of different flow regimes and the transition from isolate bubbles to regions of pure gas with very high bubble-phase volume fraction. While there are several methods to simulate the gas-liquid flows, the Euler-Euler approach and the population balance modelling coupled with CFD stands out as particularly robust and advantageous for large-scale industrial applications due to its computational efficiency and robustness to investigate bubbles evolution and dynamics in the electrolysis cell/stack more comprehensively needed for the optimization of the performance. The developed tool will be used to investigate the impact of various factors on the performance of the gas/liquid two-phase transport process and to propose novel designs to increase the efficiency.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in engineering, physics, chemical engineering, or appropriate field.
• General VKI eligibility criteria

Benefits:

• Employed by the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in one of the most attractive areas of central Europe in the neighborhood of Brussels.
• Work at the internationally renowned von Karman Institute in a key role advancing technologies for future energy systems.
• Work in close collaboration with Belgian universities as well as an industry network.
• Become part of the VKI network with global access to industry experts and academics in the field of fluid dynamics, aerospace, propulsion, and energy conversion.
• Experience the unique international workshop character of the VKI working environment.
• Access to specialized seminars and lecture series and to world-unique facilities

Eligibility Criteria

As the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone who meets the eligibility criteria below is encouraged to apply for this position.

1. meet the requirements for the duties concerned.
2. be a citizen of one of the VKI partner countries (see link): https://www.vki.ac.be/index.php/home-v16/eligibility

von Karman Site Location: Close to Brussels @ Rhode-Saint-Genèse (Flemish-Brabant)

Contact information: For further information, please contact Delphine Laboureur (delphine.laboureur@vki.ac.be) and Silvania Lopes (silvania.lopes@vki.ac.be).

How to apply

Applications must contain a CV, motivation letter, publication list, contact information of two referees, copy of the Degree and Master title. CV must clearly indicate the exact dates of (1) each position held in the past, and (2) countries of residence in the last 5 years.

Important: do NOT send your application by email but apply online.