KR-23 PhD - Development of hybrid energy conversion system for converting waste industrial heat into electricity
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
The Advanced Energy Materials group at Tyndall National Institute in University College Cork is offering a PhD position in the “Development of hybrid energy conversion system for converting waste industrial heat into electricity”.
The Advanced Energy Materials group is a well-established team at Tyndall focused in the development of energy conversion and storage materials, specifically thermoelectric energy conversion technologies. We are seeking a highly motivated applicant with strong modelling and experimental background.
Key Responsibilities and research objectives
Energy intensive high temperature processing industries lost more than 50% of their energy as waste heat during the production, which accounts for 200 TWh of power each year in Europe. There are many technologies available for converting waste heat into electricity but at industry scale the adaptation of these solutions is scarce. Specific barriers such as efficiency and cost of these renewable technologies and difficulty in integrating these systems in the production lines limit their extensive adoption as heat recovery technologies in the industry. Innovative approaches to improve the efficiency with new modular technology are therefore urgently required that can be retrofitted in production lines to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emission. The primary goal of this project is to develop a new hybrid platform system based on the integration of thermophotovoltaics, metasurface collector and thermoelectric generators, which will eventually contribute to a breakthrough in sustainable energy harvesting from industrial waste heat. With an innovative design strategy, all these components will be integrated to develop a modular, hybrid energy harvesting system that can be easily integrated in the production lines for converting waste heat into usable electricity.
The main objective of this position will be twofold: to develop computer model for thermoelectric generator module as well as the model of the INFERNO Hybrid system comprising thermoelectric generator, thermophotovoltaic cell, metasurface and reflector components. Later based on the outcome of the modelling and simulation work to build and characterise the hybrid system.
The work will include, in partnership with the team in Technological University Dublin, managing the Advanced Energy Materials Lab facilities, different thermal characterisation techniques, such as thermoelectric and thermomechanical properties at various degrees depending on project requirements. The PhD candidate is also expected to work intensively with the TU Dublin group on other subjects close to the PhD topics.
Other responsibilities
Essential criteria
Desirable Criteria
The annual stipend is €22,000 pa. In addition, yearly University academic fees will paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Informal enquiries concerning these positions can be made to Dr. Kafil M. Razeeb ([email protected]).
The closing date for applications is 31st July, 2024.
Application Instructions
Clickhere to Apply
Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https: // www. ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.