PhD Position Model Development, Optimization & Integration of ATES in Heating and Cooling Systems

PhD Position Model Development, Optimization & Integration of ATES in Heating and Cooling Systems

Join us to develop and improve sustainable heating and cooling by optimizing subsurface thermal energy storage connected to thermal and electrical energy systems.

Job description

Heating and cooling the built environment accounts for around 50% of the energy used in Europe. Decarbonizing heating and cooling is critical to achieve the EU’s ambitions of a net-zero greenhouse gas economy by 2050. Large-scale seasonal heat storage and electrification using heat pumps is a key part of the strategy because sustainable heat is mainly available in the summer, while the demand is in winter. As a PhD candidate in Model development, optimization & integration of ATES in heating and cooling systems, you will play an important part in TU Delft’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and benefit society.

Currently, TU Delft collaborates in two nationally funded projects on utility buildings with Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES), interconnected via (ultra-)low temperature networks. Both projects run simultaneously, have partly overlapping partners and complementary activities. Hence, both the PhD positions currently advertised will collaborate strongly with each other as well as with the associated consortia.

You will contribute to the model development and modelling of ATES and its integration into local energy systems, where thermal energy is produced at times when excess power is available and used when there is demand or shortage of renewable power. Key activities include studying how the subsurface storage design and operation optimally contributes to meet heating and cooling demands using sustainable electricity. Accurate simulation of production temperatures and subsurface processes will be one of your key tasks, as well as the co-simulation of ATES with the surface facilities in collaboration with other researchers.

The 2 PhD positions in this vacancy distinguish as follows :

• ATES model development for Model predictive control and optimising ATES operation across several minute to seasonal temporal horizons to meet both occurring demand and demand in half a year time, considering the inherent variations and uncertainties in energy demand.
• ATES integration together with multiple sources and sinks for optimal utilisation of various renewable energy sources, focusing on thermal energy storage at different time scales and temperature levels, assessing their impact and implementation requirements.

You will be hosted by the Water Resources Section in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at TU Delft. As part of our continuously expanding and enthusiastic interdisciplinary team on renewable heating systems, you will have the opportunity to work closely with leading researchers and industry partners across the Netherlands and Europe. Here, you will receive all the support and coaching you need to develop your academic career.

Job Requirements

A Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, applied earth science or a related degree with a substantial focus on modelling / quantifying fluid flow, mechanics / dynamics and / or control.

Experience with modelling and engineering of subsurface (energy) systems is an advantage.

Experience with model validation, using / analysing monitoring data and / or integrating models, such as building models with subsurface models, would be preferred.

With curiosity, you are a creative researcher who can plan, execute, deliver and communicate your research.

You are a team player who thrives working with people in different organisations with different skill sets.

You have a good command of English and excellent academic writing skills; command of Dutch would be an additional advantage as Dutch companies / partners are involved in the research.

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.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities, believing this makes our work more innovative and the TU Delft community more vibrant.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5-year contract with an official go / no-go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €2872 per month in the first year to €3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School, which provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information to help you prepare your relocation and organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 26 February 2025 and upload the following documents :

You can address your application to associate Professor dr. J.M. Bloemendal.

Please note :

J-18808-Ljbffr