One of the newly discovered ways to generate power involves rethinking the way we use metals. People deal with metals every day and it may be hard to imagine that metals can replace hydrocarbon fuels. However, recent research has indicated that there might be huge opportunities for a carbon-free energy cycle based on metal fuels, with which it will be possible to supply power and heat when and where needed. In order to make fast oxidation of metals possible, they should be used as small (micron-sized) particles. In that case, they generate flame structures similar to those of gaseous fuels. Currently new burners and boilers are being developed to make this combustion possible. A large 100 KW burner/boiler (MP100) has been developed by a consortium of partners which recently has been upgraded to 1MW burner implemented in a 200 kW boiler. This boiler will be used as a boiler for brewing CO2-free beer from 2023 onwards. The candidate will participate in the project team and is expected to become the system expert over time. He or she will start with running an extensive experiment campaign together with the team, including a thorough analysis of the results. The goal is then to improve the design to meet the KPI’s by implementing and assessing a new clean and efficient combustion operation into these new systems.

Job requirements
Qualification of applicant
We are looking for hands-on, practically oriented, talented and enthusiastic candidates with excellent experimental and communication skills holding BSc (HBO) or an MSc in Thermo-Fluids, Power and flow, Combustion Technology, Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering. A background and broad experience in energy conversion methods, preferably in combustion technology is required.

Conditions of employment
We offer:

• An exciting job in a dynamic work environment and multidisciplinary consortium.
• A temporary position of 1 year, but can be extended to 2 year
• Depending on knowledge and experience, the gross monthly salary amounts to a minimum of .. and a maximum of … for the case of a graduated BSc/HBO. For a recently graduated MSc or PDEng we offer a minimum of … and a maximum of …  gross per month based on full-time work. This is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• The possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including end-of-year bonus (8,3% in December), an extra holiday allowance (8% in May), moving expenses and excellent sports facilities.

Information and application
The Power & Flow section within Mechanical Engineering focuses on clean and efficient combustion and process technology, to cater for fast-growing energy demands. We are also seeing increased use of biofuels, and eventually the emergence of fuels derived from sustainable sources, such as solar and metal fuels. Optimizing combustion and process devices, in combination with different fuel formulations to minimize undesired emissions and maximize thermal efficiency, is essential to supporting both of these developments.
The metal combustion research is concerned with a novel type of fuels: metal powders that have a tremendously high energy density and can act as a major CO2-free energy carrier for the long term. Within the group we develop the combustion technology of metal powder, solid handling including separation and regeneration through chemical reduction using renewable hydrogen. The group has a unique research infrastructure, both from an experimental and computational perspective. The larger-scale MP100/MP200 systems are placed at the Metalot Future Energy Lab in Budel (25 km from Eindhoven), were most of the work will be done, together with the already existing staf of TU/e and Metalot.
More information about Eindhoven University of Technology and Mechanical Engineering Department, can be found on https://www.tue.nl/en  Information of the involved research group can be found here: https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/power-flow.
Candidates can get more information about this position from Prof. dr. Philip de Goey, e-mail: l.p.h.d.goey@tue.nl For more information regarding employment conditions please contact: hrAdviceme@tue.nl