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. Because most of this energy is still fossil fuel-derived, 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. As temperature levels are key in low-temperature energy systems, key activities are to study how the subsurface storage design and operation optimally contributes to meet heating and cooling demands using sustainable electricity as much as possible when available. To control and optimise system performance, the 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:

1. ATES model development for Model predictive control and optimising ATES operation across several minute to seasonal temporal horizon in order to meet both occurring demand as well demand in half a year time, in which the inherent variations and uncertaines in energy demand are a key factor.
2. ATES integration together with multiple sources and sinks for optimal utilisation of various renewable energy sources. Focussing on thermal energy storage at different time scales and temperature levels and assessing/investigating their impact (subsurface space, environmental energy saving) 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 continiously expanding and enthusiastic interfacultary/-disciplinary 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 of 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.
• Because you will be working in an international environment, you have a good command of English and excellent academic writing skills. Command of Dutch would be a key additional advantage as Dutch companies/partners are involved in the research and background material is in Dutch.

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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

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. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

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 everything goes well and 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. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact associate Professor dr. J.M. Bloemendal, j.m.bloemendal@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 26 Februray 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter (please note: a motivation/cover letter is NOT a summary of your CV).

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

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

32 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5