PhD: Solid Oxide Electrolyser Performance for Green Hydrogen Production

The HyPRO project, a national initiative with over 70 project partners, aims to advance the production of green hydrogen. As part of this collaborative effort, we are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to contribute to experimental studies of a 10-kilowatt SOEC system. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with leading research institutions and industry partners, including TNO, SolydEra, Shell , VDL, TU/e, and TU Delft to drive forward the energy transition.

Your job
You will be involved in the experimental study and performance evaluation of a 10-kilowatt Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOEC) system. This system will be tested under various operating conditions to understand its long-term durability, efficiency, and performance characteristics. Your primary focus will be on ensuring the performance of the electrolyser under dynamic operating conditions and assessing how different scenarios, such as ramp-up and ramp-down processes, impact the stack’s longevity and efficiency.

You will help assemble the SOEC system, which includes the stack (provided by various project partners) and all associated components. Once the system is set up, you will carry out electrochemical performance tests, including but not limited to measuring IV curves, analysing the system's efficiency under different current loads, and conducting dynamic tests to simulate real-world operational scenarios. You will also examine the stack’s durability by running long-term tests, during which they will evaluate its stability, degradation patterns, and overall performance in terms of efficiency over time.

As part of the experiments, you will investigate the impact of various operational scenarios—such as fluctuating load demands, temperature changes, and ramp rates—on the electrolyser's performance and lifespan. This will include measuring the electrolyser’s response to changes in load (ramp-up/ramp-down) and assessing its performance under transient conditions to better understand its real-time dynamics.

The role also involves reporting experimental findings in detail to both internal teams and external project partners. You will work closely with the fabrication and modelling teams to provide feedback on system performance and suggest potential improvements or modifications to the system's design and operation for better efficiency and longevity. Additionally, you will collaborate with other researchers and students across the project to ensure that knowledge is shared and that the work is aligned with the broader goals of the HyPRO initiative.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate has:

• a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related field;
• hands-on experimental experience, preferably with hydrogen systems, electrolysers, or fuel cells;
• strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret experimental data;
• proficiency in English, both written and spoken;
• a collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to work effectively with researchers from diverse backgrounds;
• a proactive approach and the ability to suggest improvements based on experimental findings;
• willingness to participate in hydrogen safety training courses.

Salary Benefits:

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

36 - 40 hours per week

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